Articles tagged with Insomnia
Research from Harvard Medical School found that physicians' past prescribing patterns are a stronger predictor of chosen medication than patient characteristics. Habits play a significant role in clinical decision-making, even among well-intentioned doctors.
A new clinical practice guideline provides comprehensive analysis of individual agents used in treating chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline recommends specific medications for sleep onset and maintenance insomnia, emphasizing the importance of sound clinical judgment in patient care.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people experiencing insomnia symptoms have a higher risk of developing asthma. Participants who reported difficulty falling asleep or waking up early had a significantly increased risk of developing asthma over an 11-year period.
Research shows homeless people sleep an average of 6 hours and 31 minutes per night, with 8% reporting less than four hours of sleep. Homeless women are twice as likely to experience insomnia compared to men, and 33% report daytime fatigue.
A team of scientists has identified genetic connections between sleep disturbance and a range of medical disorders, including restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity. The study found novel genetic links with insomnia symptoms, as well as associations with schizophrenia risk, measures of obesity, and abnormal glucose metabolism.
A woman was rushed to hospital after mistakingly using foxglove leaves instead of comfrey for an herbal remedy. She experienced symptoms such as palpitations and lightheadedness due to the high levels of digoxin in foxglove, a heart rhythm medication.
A randomized clinical trial found that web-based cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improved sleep outcomes in adults. The fully automated and interactive SHUTi intervention was more effective than access to a patient education website alone, with participants showing significant improvements in sleep duration and quality.
A new CBTI treatment program using trained 'sleep coaches' significantly improved sleep quality in older adults. Participants took less time to fall asleep, woke up fewer times, and reported better overall sleep quality.
A wearable neurotechnology device has been shown to improve sleep quality and lower the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel. The study, published recently, found that sleep improvement may be a strategic approach to reducing new-onset cases of PTSD in service members deployed to combat zones.
A recent literature review suggests that both sleep disorders and oversleeping may increase the risk of stroke. The review recommends screening for sleep disorders in people who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), as they may be more likely to experience negative outcomes. Additionally, treatment with continuous posit...
A new study finds that childhood adversities are associated with higher rates of adult insomnia, with specific combinations of events predicting mild, moderate-severe, or no insomnia. The research highlights the long-term impact of early life experiences on sleep health.
A Penn Medicine study found that individuals with acute insomnia who self-restrict their time in bed are less likely to develop chronic insomnia. This natural tendency can be an effective strategy for managing insomnia and even serves as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.
A new study reveals that more than 47 percent of female veterans experienced insomnia symptoms resulting in functional impairment. The research identifies subgroups of women at high and low risk for insomnia symptoms.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia in women through all stages of menopause. The therapy also helps with hot flashes, reducing their interference with daily functioning.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) endorses cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the primary treatment for adults with chronic insomnia. CBT-I combines cognitive therapy around sleep with various behavioral therapies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as first-line treatment for adults with chronic insomnia, according to the American College of Physicians. The new guideline also suggests a shared-decision making approach if therapy alone is unsuccessful, and notes that medication may have fewer harms than sleep medications.
Researchers found abnormalities in white matter tracts of patients with insomnia, affecting sleep regulation and cognitive function. The thalamus, which regulates consciousness and sleep, was particularly affected.
A new study reveals a significant link between nightmares and suicidal behaviors, with nightmares acting as a stressor in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found that 62% of participants who experienced nightmares reported suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, compared to 20% without nightmares.
A recent study published in the journal SLEEP found that people with insomnia do not have higher levels of cholesterol than those without. However, insomniacs who take sleeping pills were found to have significantly higher levels of LDL cholesterol.
Researchers at UCI found a direct connection between chronic lack of sleep and increased reliance on social media browsing. Participants who experienced sleep debt exhibited worsening mood and heightened distractibility.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that treatment for insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy or tai chi reduces inflammation levels in older adults. These behavioral interventions also represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and reduce age-related morbidities.
Research at the University of Warwick suggests that cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) can be moderately to strongly effective in tackling insomnia in patients with long-term pain. The study also found improved sleep results in decreased depression, fatigue, and pain. However, electronic delivery methods were less effective.
Researchers found that sleep fragmentation is especially detrimental to positive mood, leading to a 31% decline in positive mood after the second night. Interrupted sleep also affected different domains of positive mood, including energy levels and feelings of sympathy and friendliness.
A new study finds that perimenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing insomnia, with symptoms escalating over the transition period to menopause. The odds of having any one symptom of insomnia were 1.3 times greater for those in late stage versus early stage of perimenopause.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute significantly to insomnia in adults, with a higher heritability in females (59%) compared to males (38%). This study provides evidence for sex differences in insomnia development and may inform targeted sleep interventions for women.
A meta-analysis found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was associated with reduced insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbances in individuals with coexisting psychiatric and medical conditions. Patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy had twice the percentage of remission from insomnia compared to control groups.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that insomnia decreases empathy in health care workers. The study, which included 97 subjects from various healthcare professions, used the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to measure empathy across four subscales.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia that addresses the underlying causes of insomnia. Studies have shown that CBT improves sleep quality by reducing time spent awake after falling asleep, increasing sleep efficiency, and helping patients enter REM sleep faster.
A comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 toddlers reveals that serious sleep disorders can have long-term consequences for mental health. Four-year-olds with sleep disorders are at higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms as six-year-olds, while those with psychiatric symptoms are more likely to develop a sleep disorder.
A large Norwegian health study of over 10,400 adults found that people with insomnia have increased pain sensitivity. The effect was strongest in those with both insomnia and chronic pain, highlighting the need for treatments targeting both conditions.
A new study links insomnia to occupational impairment in night shift workers, with alert insomniacs showing the highest level of impairment in work productivity and cognitive function. The study emphasizes the importance of treating insomnia in night shift workers to improve work-related outcomes.
A new study suggests that symptoms of depression and insomnia are the strongest predictors of having frequent nightmares. Researchers found a strong connection between well-being and nightmares, particularly in individuals with severe depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that students with lower amounts of a particular pattern of brain waves called sleep spindles were more at risk for developing insomnia after stressful events. The study suggests that measuring spindle activity may help identify people at risk before the condition materializes.
A pilot study found that non-invasive neurotechnology HIRREM significantly reduced hot flash severity scores, insomnia symptoms, and depression in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study suggests that HIRREM may be a safe and effective treatment option for managing menopause-related symptoms.
A study found that treating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy led to a significant reduction in suicidal ideation among veterans. The therapy also improved depression and quality of life, suggesting its potential as a target for reducing suicide risk.
A Tel Aviv University study found that fear of terrorism can lead to anxiety-related insomnia, depleting vital resources and paving the way for occupational burnout. Workplace colleagues' emotional and technical support played a crucial role in reversing insomnia and job burnout.
A twin study suggests that genetic factors contribute to insomnia in children and teenagers, with heritability rates ranging from 14% to 38%. The study found that genetic influences change over time, with a significant role of genes controlling the sleep-wake system playing a key role in childhood insomnia.
A new study reveals a significant association between alcohol use and suicide risk among women, with insomnia symptoms playing a mediating role. The study suggests that assessing and treating specific sleep problems may help reduce suicide risk in this population.
A high rate of insomnia is reported in patients during early recovery from addiction, with evidence suggesting it can lead to increased risk of relapse. Behavioral treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have been shown to be effective in reducing relapse risk.
A new study suggests that insomnia is a major contributor to deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes and other unintentional fatal injuries. People with three insomnia symptoms were 2.8 times more likely to die from a fatal injury, highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for personal health and public safety.
A new study finds that insomnia symptoms in older adults may stem from poor sleep quality rather than long sleep hours. Discrepancies between self-reported insomnia and objective assessments using wrist actigraphy revealed that most older adults get sufficient sleep, but struggle with feeling rested.
A study found that energy drink consumption increased frequency of insomnia and nervousness in athletes, contradicting claims of improved sports performance. Energy drinks contain caffeine, which stimulates athletes but does not provide additional energy.
A study of high school students found that teen insomnia is independently linked with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Eveningness chronotype – being more active in the evenings – is also an independent risk factor for insomnia and depression among teens.
A new study identifies maladaptive coping behaviors as mediating pathways between stress exposure and insomnia development. Cognitive intrusion, self-distraction, behavioral disengagement, and alcohol/drug use were found to significantly contribute to the relationship between stress and insomnia.
A study of nearly 13,000 Americans found no association between insomnia and high blood pressure, despite growing concerns about the potential health risks. Insomnia symptoms do not increase the risk of developing hypertension or being prescribed blood pressure medication.
A new study published in PeerJ found that fighting off illness rather than the illness itself causes sleep deprivation and affects memory. The research used flies to show that the immune system can cause problems with sleep and memory, even when there is no infection present.
A new study reveals that suicidal deaths are more likely to occur between midnight and 4 a.m. than during the daytime or evening, peaking at 16.27 percent between 2 a.m. and 2:59 a.m. This finding suggests that circadian factors may contribute to suicidality and highlights the importance of addressing insomnia as a potential risk factor.
A study found clinically important sleep apnea is common among survivors of acute respiratory failure, with 93% meeting criteria for sleep-disordered breathing. Evaluating and treating sleep apnea may significantly impact the health and well-being of these patients, particularly those taking central-acting medications.
Researchers say a virtual patient, electronic medical record, and sleep queries are effective new tools in recognizing suicide risk. The comfort level of caregivers and family members is also crucial in talking openly about suicide.
A study found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks increased sleep time by nearly 90 minutes among older adults with insomnia. The researchers also discovered that the natural polyphenolic compounds in tart cherries, such as proanthocyanidins and tryptophan, play a role in improving sleep efficiency.
Chronic insomnia is characterized by increased brain plasticity and activity in the motor cortex, which distinguishes poor sleepers from good ones. The study suggests that TMS may be used to diagnose and potentially treat insomnia through reducing excitability.
A new study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can significantly reduce health care utilization and costs, with improvements seen in 86% of patients after just three sessions. The treatment resulted in an average cost savings of over $200 per patient in the six months following treatment.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a link between insomnia symptoms and higher mortality risk in men, particularly those with difficulty falling asleep and non-restorative sleep. The study, published online in Circulation, followed over 23,000 men for six years and found modest increases in cardiovascular-related death.
Insomnia affects up to 54% of US military personnel and veterans since 2001, with deployment-related stressors contributing to chronic sleeplessness. Behavioral interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy show promise in reducing insomnia's effects.
Researchers found that people with primary insomnia have difficulty modulating brain regions used for working memory, leading to decreased efficiency during the day. The study provides a biological marker for treatment success and sheds light on the daytime problems associated with insomnia.
New Northwestern University research shows that aerobic exercise during the day does not result in improved sleep that same night for people with existing sleep problems. Regular exercise is a healthier way to address underlying insomnia issues, as it can lead to better sleep quality and reduced fatigue over time.
A new study has found that pre-existing insomnia symptoms in military service members prior to deployments may be at greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety upon return. The study also identified short sleep duration as a significant risk factor for new-onset PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found SAD participants have misconceptions about sleep habits similar to those of insomniacs, leading to incorrect reports of sleep duration. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia may be effective in treating seasonal affective disorder by addressing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
A new study reveals that frequent binge drinking is significantly associated with insomnia symptoms in older adults. Participants who engaged in binge drinking on more than two days per week had an 84 percent greater odds of reporting insomnia symptoms compared to non-binge drinkers.
A study reveals that insomnia can impair emotion regulation by causing increased activity in the amygdala, a key player in emotional processing. This dysfunction may contribute to the development of depression.