Articles tagged with Sleep Disorders
Fruit flies sleep more when unable to fly, adapting to challenging situations. Sleep helps animals respond effectively, according to researchers at WashU Medicine.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a potential therapeutic target for treating sleep disorders. Targeted mutations in the PER2 protein can alter the balance of the biological clock and significantly lengthen the circadian period in preclinical models.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation in the KCC2 protein causes a glitch in brain activity suppression, leading to panic responses and seizures. The R952H variant has been linked to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
Researchers often overlook comorbidities in Tourette syndrome, but it is an intersection of multiple medical conditions. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for effective treatment and patient evaluation.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that sleep disturbance is common among young children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Down's syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Williams syndrome. The research showed that improved sleep patterns were associated with better language skills in these children.
Research in rats reveals that brain-wave bursts, like earthquakes, are necessary for healthy sleep. These non-equilibrium dynamics and criticality underlie sleep micro-architecture, governing spontaneous transitions between sleep stages.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that deep sleep can calm the anxious brain by reorganizing connections. Participants who got more nighttime deep sleep experienced lower anxiety levels the next day, suggesting a strong causal connection between sleep and anxiety.
A new study found that military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience a rare sleep disorder called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which is also linked to an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Researchers hope that identifying patients with ...
A four-year research project aims to improve sleep patterns for night-shift workers over 50 years old, reducing the risk of depression, cardiovascular diseases, and accidents. The study will test two alternative sleep schedules, providing insights into the impact on productivity and overall health.
The new guideline offers evidence-based recommendations to improve the standard of care for individuals with Parkinson's disease in Canada. It includes a new section on palliative care, highlighting the need to consider patients' quality of life throughout all phases of the disease.
Research found symptomatic GERD a risk factor for TMD, with longer GERD history linked to higher TMD risk. Multidisciplinary management programs may help patients with co-occurring conditions.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish display two states of sleep similar to mammals, reptiles, and birds: slow-wave sleep and paradoxical sleep. This finding suggests that neural signatures of sleep evolved at least 450 million years ago in ancient fish.
A new algorithm-based tool optimizes caffeine consumption to maximize alertness while minimizing excessive intake. The study found that the tool required on average 40% less caffeine or enhanced alertness by an additional 40%.
Extending sleep duration has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced appetite for sweet and salty foods. Higher total sleep time was linked to lower caloric intake from protein and decreased overall sugar consumption.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found four sites of DNA methylation associated with sleepiness in both African American participants from the MESA and CHS studies. Additionally, they discovered 14 such sites among only African American participants from both studies.
A new study found that limiting extended-duration shifts improved sleep duration among pediatric resident physicians, with weekly sleep duration increasing nearly four hours overall. The study enrolled 302 resident physicians and used a clustered-randomized crossover clinical trial to compare two work schedules.
A new review suggests that educational programs, behavioral strategies, and environmental modifications can improve sleep quality and duration among employees. The study found that workplace interventions yielded positive results in most studies, leading to better sleep outcomes and decreased absenteeism.
A recent study published in eLife has identified the gene SHANK3 as a key player in sleep problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. The research found that individuals with autism have trouble falling asleep due to difficulty regulating their body's circadian clock, which regulates the 24-hour day and night cycle.
A large multi-centre study of over 1,200 patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder found a high risk of Parkinson's disease progression and identified several strong predictors, including motor difficulties and mild cognitive impairment. The study's findings will improve clinical trial selection and therapy development.
Researchers found that weekend recovery sleep does not reverse sleep loss-induced disruptions of metabolism. Insufficient sleep still leads to increased snacking, weight gain, and decreased insulin sensitivity, even after a weekend of extra sleep.
Researchers found that split sleep schedules with short night duration but longer afternoon nap improved alertness, vigilance, working memory, and mood compared to continuous sleep. In contrast, continuous sleep schedules were better for glucose tolerance, but this doesn't necessarily mean a higher risk of diabetes later in life.
Researchers found that PTSD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but a combination of physical disorders and psychiatric conditions may explain the association. Veterans with PTSD are 41% more likely to develop circulatory and heart disease than those without PTSD.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that increasing physical activity during the day is associated with improved spirits. The research also suggests that tracking sleep, activity, mood, and energy levels concurrently can provide valuable insights for people with bipolar disorder.
A survey reveals that music is a widely used sleep aid, with 62% of respondents employing it to enhance their sleep experiences. The study found multiple pathways through which music helps, including auditory masking and mental distraction, offering new insights into the complex motivations driving people to use music as a sleep aid.
Researchers discovered that people burn 10% more calories at rest in the late afternoon and early evening compared to the early morning hours. This finding highlights the importance of the circadian clock in regulating metabolism.
New studies reveal that disrupted circadian rhythms can drive anxiety and exacerbate brain disorders, highlighting the importance of regulating wake-sleep cycles. Healthy sleep habits are also found to be critical in preventing various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and anxiety disorder.
A Northwestern University study found that inflammation can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to circadian sleep disorders. The research used a genetic switch to turn inflammation on and off in mice, revealing a link between inflammatory diseases and the body's clock.
A new study involving over 300 women reveals a strong association between sexual harassment and assault with higher blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. The findings suggest that the experience of sexual harassment and assault can have lasting impacts on women's health.
A recent study published in Neurology found that sleeping too little or too much can affect stroke risk differently based on race. Black men who slept less than six hours per night were less likely to have a stroke compared to average sleepers, while white men who slept nine or more hours a night had an increased risk of stroke.
A study found that high school students who slept less than six hours per night were more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as substance abuse and carrying a weapon. The researchers also found a significant association between sleep duration and suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Patients undergoing elective hip surgery may experience new health issues such as mental health disorders, chronic pain, and cardiovascular ailments up to two years after the procedure. The study found that these hidden complications can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life.
A study of teenage twins reveals that both genetic and environmental factors shape brain activity during sleep. The findings suggest that frontal regions are under stronger environmental control, while regions towards the back of the brain are more influenced by genetics.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that a single mutation in SIK3 protein increases non-REM sleep and wakefulness when conscious, providing insights into human sleep disorders.
A recent study found that teenage girls reported a higher degree of interference of daytime sleepiness on multiple aspects of their school and personal activities compared to boys. The study also showed that girls were more likely to miss school due to tiredness and felt less motivated in school because of poor sleep quality.
A recent study found that immigrants in Switzerland are more likely to experience sleep disorders due to high levels of emotional distress. The study analyzed data from 17,968 participants and found that immigrants reported higher levels of trouble falling asleep, disrupted sleep, and early morning awakenings.
Pilot data shows that short sleep duration is associated with a double risk of hospital readmission in acute coronary syndrome patients. The study found that patients with less than 6 hours of sleep per night were two times more likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days.
Chronic short sleep duration, independent of extended wakefulness, results in vigilant performance impairments, with attention lapses increasing fivefold and reaction time doubling. Participants on restricted sleep schedules worsened over time, suggesting they cannot adapt to chronically insufficient sleep.
A position statement from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine emphasizes the need for medical evaluation over consumer sleep technology. While wearables and apps may provide valuable data, they are not a substitute for comprehensive testing.
The Sleep Research Society has selected three leading sleep scientists to receive its 2018 awards. David F. Dinges, Chiara Cirelli, and Sharon A. Keenan will be honored for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of sleep and circadian science.
A study by McLean Hospital neuroscientists reveals that brief immune system activation within days of birth can cause persistent changes in sleep patterns and epilepsy-like brain activity, common symptoms in autism spectrum disorder. The findings suggest that early postnatal immune activation can have long-term negative impacts on brai...
Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that patients with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) lack dopamine and experience brain inflammation, which may lead to Parkinson's disease. This study provides new insights into the early stages of Parkinson's disease development.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that sleeping with dogs can help people sleep better, but only if they're in the bedroom, not in bed. The study of 40 healthy adults and their dogs over five months showed that having pets nearby can provide comfort and security.
A study of healthy young men found that brain reward system activation dips at 2 p.m., contrary to previous research showing peak mood during this time. This timing may impact the treatment of disorders like depression, substance abuse, and sleep disturbances.
A nationally representative survey found that 51% of parents support later school start times to accommodate their teens' natural circadian rhythms. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many parents underestimate their children's sleep needs, with only half agreeing with existing recommendations.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleep disturbances are strongly related to substance use among college athletes. Student athletes with sleep difficulties were more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal substances, including a 317% increase in methamphetamine use.
Professional baseball players who received short-term sleep extension demonstrated improved visual search abilities and faster response times to different types of pitches. The study found that sleep extension reduced fatigue, tension, and daytime sleepiness by more than one-third.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for college students' emotional health. The research, which involved 204 students aged 18-25, revealed that irregular sleep patterns were associated with lower self-reported happiness and well-being during the week.
A new study links late-night tweeting by NBA players to poorer game performance, including lower scores and reduced shooting accuracy. The research analyzed Twitter data from over 30,000 tweets and found a significant correlation between late-night tweeting and decreased basketball skills.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2017 award recipients, including David F. Dinges for his dedication to the sleep field and significant contributions in administration, public relations, and government affairs. Susan Redline received the William C. Dement Academic Achievement Award for her exceptional initiative...
A new AASM position statement recommends starting schools at 8:30 a.m. or later to optimize daytime alertness, reduce tardiness, and support peak academic performance. This delay is associated with improved mental health, driving safety, and reduced depressive symptoms.
A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.
A recent study published in SLEEP found that a workplace-based Sleep Health Program significantly reduced the risk of injuries and long-term disability among firefighters. The program, which included sleep health education and screening for sleep disorders, resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in disability days.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that REV-ERBα acts as a molecular conductor to regulate thousands of genes, with disruptions to its amplitude affecting metabolism and hormone levels. Studying mice with altered REV-ERBα levels revealed a link between circadian rhythms and glucose and lipid metabolism.
A team of scientists from the Scripps Research Institute is studying the role of microRNAs in memory, sleep and synapse function. The five-year study will use Drosophila fruit flies to answer key questions about microRNA mechanisms in the brain.
Researchers at RIKEN have discovered that calcium inside neurons regulates slow-wave sleep, with seven genes identified as critical for controlling sleep duration. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and neurologic diseases associated with them.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that calcium ions control sleep duration in mice by regulating the inflow and outflow of calcium ions into neurons. This finding has implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases associated with sleep disorders.
A new study found that eating less fiber, more saturated fat, and more sugar is associated with lighter, less restorative sleep. Greater fiber intake predicted more time spent in deep slow wave sleep, while a higher percentage of energy from saturated fat predicted less slow wave sleep. On the other hand, greater sugar intake was linke...
Researchers identified 13 inherited sleep and activity measures linked to bipolar disorder, including later waking times and shorter periods of activity. The study provides clues to the genetic nature of the disorder and potential new approaches for prevention and treatment.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a full night of sleep significantly improved participants' ability to correctly identify the name associated with a face. The study suggests that sleep after new learning activities may help improve memory, regardless of age.
A recent study has found that plaques associated with dementia can disrupt the spread of slow waves in the brain during sleep, impairing memory consolidation. Researchers were able to decode this defect at the molecular level and alleviate it with medication, showing potential for a new treatment approach.