Sleep Disorders

Too little sleep—and too much—associated with faster aging

SLEEP 2026 marks 40 years of advancing the sleep field at annual meeting in Baltimore

Severe narcolepsy found to damage a second brain region

Researchers found significant loss of neurons in the locus coeruleus, a second critical region involved in arousal and muscle tone regulation. This finding suggests an immune-mediated process and challenges the prevailing explanation for narcolepsy with cataplexy.

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.

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, ...

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.

Study identifies why nightmares persist in children and how to break the cycle

Researchers developed DARC-NESS, a model that explains why nightmares persist in children and how to break the cycle through tailored therapy. By focusing on nightmare efficacy and child response mechanisms, clinicians can create effective treatment plans to empower kids to master their dreams.

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.

Rivaling Atlas: Unpaid work burdens, nonrestorative sleep, and mental health

A study of 3,959 healthy Japanese workers found that longer working hours, including unpaid care and domestic work, are associated with a higher risk of nonrestorative sleep and poor mental health in women. The researchers call for policy changes to address time poverty and promote gender equality.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine announces 2026 award recipients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2026 award recipients for their exceptional contributions to sleep medicine. The award winners are Dr. Susan Redline, Danny Eckert, Dr. Douglas Kirsch, Dr. Beth Malow, and Dr. Robert Stansbury, recognized for their research, education, advocacy, and clinical care.

Add these scientific sessions and the ATS AI Lab to your media coverage

The ATS 2026 International Conference will feature the ATS AI Lab Exposition Space, highlighting advancements in AI in healthcare. Keynote speakers Robert M. Wachter and Laurah Turner will discuss AI's impact on medical education and its future.

Dreams may make sleep feel deeper, even when the brain is more active

Researchers found that vivid dreaming helps sustain deep sleep perception across the night, offering a new perspective on what shapes our perception of sleep depth. The quality of dreams, especially immersiveness, appears crucial in interpreting brain activity during sleep.

Study details neuropsychiatric symptoms and biological mechanisms of long COVID

Long COVID affects quality of life with neuropsychiatric issues like cognitive dysfunction, depression, and memory loss, impacting daily tasks and work. The review highlights the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment to address this chronic condition.

Is your brain aging faster than you are? Sleep may hold the key

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that analyzing fine-scale patterns in brain waves during sleep can provide insights into brain health. The research suggests that sudden large spikes on EEG, known as kurtosis, are associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Watching a lifetime in motion reveals the architecture of aging

Researchers tracked daily behaviors of African turquoise killifish for four years, identifying 100 distinct 'behavioral syllables' that predicted lifespan. Fish that lived longer tended to sleep at night, swim with greater vigor, and be more active during daylight hours.

Evaluating the effects of hypnotics for insomnia in obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers evaluated 12 hypnotic medications on sleep architecture and respiratory function in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that while some medications worsened respiratory outcomes, others showed no significant effects, highlighting the need for individualized treatment.

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.

How much sleep do teens get? Six-seven hours.

Teens are getting significantly less sleep, with over 50% reporting less than 5 hours per night, a rise from 2007 when it was around 30%. This short sleep is linked to emotional regulation issues, poor academic performance, and increased risks for obesity and diabetes.

Children with sleep apnea face higher risk of flu and COVID-19, new study finds

A new study by Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel and colleagues found that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19. The researchers suggest prioritizing annual vaccinations for these children to prevent severe respiratory complications.

Research reveals impact of tinnitus on employment

A new study found that nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce their working hours or leave employment due to the condition. The research also revealed that targeted interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can improve work productivity and overall wellbeing.

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.

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.

University of Houston engineers: While melatonin puts us to sleep, it wakes up plants

University of Houston engineers have discovered that melatonin helps plants grow by adjusting biological processes to coincide with daily cycles. The hormone also enhances photosynthesis and improves stress tolerance in crops.

New study overturns assumptions about AFib treatment in sleep apnea patients

A new Tulane University study suggests that catheter ablation delivers major benefits for patients diagnosed with both atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea, significantly lowering the risks of heart failure and death. The study found a 40% drop in major cardiovascular events and a 70% decline in all-cause mortality.

New study shows why some minds can’t switch off at night

Researchers have found that individuals with insomnia fail to downregulate mental activity at night, resulting in a blunted and delayed disengagement from goal-directed thought and emotional involvement. This study suggests that tailored approaches addressing circadian and cognitive factors could offer a solution for insomniacs.

AASM congratulates Sleep Medicine Disruptors Innovation Award winners

Bairitone Health's anatomic polysomnogram platform uses AI analysis to transform routine sleep studies into a dynamic map of airway behavior. Nidra, authorized by the FDA, treats restless legs syndrome with patented Tonic Motor Activation technology.

Higher blood pressure more common with combined sleep problems

A study of nearly 4,000 middle-aged adults found that combined sleep apnea and insomnia increase the risk of uncontrolled hypertension. The strongest risk factor was identified as the combination of both conditions, with 10.2% of participants experiencing high blood pressure.

Study links social media addiction to poor sleep quality among Bangladeshi youth

A new study reveals a strong connection between social media addiction and poor sleep quality among high school graduates in Bangladesh. Higher levels of social media addiction were closely associated with poorer sleep quality, particularly in female participants.

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.

New guideline establishes clinical recommendations for sleep apnea in hospitalized adults

The new guideline provides clinical recommendations for managing obstructive sleep apnea in medically hospitalized adults, emphasizing the importance of systematic approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines support continued existing treatment while in the hospital, with options including PAP therapy, oral appliance therapy,...

Exposure to more artificial light at night may raise heart disease risk

A study found a nearly linear relationship between nighttime light exposure and an increased risk of heart disease. The research suggests that reducing exposure to excessive artificial light at night can counteract the effects and may be a public health concern.

How HIV disrupts sleep across Africa

A new study finds that people living with HIV experience higher rates of sleep issues even when virally suppressed, associated with a higher risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of treating healthy sleep as a fundamental health right, not a luxury.

Exploring the relationship between sleep and diet

A new study uses fruit flies to explore the relationship between sleep and diet, finding that energy deprivation leads to increased feeding and sleeping behavior. The researchers propose that correcting sleep habits may help alleviate eating and metabolic disorders.

Heatwaves linked to rise in sleep apnoea cases in Europe

A major study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that heatwaves increase the risk of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) by 13% during peak heatwave periods. The risk is higher when humidity is also high, with a 1.1% increase for every 1°C rise in nighttime temperature.

New guideline provides treatment recommendations for central sleep apnea

The new clinical practice guideline addresses the complex form of sleep-disordered breathing, prioritizing quality of life and functional outcomes. It recommends six treatment options, including adaptive servo ventilation, transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation, and continuous positive airway pressure.

New research uncovers how the brain’s activity, energy use, and blood flow change as people fall asleep

A new study using next-generation imaging technology discovered that when the brain is falling asleep, it shows a coordinated shift in activity. Areas involved in thinking, memory, and daydreaming quiet down and use less energy during NREM sleep.

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a rare disease of excessive sleepiness, with patients revealing they never feel rested or awake no matter how much sleep they get, in analysis of online posts

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a rare condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients report never feeling rested or awake despite adequate sleep, affecting their daily lives. The study analyzed online posts to better understand the experience and impact of living with this disease.

AASM announces finalists for first Sleep Medicine Disruptors Innovation Award

Eight finalists compete in November for the award, with innovations including non-invasive sleep studies and treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. The AASM's Sleep Medicine Disruptors event will be held in Austin, Texas, on November 14-15.

Deep sleep supports memory via brain fluid and neural rhythms

Researchers have discovered that deep sleep plays a crucial role in controlling cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, which is essential for clearing waste from the brain. During slow-wave sleep, changes in cerebrospinal fluid signals are time-locked to slow brain waves and other neural events.

The insomnia trade-off

A study found that longer commutes and smaller living spaces are associated with poor sleep health among Tokyo residents. Housing choices that balance location and size may help improve sleep health, according to researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University.

Poor sleep may accelerate brain ageing

A study of 27,500 people found that poor sleep leads to brains appearing older than their actual age. Low-grade inflammation is estimated to explain around 10% of the link between poor sleep and older brain age.

Higher levels of air pollution linked to worsening of sleep apnea

A multi-national study found that higher levels of air pollution are linked to worse symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in European patients. The study revealed a modest but measurable increase in the apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) for every one unit increase in PM10 concentration.

Globally renowned sleep expert to join Center for BrainHealth and UT Dallas

Dr. Matthew Walker brings a multi-disciplinary approach to sleep research, focusing on the impact of sleep on human health and disease, and developing new tools and technologies to measure and improve sleep quality. The Sleep Innovation Laboratories will serve as a vital hub for discovery, innovation and public education.

Can’t sleep? Insomnia associated with accelerated brain aging

Chronic insomnia is associated with faster declines in memory and thinking skills, as well as brain changes visible on imaging scans. People with insomnia are 40% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia than those without insomnia.

Chronic benzodiazepine consumption impacts sleep quality in older adults, new research shows

A new study by Concordia researchers finds that chronic benzodiazepine consumption impacts sleep quality in older adults, leading to poorer sleep architecture and brain oscillation activities. The study suggests that these drugs may worsen cognitive functions already affected by aging.

Revolutionary psychiatrist transforms global understanding of treatment-resistant depression

Professor Siegfried Kasper reveals biological bases of psychiatric disorders alongside psychosocial determinants, influencing treatment protocols globally. His pioneering research transformed approaches to treatment-resistant depression, improving millions of lives.

Moderate-to-regular daily sleep patterns are associated with enhanced cognitive function

A new study published in Sleep Medicine found that daily sleep patterns have a significant impact on cognitive function. Researchers discovered that individuals with moderate-to-regular sleep patterns performed better in cognitive assessments than those with highly irregular or rigid sleep patterns.

Study uncovers biological clues about daytime sleepiness

Researchers at Mass General Brigham identified seven metabolites in the blood associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a condition linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. The study also found that dietary changes or supplements may help reduce EDS risk.

AASM is accepting abstracts and award entries for Sleep Medicine Disruptors 2025

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is hosting Sleep Medicine Disruptors 2025, a biennial event exploring technology innovation and artificial intelligence in sleep health. The event will feature keynote address by Dr. Robert Pearl and award entries for innovative products and services supporting sleep health.

Weekend habits linked to new sleep disorder trend: ‘Social Apnea’

Researchers from Flinders University found a consistent increase in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) severity on weekends, driven by lifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns. Maintaining a regular sleep routine is crucial to combat social apnea, which can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, depression, and dementia.

Ancient practice of blowing through a conch shell could help to treat dangerous snoring condition

A small randomized controlled trial found that blowing through a conch shell for six months reduced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, including daytime sleepiness and breathing interruptions. The study suggests that conch blowing may be a simple, low-cost alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP.

Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea lowers heart risk for some patients, increases risk for others

A personalized approach to recommending CPAP machines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may decrease adverse cardiovascular events. However, CPAP use can also increase cardiovascular risk for those with low-risk OSA markers.

Treatment for sleep apnoea is good for the heart in some patients but bad for others

Research finds CPAP lowers cardiovascular risk by 17% in patients with high-risk OSA, but may increase risk by 22% in those without high-risk OSA. The study suggests a more personalized approach to treating OSA, focusing on patients with high-risk features.

Landmark sleep study links objective sleep patterns with 172 diseases—regularity matters more than duration

A groundbreaking international study analyzed objective sleep data from 88,461 adults and found significant associations between sleep traits and 172 diseases. Sleep regularity, such as bedtime consistency and circadian rhythm stability, was linked to an increased risk of various diseases.

$10M PCORI funding award will fuel study of sleep apnea in people with Down syndrome

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences will use a precision medicine approach to increase the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment in people with Down syndrome. The study aims to evaluate the combination of two medications, atomoxetine and oxybutynin, for OSA in individuals with Down syndrome.

Inflammation triples depression risk for older adults with insomnia

A new study found that older adults with insomnia face triple the risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to sound sleepers. The study suggests that treatments targeted at inflammation-related depression may benefit these patients and improve their overall quality of life.

Insomnia could be key to lower life satisfaction in adults with ADHD traits, study finds

A new study by the University of Southampton found that adults with ADHD traits report lower quality of life and more severe insomnia. Insomnia was identified as a potential link in this association, suggesting that targeting insomnia complaints may improve the quality of life for people with ADHD.

UM School of Medicine research reveals alarming health and resource burden of sleep apnea among U.S. active-duty military

A new study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that soldiers with sleep apnea are at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury compared to those without the condition. The study also shows a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries among service members with sleep apnea.

Variability in heart rate during sleep may reveal early signs of stroke, depression or cognitive dysfunction, new study shows

Research found that certain heart rate variability patterns can predict future health conditions, including stroke, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. The study suggests that nocturnal HRV provides a unique window into how the body functions during sleep.

Here’s why migraine symptoms are worse in patients who get little sleep

Researchers discovered that a lack of sleep affects how people with migraines process pain signals in the brain. This can lead to increased sensitivity and severity of migraine symptoms, highlighting the importance of adequate sleep for migraine management.