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Sleep disorder linked with changes to brain structure typical of dementia

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with changes to brain structure similar to those seen in early-stage dementia. The study suggests that screening for OSA and treating it could help prevent dementia in older adults.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Studies provide new insights into the role of sleep in chronic pain

Two studies presented at EULAR 2018 found that sleep problems predict the onset of chronic widespread pain and are associated with chronic pain in adolescents. Sleep difficulties, fatigue, and anxiety were identified as key predictors of chronic pain.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Both quantity and quality of sleep affect cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents

A study of 829 adolescents found that both short sleep duration and poor sleep efficiency are associated with increased abdominal fat deposition and cardiometabolic risk. In contrast, longer sleep duration and higher efficiency were linked to reduced waist circumference, lower blood pressure, and improved HDL cholesterol levels.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 15, 2018

Early birds less prone to depression

A large observational study found that middle-to-older aged women who are naturally early to bed and rise have a significantly lower risk of developing depression. After accounting for environmental factors, the study shows a modest link between chronotype and depression risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateJun 14, 2018

New position paper recommends treatment options for nightmare disorder in adults

A position paper from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends image rehearsal therapy as a useful treatment option for nightmare disorder and PTSD-associated nightmares. Cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and other interventions may also be effective, while clonazepam and venlafaxine are not recommended.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJun 14, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

UTSA researcher studies the impact religion has on sleep quality

A new study by UTSA researcher Christopher Ellison analyzes the impact of religious involvement on sleep quality, concluding that people with higher levels of religious involvement tend to have healthier sleep outcomes. The research suggests that religion benefits mental health by reducing stress, promoting social engagement and provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateJun 13, 2018

Reversible changes to neural proteins may explain sleep need

Researchers at Japan's University of Tsukuba found that phosphoproteins accumulate when mice are awake and dissipate during sleep. The study identified 80 proteins, dubbed the Sleep-Need-Index-PhosphoProteins (SNIPPs), which change their phosphorylation state along with sleep need.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Sleeping too much or not enough may have bad effects on health

A large Korean study found that sleeping fewer than six hours a day is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its components, including higher waist circumference and triglycerides. The study also showed a potential gender difference, with long sleep linked to metabolic syndrome in women and short sleep in men.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 12, 2018

Sleep problems in Parkinson's disease: Can we fix them?

A team of researchers has identified lipid defects in the brain as the cause of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Restoring the balance of a key lipid, phosphatidylserine, improves sleep patterns in genetically modified fruit flies and suggests a potential new treatment direction.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNeuron·DateJun 7, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Preterm newborns sleep better in NICU while hearing their mother's voice

A new study found that playing a recording of a mother reading stories can improve sleep in preterm newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. The research involved 20 near-term and 27 premature infants born between 33-34 weeks, with results showing reduced likelihood of wakefulness during peak noise levels.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 6, 2018

Teenage girls are more impacted by sleepiness than teen boys are

A recent study found that teenage girls reported a higher degree of interference of daytime sleepiness on multiple aspects of their school and personal activities compared to boys. The study also showed that girls were more likely to miss school due to tiredness and felt less motivated in school because of poor sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 6, 2018

Optimal sleep linked to lower risks for dementia and early death

A study of Japanese adults aged 60 found that short and long daily sleep durations were risk factors for dementia and premature death. Participants with optimal sleep duration (5-6.9 hours) had a lower risk of dementia and death compared to those with shorter or longer sleep durations.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 6, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Does living near wind turbines negatively impact human health?

A recent study in Canada investigated the relationship between wind turbine proximity and human health, finding no direct correlation. However, respondents closer to turbines reported lower environmental quality of life ratings, suggesting potential indirect effects.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 5, 2018

Sleep disturbances more common for immigrants than non-immigrants

A recent study found that immigrants in Switzerland are more likely to experience sleep disorders due to high levels of emotional distress. The study analyzed data from 17,968 participants and found that immigrants reported higher levels of trouble falling asleep, disrupted sleep, and early morning awakenings.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 5, 2018

One in four Americans develop insomnia each year

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that about 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia annually, but 75% recover normal sleep within a year. The study tracked 1,435 adults nationwide and found no significant differences in recovery rates among racial, ethnic, or gender lines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Lighting intervention improves sleep and mood for Alzheimer's patients

A tailored lighting intervention has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of depression and agitation in Alzheimer's patients. The study found that the lighting intervention significantly decreased sleep disturbances, with a significant improvement seen in sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 5, 2018

Role of hippocampus in toddlers' memories

A study of 22 toddlers found that hippocampal activation was higher when they heard a previously learned song, regardless of playback direction. Correctly remembered locations associated with the song also showed stronger hippocampal responses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NFL teams play better during night games thanks to circadian advantages

A recent study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that NFL teams perform better at night due to their circadian rhythms. The research revealed fewer turnovers and mental errors during late evening games compared to afternoon games, suggesting a significant impact of circadian timing on game-day statistics.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 4, 2018

Light exposure during sleep may increase insulin resistance

A new study suggests that nighttime light exposure during sleep can disrupt metabolic function, leading to increased insulin resistance. The researchers found that just one night of light exposure acutely impacts measures of insulin resistance, which is a diminished ability of cells to respond to insulin.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 4, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Inadequate sleep could cost countries billions

A new study suggests inadequate sleep has grave economic consequences, affecting over 33% of Australian adults and costing billions. The financial cost of $17.88 billion represents 1.55% of the country's GDP.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 4, 2018

Study links short and long sleep durations with excess heart age

A new study found that adults who slept seven hours per night had the lowest excess heart age, while those sleeping less than or more than seven hours were associated with increased risk. The research demonstrates a quantitative method for including sleep duration in cardiovascular risk assessment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 4, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Sleep paralysis and hallucinations are prevalent in student athletes

A recent study found that sleep paralysis and dream-like hallucinations are prevalent in student athletes, with 18% and 24% of the sample reporting occasional experiences. These symptoms were independently associated with symptoms of depression, even after controlling for sleep duration and quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 4, 2018

Drowsy worms offer new insights into the neuroscience of sleep

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that glial cells play a crucial role in regulating sleep and movement in worms, offering new insights into the neuroscience of sleep. The study found that glial cells help counteract the inhibitory effect of a specific neuron on movement.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 31, 2018

Insomnia is a likely long-term side effect of stroke

Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A key switch in biological clocks

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified CK1 as the priming kinase that 'switches on' the biological clock's phosphorylation process, shedding light on circadian rhythm regulation. This discovery may lead to treatments for circadian clock disorders and improve sleep-wake cycles.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2018

Bursts of brain activity linked to memory reactivation

Researchers found that sleep spindles, brief bursts of brain activity, are linked to memory reactivation and improve retention. The rhythmic pattern of spindles may help segregate memories, preventing interference between them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2018

Evening use of light-emitting tablets may disrupt healthy sleep

A study found that evening use of light-emitting tablets can delay desired bedtimes, suppress melatonin secretion, and impair next-morning alertness. Healthy adults who used tablets before bed reported later sleep onset and rated themselves as less sleepy the next morning.

SourceWiley·JournalPhysiological Reports·DateMay 23, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Eating at night, sleeping by day swiftly alters key blood proteins

Researchers found that just one simulated night shift altered levels and time-of-day patterns of over 100 proteins in the blood. These disruptions can lead to higher diabetes rates and decreased energy expenditure, highlighting the importance of timing treatments around the circadian clock.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

Sleep better, parent better: Study shows link between maternal sleep and permissive parenting

A new study from the University of Illinois found that mothers who don't get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep are more likely to engage in permissive parenting with their adolescents. Mothers who receive adequate sleep, on the other hand, are less likely to be permissive and report better parenting behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateMay 21, 2018

Circadian rhythms and plasma proteome

Researchers analyzed human plasma proteins over time, identifying 30 proteins regulated by the circadian clock and affecting cancer, immune function, and metabolism. Circadian misalignment altered glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism pathways.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

Insufficient sleep, even without extended wakefulness, leads to performance impairments

Chronic short sleep duration, independent of extended wakefulness, results in vigilant performance impairments, with attention lapses increasing fivefold and reaction time doubling. Participants on restricted sleep schedules worsened over time, suggesting they cannot adapt to chronically insufficient sleep.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

CPAP may reduce resting heart rate in prediabetic patients

A randomized placebo-controlled study found that CPAP treatment significantly lowered resting heart rates during the day and night in patients with OSA and prediabetes. The effects were comparable to those of beta blockers, which block stress hormones and raise heart rates.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New findings explain how melatonin promotes sleep

Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have discovered how melatonin suppresses neurons in the brain that keep you awake and alert. This finding could lead to new therapies for insomnia by targeting the MT1 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateMay 15, 2018

Think chimpanzee beds are dirtier than human ones? Think again

A recent study found that chimpanzee beds have a greater diversity of microbes than human beds, but with fewer types of bacterial contamination. The research suggests that human attempts to create clean environments may make our surroundings less ideal.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 15, 2018

Consumer sleep technology is no substitute for medical evaluation

A position statement from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine emphasizes the need for medical evaluation over consumer sleep technology. While wearables and apps may provide valuable data, they are not a substitute for comprehensive testing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 14, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The effect of night shifts: Gene expression fails to adapt to new sleep patterns

A study published in PNAS found that genes regulating immune system and metabolic processes fail to adapt to new sleep patterns caused by night shifts. Eight healthy volunteers were subjected to a five-day schedule simulating night shift work, showing that almost 25% of rhythmic genes lost their biological rhythm.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018

Sleep duration may affect kidney disease patients' health-related quality of life

A new study finds that individuals with chronic kidney disease who slept 7 hours/day had higher health-related quality of life compared to those who slept 5 or 9 hours/day. Sleep disorders are common among CKD patients, leading to fatigue, lack of energy, and drowsiness.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 3, 2018

American Academy of Sleep Medicine announces 2018 award recipients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has selected several individuals for its 2018 awards, including Dr. Jack D. Edinger and Naresh M. Punjabi, who received the Nathaniel Kleitman Distinguished Service Award and William C. Dement Academic Achievement Award respectively. Arianna Huffington also received the Mark O. Hatfield Public Pol...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateApr 27, 2018

Want to remember your dreams? Try taking vitamin B6

Research from the University of Adelaide found that high-dose vitamin B6 supplements improved dream recall in participants. The study revealed no effects on vividness, bizarreness, or sleep patterns, suggesting a potential role for vitamin B6 in lucid dreaming and controlling dreams.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateApr 26, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Let it go: Mental breaks after work improve sleep

Experiencing rude behavior at work is linked to insomnia symptoms, but taking mental breaks can improve sleep quality. Employers can encourage programs aimed at reducing workplace incivility.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateApr 23, 2018

Trees are not as sound asleep as you may think

Researchers detected periodic movement in tree branches and leaves, revealing a previously unknown water transport mechanism. This discovery suggests that trees are pumping water and may have shorter or longer sleep periods than previously thought.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 20, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Position statement: Avoid using medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises against using medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence on its effectiveness and safety. Effective treatments like CPAP therapy are available from licensed medical providers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018

Night owls have higher risk of dying sooner

A new study published in Chronobiology International found that night owls have a 10% higher risk of dying than morning larks. This is the first study to look at mortality risk and highlights the importance of allowing evening types greater flexibility in working hours.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChronobiology International·DateApr 12, 2018

Infant death study reveals dangerous sleep practices among babysitters, relatives, others

A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 2, 2018