Early development of memory for space and time
Researchers observed newborn rats navigating environments to understand brain development of episodic memory. The hippocampus plays a critical role in turning experiences into memories.
Sleep
Articles tagged with Sleep
Insomnia has many faces
Researchers identified five distinct subtypes of insomnia, each with unique characteristics and underlying brain mechanisms. These findings have significant implications for treatment effectiveness and the prevention of depression, offering a new direction in understanding this complex mental disorder.
Sleeping in contact lenses puts you at risk of dangerous infection
Contact lens wearers are advised to remove their lenses before sleeping to avoid microbial keratitis, a potentially serious infection. Proper eye care is crucial to prevent such health issues.
Research finds opioids may help chronic pain, a little
A recent study published in JAMA found that opioids provide only modest benefits for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The research suggests that while opioids may help alleviate symptoms, their use comes with a high risk of side effects and addiction.
A co-worker's rudeness can affect your sleep -- and your partner's, new PSU study finds
A new study from Portland State University found that workplace incivility can negatively impact an employee's sleep, as well as their partner's sleep if they work in the same company or occupation. The researchers surveyed 305 couples and found that rumination about work at home can lead to insomnia symptoms.
Physical activity in the evening does not cause sleep problems
Researchers from ETH Zurich found that moderate exercise in the evening has a positive effect on deep sleep phases, with participants spending 21.2% of their sleeping time in deep sleep after evening exercise, compared to 19.9% without exercise.
Delayed high school start times in Seattle increase sleep, grades and attendance
Delaying high school start times in Seattle increased daily sleep by over half an hour and was linked to improved academic performance. The change also showed promise for reducing absenteeism and improving punctuality among economically disadvantaged students.
Teens get more sleep with later school start time, researchers find
Researchers at the University of Washington found that delaying school start times for Seattle high schools resulted in a median increase of 34 minutes of sleep each night. This led to improved academic performance and more consistent wake-up times, with students sleeping in longer and waking up closer to their natural wake-up times.
News release: Increased motor activity linked to improved mood
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that increasing physical activity during the day is associated with improved spirits. The research also suggests that tracking sleep, activity, mood, and energy levels concurrently can provide valuable insights for people with bipolar disorder.
Addressing sleep disorders after traumatic brain injury
Scientists review interplay between sleep and TBI to improve diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Early treatment is crucial for optimal cognitive recovery, and non-pharmacologic interventions like regular bedtime routines and sleep-conducive environments can help.
Genetic changes associated with physical activity reported
Researchers studied 91,105 UK Biobank participants and found 14 genetic regions related to physical activity, including seven new discoveries. The analysis also showed that increased physical activity lowers blood pressure and has a causal link to better health outcomes.
Regular bedtimes and sufficient sleep for children may lead to healthier teens
Research suggests that having a regular bedtime and getting enough sleep from early childhood may lead to healthier body weight in adolescence. Children who had age-appropriate bedtimes were found to have optimal sleep patterns and lower BMI compared to those with suboptimal bedtimes.
Study reveals sleep problems in young adult students
Sleep problems are prevalent and increasing among young adult students, with women experiencing a higher prevalence of insomnia. The study suggests that sleep issues warrant attention as a public health concern in this population.
Too much or too little sleep linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that both excessive and insufficient sleep are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research analyzed data from 116,632 adults aged between 35 and 70 years, revealing a significant association between sleep duration and cardiovascular health.
Neurotechnology provides real-time readouts of where rats think they are
Researchers have developed a system that can decode neural activity in real-time, allowing them to understand how the brain represents space and navigate. This breakthrough enables new experiments on learning, memory, navigation, and cognition, opening doors to new insights.
New review highlights importance of good sleep routines for children
A recent review by University of British Columbia sleep expert Wendy Hall emphasizes the importance of good sleep hygiene for children, recommending regular bedtimes and limiting technology use before bedtime. The study found that these practices can help promote healthy sleep and prevent problems at school and development delays.
Poor sleep, missed meals, less mobility and stress in hospital may lead to readmission
A new study found that nearly all hospital patients experience disturbances in at least one category during their stay, with a significant impact on outcomes. The researchers suggest that simple interventions can improve patient care and reduce readmissions.
Children's Colorado researchers link sleep health to insulin resistance in obese teens
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado found that shorter sleep duration, later weekday bedtimes, and poor circadian timing were linked to reduced insulin sensitivity in adolescents with overweight or obesity. The study suggests potential benefits of improving sleep health through interventions like delayed school start times.
Is being a night owl bad for your health?
Research reveals an increased risk of ill health in people with evening preference, including erratic eating patterns and consumption of unhealthy foods. The study also found that glucose levels increase when night owls eat shortly before bed, negatively affecting metabolism.
Falls are more likely when you've had a bad night sleep
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that just one bad night's sleep can lead to a reduced ability to control posture and balance. This could be particularly concerning for older adults, who are already at increased risk of falls. The research used wearable sensors to monitor sleep and balance, and showed that fragmente...
Snoring poses greater cardiac risk to women
A new study presents findings on the impact of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on cardiac function in women, suggesting that OSA may be underdiagnosed. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 participants to find increased left ventricular mass in both genders with OSA or snoring, highlighting earlier impairment in women.
Baby up at night? Inactivity may be a culprit
Babies who are less active tend to get less sleep overall, according to new Michigan State University research. Infants who slept more at night had better weight-for-length scores and were less active during the day. Parents can promote tummy time and physical activity to help their baby get more sleep.
Why screen time can disrupt sleep
Salk scientists discovered that melanopsin cells, responsible for regulating consciousness and sleep, respond to prolonged illumination, but can become desensitized. The study may lead to new treatments for migraines, insomnia, jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders.
Sleep length may affect risk of falls and fractures
Women who slept less than 7-8 hours per night had a 25% increased odds of experiencing recurrent falls. Poor sleep quality, insomnia, and more sleep disturbances also associated with an increased risk.
Clemson researchers reveal secrets of parasite that causes African sleeping sickness
Researchers at Clemson University have discovered a key role for glucose in the parasite's life cycle, potentially leading to new treatments for African sleeping sickness. The study sheds light on how the parasite adapts to its environment and can inform strategies to defuse outbreaks.
Intimate partner violence, sexual assault, PTSD associated with women's experience of menopause
A study found that midlife and older women experiencing menopause are at risk for intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research highlights the association between traumatic experiences and common symptoms related to menopause, including difficulty sleeping and vaginal symptoms.
Drug used for PTSD may worsen nightmares, not reduce suicidal thoughts
A small pilot study found that prazosin, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related sleep problems, may actually worsen nightmares and insomnia in PTSD patients, rather than reducing suicidal thoughts. The study, led by Dr. W. Vaughn McCall, involved 20 seriously psychiatrically ill patients with active suicidal thoughts.
Twitter use influenced by social schedules, not changing seasons and daylight
A study analyzing Twitter data from over 246,000 users found that social media usage largely reflects daily work schedules and school calendars. The data show a daily slowdown in tweets at night, with weekend usage shifting later than weekdays.
Insomniac prisoners sleeping better after one-hour therapy session
A one-hour cognitive behavioural therapy session has been shown to be effective in preventing chronic insomnia in 73% of prisoners. The therapy also made notable improvements to anxiety and depression, with prisoners reporting significant reductions in symptoms.
Insufficient sleep in children is associated with poor diet, obesity and more screen time
A new study found that insufficient sleep duration is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, increased screen time, and obesity in children. The study suggests that promoting healthy sleeping patterns can help prevent these negative effects.
Grief linked to sleep disturbances that can be bad for the heart
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that recent bereavement is associated with increased levels of inflammation and cardiovascular illness risk. Sleep disturbances exacerbated the negative effects of grief, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues in post-loss health interventions.
Double whammy for grieving spouses with sleep problems
A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...
How many calories do you burn? It depends on time of day
Researchers discovered that people burn 10% more calories at rest in the late afternoon and early evening compared to the early morning hours. This finding highlights the importance of the circadian clock in regulating metabolism.
'Nested sequences': An indispensable mechanism for forming memories
Researchers studied activity sequences in rats' place cells to understand memory consolidation. They found that nested theta sequences during movement are indispensable for sequence reactivations and memory formation during sleep.
Preschool children show awake responses to naptime nonsense words
Researchers found that preschool children (2-5 years old) can recognize sounds heard during naps, even when they're asleep. The study uses EEG and tested individual children in a quiet room, playing nonsense words to assess their auditory processing.
Mandibular movement monitoring may help improve oral sleep apnea devices
A new study in CHEST journal demonstrates that mandibular movement monitoring can assess the efficacy of oral appliances treating obstructive sleep apnea. Patients showed a reduction in respiratory effort, apnea-hypopnea index scores, and oxygen desaturation index.
Women who are 'larks' have a lower risk of developing breast cancer
A study of genetic variants found that morning preference reduces the risk of breast cancer by 40-48% compared to evening types. Increased sleep duration and insomnia were associated with a 20% increased risk of breast cancer.
Shorter sleep can lead to dehydration
A study by Penn State found that adults who sleep six hours per night have significantly more concentrated urine and higher odds of dehydration compared to those who sleep eight hours. This is due to the body's hormonal system regulating hydration, particularly the hormone vasopressin.
Children's sleep not significantly affected by screen time, new study finds
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that screen time has a negligible effect on children's sleep. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 children and found that each hour of screen time resulted in only 3-8 fewer minutes of sleep per night.
Injury to a parent can lead to sleep issues in children and teens
Children whose parents are injured may experience altered sleep habits due to post-traumatic stress disorder from military combat. Researchers found a 48% increase in sleep visits among these children, with some experiencing increased symptoms of insomnia and restlessness.
Good sleep quality encourages better recovery after sport-related concussion
A new study published at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that young athletes with good sleep quality after a sport-related concussion recover quicker, with symptoms resolving within two weeks. Those with poor sleep quality often take longer to recover, sometimes greater than 30 days.
Scientists to develop sensing technologies to measure circadian rhythm in shift workers
Researchers are developing sensing technologies to measure circadian rhythm in shift workers, exploring the impact on cognitive performance, productivity, and accidents. The goal is to provide personalized feedback to enhance users' well-being and cognitive ability.
Climate change and African trypanosomiasis vector populations in Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that temperature increases have caused a decline in local tsetse fly populations, potentially reducing the risk of sleeping sickness in Africa. Rising temperatures may also make some areas more suitable for tsetse flies.
Length of breathing disruption in OSA may be better predictor of mortality risk
Researchers found that short apneas and hypopneas were associated with higher mortality risk, even when controlling for AHI. The study suggests a new phenotype of OSA linked to genetic factors and increased risk of hypertension.
Infection biology: Staying a step ahead of the game
Scientists have discovered that DNA packaging proteins play a central role in the parasite's ability to alter its surface coat protein, enabling it to evade the host's immune system. This process, known as antigenic variation, allows trypanosomes to stay one step ahead of the game and establish long-term infections.
Novel antidepressant may improve sleep in patients with depression
A novel antidepressant, vortioxetine, has been shown to improve subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with major depressive disorder. The treatment's multimodal effect on serotonin transport and reuptake may have important clinical implications for addressing sleep problems in depression.
Experts raise safety concerns about cardboard baby boxes
Experts warn that cardboard baby boxes are being promoted without supporting evidence, posing risks to infant safety. The boxes may not meet safety regulations, have potential design flaws, and are not suitable for all age groups.
New smart watch algorithms can help identify why you are sleeping poorly
A new algorithm called SleepGuard tracks sleep patterns using multiple smartwatch sensors, estimating sleep quality and providing users with practical advice. The technology captures key factors such as body movements, ambient lighting, and sounds related to sleep disorders.
Kids' sleep may suffer from moms' tight work schedules
Researchers found that when mothers reported less flexibility in their work schedules, their children got less sleep. However, consistent bedtimes may be the key to offsetting damage done by tight work schedules. Employers can create policies to give employees more flexibility, which could help promote sleep health from childhood.
Early Alzheimer's brain pathology linked to psychiatric symptoms
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease is closely linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The study used brains from over 1,000 healthy adults aged 50+, finding that AD pathology was present in many individuals who didn't show classic cognitive symptoms.
Benzodiazepines in patients with COPD and PTSD may increase suicide risk
A study of 44,555 veterans found that long-term benzodiazepine use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase suicide risk. Short-term use was associated with increased mortality.
Memory 'brainwaves' look the same in sleep and wakefulness
New research reveals identical brain mechanisms trigger memories during both sleep and wakefulness, suggesting a crucial role for sleep in stabilizing memories. The study provides further evidence of the beneficial effects of sleep on memory formation and offers insights into how memories are formed.
Out like a light: Researchers ID brain's 'sleep switch'
Scientists have discovered that a specific region of the brain, known as the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and body temperature. Activating these cells causes a profound drive to sleep, while excessive stimulation can lead to prolonged sleep and a drop in body temperature.
Energy-insecure New Yorkers face multiple health risks
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of Washington Heights residents experienced energy insecurity, leading to breathing problems, mental health issues, and poor sleep. Energy-insecure households were more likely to have children under 18 years of age and lower household income.
How the brain learns during sleep
Researchers found that brain activity patterns during sleep can reveal which memories are stored and which forgotten. The brain reactivates memory traces during certain sleep phases, especially when gamma band activity from deep processing is reactivated during ripples in the hippocampus, leading to later recall of images.
Using personal data to predict blood pressure
Engineers at UC San Diego developed an algorithm to predict individual blood pressure based on sleep, exercise, and blood pressure data from wearable devices. The study found that personalized data was more effective than generalized information in lowering blood pressure.
Daytime naps help us acquire information not consciously perceived, study finds
Research suggests that short naps can aid in processing unconscious information, improving cognitive function and reaction time. The study found that even brief periods of sleep can enhance brain processing, particularly for implicit information.
Sexual harassment and assault linked to worse physical/mental health among midlife women
A new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault could have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of midlife women. Women who were younger or more financially stressed were more likely to be harassed, and both sexual harassme...
Sleeping too much or too little may affect stroke risk differently based on race
A recent study published in Neurology found that sleeping too little or too much can affect stroke risk differently based on race. Black men who slept less than six hours per night were less likely to have a stroke compared to average sleepers, while white men who slept nine or more hours a night had an increased risk of stroke.
Articles examine aspects of sexual assault, harassment
Two studies investigate the impact of workplace sexual harassment and assault on blood pressure, mood, anxiety, and sleep among midlife women. The research found that sexual harassment is linked to higher hypertension rates and poor sleep, while assault is associated with depression, anxiety, and clinically significant elevations.