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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.