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.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex trigger mice to prepare for bed when tired, a behavior likely shared with humans. This hard-wired survival feature suggests that humans should prioritize sleep hygiene to maintain good health.
Researchers found that a two-nap schedule of 90-minute and 30-minute naps can help counteract drowsiness and fatigue during long night shifts. This strategy may also be beneficial for new parents experiencing sleep deprivation.
Researchers identified a protective protein whose level declines with sleep deprivation, leading to neuronal death. PTN levels could serve as an indicator of cognitive impairment resulting from insomnia.
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.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that improved sleep can significantly reduce impulsive behaviors in children exposed to stressful environments. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 children aged 9-10, discovered that lack of sleep and long sleep latency were linked to increased impulsivity.
A new special issue of the Journal of Huntington’s Disease highlights the critical impact of sleep dysfunction on HD patients. Disrupted sleep can alter metabolism, increase vulnerability to infection, and exacerbate disease outcomes.
A recent study found that activating astrocytes in the basal forebrain can keep mice awake for hours without affecting their sleep need or intensity. The researchers hope to develop interventions targeting these cells to improve productivity and health of shift workers and others who work long hours.
A TENS machine has shown promise as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, improving breathing and reducing daytime exhaustion in patients. The device is a cheaper and less invasive alternative to CPAP, which can be uncomfortable and lead to sleep deprivation.
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.
A Surrey study finds that Daylight Saving Time decreases serious road accidents by 15-20% during the transition, primarily due to improved visibility. The research also suggests that leaving DST in Autumn increases minor road accidents, highlighting the importance of artificial lighting conditions.
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...
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.
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.
A University of Ottawa study found that almost two-thirds of Canadians with stroke experience disturbed sleep, and those affected are up to 7 times more likely to report multiple sleep problems. The study highlights the need for better awareness and guidance on managing sleep disorders in stroke patients.
A meta-analysis of seven studies found that sleeping less than six hours per night reduces the immune response to vaccination. The deficit was equivalent to two months of antibody waning. This suggests that getting good sleep may also extend the duration of protection provided by vaccines.
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
Researchers have discovered a human-approved medication that can bring back 'lost' memories in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to treating age-induced memory problems or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study used optogenetic approaches and the asthma drug roflumilast to revive memories stored in the hippocampus.
Shift workers are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 compared to day workers due to sleep deprivation's negative impact on the immune system. Those who worked face-to-face with others had a higher risk of infection, but not more severe outcomes.
Small cell clusters in hippocampus are vital for fear-based memories, while sleep helps stabilize these clusters to improve memory. The study uses immediate early gene imaging to visualize active cells throughout the entire rat hippocampus.
Recent studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms that connect sleep and anxiety, highlighting the importance of sleep in regulating stress responses. Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to increased anxiety and stress, while also exacerbating mental distress.
Researchers at UQ's Queensland Brain Institute found a causal relationship between lack of oxygen to the brain during sleep and Alzheimer's disease in mice. CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea may prevent cognitive impairment and neuron death, reducing dementia risk.
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.
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.
A large UK Biobank study found that poor quality sleep, including insomnia, short/long sleep duration, snoring, and daytime sleepiness, is associated with a heightened risk of developing glaucoma. The study suggests that targeted screening of high-risk groups and sleep intervention may help prevent the disease.
A study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that 57 percent of participants were habitual snoozers, with females being 50 percent more likely to snooze than males. Snoozing may be a way for some people to battle exhaustion, as only 1 in 3 Americans get enough sleep.
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.
A two-week intervention targeting the circadian system helped shift teens' bedtime by an hour and a half earlier, increasing total sleep time by approximately an hour. The study also found improved concentration, reduced irritability, and better morning alertness in participants.
The Healthy-Day-App assesses time use patterns in children and predicts outcomes on body fat percentages, wellbeing, and academic performance. Shifting screen time to physical activity results in improved health outcomes, including 4.2% lower body fat and 2.5% better wellbeing.
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.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that a lack of sleep reduces the desire to help others, with real-world consequences. The study assessed brain activity in healthy volunteers and tracked online behavior over three nights, revealing a significant decrease in charitable giving after a night of no sleep.
Research found that sleep deprivation dampens activity in social cognition brain network and is associated with reduced altruism. A 10% drop in donation amounts was observed after losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time.
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.
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.
A study led by Imperial College London researchers discovered that certain types of stress induce sleep in mice, which subsequently relieves anxiety. The findings suggest that a specific set of neurons detected and responded to stress hormone levels, inducing both NREM and REM sleep.
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.
A new study found that doctors working overnight shifts are less likely to prescribe pain relievers due to decreased empathy for patient pain. This bias can lead to under-prescription of analgesics, especially at night shifts, highlighting the need for more structured guidelines and education.
The University of Kentucky has received a $3.7 million grant to investigate the causes and consequences of sleep deficiencies in rural Appalachian communities. The five-year study will track the sleep patterns of 400 adults from 12 counties, exploring factors that drive sleep deficiencies and health outcomes.
Researchers found that mosquitoes whose slumber is disrupted are less interested in feeding, with a 54% decrease in feeding behavior. This phenomenon, called sleep rebound, highlights the importance of sleep for even insects.
Research suggests that increasing ambient temperatures negatively impact human sleep around the globe, with a potential loss of 50-58 hours of sleep per person per year. The study found that lower-income countries, older adults, and females are more affected by warmer temperatures.
A new study found that limiting first-year resident-physicians' work hours to no more than 16 consecutive hours significantly improved patient safety outcomes. After implementing the policy, there was a 32% reduction in reports of significant medical errors and a 63% reduction in reported medical errors resulting in patient death.
A randomised trial found that poor sleeping habits may contribute to regaining weight after weight loss in adults with obesity. Exercise sessions per week can help maintain better sleep and aid in weight loss maintenance.
Scientists discovered that sleep neuron activity controls protective gene expression during sleep, which is essential for maintaining the brain and body. Disturbing sleep leads to overactivation of the sleep neuron, promoting further protective gene expression.
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.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that sleep deprivation negatively affects corneal stem cells, leading to increased rates of cell multiplication and reduced tear film antioxidants. This can result in serious effects on corneal health, such as thinning and ruffling of the cornea.
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.
A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that taking a 15-minute walk outside on a hot summer day can impair cognitive performance. This effect was more pronounced in men who slept less than 5 hours, suggesting that heat stress may negatively impact learning and productivity.
A new study found that increasing sleep duration by an average of 1.2 hours per night reduced participants' overall caloric intake by an average of 270 kcal per day. This translates to roughly 12 kg, or 26 lbs., of weight loss over three years if the effects were maintained.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation can significantly increase serotonin 2A receptors in the brain within hours, which may influence schizophrenia symptoms. This discovery suggests environmental stressors could alter the balance of brain receptors controlled by antipsychotic drugs.
A new study by National Jewish Health finds that adjusting school start times can benefit parents' sleep, particularly those with children in middle and high school. Parents reported improved sleep duration and reduced daytime fatigue after the start time adjustments.
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.
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.
A new study published in Annals of Human Biology found that over two-thirds of university students experience poor sleep quality, which is linked to increased risk of depression and high stress levels. Women are more likely to suffer from inadequate sleep habits and excessive daytime sleepiness.
A study of 75 FIFO shift workers found significant sleep loss and reduced alertness, with up to 60% at risk of developing sleep disorders. The research highlights the need for companies to reassess roster designs to ensure adequate rest and provide education on good sleep health practices.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lack of sleep affects gait control, with students who stayed awake all night performing poorly. However, those who compensated for lost sleep by catching up on weekends showed improved walking control.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers is using new technology and imaging strategies to improve impaired waste clearance of the brain due to sleep disruption. The project aims to enhance the natural system of brain cleansing that occurs during sleep.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that sleep loss does not impact a person's ability to evaluate emotional situations, despite affecting their mood. However, sleep deprivation can make individuals less able to control their own emotional responses.
Researchers tracked fruit flies' ability to interpret information while asleep, discovering a specific brain region involved in processing salient smells. The study used defined fly brains to analyze neural connections, finding that aversive odors woke the flies up more often than attractive ones.
Researchers found that dancing and psychedelic drugs are associated with feelings of awe and social bonding in rave attendees. This study suggests that these experiences can be beneficial for therapeutic settings, potentially reducing stigma around psychedelic use.
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.