Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
Scientists identify brain areas activated during frightening dreams, including the insula and cingulate cortex, which improve emotional regulation upon waking. They found a link between fear in dreams and emotions experienced once awake.
A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that short sleep duration contributes to the link between socioeconomic status and coronary heart disease in men. People with lower socioeconomic status often experience increased stress, noise, and financial burden, leading to less sleep and poorer health outcomes. Structural r...
Researchers found that children sleeping under bed nets treated with a new compound had significantly lower malaria parasite rates, and fewer mosquitoes carrying the disease. The results suggest that these nets could be a valuable stopgap measure while new insecticides are developed.
Researchers found yoga and physical therapy significantly improved sleep quality for 52 weeks after 12-week treatment. Participants with early pain improvements were three times more likely to have better sleep outcomes.
Research in rats reveals that brain-wave bursts, like earthquakes, are necessary for healthy sleep. These non-equilibrium dynamics and criticality underlie sleep micro-architecture, governing spontaneous transitions between sleep stages.
Researchers found that emergency blankets provided insufficient thermal insulation, leading to decreased sleep efficiency and increased fatigue. The study suggests that simple measures such as wearing down jackets can help regulate body temperature and improve sleep quality in low-temperature environments.
Researchers are designing a toilet that can analyze urine for biomarkers of various human conditions, such as cancer and diabetes. The technology has the potential to provide early warning systems for viral or bacterial outbreaks and track medication effectiveness in older adults.
A new study found that early screen exposure, sleep disruption, and emotional behavioral difficulties (EBD) are associated in preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that the presence of multiple screen devices in the bedroom and excessive daily screen time are key factors contributing to these issues.
A new study from Iowa State University found that nearly 1 in 6 adults experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, with those reporting healthy sleep length struggling the most. The research suggests that targeting factors influencing initiation and maintenance of sleep could be key to improving sleep health.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a wearable, flexible magnetic skin that can remotely control switches and keyboards without wired connections. The innovative technology has potential applications in human-computer interfaces for people with paralysis, gaming, sleep pattern analysis, and noninvasive biomedical device localization.
A study examining clinical trial data found that sleep problems and fatigue significantly impact the cognitive function and behavior of children with chronic kidney disease. The research highlights the importance of assessing sleep problems and fatigue in these children to improve their emotional-behavioral and neurocognitive outcomes.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Calgary has found that individuals with spinal cord injuries experience fatigue more than people without, with a nine times greater risk. The study also revealed that sleep-related breathing problems are associated with reduced brain health and increased risk of stroke in this population.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who slept 5 hours or less per night had lower bone mineral density at all four sites assessed. Women reporting 5 hours or less per night were also at higher risk of experiencing low bone mass and osteoporosis, particularly in the hips and spine.
A school-based sleep education program may benefit adolescents by reducing insufficient sleep and improving sleep knowledge. The program showed promising results, with participants two times less likely to report insufficient sleep at follow-up.
A large Chinese study found that insomnia symptoms are associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. The research, published in Neurology, followed over 487,000 participants for an average of 10 years and found that those with insomnia symptoms were 18% more likely to develop these diseases.
Researchers at Boston University have made the first-ever images of cerebrospinal fluid washing in and out of the brain during sleep. The study shows that CSF pulses in rhythmic waves, closely tied to brain wave activity and blood flow, which could provide insights into age-related impairments and neurological disorders.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified 57 genetic variations associated with declines in blood oxygen levels during sleep. These findings provide insight into the hereditary basis of this trait and its relationship to sleep disorders and lung diseases.
Heavier social media use is associated with poorer sleep patterns among UK teens. Very high users are 70% more likely to fall asleep after 11 pm on school days compared to average users.
Researchers at the University of Arizona discovered that cellular sleep has different levels, with too deep sleep leading to shutdown. They found that manipulating gene expression patterns could slow aging by adjusting cellular recycling function.
New research reveals that immune cells called microglia are active during sleep, rewiring brain connections and repairing damage. Microglia's interaction with neurotransmitters like norepinephrine regulates their activity, suggesting a link between sleep and brain health.
A new electrode set enables easy at-home assessment of sleep bruxism, a condition affecting 8-15% of the population. The set's diagnostic accuracy is similar to conventional polysomnography, allowing for reliable and cost-effective management.
Treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with PAP therapy is associated with lower healthcare expenditures. Studies show that increased PAP usage per night leads to a significant decrease in inpatient visits, emergency department visits, and overall acute care costs.
A nationwide, multiple-site study will investigate whether lifestyle changes can improve chronic sleep problems, which have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to identify an effective strategy for improving sleep that could prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
A Rutgers study of 32 ethnically diverse mothers and their children found that stress reduction and weight management strategies can improve sleep habits. The study highlights the need for healthcare practitioners to assess and educate young mothers on healthy sleep practices.
A new study led by a University of Miami neurologist found that sleep disturbances among Hispanics may increase their risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Insomnia and prolonged sleep duration were linked to declines in memory, executive function, and processing speed, which can precede the onset of dementia.
Researchers developed a method to characterize brain states and simulate brain activity, enabling prediction of stimulation effects on brain state transitions. The study found that systematic external stimulation can awaken the brain in sleep states and may enhance recovery from psychiatric diseases.
Research by Trinity College Dublin's TILDA study found that Irish adults aged 50 and older are more likely to experience poor health if they get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The study also discovered a link between moderate physical activity and normal sleep patterns.
Severe infant sleep problems in the first year are linked to poor maternal mental and physical health during pregnancy. Mothers experiencing persistent and severe sleep issues were more likely to have poorer mental and physical health during pregnancy.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that sleeping on one's back during the third trimester of pregnancy may be associated with average lower birth weights. The study investigated this potential link and found a correlation between back sleepers and smaller newborns.
A recent study by MIT professors found a strong correlation between students' grades and their sleep habits, with consistent sleep quality playing a crucial role. The study discovered that the timing of bedtime also affects performance, with going to bed after 2 a.m. leading to poorer grades regardless of total sleep hours.
A study found that patients with severe insomnia who took a sedative-hypnotic sleep aid showed significant improvement in reported insomnia severity and reduced suicidal thinking. The treatment was particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with the most severe insomnia.
A study of 3,778 African American participants found an association between shorter sleep duration and lower body mass index (BMI), with more than 30% of participants overweight or obese. The researchers recommend promoting better sleep hygiene to help combat obesity.
A worldwide study found that sleep patterns differ among 16-30 year olds, with varying durations and timings based on age, sex, and region. The study tracked nearly quarter of a million nights of sleep using wearable devices, revealing significant geographical and gender-based variations in sleep habits.
A new study finds that night sweats are associated with decreased attention and executive function in menopausal women, even as total sleep time increases. In contrast, daytime hot flashes have no impact on sleep duration.
A single-session sleep education program has been shown to cure insomnia in many cancer survivors, according to a new study. Those who don't benefit from this approach are often helped by a more extensive three-session program. The findings suggest a 'stepped care' model can be effective for improving insomnia in cancer survivors.
A study of 804 adolescents found that adolescent girls with an evening chronotype who prefers going to bed and waking up later tend to have bigger waistlines and greater fat mass. This association holds true even after adjusting for other lifestyle factors. The study suggests that addressing irregular sleep patterns may be important in...
A new study found that adolescent sleep timing preferences and patterns can be a significant risk factor for obesity and cardiometabolic health. Teenagers who prefer to go to bed late had higher waist circumference and greater abdominal fat deposition than those who prefer to go to bed early.
The RIS neuron in threadworms serves both to induce sleep after shedding its cuticle or recovering from stress, and to halt movement during locomotion, enabling the worm to change direction or avoid danger. This dual function highlights the complexity of simple life forms like worms.
A study of 284 patients found that those with more severe OSA had higher blood pressure, especially at night. The researchers suggest that clinicians should consider performing a sleep study in patients with resistant hypertension to treat OSA and lower blood pressure.
Researchers developed physiological-sensing textiles that can be woven into sleep garments to monitor heart rate and breathing rhythm. The technology, dubbed 'phyjama,' extracts signals from pressured regions of the textile to get a more accurate composite reading.
A four-year research project aims to improve sleep patterns for night-shift workers over 50 years old, reducing the risk of depression, cardiovascular diseases, and accidents. The study will test two alternative sleep schedules, providing insights into the impact on productivity and overall health.
A study of 3,462 residents in Lausanne, Switzerland found that taking a weekly daytime nap reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 48%. The frequency, not just the duration, of naps is what matters, researchers suggest. This new insight may help explain previous conflicting findings on the health benefits of napping.
A Queensland University of Technology study found that jelly baby lollies, fish-shaped sauce containers, vitamin D capsules, and coffee beans are viable alternatives to commercial MRI markers. These items were tested on a thigh scan and showed clear visibility, making them effective for pinpointing anatomical areas or pathologies.
A new study by Flinders University links moderate to severe childhood behavioral problems to insomnia in adults. The research suggests that early intervention can help manage children's externalized behaviors and reduce the risk of adult insomnia.
A recent study of 1,664 college students found that traditional cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users experienced poorer sleep quality. E-cigarette users reported greater use of sleep medications than traditional cigarette users, highlighting the potential risks of e-cigarette use on sleep health.
Caleb Kemere and his team will investigate how sleep reorganizes information in the brain, aiming to identify critical time windows and neuronal activities involved in storing and stabilizing memories. The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how sleep impacts lives, including its impact on memory consolidation.
A new study of nearly half a million people found that sleeping between 6 and 9 hours nightly can cut the risk of heart attack by up to 18% for those with genetic predisposition. Sleeping too little or too much also boosts heart attack risk, with optimal sleep duration being critical for overall heart health.
Twin beds were initially adopted for their supposed health benefits in the late 19th century, later becoming a symbol of modernity among middle-class couples. Despite this, their popularity waned by the 1960s as attitudes towards intimacy and hygiene shifted.
A study of 4,524 children found that those who didn't meet Canadian guidelines for sleep and recreational screen time were more likely to exhibit impulsive behavior. The research suggests that meeting these guidelines is associated with better decision-making and less impulsivity.
A new study confirms that women with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for sleep disturbances during the menopause transition. The study found a significant association between diabetes and increased severity of sleep-related symptoms, particularly in Asian women.
A new study found that young adults in Asia have the shortest sleep duration, averaging 6 hours and 30 minutes per night. The researchers suggest that cultural factors, such as high work demands and limited leisure time, contribute to this trend.
A new Australian study found that treating insomnia separately can significantly improve symptoms of both conditions. People with co-occurring insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea reported great improvement to their sleep and health after six months, with about 50% improvement in global insomnia severity.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that Alzheimer's disease directly attacks brain regions responsible for wakefulness during the day, leading to excessive daytime napping. This damage is associated with tau protein buildup, which contributes more directly to brain degeneration than amyloid protein.
A new study suggests that oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with mild collapsibility and weaker reflex responses tend to benefit more from oral appliances, which move the lower jaw forward to prevent airflow obstruction.
A study of over 3,500 participants aged 32-51 found significant associations between optimism and various characteristics of self-reported sleep. Optimists were more likely to report very good sleep quality and adequate sleep duration. The research suggests that positivity may buffer the effects of stress by promoting adaptive coping.
A large longitudinal sleep study found that evening use of nicotine and alcohol within four hours of bedtime was associated with disrupted sleep. In contrast, caffeine consumption did not have a significant impact on sleep parameters. The study's findings suggest that promoting the restriction of evening nicotine and alcohol use may im...
A study found that sleep plays a vital role in evaluating business ideas, with entrepreneurs who get at least seven hours of sleep consistently selecting the best pitches. The research suggests that lack of sleep can lead to less accurate beliefs about the commercial potential of new venture ideas.
The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical guideline on the evaluation and management of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), a breathing disorder affecting obese individuals. The guideline aims to improve early recognition and effective treatment, reducing morbidity and mortality.
A Dutch observational study examined melatonin use and its association with sleep patterns in school-age children. The results suggest a significant correlation between melatonin intake and improved sleep quality.
A new Northwestern University study found that distinct areas of the brain process short pulses of light to affect sleep, challenging the widely accepted belief that all light information is relayed through one central pathway. The research suggests that acute exposure to light does not interfere with overall circadian rhythms.