Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Arizona Sleep and Health Research Program has been awarded a $3.6 million grant to study sleep health along the US-Mexico border. The Nogales Cardiometabolic Health and Sleep Study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances and cardiometabolic disease risk factors.
A new study found that over half of older adults (56%) have a high risk of OSA, but only 8% have been tested, highlighting the need for increased evaluation and treatment.
Researchers found that childhood adversity is strongly associated with mood and sleep problems in adulthood, which lead to greater physical pain. However, optimism and feeling in control can mitigate this connection.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Scientists found that brief sleep arousals are triggered by wake-promoting neurons' electrical noise, which is affected by body temperature. Higher temperatures may lead to fewer and shorter arousals, potentially increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that individuals with tetraplegia and sleep apnea have distinct responses to airway narrowing, leading to increased risk of sleep disruption. This knowledge can inform targeted therapies for those affected by the condition.
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.
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.
A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.
A new exploratory study examines how use of sleep tracker data can improve physician-patient dialogue regarding sleep. The study will utilize Fitbit devices and track real-time sleep information to measure results, providing insight into the utility of consumer sleep monitoring devices in primary care.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that shifting brain clock through light exposure can improve sleep quality and health benefits for night shift workers. A personalized approach considering individual morning or evening types is essential.
A new study reveals that nearly one in three military personnel meet criteria for nightmare disorder, with trauma-related nightmares occurring in 60% of them. Those with nightmare disorder had an increased risk of other sleep and mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
A study found that excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults without dementia is associated with increased β-amyloid levels, a key biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Disrupted sleep may contribute to β-amyloid accumulation and increase synaptic activity in the brain.
Researchers uncover genetic mechanism behind insect's ability to revive after drying up. Heat shock factor plays key role in activating genes that protect cells from dehydration damage.
Researchers found that a specific part of the fly brain's circadian clock, DN1p, increases activity when cooled and decreases activity when heated, suggesting a key role in regulating sleep patterns. The study has implications for understanding how temperature affects human sleep behavior.
Research reveals that preschoolers' production of sleep-promoting hormone melatonin is suppressed for at least 50 minutes after exposure to bright light. This finding highlights the potential risks of electronic use in young children's sleep and circadian rhythms.
Researchers found that a low dose of dexmedetomidine at night significantly reduced the incidence of delirium and prolonged free periods without delirium in ICU patients. Additionally, patients receiving dexmedetomidine were less likely to experience severe pain if they were in pain, but sleep quality showed no significant improvement.
A study of patients with obstructive sleep apnea found that non-adherent patients were three times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days for any cause. Non-adherence to CPAP therapy is a significant risk factor for hospital readmissions, particularly cardiovascular events.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that fruit flies use external temperature to regulate their sleep cycles, which may provide insights into human sleep patterns. Mild changes in temperature have physiological effects on clock neurons that control sleep timing.
Researchers discover a possible direct connection between disrupted circadian clocks and increased levels of ADAM17, an enzyme that promotes inflammation and stiffens blood vessel walls. This relationship could explain why poor sleep habits contribute to cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new study found that sleep problems in menopausal women are consistently correlated with hot flashes and depression. However, the study suggests that addressing these risk factors may also address sleep disruptions, offering hope that women's sleep symptoms may not last past the menopausal transition.
Researchers found that ancient proteins in insect and mammal brains share common ancestry as regulators of body temperature rhythms crucial to metabolism and sleep. This discovery may lead to new treatments for circadian clock diseases and sleep problems.
Research suggests that slowing down eating speed, cutting out after dinner snacks, and not eating within 2 hours of sleep may help shed pounds. The study found that slow eaters tended to be healthier and had a healthier lifestyle than fast or normal speed eaters.
The American Thoracic Society and Marron Institute report estimates that meeting the ATS's standards for ozone and fine particulate matter would save approximately 6,270 lives annually and avoid 15,300 instances of serious illness. Implementing these standards could reduce missed school and work days by 12.7 million.
A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology reveals that 64% of pregnant women experience insomnia in the third trimester, with symptoms worsening throughout pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of addressing this issue to prevent related health problems.
A systematic review found that living kidney donors have higher diastolic blood pressure, poorer renal function, and increased risk of end-stage renal disease. Female donors are at increased risk for preeclampsia and pregnancy-related complications.
A study published in JNeurosci found that stimulating carbon dioxide-sensing neurons in the midbrain of adult male mice awakened them without affecting breathing. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
A study found that poor sleep quality in children is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, indicating a link between sleep patterns and weight gain. The researchers suggest that examining markers of sleep quality may be useful in designing childhood obesity prevention strategies.
A smart baby pillow has been introduced to prevent and correct mild cases of flat head syndrome. The device features an embedded air volume control system and a real-time soft tactile sensor to monitor the baby's head position.
Researchers at Washington State University are testing a low-cost sleep measurement technology to improve sleep patterns in individuals with chronic insomnia. The technology, known as S+, measures timing, quantity and quality of sleep and provides personalized suggestions for improvement.
Researchers have discovered that pupil size rhythmically fluctuates during sleep in mice and correlates with changes in sleep states. The findings suggest that pupil size plays a crucial role in blocking sensory input and protecting the brain during deep sleep.
A national survey found that healthy and wealthy Americans dominate the market for mobile phone apps tracking sleep habits, with 28% of users reporting regular usage. The study suggests that these apps may offer a way to diagnose and treat sleep problems more effectively, but their value remains unclear.
A randomized controlled trial found that systematic bright light exposure improved sleep efficiency and self-reported sleep quality in fatigued cancer survivors. The intervention showed significant effects compared to dim light exposure.
A Baylor University study found that writing down to-do lists at bedtime can aid in falling asleep. The research, which used overnight polysomnography, compared the sleep patterns of participants who wrote about future tasks versus completed activities.
Research suggests that melatonin treatments can improve sleep quality, physical health, and mental well-being in older adults. Melatonin deficiency is associated with decreased circadian system robustness and increased risks of age-related diseases.
The study found that elderly men and women spent significant amounts of time on different types of housework activities. While engaging in some housework was beneficial to the health of older adults, long periods combined with too much or too little sleep were associated with poor health among elderly women. In contrast, elderly men wh...
A King's College London study found that extending sleep hours by up to 1.5 hours per night resulted in a 10-gram reduction in reported free sugar intake. The researchers also noticed trends for reduced total carbohydrate intake among participants in the sleep extension group.
Research reveals general anesthetics disrupt synaptic connectivity, affecting communication between neurons across the entire brain. This disruption allows for effective anesthesia while patients experience grogginess and disorientation after surgery.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a circadian rhythm disorder caused by the acceleration of biological clocks. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutic alternatives to toxic treatments.
Regular sleep disruptions associated with difficulty disengaging attention from negative information, leading to intrusive thoughts and increased risk of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that inadequate sleep contributes to the persistence of negative thoughts, making it harder for individuals to ignore them.
Researchers found that restricting food availability to a set schedule improved motor activity and sleep quality in mice with Huntington's disease. These findings suggest that eating on a strict schedule could improve quality of life for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
A study found that preterm infants have significantly lower nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes compared to full-term peers. This suggests that the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be confined to the upper airway.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that children who eat fish at least once a week have better sleep quality and higher IQ scores. The researchers discovered that increased omega-3 consumption is associated with improved cognitive function and reduced sleep disturbances.
Research found that high nighttime temperatures have a significant negative impact on canola plant production, particularly during the flowering and seed-forming stages. Temperatures between 68-73°F cause a decrease in yield, grain number, and final grain weight.
A new study by Michigan Medicine finds that babies with spina bifida have early symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, which can contribute to lifelong issues with neurodevelopment. The research team identified SDB in all 20 newborns with the most serious form of spina bifida.