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Gene mutation helps explain night owl behavior

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Powering up the circadian rhythm

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2016

Calcium controls sleep duration in mice

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.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2016

Brain calcium controls how long we sleep

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2016

Study suggests that what you eat can influence how you sleep

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...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 14, 2016

Want to remember new names? Sleep on it

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateNov 23, 2015

New position paper supports use of telemedicine by sleep specialists

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...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 14, 2015

New clinical guideline to help clinicians treat circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 14, 2015

Molecular switch keeps the circadian clock running on time

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 1, 2015

Sleep problems prevalent for military members

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.

Light-emitting e-readers detrimentally shift circadian clock

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Don't worry, be happy; just go to bed earlier

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.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 5, 2014

Don't worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 4, 2014

Sleep disorder linked to brain disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateApr 22, 2014

Fragmented sleep, fragmented mind: A new theory of sleep disruption and dissociation

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 14, 2012