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Risk for dementia varies by ethnicity, study finds

A new study analyzing English primary care records found that hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and low HDL cholesterol confer a higher risk of dementia in South Asian and Black people compared to White individuals. The results suggest tailored dementia prevention efforts should be targeted towards minority ethnic groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 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

Study: How mother and infant sleep patterns interact during the first two years of life

The study found two distinct groups: low maternal sleep (5-6 hours/night) and average maternal sleep (7-8 hours/night). Children in the low maternal sleep group slept less. Establishing early bedtime routines and consistent sleep patterns improved sleep duration and reduced sleep problems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 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...

Exposure to airplane noise increases risk of sleeping fewer than 7 hours per night

A new study found that people exposed to moderate aircraft noise were less likely to get the minimum recommended sleep each night. The risk increased among those living near airports or large water bodies, as well as those with no hearing loss. Exposure levels as low as 45 dB were associated with short sleep duration.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2023

Untangling the mystery of sleep

A recent study has found that sleep is necessary for survival due to its role in regulating the body's homeostasis and preventing diseases. The research also shows that the brain disconnects from the environment during sleep, and that the gut plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateApr 11, 2023

Trouble falling asleep at bedtime or in the middle of the night? It could impact your risk for developing dementia

A new study found significant links between sleep disturbances and the risk for developing dementia over a 10-year period. Sleep-maintenance insomnia was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while sleep-initiation insomnia and sleep medication use were linked to an increased risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

The early bird may just get the worm

A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCurrent Research in Behavioral Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 4, 2022

Sleep Research Society position statement supports adoption of permanent standard time

The Sleep Research Society advocates for the elimination of daylight saving time and adoption of permanent standard time due to its association with acute sleep loss and chronic circadian misalignment. This can lead to stress, altered metabolism, and inflammation, ultimately resulting in adverse health consequences.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2022

How do tired animals stay awake?

Researchers studying fruit flies found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations, and fall asleep after an intense day. Time-restricted feeding also improved sleep quality in the flies, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Obstructive sleep apnoea linked to increased risk of cancer, a decline in mental processing powers and an increased risk of blood clots

A large study found that obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with an increased risk of cancer. Patients with more severe OSA were also at a greater risk of developing blood clots. Additionally, a second study linked OSA to a decline in mental processing powers, particularly in the elderly.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2022

A warming planet could mess with our sleep – and make us more vulnerable to infectious disease

Research suggests rising temperatures could disrupt sleep patterns and blunt the immune response, making people more susceptible to infections. This is particularly concerning for low-income communities and communities of color who face heightened risks from heat and limited access to air conditioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalTemperature·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus discovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus, revealing a potential target for treatment. The study found that sleep deprivation caused the activation of microglial cells in the brain, leading to increased levels of IL12 and IL23, a diagnostic marker for neuropsychiatric SLE.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Helping babies to sleep more

A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Acute sleep loss may alter the way we see others

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that sleep deprivation affects the way humans evaluate facial expressions, particularly those conveying negative emotions. Young adults who were sleep-deprived rated angry faces as less trustworthy and healthy-looking, while neutral and fearful faces appeared less attractive.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

No time to nap in nature

A study on wild baboons reveals that they prioritize socializing and safety over sleep, even after poor sleep quality. The research used non-invasive technology to monitor sleep patterns across a group of individuals, showing that animals in the wild face competing demands that disrupt sleep homeostasis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2022

Recent cannabis use linked to extremes of nightly sleep duration

A study of US adults found a link between cannabis use and extremes of nightly sleep duration, with recent users more likely to report short or long sleep. Heavy users were 64% more likely to experience short sleep and 76% more likely to experience long sleep compared to non-users.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Unveiling the hidden cellular logistics of memory storage in neurons

University of Michigan scientists found that RNAs associated with an understudied cell compartment in hippocampal neurons vary greatly between sleeping and sleep-deprived mice after learning. These changes are present almost exclusively on ribosomes associated with neuronal cell membranes, suggesting a novel mechanism for memory storage.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Meeting sleep recommendations could lead to smarter snacking

A new study suggests that failing to meet sleep recommendations can lead to higher intake of non-meal calories, including carbohydrates, added sugar, fats, and caffeine. Adults who don't get enough sleep tend to make poorer snacking choices, such as reaching for salty snacks and sweets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021