Articles tagged with Sleep Disorders
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.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a position paper supporting the use of telemedicine in sleep medicine practices. The paper outlines recommendations for integrating telemedicine into practice, including clinical care standards and quality assurance processes. Fair reimbursement for telemedicine services is also supp...
A new clinical practice guideline provides updated recommendations for treating intrinsic circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, promoting high-quality patient-centered care. The guideline updates previously published parameters and includes positive endorsements of melatonin and light therapy for select patients.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch that balances the activity of two key proteins in the circadian clock, PER2 and CK1. This finding provides insights into familial advanced sleep phase disorder (FASP) and may lead to new treatment strategies using drugs that inhibit these proteins.
A large cohort study found that men with poor sleep had a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The study also showed that sleeping disorders were associated with the social gradient, with higher rates in widowed or divorced individuals.
A new study suggests that college freshmen with sleep disorder risk are more likely to leave the institution over a three-year period. These students also tend to have lower grade point averages, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep disorders for academic success.
Scientists have isolated the smallest unit of sleep, discovering that it originates from small neural networks. The research, published in European Journal of Neuroscience, allows for the independent isolation of sleep for research without physiological factors.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that stricter driver licensing laws in Massachusetts led to a 40% reduction in fatal crashes among 16-17 year old drivers. Police-reported crashes decreased by 19%, with nighttime crashes dropping by 29%.
A study found that over 60% of children developed sleepwalking when both parents were sleepwalkers, highlighting a strong genetic influence on the disorder. The research also showed that parental history of sleepwalking is a significant risk factor for children to develop sleepwalking.
A study found that sleep disordered breathing can negatively impact declarative memory, making it harder for children to consciously recall learned information. Non-declarative memory, which involves learning new skills through reaction times, was less affected by sleep disturbances.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals persistent sleep problems among service members, negatively affecting mental health and operational readiness. The study recommends education and awareness programs to shift cultural attitudes and develop policies to promote healthy sleep habits.
Researchers found that nearly one in five college students experience 'exploding head syndrome,' a condition characterized by loud, non-existent noises. The study also discovered a link between exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis, affecting over one-third of those affected.
A study published in Current Biology establishes a molecular-level link between a slow-down in the biological clock and genetic deficits in Angelman syndrome. Experimental treatments targeting the paternal copy of UBE3A gene show promise for treating sleep disorders and other symptoms.
Researchers found that activation of cholinergic neurons in brain stem structures induced REM sleep in animal models. The findings provide a better understanding of brain mechanisms controlling different sleep states, essential for treating sleep disorders.
A Saint Louis University researcher has discovered a way to control internal clocks using a small molecule that targets key clock proteins. The compound alters the circadian rhythm, increasing wakefulness and reducing anxiety in mice, suggesting potential treatments for sleep disorders and addiction.
Researchers found that reading an e-book before bed can lead to reduced melatonin secretion, delayed circadian rhythms, and decreased morning alertness. The use of light-emitting electronic devices can suppress melatonin levels, impacting sleep quality and duration.
Researchers found that reading from light-emitting e-readers before bed suppresses melatonin release and shifts the circadian clock, leading to longer sleep latency and reduced REM sleep. Exposure to short-wavelength-enriched blue light disrupts natural sleep patterns.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. The study suggests that improving sleep timing may be an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of internalizing disorders.
A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.
Chronic alcohol exposure disrupts normal sleep cycle by over-activating brain chemicals. Targeted medications may help treat sleep issues related to alcohol use disorders, according to Boston University School of Medicine researchers.
A 10-year study of astronauts' sleep monitoring reveals widespread sleep deficiency and medication use in space. The research highlights the need for more effective countermeasures to promote adequate sleep and optimize human performance during space flights.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that a sleep education program for preschoolers increased their average bedtime by 30 minutes, resulting in better daytime functioning. The program improved parents' awareness and knowledge of good sleep behaviors but had limited long-term effects.
People with exploding head syndrome typically hear abrupt noises like door slams or gunshots as they fall asleep. The episodes can be frightening and are often accompanied by anxiety and daytime sleepiness.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong link between rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Up to 90% of people with RBD will develop a brain disease, making it an important warning sign for clinicians.
Insufficient or disturbed sleep is linked to metabolic disorders, with addressing poor quality sleep recommended for prevention and treatment. Sleep disturbances, including circadian desynchrony, are associated with increased rates of chronic illness and early mortality.
Researchers found that boys with autism who had access to screens in their bedrooms spent less time sleeping. Video-game exposure was also linked to reduced sleep among the boys with ASD. The study highlights the need for parents to monitor and limit screen use before bedtime for children with autism.
Researchers have identified the precise causal link between neuronal activity in the lateral hypothalamus and REM sleep. Using optogenetics, they were able to induce and manipulate REM sleep in mice, providing a breakthrough in understanding sleep mechanisms and potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
A study of over 14,000 children found that autistic kids had poorer sleep quality, including shorter total sleep duration and more frequent wake-ups at night. The researchers suggest that this may be due to impaired melatonin production, which could impact neuronal development.
The UK's sleep disorder services are severely lacking, with high rates of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in certain regions going undiagnosed and untreated. Despite the rising demand due to an aging population, many areas have limited access to specialized care, leading to a concerning mismatch between need and supply.
A study found that patients taking tasimelteon had a significantly higher rate of re-synchronization of their body clock, leading to improved night-time sleep and reduced daytime drowsiness. The medication addresses the root cause of Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder in blind individuals by synchronizing their circadian clock.
A gene mutation associated with a rare sleep disorder has been found to contribute to debilitating migraines. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs specifically designed to treat chronic headaches.
A University of Michigan-led study found that supine sleep increases the risk of low birth weight and subsequently stillbirth in pregnant women. The researchers suggest that encouraging pregnant women to avoid sleeping on their backs could be a simple approach to improve pregnancy outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that men with dementia with Lewy bodies are five times more likely to have rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which can appear decades before a diagnosis. The study suggests that screening for this sleep disorder could improve diagnosis and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies.
A researcher at Georgia State University is studying how the body's internal clock is reset, which could lead to a better understanding of sleep disorders and other health issues. The grant-funded project aims to uncover the chemical process involved in resetting the clock using light exposure.
Researchers found a significant link between sleep apnoea and overactive bladder syndrome in women, with symptoms of urgency, frequency, and nocturia prevalent among those diagnosed with sleep apnoea. The study suggests that continuous positive airway pressure therapy may help alleviate bladder control issues.
Research reveals that smoking, head injury, and pesticide exposure may increase the risk of REM sleep behavior disorder, a rare condition where people act out their dreams. The study also found that farming work and lower education levels were associated with a higher risk of developing the disorder.
Research finds that sleepwalking is more prevalent among US adults than previously thought, affecting up to 8.4 million people. The study also shows an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Salk Institute find that two cellular switches play a crucial role in maintaining normal sleeping and eating cycles and metabolism. The discovery suggests a powerful link between circadian rhythms and metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders such as sleep problems, obesity, and diabetes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that people with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are twice as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or Parkinson's disease within four years. Researchers used the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire to diagnose probable RBD in neurologically normal individuals.
A new survey of over 150,000 Americans shows that subjective sleep quality improves over a lifetime, with women reporting more sleep disturbances than men. Health problems and depression are associated with poor sleep, but except for an uptick during middle age, sleep quality consistently improves with age.
The Autism Treatment Network has released two new tool kits: Sleep Strategies for Children with Autism and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The guides provide families and dental professionals with effective strategies to improve sleep quality and oral health, respectively. By implementing these tools, families can cre...
A new theory suggests that sleep problems may contribute to dissociation and dissociative disorders. Research finds that sleep disturbances can impair memory and increase suggestibility, potentially increasing the impact of leading interventions. Therapists should adopt a more nuanced approach to treat patients with dissociative symptoms.
Researchers found that higher loneliness scores were associated with significantly higher levels of fragmented sleep. The study suggests loneliness may compromise a good night's rest, potentially affecting overall health.
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder experience nightmares and increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study using brain SPECT technology found that dopamine levels in the brain drop quickly in these patients, making it a potential early indicator of disease progression.
Researchers studying Mexican Blind Cave Fish found that cave-adapted fish sleep less and are more active than their surface-dwelling relatives. The discovery suggests that the transition to a dark environment may be associated with changes in sleep behavior, potentially due to the need for continuous vigilance to find food.
A study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased activity in brain regions assessing positive outcomes and decreased activity in those processing negative outcomes. As a result, sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to choose options with potential gains over those with potential losses.
A study found that even moderate reductions in sleep duration can affect neurobehavioral functioning in children with ADHD, leading to clinical-level impairment. The study suggests that investments in programs to decrease sleep deprivation may lead to improvements in neurobehavioral functioning and academic performance.
Research published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women who experience RLS during pregnancy are four times more likely to develop the condition again and three times more likely to have a chronic form. Symptoms may reappear later on in life or in future pregnancies.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism regulating circadian rhythms that could provide a new target for treating jet lag, shift work, sleep disturbances, diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. The discovery offers hope for modulating the body's core clock using synthetic ligands targeting nuclear receptors.
Researchers have identified neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder that predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found decreased striatal dopamine transporters uptake and midbrain hyperechogenicity to be risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease, dementia wi...
A UBC study found that seniors and low-income earners are more likely to be long-term users of benzodiazepines, which can lead to dependence, tolerance, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of falls. The study suggests that prescribing practices should target younger populations to reduce long-term use
A study published in Sleep found that a woman's perception of poor sleep and its impact on daytime functioning are stronger predictors of immediate postpartum mood disturbances than actual sleep quality and quantity. Poor subjective nighttime sleep during pregnancy and after delivery is associated with worse postpartum mood.
A study of over 19,500 Chinese participants found that frequent napping is associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. The observed associations were unaltered even after removing participants with potential health issues, suggesting that napping may increase the risk of diabetes.
A study found that extreme sleep duration is related to increased abdominal fat in minority young adults, particularly those with short sleep (5 hours or less) and long sleep (8 hours or more). This association was observed across genders and ethnicities.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleepiness at the wheel and poor sleep quality significantly increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents in adolescents. The study suggests that education programs targeting improving sleep habits are essential for reducing this risk.
Researchers found that 71% of participants reported dreamlike mental content associated with sleepwalking or sleep terrors, often involving unpleasant emotions like fear or terror. The study also suggests that adults with these sleep disorders may be acting out dreamlike thoughts during episodes.
A study of 1,140 healthy young adults found that dream-enacting behaviors are more prevalent than previously thought. The most common behavior was 'fear,' followed by acting out emotions like anger and happiness.
A longitudinal study found that sleep changes occur before puberty physical changes in children, with delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep time. Parents and educators can play a crucial role in helping children prioritize sleep as they grow.
A study shows that retirement is followed by a sharp decrease in sleep disturbances due to reduced work-related demands and stress. Sleep disturbance prevalence rates fell from 24.2% to 17.8% after retirement, with the greatest reduction reported among participants with depression or mental fatigue.
A study found that sleep deprivation causes individuals to shift from automatic to controlled processes of information categorization, leading to performance deficits. The study involved 49 West Point Cadets who performed an information-integration categorization task twice with or without sleep between sessions.