Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
A Northwestern University-led team is developing a wireless implant that regulates circadian clocks, aiming to halve recovery time from disrupted sleep. The 'living pharmacy' device could also treat pain and disease with precise timing and dosing.
Researchers found that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds could understand novel vocalizations for 30 different meanings, including animate and inanimate entities, actions, properties, and quantifiers. The study suggests iconic vocalisations may have played a crucial role in the creation of original spoken words.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that long-term use of prescription medications for insomnia does not improve sleep quality or duration in middle-aged women. Despite this, many people still take these drugs due to chronic insomnia.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that autistic adults are more likely to have atypical eating patterns and sleep disturbance, increasing their risk of cardiovascular conditions. The study suggests promoting healthy choices may help reduce excess health risks in autistic adults.
Research from Simon Fraser University suggests that remote learning leads to delayed sleep timing without increased overall sleep duration. Students slept later but did not sleep more, contrary to assumptions that would suggest better time management would lead to improved sleep habits.
New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that sleep can increase the risk of sudden death in people with epilepsy. Seizures disrupt the body's natural regulation of sleep-related changes, leading to a slower heart rate and potentially deadly consequences.
A study found that sleeping six to seven hours a night is associated with more favorable heart health, while participants who slept less or more had higher cardiovascular risk scores. Inflammation levels, measured by C-reactive protein, were also higher in those with longer or shorter sleep durations.
A study of 1179 children aged 11-12 years found that moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise was 2-6 times more potent than sleep or sedentary time in improving physical and mental health. Exercising 17 minutes more, sleeping an extra 52 minutes, or reducing sitting time by 56 minutes can achieve similar benefits.
A study from the University of Kansas found that test anxiety triggers poor sleep, which can lead to reduced performance on tests. The research revealed a correlation between sleep, anxiety, and test scores, with students experiencing significant differences in grades due to anxiety levels.
A new study by researchers at the VA Portland Health Care System found that morning bright light therapy improved physical and mental symptoms for veterans with traumatic brain injury. The therapy showed significant benefits in cognitive function, sleep, depression, and neuropsychiatric trauma symptoms.
A Brigham Young University study found that mobile night shift functions do not improve sleep quality, contrary to manufacturer claims. Researchers tested 167 emerging adults and found no significant differences in sleep outcomes between those using phones with Night Shift enabled or disabled.
A recent cross-sectional analysis found a significant association between iron-deficiency anemia and the likelihood of developing insomnia in Chinese adults. Anemia was assessed using hemoglobin levels, while insomnia was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Athens Insomnia Scale.
Listening to music before bed significantly improves sleep quality among older adults. Longer listening periods yield the most effective results. Music therapy is an easy-to-administer strategy that may become a first-line treatment option.
A new study published in Menopause suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with female sexual dysfunction, while good sleep quality is linked to increased sexual activity. The study of over 3,400 women found that insufficient sleep quality was a significant factor in female sexual problems during midlife.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that listening to calming music at bedtime can help older adults sleep better. Calming music improves sleep quality more than rhythmic music, and longer exposure (more than four weeks) is associated with greater benefits.
Experts propose making general anaesthesia available to dying patients, citing high public support. This would provide unconsciousness during final moments, alleviating suffering.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has found a clear link between disrupted sleep and an increased risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as death from any cause. Women were found to have nearly double the risk of cardiovascular death compared to men.
The Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine celebrates its first decade of research achievements in the common ground between sleep and anesthesia. Studies examine the outcomes of patients with undiagnosed sleep disorders or breathing issues undergoing surgery, highlighting the potential for treating perioperative periods as opportuni...
Late school start times are linked to higher grade point averages and higher proportions of students getting the recommended number of hours of sleep. Students in districts with delayed start times reported a small but significant increase in GPAs, ranging from 0.10 to 0.17 GPA points.
A comprehensive analysis of 24 studies found limited evidence on risk factors for steroid-induced psychological reactions in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Younger patients were at risk for behavioral problems, while older patients were more susceptible to sleep issues.
A new study reveals a strong association between insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and worsening disease symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Insomnia was found to be a common symptom in these patients, with waking up too early particularly associated with current suicidal thoughts.
A recent update from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine highlights the benefits of telemedicine in providing safe and effective sleep care. The use of telemedicine has improved adherence to CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea patients, while cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia shows similar results to in-person treatment.
Researchers are investigating how sleep affects lung health and exercise tolerance in African Americans compared to Caucasian smokers, thanks to a $30,000 grant from the CHEST Foundation. The study aims to identify potential associations between sleep deficiency, smoking, and lung health disparities in high-risk African American adults.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, can independently promote longer or deeper sleep in mice by manipulating slow-wave activity. The findings suggest that targeting astrocytes could lead to new insights into sleep disorders and brain diseases linked to sleep disturbances.
Women with gestational diabetes who prefer evening activity are more likely to experience preeclampsia and have newborns requiring neonatal intensive care. The study suggests that circadian rhythm disturbances may add an additional risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.
Research suggests that sleep disturbances during menopause may contribute to changes in the body that increase the risk of weight gain and related diseases. The study found that poor sleep reduced fat utilization, increasing the likelihood of fat storage and subsequent weight gain.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced its 2021 award recipients, recognizing excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy. M. Safwan Badr, Terri Weaver, Scott Williams, and Indira Gurubhagavatula are among those honored for their dedication to advancing sleep care and enhancing sleep health.
A large European survey found that women managers report better sleep quality in countries with greater gender empowerment. In contrast, men managers slept better in higher-GDP countries. These findings suggest a link between gender equality and improved sleep quality for women, while economic development benefits men.
Researchers found that employees who took more frequent microbreaks were better able to manage their fatigue and engage with their work throughout the day. Microbreaks include short, voluntary respites such as snacking or chatting with colleagues, and can be beneficial for both employers and employees.
A new study by University of Arizona researcher Mary-Frances O'Connor found that people with persistent sleep challenges before losing someone are at higher risk for developing complicated grief. Complicated grief is characterized by an intense and persistent yearning for the lost loved one, disrupting daily functioning.
Four sleep and circadian scientists were selected as 2021 SRS award recipients, including Allison G. Harvey for her treatment development research, Colin E. Sullivan for his novel discoveries on sleep apnea, Girardin Jean-Louis for his education and outreach efforts, and James K. Walsh for his public service and leadership in the field.
Researchers found that poor sleep leads to increased signs of brain waste and post-concussive symptoms among veterans with traumatic brain injuries. A new technique developed at OHSU measures the brain's waste-clearance system through MRIs.
An international study found that decreased physical activity during the pandemic was linked to poorer physical and mental health, including perceptions of weight gain and decreased sleep. Increased physical activity was associated with better physical health and wellbeing.
Research at the University of Leicester found that two-thirds of children use multiple screens simultaneously, leading to reduced physical activity, higher BMI, and less sleep. The study also identified a strong correlation between screen use and poor self-esteem.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers reveals that material hardship is linked to poor health, depression, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts in young adults aged 24-32. The study found that struggling to meet basic needs increases the likelihood of reporting these negative health outcomes.
Researchers found that sleep helps connect fear memories to sensory events, allowing accurate associations to be made. Without sleep, brain processing of fear becomes impaired, potentially contributing to anxiety and PTSD.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute developed a phone-based therapy to combat insomnia in older adults with osteoarthritis. The study found that this treatment can be delivered in just a few short calls, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue and pain symptoms.
A recent study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that inconsistent sleep schedules in toddlers are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Researchers found that children from households living at or below poverty levels had more inconsistent sleep onset times, leading to higher BMI percentages.
A study of over 2,100 first-year medical residents found that irregular sleep schedules can increase the risk of depression and negative mood. Those with variable wake-up times and sleep times were more likely to experience symptoms of depression.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that genetically manipulating a fly's Imitation SWItch/SNF (ISWI) gene led to marked sleep disturbances, memory problems, and social dysfunction. The study suggests that targeting sleep may improve symptoms in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
A new study found that treating obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP therapy increased self-reported physical activity in adults with a history of heart disease. The study also showed the CPAP group was more likely to report activity levels consistent with expert recommendations.
A recent study published in Aging found that very short sleep duration, poor-quality sleep, and snoring were associated with a higher risk of incident dementia. The study also revealed an increased risk of all-cause mortality among participants who reported less than five hours of sleep per night.
During the pandemic, people with poor sleep quality reported increased negative mood, psychotic experiences, and somatic complaints. Daily COVID-19 death reports predicted psychological symptoms on the same day and impaired sleep quality the following night.
Children with epilepsy experience poorer sleep quality, disruptions, and parasomnias compared to healthy peers. Integrating sleep assessments into diagnosis and management could reduce seizures' impact on sleep and overall quality of life.
Researchers identified three mechanisms that promote napping and found many genes also regulate sleep. The study linked napping to cardiometabolic health concerns, suggesting personalized recommendations may be needed.
A study by UniSA sleep experts found that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep each night to function well. Insufficient sleep can lead to behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression in teens.
A new RAND Corporation study found that people who struggle to pay rent or are forced to move due to financial issues sleep significantly less than their peers. The study of 1,046 participants in California's welfare program revealed a 22-minute and 32-minute reduction in sleep duration for those facing housing insecurity.
A study by Karin Trimmel and Stefan Seidel found that insomnia patients are most likely to underestimate their actual sleep time, regardless of age or screening setting. The researchers analyzed polysomnography results and identified factors influencing this misperception.
Research shows that sleep cycles in people oscillate during the 29.5-day lunar cycle, with people going to bed later and sleeping less in the days leading up to a full moon. This natural adaptation may have allowed ancestors to take advantage of available evening light.
Researchers developed a neural network to assess sleep apnea severity in acute stroke patients, showing high accuracy and ease of use. The new screening method uses simple nocturnal pulse oximetry, enabling early detection and treatment of sleep apnea in cerebrovascular disease patients.
Research suggests that regular afternoon napping may be associated with better mental agility, including improved locational awareness, verbal fluency, and working memory. The study found significant differences in cognitive performance scores among nap-takers compared to non-nappers.
Scientists used MRI to study brain activity during sleep, discovering that overall activity decreases but communication among brain regions becomes more dynamic. The findings suggest a breakdown in neural networks during transitions between light and deep sleep stages, with implications for understanding human consciousness.
Research by University of Bristol scientists shows neonicotinoid insecticides disrupt bees' and flies' ability to get a good night's sleep, affecting daily behavioral rhythms. The pesticides also impair memory and circadian behavior in these insects, leading to potential decline in pollinator populations.
A NYU Abu Dhabi study found that abnormal sleep architecture can predict stress vulnerability in mice. The research used an animal model to demonstrate how disrupted NREM sleep results in increased susceptibility to future stress.
A study from McGill University found that mothers with multiple children experience more fragmented sleep patterns compared to mothers of a single child. However, fathers with multiple children do not exhibit significant differences in sleep quality.
A new study found that more than half of people using cannabis for pain experience clusters of multiple withdrawal symptoms when they're between uses. About 10% of patients experienced worsening changes in sleep, mood, mental state, energy, and appetite over two years.
A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that drinking two cups of oolong tea a day can increase fat breakdown by about 20% in healthy volunteers. This effect was observed even when participants were asleep, suggesting a potential role for oolong tea in weight management.
Researchers used novel experimental designs to study brain activity during general anesthesia and normal sleep. They found that the effects of anesthesia and sleep on brain activity were surprisingly similar, pointing to a common central core brain network fundamental for human consciousness.
A brain network comprising thalamus, cingulate cortex, and angular gyri is associated with changes in connectedness during sleep and anesthesia. This region's activity corresponds to changes in conscious state, indicating its possible role in human consciousness.
A new study from North Carolina State University has established a baseline for understanding sleep patterns in healthy adult dogs, shedding light on the effects of age, sex, and weight on their activity cycles. The research aims to improve detection and treatment of chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction in dogs.