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Insomnia often appears to be a persistent condition

A recent study found that approximately 30 percent of adults report insomnia symptoms, and 74 percent report experiencing the condition for at least one year. Individuals with severe insomnia symptoms are more likely to relapse, while those with subsyndromal insomnia have a higher chance of remission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2009

Study shows pine bark reduces jetlag

A new study shows Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from pine bark, reduces jetlag symptoms by nearly 50% in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients. The study found significant reductions in fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and brain edema, as well as minimal lower leg edema.

SourceMWW Group·JournalMinerva Cardioangiologica·DateNov 5, 2008

Learning to shape your brain activity

A unique study successfully used instrumental sensorimotor rhythm conditioning (ISC) to improve sleep spindles, decrease sleep onset latency, and increase memory performance. Participants who trained their brain activity to shape SMR amplitude showed significant improvements in sleep quality and memory performance after two weeks.

Older people may need less sleep, study finds

Research suggests that older adults require less sleep than younger individuals, with a decline in both the quality and quantity of sleep. This finding has implications for the treatment of insomnia in older adults, who may overestimate their need for sleep and use medications unnecessarily.

Adolescents with chronic insomnia report 'twofold to fivefold' increase in personal problems

A recent study found that adolescents with chronic insomnia are more likely to experience drug use, depression, and school work difficulties. The study, which involved over 3,000 teenagers, also suggests that primary care settings may be an effective venue for screening and early intervention of adolescent insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 20, 2008

Insomnia drug can improve brain function

A new study reports that zolpidem, an insomnia drug, temporarily improved brain function in a patient with akinetic mutism. The patient was able to communicate and perform basic functions after receiving the drug for insomnia. PET scans revealed increased brain activity in areas involved in motivation and cognitive processing.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 13, 2007

Doctors neglect insomnia in older patients

Research from Northwestern University found that primary care physicians rarely address sleep problems in elderly patients, with 70% experiencing at least one sleep complaint. Treating sleep disorders can improve quality of life and overall health, with options including meditation, exercise, and bright light therapy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2007