Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Self-reported “night owls” more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, significantly increased diabetes risk

A large study found that people with an evening chronotype were more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. These individuals had a 72% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with a morning chronotype.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 11, 2023

How bright-light treatment improves sleep in stressed mice

Researchers identified the neural pathway behind chronic stress-induced sleep disturbances and found that bright-light treatment counteracts these effects by targeting the lateral habenula. The study reveals a critical connection between the habenula and the rostromedial tegmental nucleus, which is essential for regulating non-REM sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 7, 2023

Sleep data from over 220,000 people reveal global differences in weekly sleep variability and sleep extension

A new study analyzing over 220,000 people's sleep data shows that those in Asia have shorter sleep duration and lower quality, with more variable sleep timing on weekdays. In contrast, people in other regions tend to have longer weekend sleep extension, suggesting a cultural impact on sleep habits.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2023

Out with the life coach, in with the chatbot

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDigital Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 6, 2023

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Wind farm noise exposure doesn’t wake people up from their slumber more than road traffic noise

A study by Flinders University researchers found that short exposure to wind farm and road traffic noise triggers a small increase in waking from slumber, fragmenting sleep patterns. However, wind farm noise wasn't more disruptive to sleep than road traffic, which was slightly more disruptive at higher audio levels.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Acoustics·TypeCase study·DateJun 25, 2023

Wearable monitor detects stress hormone levels across a full 24-hour day

A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

New research suggests sleep wearables show promise in improving sleep health among marginalized populations

A study published in JMIR Formative Research found that wearable sleep devices show promise in positively impacting sleep health among marginalized populations. Participants perceived the device as easy to use and comfortable to wear, suggesting its potential for improved sleep health. However, barriers to adoption, such as housing sta...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Formative Research·DateJun 6, 2023

EMBARGOED: Mount Sinai Pulmonologists to Present New Research on Asthma and Sleep Disorders at ATS 2023 International Conference

Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System will present studies on pediatric pulmonary vascular disease, asthma, and sleep disorders. The findings focus on prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children with severe obstructive sleep apnea and associations between diet and lung function decline.

Sleep phase can reduce anxiety in people with PTSD

Researchers discovered that sleep spindles can alleviate anxiety in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting recent findings. The study found that spindle rate frequency was higher during a stressful visit than a control visit, suggesting non-invasive ways to harness the benefits of this sleep stage for symptom ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·DateMay 3, 2023

Exposure to airplane noise increases risk of sleeping fewer than 7 hours per night

A new study found that people exposed to moderate aircraft noise were less likely to get the minimum recommended sleep each night. The risk increased among those living near airports or large water bodies, as well as those with no hearing loss. Exposure levels as low as 45 dB were associated with short sleep duration.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2023

Disturbed sleep may partially explain post-COVID condition (long COVID) breathlessness

A major UK study has discovered that disturbed sleep patterns in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were likely a driver of breathlessness. The study found that 62% of participants experienced sleep disruption, which persisted for at least 12 months and was associated with anxiety and muscle weakness.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 15, 2023

Study assesses prevalence, severity, co-occurrence of common symptoms undertreated in cancer patients

A large population study reveals that common cancer symptoms are pervasive across all types of cancer and sociodemographics, with higher symptom burdens among patients with lung, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic cancers. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing symptom management in patients who need or desire treatment.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateMar 29, 2023

Poor sleep linked to years of poor cardiovascular health

A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

A recent study found that resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and reduced inflammation in older adults with sarcopenia. The research, conducted by Brazilian researchers, also showed that physical exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce chronic inflammation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 2, 2023

Watch weekend tech as teens settle into school

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers with a 'late sleep chronotype' who use technology before bed on weekends are at greater risk of disturbed sleep. This can lead to a serious sleep deficit, negatively impacting their daily tasks and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Too little good quality sleep during teenage years may heighten subsequent MS risk

Insufficient sleep during teenage years is linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a 40% and 50% increased risk, respectively. The study suggests that sufficient restorative sleep may be an important preventive factor against MS.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateJan 23, 2023

Casting light on, and through, your eyelids

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that closed-eye perception of brightness is remarkably stronger than previously reported, with values up to 10 times higher. The color of the light also affects perception, with red being perceived as brighter and blue as darker.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalColor Research & Application·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Could a nasal spray treat sleep apnea?

A nasal spray has shown promising results in treating obstructive sleep apnea by preventing airway narrowing during sleep. The treatment, which targets specific receptors on the upper airways, improved airway stability and was well-tolerated in a small clinical trial.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCHEST Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2022

Fireworks have long-lasting effects on wild birds

Wild geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands experience significant changes in their behavior after fireworks, including flying further and foraging more, even after the disturbances end. The effects persist for up to two weeks, with birds leaving their sleeping sites and flying hundreds of kilometers non-stop.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022