Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
A new study found that patients who responded to ketamine treatment had increased early morning activity and lower evening activity levels. Altered circadian timekeeping systems may mediate ketamine's effects on mood.
Researchers found that ECT had no specific anti-insomnia effect on older patients with depression. In fact, their insomnia problems persisted despite treatment improvements in non-insomnia symptoms. The study suggests that ECT may not be a reliable option for addressing sleep issues in this population.
A new study links binge-watching TV with poorer sleep quality, fatigue, and increased insomnia in young adults. The study found that cognitive alertness resulting from binge-watching affects sleep, with 98% of binge-watchers experiencing poor sleep quality.
New research finds that binge-viewing TV shows can negatively impact sleep quality in young adults, leading to increased fatigue and insomnia. The study suggests that the intense engagement with content before bedtime causes mental arousal, disrupting sleep patterns.
A recent study found that the opioid crisis has led to a significant increase in ICU admissions and deaths in US hospitals, with an estimated nearly double increase in deaths from opioid overdoses. The study also revealed that the cost of caring for these patients increased significantly during this period.
A study found that mothers with stronger opinions about responding to night wakings had poorer coparenting perceptions. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and frequent communication between parents to maintain a healthy coparenting relationship.
Scientists found that babies associate words with content between 6-8 months old during a midday nap, while awake they can't connect new objects to the corresponding name. This early word learning ability suggests that children hold real word meanings in their long-term memory much earlier than previously assumed.
A new mobile program significantly improved adherence to recommended safe sleep habits for infants, including back sleeping and room-sharing without bed-sharing. The program's rates were higher than those achieved by interventions tested in previous research.
A new study by Duke researchers found that teenagers who were exposed to violence consumed more unhealthy foods and beverages, including increased soda consumption, which is a strong predictor of weight gain. The study also revealed that adolescents took more steps on days they were exposed to violence, contrary to expectations.
Researchers found that fruit fly males prioritize courtship over sleep when aroused, while females can't afford to pass up an eligible suitor even if they're tired. The study revealed underlying connections between neural centers mediating sex and sleep in both males and females.
A new study by University of Houston College of Optometry researchers found that wearing blue-light blocking glasses before bed increased nighttime melatonin levels by 58% compared to non-blocking glasses. Participants reported improved sleep quality, faster falls asleep, and longer sleep durations.
A new study by the University of Leeds found that insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain and poorer metabolic health in UK adults. The research, which looked at over 1,600 participants, showed a significant association between short sleep duration and increased waist circumference.
A new study found that a mobile health program using text messages and emails successfully encouraged mothers to follow safe sleep practices for their babies, resulting in improved compliance rates. The intervention significantly reduced the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) and infant mortality rates.
New research from Northwestern University suggests that children who live in neighborhoods with high rates of violent crime struggle more in school due to sleep disruption and increased stress hormone cortisol. The study found that violent crimes alter sleep patterns, leading to a negative impact on academic performance.
A new study found that violent crime can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress hormones in youth, leading to decreased academic performance. The study, conducted on 82 youth aged 11-18, showed that sleep and cortisol levels changed after a violent crime occurred nearby, with the largest effects seen for homicides.
A mobile health intervention improved adherence to safe sleep practices among mothers of healthy term newborns, with higher rates of supine positioning and no soft-bedding use. The study found that 79% of mothers in the intervention group had placed their infants supine, compared to 80% in the control group.
Research suggests that sleep disorders are associated with diminished cognition in individuals carrying a genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, APOE-ε4 carriers showed greater cognitive deficits with various indices of sleep-disordered breathing compared to those without the allele. The study found increased over...
Combining moderate alcohol consumption with moderate sleep restriction leads to increased deficits in attention and drowsiness compared to either factor alone. Performance impairment remains apparent even with frequent breaks, emphasizing the need for adequate rest before driving after consuming alcohol.
A new study reveals that restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in pregnant women, associated with poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor daytime function. RLS symptoms were experienced by half of the women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for identification and treatment.
Patients who watched videos of themselves struggling to breathe while sleeping with sleep apnea used CPAP machines three hours more per night than those who saw no video. The effect was dramatic, with patients becoming determined to fix their condition after witnessing the severity of their own sleep apnea.
A study of modern hunter-gatherers in Tanzania found that mismatched sleep schedules and restless nights may be an evolutionary leftover from a time when predators lurked in the shadows. This natural variation in sleep patterns helps ensure at least one person is awake to keep watch, reducing the need for nighttime sentinels.
Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers has been shown to improve macular pigment optical density, visual performance, and reduce symptoms of blue light exposure. The study found a significant reduction in eye strain and fatigue after six months of supplementation.
A Northwestern University study finds that having a purpose in life is associated with improved sleep quality, reduced sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome in older adults. The research suggests that cultivating purpose through mindfulness therapies could be an effective drug-free strategy to improve sleep.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that people with normal thinking and memory skills but poor sleep quality may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found a link between sleep disturbances and biological markers for Alzheimer's disease in spinal fluid, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
A Stanford study found that sleep disturbances in young adults can warn of worsening suicidal thoughts, even when controlling for depression severity. Participants with varying sleep patterns reported more insomnia and nightmares, which independently predicted increased suicidal behaviors.
Rutgers researchers found premature infants between 24-27 weeks have a three times higher risk of dying before first birthday due to SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Safe sleep practices, such as putting infants on their back to sleep, can help compensate for this risk.
A new study by UBC sleep expert Wendy Hall found a correlation between thoughts about infant sleep and parental depression. After a sleep intervention, parental depression lifted significantly, with a notable reduction in mothers' (30%) and fathers' (20%) high depression scores.
Research suggests that night shift work impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by normal cellular processes. Suppression of melatonin, a hormone regulating the internal clock, is thought to be a key factor in this impairment. This may result in higher levels of DNA damage and potentially carcinogenic effects.
Research found that sleep-deprived couples experience increased inflammatory markers when arguing, with a 10% rise for every hour of lost sleep. Getting enough sleep can help mitigate this effect and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
A specific protein called prokineticin 2 plays a critical role in setting the correct balance between sleep and wakefulness in response to light and darkness. The study found that Prok2 suppresses the awakening effect of light and the sedating effect of darkness, suggesting a new mechanism for regulating sleep behavior.
Research highlights common factors and advantages between human-animal co-sleeping and adult-child co-sleeping. Co-sleeping has been practiced across cultures, but its benefits and drawbacks are often overlooked, according to Australian researchers.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. The newly discovered TbALPH1 enzyme triggers the degradation of messenger RNA and is unique to the parasite's biology.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that job stress can lead to overeating and unhealthy food choices at dinnertime. However, getting a good night's sleep can help mitigate this harmful pattern.
A study analyzing self-reported data from over 53,000 respondents found that sleep chronotypes vary widely, peaking in lateness during adolescence. Chronotypes can differ up to 10 hours between individuals, suggesting tailored work schedules could minimize health risks.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who go to bed late have lower perceived control over obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Participants in a one-week sleep study completed daily ratings of their ability to control their symptoms, with those who went to bed later showing significant decrements in control.
A study conducted by University of North Texas professor Daniel Taylor found that online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is effective in military personnel, with improved sleep quality and reduced use of sleep medication. However, the internet-delivered therapy was about half as effective as traditional methods.
A team of international researchers has identified seven risk genes for insomnia, revealing the genetic basis of this common health complaint. The study found a strong genetic overlap with anxiety disorders, depression, and neuroticism, suggesting that shared biological mechanisms contribute to insomnia and these traits.
Research found that irregular sleep patterns, including timing and duration, are associated with lower grade point averages and delayed melatonin release. Students with more regular sleep patterns had better school grades on average.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have identified a neural circuit in the brain that controls wakefulness. The discovery could lead to new treatments for insomnia and other sleep disturbances. The study found that stimulating these neurons with light can help overcome tiredness, while silencing them can induce sleep.
A new study reveals that men with sleep apnoea and insomnia have a higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms than those with either condition alone. The study found that 43% of men with both conditions had depression, compared to 22% with insomnia alone and 8% with sleep apnoea alone.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that police officers working the afternoon shift are more fatigued, with a two-fold higher prevalence among male officers compared to day shift workers. Women officers appeared to use more effective coping mechanisms to manage shift work-related stress and fatigue.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleep disturbances are strongly related to substance use among college athletes. Student athletes with sleep difficulties were more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal substances, including a 317% increase in methamphetamine use.
A new study finds social jet lag, delaying sleep on weekends, associated with increased risk of heart disease and worsening mental health. The research suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule may be an effective preventative treatment for these health problems.
Professional baseball players who received short-term sleep extension demonstrated improved visual search abilities and faster response times to different types of pitches. The study found that sleep extension reduced fatigue, tension, and daytime sleepiness by more than one-third.
Two studies found strong associations between mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea and increased risks of hypertension and diabetes. Young adults and middle-aged individuals with sleep apnea were more likely to develop these conditions.
A study found that patients with insomnia and depression who slept for seven or more hours showed increased chances of depression and insomnia remission. Longer pre-treatment sleep duration was predictive of remission when combined with CBTI and antidepressant medication.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for college students' emotional health. The research, which involved 204 students aged 18-25, revealed that irregular sleep patterns were associated with lower self-reported happiness and well-being during the week.
Researchers found that babies who shared a room with parents after the first four months had poorer sleep quality and more unsafe sleeping practices. The study suggests that the American Academy of Pediatrics should reconsider its recommendation to room-share for the entire first year.
A study found that 74% of bed partners encouraged early bedtime or late wake times, which conflict with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Partners also made accommodations that affected their own functioning, leading to increased anxiety.
A new, disposable diagnostic patch effectively detects obstructive sleep apnea across all severity levels, with a clinical agreement rate of 87.4%. The SomnaPatch weighs less than one ounce and records various physiological parameters while being comfortable and easy to use.
Newborns of mothers with sleep apnea have a higher risk of congenital anomalies and resuscitation at birth, with a 26% increased risk. Babies of mothers with sleep apnea are more likely to be admitted to the ICU or special care nursery.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that a parent's outlook on life can have a profound influence on their child's behavior, eating, and sleeping patterns. Internally controlled parents tend to exhibit traits such as persistence, responsibility, and delayed gratification, which positively impact their children's deve...
Dr. Charles Bourque's research reveals vasopressin's role in regulating body hydration and its link to various health problems, including congestive heart failure and salt-dependent hypertension. The molecule is also involved in feed-forward mechanisms, producing anticipatory signals before sleep and dehydration.
A new observational study found that short sleep times may raise the risk of death in people with a cluster of heart disease and diabetes risk factors, with those who slept less than six hours being twice as likely to die of heart disease or stroke. The study suggests that taking care of sleep is important for reducing mortality risk.
Research suggests that vitamin D levels combined with good sleep quality can effectively manage conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and chronic back pain. This review highlights the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pain management, offering a new approach to alleviate suffering.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that enforcing rules about bedtimes on weekdays significantly impacts children's sleep. Parents who enforce bedtime rules on weekdays are 59% more likely to have their child meeting sleep guidelines, according to the researchers.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected researchers Dr. Emerson Wickwire, Dr. Jessica Levenson, Dr. Benjamin Pliska, and Dr. Allen Firestone to receive research awards for their projects aimed at improving sleep health and advancing the field of sleep medicine.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that women are more likely to experience severe symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness due to sleep disorders. In contrast, men are more likely to have snoring that forces bed partners to sleep in different rooms.
A Temple University Health System study analyzed the impact of combining baby boxes and personalized sleep education on reducing bed-sharing in infants. The research found that face-to-face postpartum education and providing a baby box with a firm mattress and fitted sheet reduced bed-sharing rates by 25% in the first eight days of life.
Researchers have demonstrated a causal connection between deep sleep and learning efficiency in the human brain. By manipulating deep sleep in targeted brain regions, they found that learning efficiency was blocked when synapses remained maximally excited without recovery.