Sleep
Articles tagged with Sleep
Edible cannabis and pain, sleep, and mental health management in older adults
Severe narcolepsy found to damage a second brain region
Researchers found significant loss of neurons in the locus coeruleus, a second critical region involved in arousal and muscle tone regulation. This finding suggests an immune-mediated process and challenges the prevailing explanation for narcolepsy with cataplexy.
For older adults with mild cognitive impairment, exercise can be crucial to sleep quality
Research suggests that high-intensity exercise is most effective in reducing sleep disturbances among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Light activity also shows some benefits, while moderate exercise has little impact. Tailored exercise programs could help prolong quality of life for this growing demographic.
Dreaming while awake: Dream-like states are not confined to sleep
Researchers found four mental states: recollections, connection to environment, bizarreness, and voluntary control, which appear across all three vigilance stages. A specific brain signature for the 'bizarre' dream-like state was also identified, characterized by reduced long-range connectivity between brain regions.
Sleep societies announce 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award recipient
Dr. Indra Narang, a pediatric respirologist and sleep medicine specialist, has received the 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award for her work to broaden access and representation in sleep medicine. Her research focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment of childhood obstructive sleep apnea with an emphasis on equity-driven innovation.
What shapes the content of our dreams?
A new study by researchers at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca analyzed over 3,700 reports of dream and waking experiences to understand what determines the content of dreams. The findings show that both individual characteristics and shared life experiences play a key role in shaping dream content.
Optimizing a powerful tool for measuring brain activity
Research explores how differences in brain development, age, and sleep affect EEG signals recorded from awake individuals. The study reveals that brain signals during wakefulness depend on prior sleep, with effects differing between children and adults.
Research identifies slow-wave sleep activity as regulator for anxiety in older adults
A new study from Center for BrainHealth researchers found that declining slow-wave activity during sleep explains why anxiety rises in older adults. Participants who generated fewer slow waves woke up more anxious the next morning, while those with stronger slow-wave sleep did not show the same pattern.
Symptom-based dosing for neonatal opioid withdrawal
A randomized clinical trial found symptom-based dosing decreases discharge time compared to scheduled opioid taper approaches among infants with opioid withdrawal. This approach, using Eat, Sleep, Console, led to faster recovery and improved outcomes.
TGR Haas F1 Team, UChicago Medicine introduce first-of-its-kind study on elite team performance
The study examines the cumulative physical, cognitive and psychological demands of a Formula 1 season on team personnel. Researchers aim to develop targeted interventions to support performance, recovery and well-being in one of the world's most demanding team environments.
Implanted nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea found to be safe and effective in new trial
A new trial found that proximal hypoglossal nerve stimulation (pHGNS) significantly reduced breathing interruptions during sleep and improved daytime sleepiness without adverse events. The therapy, an FDA-approved alternative to nasal positive airway pressure, was found to be safe and effective in patients with moderate-to-severe obstr...
Excessive napping may be a warning sign of underlying or developing health conditions in older adults
A study of 1,338 older adults found that longer, more frequent, and morning naps were associated with higher mortality rates. Excessive daytime napping was linked to increased risk of neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, and greater morbidity.
Social support, sleep, and pain management linked to mental health in later life
A national Canadian study found that older adults who are socially connected, physically healthy, and spiritually engaged are significantly more likely to experience complete mental health. Social support emerged as one of the strongest predictors, doubling the odds of achieving complete mental health.
Physical activity and appropriate sleep linked to subsequent lower dementia risk
A meta-analysis of millions of community-dwelling adults found that regular physical activity, less sedentary time, and appropriate nightly sleep (7-8 hours) were associated with a lower subsequent risk of dementia. Conversely, too little or too much sleep was linked to an increased risk, highlighting the importance of optimal sleep du...
Male gender, marriage, and social support linked to flourishing mental health for older Canadians
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
Sleep patterns may reveal hidden heart risks
Research from Flinders University finds that people with sleep apnea who experience dramatic night-to-night breathing problems are 30% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The studies suggest that repeated changes in oxygen levels and sleep disruption can quietly stress the heart and blood vessels over time.
Rivaling Atlas: Unpaid work burdens, nonrestorative sleep, and mental health
A study of 3,959 healthy Japanese workers found that longer working hours, including unpaid care and domestic work, are associated with a higher risk of nonrestorative sleep and poor mental health in women. The researchers call for policy changes to address time poverty and promote gender equality.
Sleep cleans the brain – University of Oulu researchers develop a fast, non-invasive way to measure the process
Scientists have developed a method to track increased movement of brain fluids during sleep without invasive procedures. This allows for the study of how sleep enhances brain cleaning processes.
Irregular bedtime linked to higher risk of cardiac events
A new study from the University of Oulu suggests that large swings in bedtime could double the risk of serious cardiac events. Inconsistent bedtimes were strongly associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, especially among those who get less than eight hours of sleep.
Later sleep and wake times tied to poor diet and sedentary behavior in teens
A study found that late sleep schedules are linked to unhealthy eating habits, including increased calorie intake and snacking, as well as reduced physical activity, particularly during school hours. The researchers suggest that parents should pay attention to their children's sleep timing during adolescence.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine announces 2026 award recipients
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2026 award recipients for their exceptional contributions to sleep medicine. The award winners are Dr. Susan Redline, Danny Eckert, Dr. Douglas Kirsch, Dr. Beth Malow, and Dr. Robert Stansbury, recognized for their research, education, advocacy, and clinical care.
Vivid dreaming makes sleep feel deeper
Researchers found that immersive dreaming, even with wake-like brain activity, leads to a greater feeling of deep sleep. Vivid dreams are associated with subjective deeper sleep, while abstract thoughts are related to more shallow feelings.
Transportation noise: An overlooked risk to heart health
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
Sleep health dimensions from wearables and transdiagnostic mental health in young adolescents
The study identified six sleep health dimensions in young adolescents: irregularity, timing, duration, social jetlag, weekend oversleep, and continuity. Greater irregularity was associated with higher concurrent transdiagnostic mental health symptoms, while shorter duration was linked to increased symptoms at follow-up.
More sleep and physical activity may prevent Type 2 diabetes in teens
Adolescents who replaced half an hour of sedentary behaviors with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or sleep showed a 15% lower insulin resistance. This study highlights the importance of being active early in life for long-term health, aligning with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metrics.
Sleep apps help some users, but they stress out people with insomnia
A study found that sleep apps can have negative effects on people with insomnia symptoms, causing more worries and stress. While the apps helped some users, younger adults reported stronger effects, while older individuals responded less.
Is your brain aging faster than you are? Sleep may hold the key
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that analyzing fine-scale patterns in brain waves during sleep can provide insights into brain health. The research suggests that sudden large spikes on EEG, known as kurtosis, are associated with a lower risk of dementia.
Differences in brain activity between ADHD and neurotypical adults
Researchers found that adults with ADHD exhibit more sleep-like brain activity, leading to more lapses in attention. This increased activity may be a key brain mechanism underlying attention problems in ADHD. Further study is needed to explore potential strategies to mitigate this activity.
Spring fatigue cannot be empirically proven
A study by researchers at the University of Basel and University of Bern found that spring fatigue is not a real biological phenomenon, but rather a culturally influenced concept. Participants in an online survey reported feeling more exhausted in spring, but the data showed no correlation with seasonal changes.
Smart textiles with built-in “brain”: Shandong University team release fiber memristor-based physical reservoir computing system for ultra-low-power multi-modal sleep monitoring
The research team created a fiber memristor-based physical reservoir computing system that enables seamless, continuous, and unobtrusive sleep monitoring. The system achieved 94.8% accuracy in snore event detection, 95.4% in sleep stage classification, and 93.5% in multi-modal fusion tasks.
7 hours 18 mins may be optimal sleep length for avoiding type 2 diabetes precursor
A large observational study found that sleeping 7 hours and 18 minutes per night may help prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, weekend catch-up sleep can increase the risk of impaired glucose metabolism in those who sleep beyond this threshold every night.
HMH scientists calculate breathing-brain wave rhythms in deepest sleep
A team from Hackensack Meridian Health found that during the deepest sleep, breathing patterns become independent of brain activity, unlike lighter sleep or wakefulness. This study provides new insights into how internal brain states interact with peripheral rhythms like respiration.
Within-person association between daily screen use and sleep in youth
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a small correlation between daily screen use and later sleep onset in youth. However, short-term fluctuations in screen time had limited effects on sleep duration, efficiency, or quality.
Insufficient sleep among US adolescents across behavioral risk groups
A study found insufficient sleep among US adolescents, with trends suggesting environmental and structural factors are driving the issue, rather than specific behaviors. The findings highlight the need for population-level interventions to address widespread sleep loss.
How sleep disruption impairs social memory: Oxytocin circuits reveal mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Chronic sleep disruption persistently impairs social memory by differentially encoding oxytocin release in hippocampal CA2 during novelty encoding and prelimbic cortex during retrieval of familiar individuals. Restoration of PVN-OXT neurons enhances OXT release and produces sustained behavioral recovery.
Sleep loss linked to higher atrial fibrillation risk in working-age adults
A new multicenter study by Kumamoto University and National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center found that working-age adults with shorter sleep durations are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation. In contrast, retirees showed no significant association between sleep duration and AF risk.
Babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep. Those with high sensory sensitivity slept more lightly even in quiet environments.
The cells that never sleep: How slumber lets neurons clean up and stay healthy
Research by Amita Sehgal and her team reveals that sleep helps neurons stay healthy by removing oxidative damage through lipid transfer to glia cells. This process is crucial for maintaining neuronal function and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Sleep‑aligned fasting improves key heart and blood‑sugar markers
A new study found that aligning overnight fasting with the body's natural sleep-wake rhythm improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. Participants who extended their fast by two hours and dimmed lights three hours before bedtime showed significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood-sugar control.
Dream engineering can help solve ‘puzzling’ questions
A Northwestern University study found that 75% of participants had dreams including puzzle fragments, with solved puzzles occurring more often in lucid and non-lucid dreams. Engineering dreams may help increase creative problem-solving ability.
Why we sleep poorly in new environments: A brain circuit that keeps animals awake
Scientists at Nagoya University identified a brain circuit that keeps mice awake in unfamiliar environments, releasing neurotensin to maintain wakefulness and protect against potential dangers. This discovery may explain the 'first night effect' in humans, where the brain remains vigilant on the first night in a new place.
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum 2026, 6-10 July, Barcelona, Spain
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
Night owl or early bird? Study finds sleep categories aren’t that simple
A new study from McGill University identified five distinct biological subtypes of chronotypes, which are linked to unique behavioral and health patterns. The research found that one group of night owls is more vulnerable to depression, while another group of early birds has fewer health problems overall.
Sleep Innovation Laboratories kicks off at Center for BrainHealth with key hire, international accolades
The Sleep Innovation Laboratories, led by Dr. Matthew Walker and Eti Ben Simon, aims to bridge foundational neuroscience with real-world application related to sleep. The Labs will focus on creating greater access to engaging, actionable sleep education and advancing a core strategy of the Center for BrainHealth.
Being a night owl may increase your heart risk
Middle-aged and older adults who were more active in the evenings had poorer cardiovascular health compared to their peers who were more active during the day. This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that evening chronotypes are associated with behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such ...
Does screen time affect teens’ sleep and lifestyle habits?
A study of 700 teens found that screen time negatively affects sleep quality and beliefs about healthy lifestyles. The researchers suggest reducing screen exposure, increasing social interaction, and promoting alternative activities to promote healthier lifestyles and better sleep.
Clinical trial of early morning shift workers shows promise of new drug for reducing excessive sleepiness
A new clinical trial found that solriamfetol helped early morning shift workers with shift work disorder stay more alert and report better overall functioning. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, enrolled 78 early-morning shift workers and showed significant improvement in sleepiness and daily activities after four weeks of treatment.
Sleeping without pillows may lower harmful high internal eye pressure in people with glaucoma
Researchers found that sleeping without pillows can lower harmful high internal eye pressure in people with glaucoma. The study suggests that stacking pillows alter neck position, which compresses the jugular vein and prevents natural drainage of aqueous humor.
Breathing disruptions during sleep widespread in newborns with severe spina bifida
A study finds that nearly half of newborns with severe spina bifida experience breathing problems during sleep, which can be detected through comprehensive sleep studies. Early treatment may significantly improve cognitive development in these high-risk infants.
Battery-free nano-sensors could pave the way for next-generation wearables
Scientists at the University of Surrey have created ultra-sensitive nanofiber-based sensors that can harness power from gentle movements, enabling continuous and maintenance-free sensing. These breakthrough sensors have potential applications in sleep disorder monitoring and dementia care.
ŌURA and National University of Singapore open Joint Lab to advance research in personalized preventive health
The ŌURA–NUS Joint Lab combines wearable biometric data with sleep science expertise to study how sleep and physical activity shape long-term health outcomes. The lab aims to generate insights that help individuals, clinicians, and health systems shift from reactive care to proactive preventive health.
Social environment impacts sleep quality
Researchers found that mice higher in their social hierarchy benefited from isolation, while those lower did not. The team also discovered that being alone can disrupt the brain's ability to stabilize its internal rhythms during sleep, which may be relevant to human mental health.
Ben-Gurion University expert on autism spectrum disorders leads new project examining sleep in children with autism
A new open-science resource for studying sleep in children with autism has been launched, leveraging state-of-the-art wearable and nearable devices to gather unprecedented data. The Simons Sleep Project reveals that autistic children have greater difficulties falling asleep than their siblings, and this specific sleep problem is associ...
Improving sleep isn’t enough: researchers highlight daytime function as key to assessing insomnia treatments
Researchers developed a smartphone-based assessment approach to detect improvements in daytime insomnia symptoms, detecting treatment effects more powerfully than traditional methods. The new method leverages real-time, multimethod assessment and shows potential for personalizing sleep medicine care.
Cooler bedroom temperatures help the heart recover during sleep
A study found that maintaining a bedroom temperature of 24°C at night reduces stress responses and helps the heart recover from heat exposure. Dr. Fergus O'Connor's research suggests this can be especially beneficial for individuals aged 65 years and over.
Yoga for opioid withdrawal and autonomic regulation
This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.
Self-guided behavioral app helps children with epilepsy sleep earlier
A new UK-wide clinical trial evaluated a self-guided behavioural sleep programme for children with epilepsy, resulting in improved sleep duration of 16.5 minutes. However, the main issue was engagement, as only half of those given access to the resources used them.
Cracking the evolutionary code of sleep
A Bar-Ilan University study uncovers the origin of sleep in jellyfish and sea anemones, demonstrating that protecting neurons from DNA damage is a basic function of sleep. The research shows that both species accumulate DNA damage during wakefulness and reduce it during sleep, with increased damage triggering recovery sleep.
Back pain linked to worse sleep years later in men over 65, according to study
A recent study found that back pain can predict sleep problems years later in men over 65, leading to a 12% to 25% increase in sleep issues. Men with back pain are more likely to experience poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.