Articles tagged with Insomnia
The NIH State-of-the-Science panel recommends a broader use of cognitive and behavioral therapies to treat chronic insomnia, which has limited proven options. Research suggests that these methods can be effective in treating insomnia when combined with relaxation training.
Researchers found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of 10 commonly prescribed medications for insomnia, including trazodone, which is often used as a first-line treatment.
A study shows that ramelteon effectively reduces insomnia symptoms in elderly individuals, targeting the suprachiasmatic nucleus to regulate biological rhythms. Approximately half of older adults experience insomnia at least a few nights per week, affecting an estimated 60 million people in the US.
Research based on a Taiwanese survey of nearly 40,000 people found that better-educated women experience better nighttime sleep, whereas higher education is associated with poorer sleep in men. Social factors such as unemployment, single parenthood, and sex discrimination contribute to these differences.
A randomized study of 829 older adults found that ramelteon significantly reduced time to fall asleep and showed no rebound insomnia. Ramelteon targets the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and has a new mechanism of action, providing an alternative treatment option for insomnia.
Researchers found a unique organization of inputs on hypocretin neurons in mice, where excitatory nerve junctions outnumber inhibitory contacts by almost 10 fold. Stressors like fasting excite these neurons, leading to insomnia and associated metabolic disturbances, including obesity.
Research finds hypocretin neurons, involved in arousal and appetite, have an unorthodox organization that may contribute to insomnia and obesity. The discovery offers clues to the underlying mechanism of their association.
A new study suggests that insomnia is more likely to lead to falls in older adults than previously believed. The research found that individuals with untreated insomnia were 90% more likely to fall, compared to those taking sleep medications. Effective treatment of insomnia can help reduce the risk of falls.
A recent review found a strong relationship between psychological problems, particularly depression, and insomnia in HIV patients. Healthcare workers should prioritize diagnosing and treating anxiety and depression to prevent insomnia and its disabling effects on patients with HIV.
Effective management of insomnia begins with recognition and adequate assessment by healthcare providers. Non-pharmacological treatments like stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia, leading to durable long-term improvement in sleep.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than sleeping pills in treating insomnia. CBT yielded better short and long-term results, including improved sleep efficiency and number of normal sleepers, compared to pharmacological therapies.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist found that eszopiclone significantly improved sleep measures in older adults with insomnia, including reduced napping and enhanced quality of life. The treatment increased total sleep time and reduced the tendency to wake up repeatedly during sleep.
A six-month study found that eszopiclone significantly improved patients' ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and function well during the day. The results suggest eszopiclone has potential as a long-term treatment option for chronic insomnia.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics experience persistent sleep disruptions for many months after quitting drinking, with problems with sleep onset being worse than sleep maintenance. Many former alcoholics reported pre-existing sleep problems that predated their alcohol dependence.
Over-the-counter nicotine patches are effective in helping smokers quit without behavioral support. The study found that active patch users were more likely to abstain from smoking for at least seven days, with 26.1% of participants achieving complete abstinence.
Two studies found significant relationships between GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. Researchers measured sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index exam and objective measures like polysomnography.
A six-year study of over 1 million adults found that those who slept 6-7 hours a night had a lower death rate compared to those who slept 8 hours or more. The study, led by UCSD professor Daniel F. Kripke, could not explain the causes behind this association.
Insomnia is a prevalent and serious condition that can have serious consequences. Effective treatments include identifying underlying causes, such as lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or medications, and adopting good sleep hygiene practices, like restricting bedtime, avoiding naps, and increasing exercise.
A new clinical trial confirms zaleplon's safety and tolerability for the long-term treatment of insomnia, lasting up to 12 months. The medication showed no withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, making it a good option for chronic insomnia sufferers.