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Reindeer sleep while chewing their cud

Researchers found that reindeer spend more time ruminating and less time in non-REM sleep, suggesting a possible restorative function of rumination. The study suggests that reindeer may be able to save time by resting during rumination, allowing them to cope with limited sleep time during the arctic summer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Is it ok to press the snooze button?

A study of 1,732 adults found that 69% used the snooze function or set multiple alarms. Snoozing resulted in lost sleep but prevented awakening from slow-wave sleep. In a second study, 30 minutes of snoozing improved cognitive performance.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 18, 2023

Sleep data from over 220,000 people reveal global differences in weekly sleep variability and sleep extension

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.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2023

When pigeons dream

Birds experience flight-like sensations in their dreams during REM sleep, suggesting emotional content, while cerebral spinal fluid flow is disrupted. The study reveals similarities between bird and human sleep patterns, highlighting the importance of sleep for brain health and cognition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mount Sinai experts present research at SLEEP 2023

Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented new findings on the impact of customized lighting on inpatient sleep, a machine-learned combination of ventilatory, hypoxic, and arousal burdens, and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia on cognitive impairment. The studies aim to improve sleep timing and duration, dia...

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai researchers identify potential new treatment for those who act out their dreams while sleeping

Researchers have identified a novel model and therapy to mitigate the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, which affects over 3 million Americans. Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been shown to significantly reduce dream enactment behaviors, providing a promising new treatment option.

New study looks at role of sleep disruption in dogs with dementia

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateApr 28, 2023

The major chord that cures nightmares

A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories

Researchers used a neural network model to study how brain regions interact during sleep. They found that the hippocampus and neocortex work together to convert fleeting information into long-term memory. The findings suggest that alternating between REM and slow-wave sleep stages is crucial for strong memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Do wolves sleep like dogs?

Researchers measured wolf sleep using non-invasive EEG, finding similarities with dog sleep but less REM time. The study offers a unique opportunity to understand the effects of domestication and cohabitation on wolf sleep phenotypes.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 11, 2022

How sleep helps to process emotions

Researchers at the University of Bern have identified how the brain processes emotions during dream sleep. During REM sleep, the brain favors the discrimination of safety versus danger in the dendrites, but blocks the over-reaction to emotion, particularly danger. This decoupling is essential for optimizing survival and stability.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2022

Strange dreams might help your brain learn better, according to research by HBP scientists

A study by HBP scientists found that wakefulness, non-REM sleep, and REM sleep have complementary functions for learning: experiencing stimuli, solidifying experiences, and discovering semantic concepts. This research suggests that unusual dreams, simulated using Generative Adversarial Networks, can improve brain learning by introducin...

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Dopamine triggers sleep state transitions

Researchers found that a temporary increase in dopamine levels in the basolateral amygdala initiates transitions from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This discovery may have important implications for understanding changes in sleep state and treating conditions like cataplexy and narcolepsy.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2022

Hit the sleep ‘sweet spot’ to keep brain sharp

A multi-year study found that both short and long sleepers experience greater cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount. Researchers separated out the effects of poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease on cognition, suggesting a middle range or 'sweet spot' for total sleep time where cognitive performance is stable over time....

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021

You snooze, you lose - with some sleep trackers

A study by West Virginia University found that top sleep trackers can accurately measure total sleep time and sleep efficiency, but struggle with sleep staging accuracy. Researchers tested eight commercial sleep trackers and found that some devices overestimated or underestimated sleep metrics, while others were unable to quantify slee...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·DateFeb 17, 2021

Gut microbes: a key to normal sleep

A study published in Scientific Reports found that mice without gut microbes had altered sleep patterns, including increased REM and non-REM sleep episodes. The researchers discovered that gut microbes play a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2020

BU study discovers connection between contact sports, CTE and troubling sleep behaviors

Researchers found a connection between contact sports participation and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) leading to sleep dysfunction. The study revealed that tau pathology in brainstem nuclei is more strongly associated with sleep symptoms than Lewy body pathology, suggesting a new link between CTE and REM sleep behavior disorder.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateSep 16, 2020