Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
A new national study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are twice as likely to report trouble falling or staying asleep than their straight peers. This is attributed to greater depression, stress, and family conflict among LGB youth, which can make it harder for them to get a good night's sleep.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.
Two early-career cognitive neuroscientists, Anna Schapiro and Freek van Ede, have been awarded the prestigious Young Investigator Award by the Cognitive Neuroscience Society. Their research focuses on understanding human learning and working memory.
A recent study found that dog owners are more likely to experience sleep disorders than non-dog owners. Cat ownership was also linked to higher odds of leg jerks during the night. The research suggests that pets may disrupt their owner's sleep due to increased activity at night, particularly with cats.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) can improve daily functioning and reduce perceived pain among patients with chronic low back pain. Statistically significant improvements were observed in domains such as sleep, reaching, and bending forward.
A secondary analysis of a randomized trial found that even a small reduction in sleep time per night can significantly affect health-related quality of life in children. The study suggests ensuring sufficient good-quality sleep is crucial for child health.
A study found that self-reported sleep quality is significantly associated with quality of life for individuals over time and when comparing between people. High-quality sleep improves quality of life regardless of sleep duration or timing.
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.
The American College of Chest Physicians released a clinical practice guideline on respiratory management for patients with neuromuscular weakness, providing evidence-based recommendations for mouthpiece ventilation and airway clearance therapies. The guideline aims to improve care for this vulnerable population.
A nationwide study found that financial disruption, such as a parent losing their job, was associated with increased stress, sadness, and COVID-19-related worry in children, but not sleep. School disruption had no association with mental health or sleep outcomes, surprising researchers.
A new meta-analysis found that sleeping fewer than six hours per night after COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a weakened antibody response. The study highlights the need for simple behavioral interventions like sufficient sleep to improve vaccine efficacy during the pandemic.
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.
The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.
Researchers propose adjusting spring and autumn time changes to optimize daylight usage, rather than abolishing them. They argue that modern societies can benefit from seasonal time regulation, despite temporary disruptions.
A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...
A study of over 600 adolescents found that mobile devices can act as a distraction from negative thoughts, helping them fall asleep. The research suggests that controlled nighttime use of social media and apps may be beneficial for teenagers struggling with sleep.
A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.
A new study published in Hypertension journal found that irregular sleep patterns contribute to higher blood pressure among teens with extra belly weight. The research suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule may help protect adolescents from cardiovascular consequences of obesity.
Preliminary research found that better sleep health was associated with higher rates of attendance at group interval sessions, adherence to caloric intake goals, and improvement in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity. However, the association between sleep health and physical activity was not statistically signifi...
A Norwegian study found that patients who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours per night were more likely to report infections. Chronic sleep problems also increased the risk of needing antibiotics.
Two studies found that adults with high cardiovascular health scores tend to live longer lives free of major chronic diseases. The research highlights the importance of maintaining ideal cardiovascular health to delay onset of age-related diseases, allowing individuals to enjoy life in their years as well as their years in life.
A study of 11,633 children aged 9-11 found that increased screen time was associated with a higher risk of developing suicidal behaviors two years later. Each additional hour of screen time led to a 9% higher risk of reporting suicidal behavior.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers with a 'late sleep chronotype' who use technology before bed on weekends are at greater risk of disturbed sleep. This can lead to a serious sleep deficit, negatively impacting their daily tasks and wellbeing.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital study reveals that popular YouTube videos on sleep health often contain misinformation, despite expert-led content receiving significantly fewer views. The study highlights the prevalence of consumer bias in popular videos, which may lead to patients avoiding care or receiving wrong care.
Research finds people with insomnia are 69% more likely to have a heart attack compared to those without the sleep disorder. Insomnia is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks in people with diabetes and those who get less than five hours of sleep per night.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that the human body can predict regular mealtimes based on physiological changes. The research team discovered that daily blood glucose rhythms may be driven by both meal size and timing, suggesting a physiological drive for some people to eat at certain times.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
Research found that patients with poorer memory, concentration, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after a stroke are more likely to be fatigued and sleepy. This study highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive and emotional issues in stroke patients to prevent long-term fatigue and improved diagnostics and treatment.
Researchers found that a 30-minute mid-afternoon nap had the best balance of practicability and benefit, while shorter naps still improved mood, alertness, and memory encoding. The study suggests allocating at least 40 minutes for sleep to fall asleep.
The February issue of the CHEST journal features 37 articles exploring various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal also highlights its equity topic collection, focusing on conditions that affect women, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis.
Researchers have identified specific subtypes of ellipsoid body (EB) ring neurons that regulate sleep in Drosophila. These subtypes, including R3p and R4m neurons, promote daytime sleep and nighttime wakefulness, respectively.
Women who followed most aspects of a healthy lifestyle had about half the risk of long COVID compared to those without any healthy lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy body weight and adequate sleep were strongly associated with lower risk of long COVID.
A new study has shed light on the complex interplay between our body clock, sex, and age, revealing sex-dimorphic gene expression rhythms and reduced rhythmic programs with age across various biological functions. These findings may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating pathologies such as sleep disorders and metabolic diseases.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found a correlation between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus. The study, which analyzed data from 3.5 million Danes, suggests that exposure to high levels of traffic noise increases the risk of tinnitus by up to six percent.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic stroke survivors in the US are less likely to receive treatment for common complications, despite improved overall stroke survival rates. Researchers analyzed electronic health records from 2002 to 2022 and matched patients based on 41 factors to minimize biases.
Over half of women with urinary tract infections experience impairment in sex life, sleep, and exercise, as well as reduced quality of life. The study also found significant costs associated with uncomplicated UTIs among US females.
A recent study conducted in Japan found that moderate and intense physical activity favors good sleep in middle-aged Japanese women. The research used an isotemporal substitution approach and replaced sedentary behavior with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, resulting in improved sleep quality. Interestingly, this association was...
A new study found that sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in white adults. However, the relationship between sleep medications and dementia risk varies by medication type and socio-economic status. The study suggests that patients with poor sleep should consider alternative solutions before taking medications.
Researchers found that seminal fluid protein sex peptide alters the female fly's behavior by changing the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the circadian clock. Post-mating, sex peptide increases egg-laying, aggression, activity and feeding while reducing sleep and interest in mating.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improved insomnia severity index and Epworth sleepiness scale scores by at least 30% in 39.1% and 28.1% of participants, respectively. The study also established minimally clinical important difference values to gauge treatment success.
A new study analyzing over 14,000 people found that parents with sleep disorders have a significantly higher risk of experiencing stress. The study also discovered that children with sleep disorders can nearly double the risk of their parents developing insomnia and sleep apnea.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that daily moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with mid-life brain power. However, replacing these activities with just 6-7 minutes of sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognitive performance. The study analyzed data from over 4,4...
Insufficient sleep during teenage years is linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a 40% and 50% increased risk, respectively. The study suggests that sufficient restorative sleep may be an important preventive factor against MS.
A nationwide study using Google Street View images found that predominantly White neighborhoods had better neighborhood conditions associated with good health, such as fewer neglected buildings and more greenery. In contrast, neighborhoods with residents who were primarily Black or of other minority races had fewer green spaces and mor...
A new study has identified several commonalities and diversity in sleep music, including quieter and slower tempos, more acoustic instruments, and a range of energetic levels. Despite these trends, popular sleep playlists on Spotify include faster and louder tracks that may aid relaxation for some people.
The January issue of the CHEST journal features a range of clinically relevant research on COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal's education portal offers continuing medical education (CME) credit for select articles.
A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.
A study by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos found that 86% of health workers reported burnout and 81% suffered from stress. They also experienced depression, slept badly, and complained of aches and pains. The study aimed to assess the effects of long working hours and burden on physical and mental health.
Researchers have identified a new genetic pathway involved in regulating sleep from fruit flies to humans. The Pig-Q gene is associated with sleep regulation in both humans and animals, providing a novel insight into the genetics of insomnia.
A Swedish study of 3,525 university students found procrastination associated with worse mental health, disabling pain, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that enhancing understanding of students' health is crucial due to the prevalence of procrastination among this population.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that people's sleep duration follows three distinct phases across the lifespan. The study, which analyzed data from 730,187 participants, reveals a decline in sleep duration during mid-adulthood until age 33, followed by a plateau until early 50s.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that acupressure has a greater effect on reducing sleep disturbance in patients with cancer. The study suggests that nurses should be trained in acupressure to help patients experiencing sleep problems. The analysis included 24 randomized controlled trials involving 2,002 patients.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that evening hot spring bathing is associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension among Japanese older adults. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 residents over 65 and discovered that those who bathed in onsen after 19:00 were 15% less likely to have hypertension.
A new study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension. In contrast, moderate green tea consumption did not show a significant association with increased risk, suggesting potential benefits of polyphenols in reducing mortality.
During sleep, brain regions synchronize to create motor memory by reviewing trials and errors of a given action. The study found that the
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that closed-eye perception of brightness is remarkably stronger than previously reported, with values up to 10 times higher. The color of the light also affects perception, with red being perceived as brighter and blue as darker.
The December issue of CHEST journal features articles on COVID-19 lessons learned and future pandemic preparedness. The journal also explores various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine.
Eating two ounces of walnuts daily for 16 weeks improved self-reported mental health indicators, had a protective effect against academic stress, and aided sleep quality. Walnuts' bioactive nutrients and phytochemicals may underlie their beneficial effects on mental health.
A study followed over 7,000 Canadians for three years to find that being female, physically active, and not obese were key to maintaining excellent health. Factors such as high income and social support also played a crucial role in optimal aging.
A recent study led by Stefan Seidel found that light therapy significantly improves fatigue symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis patients, with measurable improvements observed after just 14 days of use. The study used objective measurements to rule out sleep disorders, which are common comorbidities with fatigue in MS patients.