Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected sleep habits in half of surveyed Canadians, leading to increased stress and anxiety. The study highlights the need for accessible interventions to address sleep problems during this unprecedented time.
A University of Otago study found that quality sleep, rather than quantity, was the strongest predictor of mental health and well-being in young adults. The three pillars of good mental health identified in the study are sleep quality, exercising, and eating more raw fruits and vegetables.
The COHORT Academy Programme has become a global leader in collaborative use of existing research data, integrating basic and clinical research to improve scientific impact. This collaboration is exemplified by six multidisciplinary projects that combined different datasets for healthy ageing studies.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that NBA teams perform significantly better at home due to the alignment of their internal body clock with the new time zone. This is attributed to disruptions in sleep quality caused by traveling across time zones, which can impact accuracy and impair performance.
New studies from the University of Eastern Finland show that obstructive sleep apnea causes higher heart rate variability and changes in heart rate intervals, leading to reduced daytime alertness. The findings suggest a link between OSA and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
A comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that wind turbine noise can affect sleep stages and deep sleep time. Researchers are calling for further well-controlled experimental studies to better understand the impact on sleep.
A study of 44 infants found that half never slept 8 hours consecutively, and parents' perceptions of infant sleep vary greatly. Researchers suggest that understanding these differences is key to supporting healthy sleep habits in infancy.
Flies sleep longer and are less responsive to light pulses during vibration, suggesting they accumulate 'sleep credit.' The ability to go to sleep improves with repeated exposure, implying habituation. Vibration-induced sleep serves vital functions and may offer insights into human sleep regulation.
Researchers have identified a neural pathway that links the circadian clock, stress, and wakefulness in mammals. The study found that excessively active corticotropin-releasing factor neurons triggered insomnia and other sleep disorders when the circadian rhythm was disturbed.
A study of over 600 men found that grip strength was associated with hypoxemia-induced reductions in peripheral neural innervation. Sleep apnea was also linked to fat infiltration of muscle and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of addressing this common sleep problem.
A study led by UCSF researchers found that teens with migraines who started school after 8:30 a.m. experienced an average of 4.8 headache days per month, compared to 7.7 days for those who started earlier. The difference remained significant even when adjusting for risk factors.
A new study reveals that Z-drugs are associated with adverse effects similar to benzodiazepines, particularly for people with dementia taking higher doses. The research recommends avoiding higher dose Z-drugs and instead considering non-pharmacological alternatives.
Researchers at MLU discovered that special activity trackers can accurately measure respiratory rates while sleeping, offering a new diagnostic tool. The study showed that minimal arm movements can provide more precise conclusions about breathing than standard ECGs.
The Hormones: The Inside Story podcast series explores the facts behind hormones and their impact on daily life, sleep, stress, body fat, fertility, and more. It cuts through myths and misinformation with expert-led science, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their health.
Researchers found a significant increase in online search queries for 'insomnia' between April and May 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge was associated with higher rates of insomnia symptoms, particularly during prime sleeping hours.
Adults with healthy sleep patterns had a 42% lower risk of heart failure compared to those with unhealthy sleep patterns, according to the study. The researchers analyzed data from 408,802 UK Biobank participants and found that healthier sleep habits were independently associated with reduced risk of heart failure.
Researchers identified melatonin's role in promoting sleep by activating the BK channel in the brain, a process that limits neurotransmitter release. This finding has implications for understanding melatonin's effects and potential treatment of diseases related to the BK channel.
A new study found that infant sleep patterns differ by race and socioeconomic status, with Hispanic and Black infants having shorter night sleep durations. The research, published in Sleep, suggests that these disparities begin early in life and may be linked to future health risks.
A new study from the University of Utah finds that people experiencing homelessness are exposed to high levels of air pollution, particularly those sleeping outdoors at night. The researchers also discovered that sheltered and unsheltered individuals experience similar negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.
A longitudinal study of almost 85,000 people found that a combination of lifestyle interventions including optimal sleep and reduced screen time can help prevent depression. Additionally, healthy dietary patterns and physical activity were also associated with lower rates of depressed mood.
A lack of recommended sleep can lead to poor athletic performance, as well as increased risk of injury and illness in young athletes. The study emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep for youth athletes to perform at their best.
A new study has confirmed that negative health behaviours during Scotland's COVID-19 lockdown contributed to poorer mental health. The research found a link between increased alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and poorer sleep quality with higher negative mood.
A study of over 100 studies found that artificial night-time lighting has a profound impact on animals and plants, reducing melatonin levels and altering hormone regulation. The effects were particularly strong in diurnal species, causing them to start their daily activities earlier, while nocturnal species saw reduced activity duration.
A new study found that social media quantity, content, and context significantly impact adolescents' sleep. Excessive screen time and disturbing content before bed were associated with later bedtime and reduced sleep duration. In contrast, reading books before bed was linked to an earlier bedtime.
Reports of racial discrimination against Asians and Asian-Americans have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with an increase in reported negative health symptoms. A survey of over 400 people found that almost 30% experienced more discrimination and 40% reported more health impacts.
Research published by the American Heart Association found that high nighttime blood pressure is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The study also highlights the importance of monitoring nighttime blood pressure levels for patients with hypertension.
The MyH.E.A.L.T.H. app offers personalized coaching, community support, and expert advice to help users improve their health and wellness. With advanced AI technology and tailored strategies for resilience, the app aims to empower individuals to reach their health goals.
New research from the University of South Australia found that lower light physical activity is related to better numeracy and literacy skills in children. Parents can boost their child's academic success by ensuring they get enough sleep, exercise, and study time, as excessive light physical activity can displace these activities.
Active individuals showed lower incidence of anxiety and depression compared to non-active individuals during the pandemic, despite reduced exercise. The study found a connection between physical activity, mental health, and sleep problems, but no difference in sleep quality among those who changed their exercise habits.
A pilot study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced insomnia severity among young adult binge drinkers, leading to improved sleep efficiency and decreased alcohol use outcomes. CBT participants showed greater improvements in insomnia symptoms compared to those who received a single session on sleep hygiene.
A new study found that adults with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to be hospitalized for the flu, while those using CPAP therapy had a lower risk. The study also suggested that treating sleep apnea may have a beneficial effect on the immune system and reduce health care costs.
A new study from the University of South Australia reveals that children need a specific balance of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary time to optimize their bone health. The ideal combination includes 1.5 hours of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, 10.9 hours of sleep, and careful moderation of sedentary activities.
Research at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that wearing blue-light-filtering glasses can lead to better night's sleep and improved work engagement. Daily task performance and organizational citizenship behavior also increased with blue light reduction.
Research published in Sleep Health found that extra 29 minutes of sleep per night can improve mindfulness, reducing daytime sleepiness. Better sleep leads to greater mindful attention, essential for healthcare workers providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that male voice, female voice, and hybrid voice-tone alarms awakened 85-89% of children and prompted 84-89% to escape, outperforming the high-frequency tone alarm. These alarms may reduce residential fire-related injuries and deaths among children.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University found that COVID-19 pandemic causes a significant increase in maternal anxiety and insomnia levels. Mothers reported mild-to-high levels of acute anxiety and up to 23% experienced clinical insomnia, more than doubling from pre-pandemic levels.
A new study identifies four profiles of 24-hour physical activity and sleep among adults with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and knee osteoarthritis. Younger age, lack of sitting jobs, and outside walking habits are associated with balanced activity.
Researchers found that tuned LED lighting reduced nighttime sleep disturbances by half in a California nursing home. The study suggests that this innovative lighting solution can improve the sleep of even a few residents, having a positive effect on roommates and those nearby.
A patient with akinetic mutism, a rare condition causing temporary paralysis and speech absence, experiences a remarkable recovery after taking a sleeping pill. Brain scans reveal overactive brain regions that can be suppressed by the medication, allowing for temporary speech and movement.
Researchers analyzed crowdsourced data from over 800 people during COVID-19 lockdown and found that 55% of bad dreams had pandemic-specific content. AI-assisted analytics identified recurring themes, including failures in social distancing, coronavirus contagion, and dystopia.
A new study from the University of Bath found that drinking coffee after breakfast, but not before, can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered that strong black coffee consumed before breakfast substantially increased blood glucose response by around 50%.
A new study reveals that sleeping less is associated with being seen as more masculine and positively judged by society, while women are not subjected to the same effects. The research suggests that this stereotype can have detrimental consequences on mental and physical health, as well as contribute to aggressive behavior.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in children's sleep schedules. Experts from the University of Florida College of Medicine have identified key strategies for parents to help their children adjust to new routines.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed the Brain Age Index (BAI), a model that estimates brain aging through sleep data and electrical measurements during sleep. The BAI showed promise as a marker of dementia, correlating with neuropsychiatric scores from standard cognitive assessments.
A new study finds that midlife women who endured childhood or adult trauma are more likely to suffer from persistently poor-quality sleep. The study involved 166 women aged 40-60 and used actigraphy to measure sleep patterns over five years.
A study of over 450 insomnia patients in Australia found that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) improves symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. CBTi is recommended as the most effective treatment for insomnia and is available via face-to-face or telehealth options.
Researchers discovered that transplanting bacteria from sleep-apnea mice into healthy mice altered their sleep patterns, suggesting a major role for the gut microbiome in regulating sleep. The study's findings may lead to new treatments targeting the gut microbiome in humans with obstructive sleep apnea.
A randomized, controlled trial found weighted blankets significantly reduced insomnia severity and improved sleep quality in participants with psychiatric disorders. Nearly 60% of users experienced a 50% or more decrease in insomnia severity compared to 5.4% in the control group.
Researchers found an association between shorter sleep duration and accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. The study suggests that addressing sleep deprivation could be a key factor in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes who go to bed early and wake up early have a significantly more active lifestyle than those who prefer late bedtimes. This research highlights the importance of sleep chronotypes in managing diabetes and suggests that adjusting bedtime can lead to improved physical activity levels.
Researchers used closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology to alleviate insomnia symptoms and improve autonomic nervous system function. Participants showed clinically meaningful reductions in insomnia symptoms and significant improvements in autonomic cardiovascular regulation after just three weeks of treatment.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that people who get less sleep than usual react more emotionally to stressful events, while those who get longer sleep have better responses to positive experiences. This has important health implications, as chronic stress can lead to inflammation and premature death.
A study of Seattle-area homeless shelters found a need to provide routine viral testing outside clinical settings to identify new cases and prevent spread. The results suggest that crowded conditions, communal sleeping, and shared hygiene facilities can foster transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
A new study from the University of Warwick reveals that individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea may be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The review of eighteen studies highlights the need for better recording and management of the condition, which is estimated to affect up to 85% of people in the UK.
A new surgical trial found excellent outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who couldn't use CPAP masks, with significant reductions in night-time apnoea events and improvements in daytime sleepiness. The procedure combines palate surgery with a low-risk tongue procedure to create an improved airway.
Researchers found associations between disrupted sleep, elevated blood pressure and changes in the gut microbiome in a 28-day rat study. The study suggests that dysfunctional sleep impairs the body for a sustained period, leading to undesirable changes in the gut microbiome.
A European study involving over 4,000 children found that excessive screen time and inadequate sleep duration are independently linked to excess weight. The study suggests that prevention strategies should prioritize adequate sleep and limit screen time to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.
A new study found that a fully automated digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing the need for sleeping pills. The treatment helped approximately 58% of participants experience substantial improvement, compared to 20% in the control group.
A study by Dr. Stephanie Centofanti and her team found that consuming caffeine before taking a short nap can help counteract sleep grogginess and improve alertness in night shift workers. This 'caffeine-nap' combination shows promise as a fatigue countermeasure for shift workers.