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REM and deep sleep, not just total sleep time, associated with disease risk

A new study found that greater amounts of REM and deep sleep were associated with lower risks of dozens of diseases, while less than 5 hours of total sleep was linked to high risks of disease. The study analyzed data from 95,559 UK Biobank participants and identified significant associations between sleep patterns and incident diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2026

Researchers discover rare cortical neurons that can help put the brain to sleep

Researchers have discovered a rare population of neurons in the cortex that can synchronize activity across large areas of the brain and promote sleep. These Sst-Chodl neurons were found to be active during the transition to sleep and could even help drive the process, suggesting that the cortex is not simply passive during sleep.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2026

THC, the cannabis active ingredient, can put an end to trauma-related nightmares

Researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin investigated the use of THC to alleviate PTSD-related nightmares. The study found that more than half of participants responded to treatment, with over a third experiencing complete disappearance of nightmares. The medication was also well-tolerated, with moderate side effects reported.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 5, 2026

Sleepy days and restless nights are a dangerous combination for blood pressure

A new study from Penn State College of Medicine found that excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with a higher risk of both prevalent and incident hypertension. Individuals reporting excessive daytime sleepiness had 52% higher odds of prevalent hypertension and 74% higher odds of incident hypertension compared to normal controls.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Online cognitive behavioral therapy: An accessible solution for insomnia and anxiety in older adults

A digital platform developed by Concordia University researchers offers an accessible solution for older adults struggling with insomnia and anxiety. The seven-week eCBT+ program demonstrates high effectiveness in improving sleep efficiency and reducing symptoms of both conditions, with users finding the platform easy to use and useful.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Veterans with both insomnia and sleep apnea have elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study found that U.S. military veterans with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea have a substantially elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with either condition alone. The risk is particularly high among younger veterans, even after accounting for demographic and metabolic factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2026

Commonly prescribed medication for sleep problems raises alarm bells

A clinical trial found that low-dose quetiapine improved sleep quality and reduced obstructive sleep apnea severity, but significantly impaired alertness and driving performance. The study highlights the need for caution when using sedating medications for insomnia in people with known or possible sleep apnea.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2026

Mount Sinai experts to present new research on AI model that predicts lung nodule risk, impact of air pollution during pregnancy, and more at ATS 2026 International Conference

Experts from Mount Sinai will present a new AI model that predicts lung nodule risk and assesses the impact of air pollution during pregnancy. The researchers also explore cognitive consequences of sleep-disordered breathing and reevaluate asthma guidelines to integrate both conditions.

GP nurses could transform access to sleep care

A new study reveals that nurse-delivered models of care can effectively manage common sleep problems like insomnia and OSA, but designing services with patients and staff is critical. The review found strong potential for GP nurses to deliver treatments like CBTi and support patients on CPAP machines.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Primary Care·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 22, 2026

New guideline provides recommendations on combining treatments for chronic insomnia

The new clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides evidence-based recommendations on combining behavioral-psychological and pharmacological therapies to treat chronic insomnia disorder in adults. The guideline suggests that CBT-I by itself is the most efficacious first-line treatment for insomnia, ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 21, 2026

Timing exercise to match body clock chronotype may lower cardiovascular disease risk

Research suggests that exercising at a time that matches an individual's natural chronotype (morning or evening alertness) can lower cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that chronotype-aligned exercise improved blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, and sleep quality more effectively than mismatched timing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOpen Heart·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2026

Mount Sinai researchers develop machine learning model to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers developed an analytic tool using machine learning to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found significant variation in treatment response across the cohort, identifying subgroups who benefited or were harmed by the therapy.

Half of newborns with severe spina bifida have trouble breathing during sleep

Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

Clinical trial of early morning shift workers shows promise of new drug for reducing excessive sleepiness

A new clinical trial found that solriamfetol helped early morning shift workers with shift work disorder stay more alert and report better overall functioning. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, enrolled 78 early-morning shift workers and showed significant improvement in sleepiness and daily activities after four weeks of treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 28, 2026

Sleep duration, timing, and quality: how smartphone data predict labor productivity

A study analyzing smartphone-based sleep data from over 80,000 Japanese workers found associations between short and long sleep duration, sleep latency, and social jetlag with presenteeism scores. These factors can predict labor productivity loss, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions to improve sleep health.

Groundbreaking review reveals how gut microbiota influences sleep disorders through the brain-gut axis

A comprehensive review synthesizes current insights into the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, highlighting the crucial role of peripheral organs in modulating brain function and behavior. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances across multiple disorders.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 4, 2025