Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
A new UCLA study reveals a link between REM sleep duration and body temperature in animals, suggesting that REM sleep acts like a 'thermostatically controlled brain heater'. This challenges popular views on the role of REM sleep in learning and emotional regulation.
Researchers discovered that carrying and walking with crying infants for five minutes significantly reduces their distress and promotes sleep. The study suggests a new approach to soothing infant crying, which may improve long-term sleep outcomes.
A new study published in Current Biology found that carrying crying infants for 5 minutes can promote sleep and reduce crying. The technique, known as the Transport Response, involves steady walking followed by sitting before laying the baby down to sleep. This method offers an immediate solution for parents of newborns struggling with...
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that older adults with consistent daily routines are happier, less depressed, and have better cognitive function. Participants who rose early, stayed active throughout the day, and followed a regular routine performed better on cognitive tests than those with disrupted patterns.
Researchers from the European Insomnia Network found that outdoor nighttime temperatures outside thermal comfort can affect human sleep. To combat this, try keeping a bedroom below 25 degrees Celsius, using fans instead of air conditioning, and staying hydrated during heatwaves.
Scientists at UC San Diego have illuminated the role of key neurons that alter function in response to seasonal changes in light exposure. The study found that neurons change expression of neurotransmitters in response to day length stimuli, triggering behavioral changes.
A new Canadian study has found that older people with insomnia are at greater risk of developing memory decline and long-term cognitive impairment such as dementia. Insomnia was specifically related to worse memory performance compared to those with some insomnia symptoms alone or no sleep problems.
Researchers at UCSF found that eye movements during REM sleep are coordinated with the direction of gaze in the virtual dream world. This suggests that dreams may be a way for the brain to integrate information gathered throughout the day and create a 'perfectly harmonious fake world'.
Recent evidence suggests hormone therapy at menopause does not significantly increase the risk of invasive breast cancer. However, estrogen combined with progesterone increases breast cancer risk for women with an intact uterus. Menopause experts offer reassurance to women and their healthcare providers about the safety of hormone ther...
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University has linked the use of herbicide Roundup to convulsions in soil-dwelling roundworms, suggesting that glyphosate targets GABA-A receptors. The study found that even low concentrations of glyphosate had concerning effects on the nervous system.
A new Flinders University analysis found that people reporting symptoms of both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are at an increased risk of death compared to those without the conditions. The study highlights the importance of self-reported symptoms and risk factors, and could lead to greater and more rapid assessment in populatio...
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 Northwestern University found that a thermometer-like brain circuit promotes midday siestas on hot days. The study, which used fruit flies as a model organism, identified absolute heat receptors in fly heads, leading to increased midday sleep in flies and potentially humans.
The study found a 31% decline in sleep medication use between 2013 and 2018, with the strongest decrease in FDA-approved medications. Behavioral treatments for insomnia are increasingly encouraged due to their effectiveness and reduced risk of adverse outcomes.
The American Heart Association offers important guidance on sleep-disordered breathing and its association with cardiac arrhythmia, highlighting the potential benefits of SDB treatment on patient outcomes. The statement emphasizes the need for more randomized data to confirm the link between SDB and reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that American military veterans are less willing to seek treatment for sleep and alcohol use problems compared to physical health issues. Discrimination experiences also play a significant role in reducing treatment-seeking among veterans of color.
The August issue of the CHEST journal features 47 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. A highlighted article examines barriers to palliative care in interstitial lung disease.
A recent study from Flinders University reveals that engaging with infants during crib-side visits is the biggest disincentive to parents' sexual frequency. Parents who spend more time with their infant at night report having sex less often.
A new study finds that children who get less than nine hours of sleep per night have significant differences in certain brain regions compared to those who get the recommended amount. The study also linked inadequate sleep to greater mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors.
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that people with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy sleep behaviors are at risk for developing fatty liver disease. Moderate improvement in sleep quality was related to a 29% reduction in the risk for fatty liver disease.
A study by University of Warwick found that worsened financial situation and sleep difficulties are key indicators of individuals at higher risk of developing mental health issues. The research, based on a survey of 895 university students, revealed a reduction in mental health symptoms over time as financial difficulties and sleep irr...
A study published in the American Heart Association's Hypertension journal found a significant association between frequent napping and an increased risk of high blood pressure and ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed data from over 360,000 participants and suggested that naps may not be enough to make up for poor sleep at night.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that consistently getting at least 10 hours of sleep at night, particularly before the kindergarten year begins, is crucial for a smooth transition to first-time schooling. This consistent sleep pattern is also associated with better emotional development, learning engagement, and academic perf...
Researchers found that night-shift workers experience disrupted sleep quality and circadian rhythms, even after years of night shift work. Their study, published in eBioMedicine, used wearable tech to monitor 140 workers, revealing a significant impact on health.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a unique mattress system that manipulates internal body temperature to facilitate sleep onset. The system, which combines warming and cooling functions, helps people fall asleep approximately 58% faster and improves the quality of sleep.
The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.
New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that noradrenaline causes brief wake-ups during sleep, potentially leading to better memory and less anxiety. High levels of noradrenaline result in brief awakenings, while low levels promote deeper sleep.
A unique study of brain activity found that sound during sleep prompts a robust response from the brain, except in one key area where alpha-beta waves are attenuated. The findings could help understand how information is processed by the brain in unconscious states.
A recent study discovered that brain inflammation may be a key link between Alzheimer's disease risk and sleep disturbance. The research found that age-related increases in brain inflammation can disrupt fast sleep spindles, which are crucial for long-term memory retention. This disruption contributes to age-related memory impairment i...
A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.
A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.
Researchers found that despite a powerful brain response to sound during sleep, the level of alpha-beta waves associated with attention and expectation is significantly reduced. This means the brain can analyze auditory input but fails to focus on it, resulting in no conscious awareness.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.
A recent study published in Circulation Journal Report reveals that only 20% of U.S. adults and children have ideal cardiovascular health. The Life's Essential 8 checklist, updated by the American Heart Association, assesses heart health through eight key components, including diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.
University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.
A study of 552 older adults found that those exposed to light during sleep were significantly more likely to develop obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. The study suggests that minimizing light exposure at night can help prevent these conditions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found an association between reduced estrogen and progesterone levels and increased risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women. Low estrogen levels were linked to a 19% decreased odds of snoring, while low progesterone levels were associated with a 9% decrease.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe-sleep guidelines, recommending babies sleep on their backs on flat, level surfaces to reduce SIDS risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, pacifier use, and avoiding drugs and alcohol exposure.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created wearable human motion devices that can track a multitude of activities, including breathing and muscle contractions. The devices use a two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterial called MXene alongside a conductive polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that poor sleep among African Americans is associated with lower cognitive function, including attention and executive function. The study suggests that improving sleep health may support prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
A U-shaped pattern of sleep duration across life stages was found, with age 40 being the lowest point and efficiency stabilizing from ages 30 to 60. Study participants wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days, providing an objective measure of sleep time.
A study published in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation found that emergency medical service (EMS) workers who experience poorer sleep quality report higher levels of anger. The researchers discovered a significant link between lower sleep quality and increased anger levels among EMS workers, with anger levels incre...
Researchers found that healthy choices, such as no smoking, high leisure-time exercise, and adequate sleep, are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, intakes of certain polyphenols, commonly found in tea and other foods, may also play a role in protecting brain health among Black participants.
The American College of Chest Physicians' flagship journal CHEST published its June issue featuring 58 articles on various chest medicine topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal is set to expand with two new open-access journals, CHEST Pulmonary and CHEST Critical Care.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba used worms to discover a single neuron that regulates sleep patterns by tracking intracellular calcium ion currents. The study found that artificial activation of this neuron can induce immediate sleep, shedding light on the mechanisms behind sleep-wake transitions.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that older men experiencing frequent bad dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggest that dream changes could serve as an early warning sign for the condition, which may develop years before characteristic symptoms appear.
African Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to experience flare-ups due to inadequate sleep, which may boost their risk by up to 95%. The study, published on June 6, 2022, suggests that poor sleep quality may partially explain why African American patients tend to fare worse than white patients. ...
The study found increases in screen time, alcohol use, and poor sleep among Australian girls during the pandemic. However, overall sleep improved, and some dietary choices improved during lockdown.
A review at the Euroanaesthesia congress recommends that doctors and nurses take 20-minute power naps during night shifts to improve staff and patient safety. This is due to the risks of fatigue-induced accidents, decreased cognitive function, and impaired teamwork, which can lead to poor patient care.
A new study presents a self-powering smart pillow that tracks head movement during sleep using triboelectric nanogenerators. This system could improve the accuracy of sleep monitoring and have uses beyond tracking sleep, such as monitoring patients with cervical spondylosis or detecting early warning signs for falls.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University found that dogs with higher attachment scores spend more time in deep sleep and relax better in new environments. The study suggests a similarity between dog-owner relationships and human-child relationships.
Researchers discovered that genes in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei respond to rhythmic behavior in the mother before the biological clock starts ticking on its own. This finding may have implications for premature babies and highlights the importance of a healthy maternal circadian system during pregnancy.
The 36th annual SLEEP 2022 meeting will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, from June 4-8, featuring thousands of attendees and over 100 sessions on sleep health disparities, innovations in behavioral sleep medicine, and more. Dr. Susan Redline will present the keynote address on obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.
A team of researchers has developed a novel method using infrared imaging to assess glymphatic function, which is crucial for understanding neurological conditions. The technique allows for the measurement of temporal dynamics of glymphatic functions and provides insights into brain fluid exchange and clearance.
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
A study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a higher dose of melatonin (5mg) increased total sleep time compared to placebo in healthy older adults. The high-dose melatonin group showed significant improvements in both nighttime and daytime sleep episodes.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that women aged 55 and over who snore are at significant risk for sleep apnea, which can be fatal. The researchers warn that the phenomenon often occurs during sleep, causing women to be unaware of their condition.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.
A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that modifying lifestyle behaviors can have a marked effect on lifespan, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Adopting five or more healthy habits increased life expectancy by up to 6 years for healthy 40-year-olds.