Articles tagged with Sleep
A new study reveals that soft bedding is responsible for almost 70% of sleep-related infant deaths. The most common causes of suffocation in babies under one year old are overlay, soft bedding, and wedging.
Researchers from the University of Surrey argue that a switch to permanent daylight saving time would undermine the sleep benefits of delaying school start times. This could lead to inadequate levels of sleep among teenagers, despite efforts to improve their health and graduation rates.
Researchers warn that permanent daylight savings time could negate benefits from delaying school start times, which aim to give teens more sleep. The study suggests that schools would need to delay start times by one hour during winter months under permanent DST.
A Canadian study of over 2,400 families found that spending two hours or more of screen time per day is associated with clinically significant behavioral problems in preschoolers. Organized sports and good quality sleep were also identified as protective factors against the negative effects of screen time.
A new study identifies 20 common sleep myths that can lead to poor habits and serious health risks. The researchers suggest creating a consistent sleep schedule and spending at least seven hours asleep to promote overall better health.
Researchers at Hiroshima University Hospital have developed an oral appliance to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. The treatment, which brings the jawbone forward to enlarge air passageways, was found to halve sleep apnea episodes and widen airways in a study of 13 patients.
A recent study by Dr. David Munoz reveals the APOE ε4 allele affects sleep patterns differently in women and men with Alzheimer's disease. The research found carriers of this gene variant experience more nighttime disturbances than non-carriers, highlighting a gender-based effect on sleep behavior.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that pruritus affects 24% of patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease. Patients with pruritus reported poorer mental and physical quality of life, depression, and restless sleep.
Researchers have identified phosphodiesterase-B1 as a critical gene for the transmission of African sleeping sickness, a disease transmitted by tsetse flies. The study reveals that the parasite's movement from the fly's midgut to the salivary gland is controlled by this gene, providing new insights into the disease-causing mechanism.
A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs are at a higher risk of stillbirth, with the risk increasing by 2.6 times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The NHS has now incorporated the findings into its Saving Babies' Lives care advice information for pregnant women.
A study found that teenagers with ADHD who got less sleep experienced significant deficits in executive functioning skills, including working memory, planning, and organization. In contrast, those who got more sleep showed improved performance.
A study published in Nature Communications has found 47 links between the genetic code and sleep quality, quantity, and timing. The research team identified a gene called PDE11A as affecting not only sleep duration but also quality, with variants impacting sleep measures.
Scientists have engineered a fungus to produce a high-concentration antibiotic, which could treat African sleeping sickness. The breakthrough uses genetic modification to create a non-toxic variant of the antibiotic, offering a cost-effective solution to this neglected tropical disease.
Research suggests that discrimination during the day is linked to poor sleep quality at night. Minority youth, particularly Black and Latinx adolescents, experience disrupted sleep patterns and increased daytime symptoms.
A study of 752 older adults found that using sleeping pills regularly was associated with an increasing number of blood pressure medications over time. The association held true regardless of sleep duration, quality, or other factors, suggesting that sleeping pill use may indicate a future need for greater hypertension treatment.
A special journal issue highlights the science and solutions behind shift work, addressing health and safety risks, sleep deprivation, and more. The issue provides practical guidance for employers and workers, and will inform policy makers and researchers.
Researchers developed smart pajamas with self-powered sensors that track vital signs while sleeping. The 'Phyjama' provides detailed information on heart rate, breathing, and sleep posture, helping users and clinicians improve sleep quality.
A new study by The Endocrine Society found that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an overnight CPAP machine can result in more weight loss for adults with obesity who try to lose weight by restricting calories. Patients who received concurrent CPAP treatment lost an average of 5.7 pounds more than those who did not treat thei...
A new study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting suggests that eating later in the day is associated with a higher body mass index and greater body fat. The research used advanced technology to track participants' sleep, physical activity, and eating patterns over a week-long period.
A study found that sleep quality decreases in the late luteal phase, just before menstruation, with less sleep efficiency, longer wake after sleep onset, and higher sleep fragmentation index. Caloric restriction also negatively affects sleep during this period.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that oxidative stress leads to both sleep disturbances and aging. The study, published in Nature, suggests that targeting the mechanism behind sleep-regulating neurons could lead to a powerful new type of sleeping pill with fewer side effects.
A study analyzing data from over 11,600 mother-child pairs found that having a child with eczema was associated with difficulty falling asleep, insufficient sleep, and increased daytime exhaustion for mothers. The severity of a child's eczema was linked to worse sleep outcomes for mothers.
Researchers found that low-risk patients undergoing total hip replacement with a posterior approach can eliminate standard hip precautions without increasing the risk of dislocation. This could lead to improved recovery and reduced fear in patients, as they focus more on mobility rather than restrictions.
A recent study has identified 76 new gene regions associated with sleep duration, revealing a significant link between genetics and sleep patterns. The findings suggest that many genes important for animal models may also influence human sleep, opening up new avenues for understanding the regulation of sleep.
A study found that napping during the day can significantly lower blood pressure levels, with an average drop of 5 mm Hg. This reduction is comparable to other known interventions for lowering blood pressure.
Researchers studied pallid swifts, finding they can live in the air for 2-3.5 months without landing. This allows them to avoid predators and parasites on the ground, increasing their survival rate.
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that consuming a casein shake just before overnight sleep increases muscle protein synthesis, leading to bigger squat and quad gains. This effect is thought to be due to increased total protein intake, not just the bedtime beverage.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University identified a beneficial role of sleep in clearing out DNA damage accumulated during waking hours. Sleep increases chromosome dynamics, which helps to repair and maintain the integrity of individual neurons.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has selected several leaders in the field of sleep medicine as 2019 award recipients. The AASM President Dr. Douglas Kirsch congratulated the awardees, noting their achievements in academic research, clinical care, public policy, and education. The 2019 award recipients include Patrick J. Strollo,...
A Mayo Clinic study found that people with sleep apnea had higher accumulations of the toxic protein tau in the entorhinal cortex, a part of the brain responsible for memory, navigation, and perception. This association may suggest a link between sleep disruption and an increased risk of dementia.
Research found that sleeping in on weekends doesn't lastingly improve health measures, and even short-term recovery is disrupted by returning to poor sleep habits. The study suggests that consistency matters for getting sufficient sleep and minimizing the risk of obesity and diabetes.
A new study found that babies sleeping less at three months old are more likely to have mothers without a university degree or experience prenatal depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 600 infants and their mothers, revealing that maternal education and prenatal depression significantly impact infant sleep duration.
Researchers at IST Austria discovered that place cells in the hippocampus randomly replay memories of movement in open environments during sleep, following a pattern similar to Brownian motion. This finding suggests that the complex circuitry of the hippocampus generates an abstract representation of experience.
Researchers have identified specific brain cell types, areas and biological processes linked to the genetic risk of insomnia, a major step towards understanding its mechanisms. The study found that over 100 genes contribute to insomnia, with some influencing the functionality of axons and specific cell types in the frontal cortex.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have identified a promising strategy to develop an agent against African sleeping sickness. The team discovered a small inhibitor molecule that binds to and deactivates a vital protein of the parasite, rendering it harmless.
A new study found that high-intensity exercise performed in the evening does not negatively impact sleep quality, but may actually reduce feelings of hunger. The research suggests that afternoon and evening exercise may be more effective for weight loss due to increased power output.
A small study found that acupuncture reduced hot flushes, sweating, mood swings, sleep disturbances, skin and hair problems in women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. The treatment was associated with significant reductions after just six weeks.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a clinical practice guideline for the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. The guideline provides nine recommendations, including the use of PAP therapy as a first-line treatment for OSA in adults with excessive sleepiness.
Adults with moderate to severe OSA who experience excessive daytime sleepiness are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases than those without it. They are more likely to have been diagnosed with heart failure and experience cardiovascular events.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that self-reported sleep parameters reported by children and their parents are relatively accurate compared to objective measures. Children overestimated their sleep duration by a median of 32 minutes, while parents overestimated it by 36 minutes.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found lower brain connectivity in 'night owls' compared to morning larks, leading to poorer attention, slower reactions and increased sleepiness. This can be particularly problematic for those forced to fit into a societal 9-5 working day that doesn't align with their natural rhythms.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that hypocretin, a hormone regulating wakefulness, also controls the production of inflammatory white blood cells. This discovery suggests that insufficient sleep increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by disrupting this process.
Children with undiagnosed sleep disordered breathing face brain development impairment, cognitive and behavior problems. Removing tonsils and adenoids or using an orthodontic maxillary expander are common treatments for sleep apnea in children.
Researchers found that certain Gαs-coupled receptor agonists, including adrenaline and prostaglandin E2 and D2, prevent T cells from activating their integrins after recognizing their target. Sleep helps to decrease these molecules' levels, leading to higher integrin activation in T cells.
Researchers found that walnut consumers had lower depression scores and experienced greater energy levels, concentration, and optimism compared to non-consumers. Walnut's unique fatty acid profile was also associated with the benefits.
A new study found that positive relationship experiences in early adulthood reduce stressful life events, leading to better sleep quality later in life. The research suggests relationships play a crucial role in reducing stress, which in turn affects health behaviors.
A study of nearly 60,000 US adolescents found that only 1 in 20 meet national recommendations for sleep, physical activity, and screen time. The research highlights the need for doctors to advise parents on parenting style and home environment to promote healthier lifestyles.
A recent study from Oregon State University suggests that mindfulness practices can reduce exhaustion in entrepreneurs by compensating for sleep deprivation. The research found that even short periods of mindfulness exercise, such as 10 minutes a day, can have the same benefits as an extra 44 minutes of sleep per night.
A study by UTHealth researchers identified three high-risk areas in Harris County where SUID cases are most likely to occur. Modifiable risk factors included unsafe co-sleeping, improper sleep position, and tobacco use. The study suggests that following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations can reduce SUID incidence.
A large-scale genomic analysis reveals the inner workings of the body clock and its link to mental health and disease. Being genetically programmed to rise early may lead to greater well-being and a lower risk of schizophrenia and depression, while morning people are found to have lower risk
Researchers found that sleep, mood, and stress impact older adults' perceived competence and locus of control. Positive emotions and good sleep efficacy improve control beliefs, while negative affects and stressful events decrease them.
Pre-teens using screens an hour before bed are at risk of poor sleep quality, with a 31% increase in likelihood when done in the dark. Insufficient sleep has been linked to impaired immune responses, depression, anxiety and obesity in children and adolescents.
Two studies, one in young adults and the other in mice, found that rocking during sleep leads to better sleep quality, faster falling asleep, and improved memory consolidation. The researchers discovered that rhythmic stimulation of the vestibular system plays a key role in this phenomenon.
Researchers from UNIGE, HUG, and UNIL demonstrate that slow and repeated movement during sleep modulates brain wave activity, leading to improved deep sleep and memory consolidation. Rocking has been shown to synchronize brain waves and reinforce deep sleep, with benefits also observed in mice studies.
A new study finds an association between lengthy periods of maternal sleep and late stillbirths, independent of other risk factors. Further research is needed to understand the relationship and its implications for pregnant women.
Research by University of Adelaide scientists has revealed that poor blood oxygenation during sleep is a significant indicator of the chance of heart-related death. Extended episodes of interrupted breathing while asleep also increase the risk.
A new study found that acupressure significantly improved chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep in breast cancer survivors experiencing fatigue. Researchers tested two types of acupressure and found relaxing acupressure to be more effective for depressive symptoms and sleep.
The study found that participants who slept less than six hours were 27% more likely to have atherosclerosis compared to those who slept seven to eight hours. Poor quality sleep also increased the risk of atherosclerosis, with participants waking during the night or experiencing frequent movements during sleep being at higher risk.
Researchers developed a new class of hypnotic drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) that selectively target the brain's sleep/wake pathways. DORA-22 preserves the ability to wake in response to threats, unlike common sleeping pills.
The Sleep Research Society recognized four scientists with awards for their groundbreaking work in sleep and circadian research. Louis Ptáček received the Distinguished Scientist Award for his pioneering genetic studies, while Frank A.J.L. Scheer and Steven A. Shea were honored for their seminal discoveries on circadian misalignment.