Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study from the University of California found that light therapy can alter circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycles, leading to improved mood and sleep in perimenopausal women. This non-pharmacological treatment option may provide symptomatic relief for those struggling with depression and sleep problems.
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...
A pilot study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can slow or even reverse the atrophy of cortical gray matter in patients with co-morbid fibromyalgia. Eight weeks of CBT-I resulted in increases in cortical thickness, while CBT-P had no similar effect.
A study found that high school students who slept less than six hours per night were more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as substance abuse and carrying a weapon. The researchers also found a significant association between sleep duration and suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Patients undergoing elective hip surgery may experience new health issues such as mental health disorders, chronic pain, and cardiovascular ailments up to two years after the procedure. The study found that these hidden complications can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life.
A new study from CHEO Research Institute found that children aged nine and 10 who meet Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep time have superior global cognition. The results suggest a positive relationship among childhood global cognition, future academic success, and lower all-cause mortality.
An observational study of over 4,500 US children aged 8-11 found that limiting recreational screen time to less than two hours a day is associated with improved cognition. Half of the children met only one guideline, while those who met all three (sleep, screen time, and physical activity) had better cognitive development.
A new study found that an online insomnia program using digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved not only insomnia symptoms but also daytime functioning and overall health. The program, called Sleepio, was used by 1,711 participants and showed significant improvements in global health and mental wellbeing.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that adults with irregular sleep patterns weigh more, have higher blood sugar, and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Regular sleep schedule was associated with better heart and metabolic health outcomes.
A new guideline published by the American Thoracic Society recommends weight loss strategies for adults with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those who are overweight or obese. The guideline suggests comprehensive lifestyle interventions and behavioral counseling to help patients achieve weight loss.
A team of scientists has discovered the atomic-resolution structure of a specialized ribosome in Trypanosomes, a parasitic disease-causing organism. The study reveals that these ribosomes are composed primarily of proteins, unlike other ribosomes which are dominated by RNA.
A study by Rush University Medical Center found that Chicago news media reported 59% of child traffic crash deaths and 38% of fire-related deaths, but not a single case of sudden unexpected infant death. This lack of reporting contributes to parents' unawareness of the risks involved, leading to unsafe sleep environments.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that one in four older adults prescribed benzodiazepines continue to use them long-term. The research highlights the need for better education and critical thinking among healthcare providers to reduce the risk of long-term use, particularly among low-income older adults.
A study of 1639 adults aged 65 found that better sleep quality was positively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The researchers suggest that aspects of the Mediterranean diet may promote better sleep, or vice versa.