Researchers found that a two-nap schedule of 90-minute and 30-minute naps can help counteract drowsiness and fatigue during long night shifts. This strategy may also be beneficial for new parents experiencing sleep deprivation.
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.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress suggests that CPAP machines can prevent deaths from heart disease and reduce cardiovascular problems in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A pilot study also found that CPAP may be more effective than a weight-loss drug in tackling clogged arteries.
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.
A study found that CPAP treatment reduces night-time heartburn, productive morning cough, and chronic bronchitis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Regular CPAP use decreases reflux by keeping the upper airway open during sleep.
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.
A large population study found that unhealthy lifestyles between ages of 60 and 64 are associated with a doubling in the risk of nursing home admission. Physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet, and sleep disorders were linked to an increased risk of care, particularly among 60-64 year olds.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023
A new special issue of the Journal of Huntington’s Disease highlights the critical impact of sleep dysfunction on HD patients. Disrupted sleep can alter metabolism, increase vulnerability to infection, and exacerbate disease outcomes.
The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.
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.
Dr. Prachi Singh of Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $3.7 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate the cardiovascular risks associated with limited sleep and extended eating duration.
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.
Research from the University of York found that high-quality sleep supports positive mental health outcomes when faced with negative experiences, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Better sleep quality was associated with fewer symptoms of both conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Scientists have identified a key event controlling the timing of biological clocks, which could lead to therapies for sleep disorders and clock disruption. The study found that a genetic mutation shortens the clock cycle in people with Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome.
The May issue of the CHEST journal features cutting-edge research on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also highlights awareness for cystic fibrosis, a once-fatal childhood condition now affecting adults.
Menopausal hormone therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for women without risk factors, offering relief from hot flashes and other symptoms. Non-hormonal therapies can also help alleviate symptoms in those with risk factors or preferring alternative options.
A large-scale study published in JAMA Neurology has demonstrated an association between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and the development of Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared health data from approximately 160,000 Navy and Marine veterans who served at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton between 1975-1985, where TCE was used for ...
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 ...
A study published in Neurology found that the transition from daylight saving time to standard time was associated with a brief increase in sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In contrast, the transition from standard time to daylight saving time did not show any association with sleep problems.
New research from UC Berkeley suggests that deep sleep can act as a protective factor against memory decline in individuals with existing high amounts of Alzheimer's disease pathology. This study provides hope for alleviating some of dementia's most devastating outcomes.
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.
A Mayo Clinic study found that menopause symptoms significantly affect women's quality of life and productivity in the workplace. The study estimated an annual loss of $26.6 billion, including lost work time and medical expenses, highlighting a critical need for employers to address this issue.
A new machine-learning method analyzes metabolites in blood to predict the time of an individual's internal circadian timing system. This approach has shown accuracy comparable to previous methods, but requires fewer samples.
A new PANDA-project aims to develop and test an ear-EEG device that can screen patients for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technology measures brain electrical activity and sleep patterns, with the goal of identifying early signs of the diseases and enabling earlier diagnosis.
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.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have erratic sleep patterns and rigid daily routines, predictive of worse symptoms. The study suggests varying daily routines and incorporating movement can improve brain health and reduce negative mental health symptoms.
A nationwide study found that more experienced resident physicians are at risk of medical errors when working extended-duration shifts or long weekly hours, similar to first-year residents. The study calls for policy changes to limit work hours and extend safer training periods in the US.
The NCCN 2023 Annual Conference emphasized the importance of fostering welcoming environments for patients and staff, ensuring care meets latest standards, and rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach. Key findings included the need to address systemic bias, social determinants of health, and staffing issues in cancer care.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that 41% of patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) had moderate to severe sleep disturbances. Black patients were three times more likely to develop these disturbances, highlighting the need for race-specific interventions to address disparities.
A large UK Biobank study found that poor sleep quality may bolster genetic susceptibility to asthma, potentially doubling the risk. A healthy sleep pattern was associated with a lower risk of asthma, and spotting and treating sleep disorders early on might lessen the risks.
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.
A new study found that specific biomarkers in blood can predict PTSD likelihood, diagnose disorder, or monitor treatment response. Researchers discovered four biomarkers with significant differences between those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD and those with high resilience.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.
The ATS 2023 International Conference Program is now available, offering dynamic scientific programming on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine topics. Attendees can build their daily schedule using the program itinerary and access a series of presentations featuring innovators in the field.
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.
Preliminary research found that better sleep health was associated with higher rates of attendance at group interval sessions, adherence to caloric intake goals, and improvement in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity. However, the association between sleep health and physical activity was not statistically signifi...
Primary care physicians recommend screening adolescents and young adults for cyberbullying and social media misuse, citing the need for timely intervention due to underreported incidents. Screening tools like R-OBVQ, CBVS, CABS, and MARC can help identify potential risks.
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
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.
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.
Recent findings in spina bifida (SB) care highlight comorbidities such as autism and scoliosis, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare use. Telecommunication platforms like Zoom have evolved into clinical tools for SB care.
A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
Researchers found that a 30-minute mid-afternoon nap had the best balance of practicability and benefit, while shorter naps still improved mood, alertness, and memory encoding. The study suggests allocating at least 40 minutes for sleep to fall asleep.
The February issue of the CHEST journal features 37 articles exploring various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal also highlights its equity topic collection, focusing on conditions that affect women, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found a correlation between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus. The study, which analyzed data from 3.5 million Danes, suggests that exposure to high levels of traffic noise increases the risk of tinnitus by up to six percent.
Researchers discovered a strong association between loneliness, lack of social support, and various dementia risk factors. The study found that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and smoking habits, can impact social isolation and ADRD risk.
Researchers found abnormal 12-hour gene activity cycles in postmortem brains of patients with schizophrenia. The study identified altered timings of neural connections and mitochondrial function, suggesting potential underlying causes for behavioral abnormalities.
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.
A recent study published in Science Advances has deepened the understanding of circadian rhythm regulation in mammals. The research found that intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is controlled by a neural network, whereas calcium ions are regulated by intracellular mechanisms.
Long COVID is a systemic condition with over 100 reported symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and breathing issues. Treatment focuses on symptom management through structured programs and guideline-directed mental health supports.
The American Thoracic Society will host ATS 2023 in Washington, DC from May 21-24. The event will cover the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Register now to attend or access recorded sessions.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that benzodiazepine treatment for sleep disorders is associated with an increased risk of drug overdose among young people aged 10-29, particularly those with recent opioid prescriptions. This highlights the importance of considering alternative pharmacologic treatments to minimize safety risks.