Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
A hospital-based behavioral intervention protocol, including sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy, improved sleep in women hospitalized for a high-risk pregnancy. Women in the intervention group had significantly lower sleep disturbance scores and fewer symptoms that can interfere with sleep compared to controls.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that wearing amber-tinted lenses before bed can improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. Participants wore wrap-around frames with amber or clear lenses for seven consecutive nights, resulting in an average of 30 minutes extra sleep and improved insomnia severity.
Scientists have identified 126 genetic differences among 80 genes associated with sleep duration in fruit fly populations. These findings may lead to better treatments for insomnia and narcolepsy, with little physiological consequence for extreme long or short sleepers.
Researchers identified 126 genetic variations in wild fruit flies that affect sleep duration, with some individuals needing more or less sleep than others. The study suggests that multiple signaling pathways contribute to sleep duration and may explain why a single purpose for sleep has been difficult to pin down.
Research found that using technology before bed is associated with less sleep, poorer sleep quality, and higher body mass indexes (BMIs) in children. Children who used devices before bed averaged an hour less of sleep than those who did not.
After retiring from work life, people sleep approximately 20 minutes longer than before retirement and experience improved sleep quality. This is particularly true for individuals who had previously experienced sleep difficulties or were heavy alcohol users, with a notable decrease in early morning awakenings and nonrestorative sleep.
Research by Penn State found that high school start times after 8:30 a.m. increased the likelihood of teens obtaining eight hours of sleep, benefiting their overall health. Earlier school start times were associated with decreased time in bed and morning wake-up times.
A recent study found that opening windows or doors reduces carbon dioxide levels in bedrooms, correlating with improved subjective sleep assessments. Lower CO2 levels also associated with better objective sleep measures, including efficiency and awakenings.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that cognitive-behavioral sleep interventions are most effective for adolescents with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that sleep improvement treatments can be a useful tool in addressing mental health issues.
Female gender and personal burnout linked to impaired sleep quality among shift-work nurses. Working in psychiatric settings with long cycle shifts and daytime dysfunction also associated with burnout.
Researchers used 'reality mining' to analyze mobile phone records of one million people, finding that the timing of sunrise and sunset still guides daily activities. The study also reveals sex differences in sleep duration, with women sleeping more than men as they age.
A new study found that positive airway pressure therapy significantly improves both general and sleep-specific quality of life measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The improvements were most notable in those who adhered to the treatment.
Researchers at the University of York found that sleep helps us use our memory in a flexible and adaptable manner by strengthening both old and new versions of an experience. This process allows for the adaptive updating of memories, but can also lead to distortions if incorrect information is incorporated.
Research finds a link between insomnia and frequency of alcohol use among seventh- and eighth-grade students. Insomnia is identified as a risk marker for alcohol use, while symptoms of mental health problems and parental monitoring do not account for the association.
A study of 90 adults with type 2 diabetes found female gender, elevated blood sugar levels, neuropathic pain, and fatigue to be linked to sleep disturbance. Clinicians should prioritize females in sleep-related assessments and include symptoms like pain and fatigue in comprehensive evaluations.
A review of over five dozen studies reveals that excessive screen time in youths aged 5-17 is associated with delayed bedtimes, fewer hours of sleep and poorer sleep quality. Biological, neurological and environmental factors contribute to the negative impact of digital media on sleep patterns.
Penn State researchers recommend removing electronic devices from bedrooms, establishing bedtime routines, and avoiding bright lights to improve sleep in children and adolescents. The study suggests screen-based media consumption leads to delayed bedtimes, reduced total sleep duration, and negative effects on sleep quality.
Researchers at Florida State University found a connection between nightmares and self-injurious behavior, such as cutting or burning oneself. The study suggests that nightmares can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to increased risk of self-injury.
A recent NIH-funded study used innovative NeuroGrid technology to show that sleep boosts communication between the hippocampus and association neocortex, crucial for memory formation. The research suggests that neural dialogue between these regions helps retain information during sleep.
A pilot study found Montmorency tart cherry juice significantly extended sleep time among senior insomniacs by 84 minutes. The study also showed reduced plasma levels of kynurenine with increased tryptophan levels, and inhibition of PGE2, a biomarker of inflammation.
Researchers aim to understand why eating late disrupts natural circadian rhythms and affects weight, glucose, and hormone levels. They will conduct a randomized, long-term study on adults with obesity to compare weight and metabolic effects of daytime versus delayed eating schedules.
Researchers found that smell sensitivity peaks in the late evening and varies over the course of a day, influenced by internal circadian rhythms. This discovery has implications for assessing a patient's sense of smell and may affect food choices and eating behaviors among teens.
Researchers have developed a three-compartment system to culture neurons preserving the nerve's structure. They found that viruses can escape silencing through stress-mediated slow and fast processes. The slow process is triggered by neuron stress, while the fast process involves viral tegument proteins.
Research reveals sleepwalkers have improved automation in movement control compared to non-sleepwalkers. They maintain speed and accuracy during tasks requiring conscious attention, indicating potential daytime markers for sleepwalking diagnosis.
A large-scale study found that low physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify genetic risk factors for obesity, confirming previous findings with new, more objective measurements. The study also showed a gene-activity interaction between physical activity levels and genetic variants associated with obesity.
A new study by San Diego State University finds that adolescents are sleeping fewer hours per night than older generations, with 40% of teenagers in 2015 sleeping less than 7 hours a night. Young people's increased smartphone use is linked to decreased sleep, with teens who spend more time online being more likely to not get enough sleep.
A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
A study of 796 male volunteers found that shorter or longer sleep durations were associated with lower High DNA Stainability in sperm. Volunteers sleeping 6.5 hours or less had 30% lower DNA stainability compared to those sleeping 7-7.5 hours.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has released a position statement on home sleep apnea testing, emphasizing the importance of a physician's involvement in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea. The guideline outlines conditions under which a home sleep apnea test can be used for diagnosis.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs during late pregnancy may be at increased risk of late stillbirth. Fetal activity levels were lower when mothers slept on their backs, suggesting a potential link between maternal position and fetal wellbeing.
The study aims to determine whether evening binge drinking causes sleep apnea, neural disregulation and abnormal rhythms in blood pressure. Researchers will also examine how menstrual phases affect women's bodies and explore the impact of CPAP on negative effects.
Research found that over a third of primary school children are getting less than ten hours of sleep per night, with poor sleep associated with difficulties in paying attention in class and keeping up with school work. Removing technology from the bedroom may help improve sleep outcomes.
Taking prescribed sleep medications for insomnia increases risk of falling in older adults, according to researchers. Non-drug approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective and safer.
A recent study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that teenagers who start high school before 8:30 a.m. are at higher risk of depression and anxiety, even with good sleep hygiene. The study suggests that later school start times may be a strong protective factor for teens.
Researchers discovered that activity in dendrites increases during sleep, linked to specific brain waves associated with memory formation. This study could lead to new treatments for learning and memory disorders, such as dementia.
A new poll finds that nearly half of older Americans struggle with sleep, but many don't discuss it with their doctors. Prescription sleep medications carry significant health risks for older people, and non-medication-based habits are a more effective solution.
A study tracking over 3600 participants found that maternal factors and depression/anxiety were significant predictors of adolescent sleep problems. Conversely, an active lifestyle was found to decrease future incidence of sleep problems.
A new fatigue cost calculator reveals that US employers can lose up to $1.4 million annually due to employee sleep deficiency. The calculator estimates costs for absenteeism, productivity loss, healthcare expenses, accidents, and other occupational costs associated with exhausted employees.
A new study reveals that preterm children have more medical sleep problems, such as restlessness and breathing issues, compared to full-term children. However, they are more likely to fall asleep on their own without assistance.
Researchers observed reduced pulsing activity at night and delayed responses to stimulation in the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea. The findings suggest that jellyfish do indeed sleep, but the study also raises more questions about the origin of sleep and its relationship with neural systems.
Participating in twice-weekly Tibetan yoga reduced sleep disturbances and improved sleep quality in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Women who practiced at least two times a week reported better sleep quality and efficiency over time compared to those practicing less often.
Research suggests that higher reward-related ventral striatum activity may protect against depressive symptoms associated with poor sleep quality. The study found that students with higher VS activity were less likely to report symptoms of depression when experiencing poor sleep quality.
A new study found that individuals with higher reward-related ventral striatum activity are less likely to experience depressive symptoms when they have poor quality sleep. This finding may help identify individuals for whom sleep hygiene is more effective or important.
A new study found that female youth soccer players who participate in only one sport, such as soccer, experience worse mood, stress levels, fatigue, and soreness compared to those who play multiple sports. Despite getting similar sleep hours, specialized athletes reported lower sleep quality.
Chronic kidney disease is characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. Poor sleep duration and quality are associated with steeper declines in kidney function and increased risk of developing kidney failure.
A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who experienced high sleep fragmentation were at elevated risk of developing kidney failure. Higher sleep fragmentation and shorter sleep duration were also linked to steeper declines in kidney function over time. Subjectively measured daytime sleepiness was associated with an ...
Patients with OSA improved CPAP use when telemonitored and received individualized, automated messages that reinforced therapy adherence. Telemonitoring increased CPAP use by 36-60 minutes per night.
Researchers found that individuals with high body fat percentages consumed most of their calories shortly before going to sleep when melatonin levels were high. This study provides evidence that the consumption of food during the circadian evening/night plays an important role in body composition.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that sleeping with dogs can help people sleep better, but only if they're in the bedroom, not in bed. The study of 40 healthy adults and their dogs over five months showed that having pets nearby can provide comfort and security.
Chinese children who go to bed later and sleep less are more likely to be overweight, with each hour later bedtime increasing BMI scores. The study suggests cultural factors, such as emphasis on studying and academic achievement, contribute to shorter sleep durations.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that sleep reduces the likelihood of innocent people being wrongly identified as suspects. When perpetrators are absent from lineups, sleeping eyewitnesses identify innocents 42% of the time, compared to 66% for those who didn't sleep.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh studied two species of trypanosome parasites that can co-infect animals at once. Communication between the species may aid their survival by controlling numbers and optimizing transmission, potentially leading to more severe human infections.
A new study by the University of Warwick and the University of Basel found that children whose mothers suffer from insomnia symptoms fall asleep later, get less sleep, and spend less time in deep sleep. This may affect their mental wellbeing and development.
A new study shows that untreated sleep apnea increases blood sugar, fat levels, stress hormones, and blood pressure while participants slept. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is recommended to prevent these consequences.
A recent study published in Sleep Medicine suggests that mothers' insomnia symptoms are closely related to their children's sleep quality. Researchers found that children of mothers with insomnia symptoms tend to fall asleep later and have poorer sleep, suggesting a strong influence of maternal behavior on children's sleep habits.
Research presented at ESC Congress found that poor sleep is associated with increased risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke. The study revealed different patterns of sleep disturbance between the two conditions, with patients with ischaemic heart disease experiencing shorter sleep and brief moments of waking up.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that chronic lack of sleep leads to increased risk-taking behavior in young adults. After sleeping only 5 hours a night for a week, participants displayed significantly riskier behavior, including taking greater financial risks.
A new University of Michigan study found that tired family caregivers are associated with greater ER visits and higher overall health care costs for the person they care for. Patients with fatigued or sad caregivers had 23% higher emergency department visits and $1,900 more in Medicare costs.
A Yale University study finds that caregiver attitudes and subjective norms significantly influence the use of safe sleep positions for infants. Only 44% of mothers practice the recommended back-to-birth position consistently, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A nationally representative survey found that 51% of parents support later school start times to accommodate their teens' natural circadian rhythms. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but many parents underestimate their children's sleep needs, with only half agreeing with existing recommendations.