Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
Research found that measures of OSA severity were significant predictors of AF, with oxygen desaturation remaining a significant predictor after adjusting for known risk factors. Women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop AF hospitalizations, highlighting the potential for gender-specific mechanisms.
Researchers analyzed data from 1,863 participants and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and low sleep efficiency. The study suggests that improving air quality may be one way to enhance sleep health and reduce health disparities.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has announced the winners of its 2017 High School Video Contest, which encouraged teens to prioritize sleep. Three students from Colorado, Illinois, and Texas won prizes for their original videos, emphasizing the importance of 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
Research found that mechanical heart valve noise disturbs sleep in nearly a quarter of patients, with women more affected than men. The study also showed that patients often find ways to cope with the noise, such as sleeping on their right side or using earplugs.
Achieving moderate-to-vigorous physical activity guidelines, reducing TV viewing time, and ensuring adequate sleep duration are associated with lower BMI and body fat in children. Meeting these guidelines can reduce the risk of obesity and related health problems.
A study found that male fruit flies have specific neurons called MS1 that release octopamine to keep them awake during courtship, suppressing sleep. The researchers also discovered that these neurons communicate with other brain cells to enhance male sexual behavior.
Penn Medicine's Pennsylvania Hospital and HUP receive a three-year grant to develop an innovative safe sleep program addressing newborn deaths in Philadelphia. The program aims to promote and evaluate safe sleep practices through nurse, parent, and community education, with the goal of reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death rates.
Researchers found a strong link between loneliness and poor sleep quality in a study of over 2,000 British young adults. Lonelier individuals were more likely to experience daytime dysfunction and disrupted sleep.
A new study found no correlation between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk in children aged 3-8 years. However, less sleep was associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The researchers suggest that sleep quality may have a greater impact on cardiometabolic risk than sleep duration.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected three researchers to receive Strategic Research Awards for their projects on telemedicine and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The studies aim to compare the effectiveness of CBT-I delivered through telemedicine versus in-person sessions. One project will evaluate th...
The Sleep Research Society has announced its 2017 award recipients, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to sleep and circadian science. Dr. Thomas Kilduff is this year's Distinguished Scientist Award recipient for his work on hypocretin and therapeutic development for insomnia.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2017 award recipients, including David F. Dinges for his dedication to the sleep field and significant contributions in administration, public relations, and government affairs. Susan Redline received the William C. Dement Academic Achievement Award for her exceptional initiative...
A new study by Cardiff University and King's College London found that newly prescribed sleeping pills like benzodiazepines and 'Z-drugs' significantly increase the risk of hip fracture in people over 65. The study also identified a 53% increase in fracture risk for medium-term users and a 20% increased risk for long-term users.
Researchers at Brown University have identified genes with epigenetic tags associated with shorter sleep in young adults. The study used a combination of human and worm experiments to discover the connection, finding that knocking out analogous genes in worms affected sleep patterns.
Researchers designed a new technology that uses machine learning to model personal sleep patterns based on recorded sounds made during sleep. This method allows doctors to diagnose patients under normal sleeping conditions, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that poor sleep in people with depression and anxiety can make it harder for the brain to modify negative emotional responses. The study used functional MRI to measure brain activity in a specific region, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which was found to work harder in individuals with lower sleep efficiency.
A study of 35 popular phone-based sleep apps found that most help users set sleep-related goals and track their sleep patterns, but few provide general information about sleep or its benefits. The analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in the development of these apps to educate users about the importance of sleep.
Researchers found signs of fault displacement at well-known rock outcrops in Colorado marking the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact. The study suggests massive seismic waves could have generated earthquakes as far away as Colorado.
Researchers found that people who saw 'the dress' in a shadow perceived it as gold and white, while those under artificial light saw it as black and blue. Lifestyle factors such as sleep schedule also influenced color perception.
A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a genetic mutation in the CRY1 gene that slows the internal biological clock, causing delayed sleep phase disorder. The mutation affects up to 1 in 75 people and can be present in families, with relatives sharing similar signs of persistent sleep problems.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key gene involved in the quality of sleep experienced by humans and animals. The study found that a variant of the gene FABP7 is associated with poorer sleep quality, suggesting its importance in regulating sleep across species.
A new drug compound targeting brain receptors has been shown to reduce the number of hot flushes in menopausal women by almost three-quarters. The treatment has improved sleep quality and reduced severity of flushing, providing hope for women who cannot take hormone replacement therapy.
A study of 260 individuals with type 2 diabetes found that night shift workers had poorer glycemic control, despite adjusting for factors like diet and sleep duration. The research highlights the need for special attention to managing diabetes in this population through healthy habits and medication use.
A study found that prolonged sleep disturbance can lead to reduced bone formation and increased osteoporosis risk. After three weeks of cumulative sleep restriction, healthy men had lower levels of a bone formation marker, indicating a potential bone loss window.
A study of people with type 2 diabetes found that those with a later sleep-wake time preference reported more depression symptoms, regardless of sleep quality. The findings support an association between circadian regulation and psychological functioning in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant associations between insomnia symptoms and the risk of heart disease and stroke. Insomnia symptoms such as difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, and non-restorative sleep were linked to increased risks of cardiovascular events.
Research by the University of Warwick found that improving sleep quality leads to optimal physical and mental wellbeing, with positive changes linked to improved scores on psychological wellbeing tests. The study suggests that working on better sleep could be an effective public health strategy.
The new guideline recommends that polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease or other complicating conditions. Home sleep apnea testing is recommended only for uncomplicated adult patients with increased risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
A team of researchers discovered that the parasite Trypanosoma brucei has an internal clock, enabling it to adjust its composition and functions according to the day-night cycle. This finding could lead to more efficient treatment with chronotherapy, a concept already applied in other diseases.
A study found that children who don't get enough sleep between 3-7 years old are more likely to have attention, emotional control, and peer relationship issues. The research also showed a higher risk of poor neurobehavioral function at age 7.
A study examining the optimal timing for screening sleep apnea in patients who have had a heart attack found that initial tests conducted shortly after hospitalization are somewhat unreliable. Repeating the test or delaying it until six months later may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment.
A study by Oregon State University researcher Keith Leavitt found that prioritizing sex at home improves job satisfaction and engagement. The study also showed that bringing work-related stress home negatively impacts employees' sex lives, emphasizing the need for a healthy work-life balance.
A study found that sleep-tracking devices can be misleading, leading to increased anxiety and poor sleep habits. While these devices may have benefits when used correctly, they can also hinder efforts by therapists to assist patients with sleep disorders.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania and University of York found that teenagers who self-report feeling drowsy mid-afternoon are 4.5 times more likely to commit violent crimes a decade and a half later. The study also links daytime sleepiness with poor attention and brain function, which can lead to criminal behavior.
A recent study links adolescent sleepiness to future crime rates, with sleepy teens more likely to commit crimes by age 29. The study suggests that poor daytime attention and social adversity may contribute to the relationship between sleepiness and crime.
A circadian hospital lighting system significantly reduced depressive mood symptoms among stroke patients admitted for long-term rehabilitation. Blue light exposure was found to boost alertness and elevate mood, leading researchers to recommend its inclusion as part of rehabilitation unit environments.
A study found that people who sleep for over nine hours each night have smaller brain volumes and double the risk of developing dementia in ten years. Early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia can lead to better healthcare decisions and improved quality of life.
Researchers conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study on 30 patients with primary insomnia, finding that both neurofeedback and placebo-feedback were equally effective in improving subjective sleep complaints. However, objective EEG-derived measures of sleep quality did not show significant improvement.
A new study using an Apple Watch app found that seizures in people with epilepsy are often triggered by stress and missed sleep. The app, called EpiWatch, recorded participants' heart rate and movements for 10 minutes after a seizure to help researchers better understand the condition.
A study by Toyohashi University of Technology found that general air conditioner airflow can influence sleep conditions, even at low velocities. The research suggests customized airflow settings may help create a comfortable sleeping environment.
A recent study found that melatonin content in dietary supplements often differs significantly from the labeled amount, with some products containing up to 83% less or 478% more than declared. This variability raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of these products.
A new clinical practice guideline provides comprehensive analysis of individual agents used in treating chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline recommends specific medications for sleep onset and maintenance insomnia, emphasizing the importance of sound clinical judgment in patient care.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience suggests that prebiotic fibers can promote beneficial gut bacteria and recovery of normal sleep patterns after a stressful event. Regular intake of prebiotics may provide a natural way to cope with stress and support overall health.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees who record over 10,900 steps per day are less likely to perpetuate abuse at home. The research suggests that sleep and exercise can be leveraged as intervention points to prevent harmful behavior.
Two studies reveal that synapses shrink after mice sleep, only to grow again upon waking, suggesting a balance mechanism between activity and rest. A gene called Homerla plays a role in synaptic weakening during sleep by remodeling a molecular signaling complex.
Research found that exposure to natural light for as little as a weekend camping trip can shift the circadian rhythm and potentially deliver health benefits, including improved sleep and reduced seasonal depression. The study suggests that architectural design can incorporate tunable lighting to enhance performance and well-being.
A four-year research project published in Science offers a direct visual proof of the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, which suggests that sleep is essential for brain plasticity and learning. The study found that synapses in mice brains shrink by nearly 20% during sleep, creating room for growth and learning the next day.
A weekend camping trip can reset people's internal clocks rapidly, regardless of season, by increasing daytime exposure to sunlight and reducing nighttime electrical lighting. This helps to shift melatonin levels and improves sleeping patterns.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people experiencing insomnia symptoms have a higher risk of developing asthma. Participants who reported difficulty falling asleep or waking up early had a significantly increased risk of developing asthma over an 11-year period.
Researchers found association between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in older adults, emphasizing need for clinicians to screen for both conditions. Treatment of sleep apnea may improve quality of life but does not delay or prevent cognitive decline.
A new assessment tool combines parental questionnaires and inexpensive diagnostic procedures to rule out obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome. The tool showed high accuracy in identifying participants without moderate to severe OSA, potentially reducing the need for sleep studies.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests screening patients with a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to identify undiagnosed cases and reduce the economic burden. Screening can be done by primary care providers, who can refer patients to specialists for further evaluation.
The National Sleep Foundation has established key indicators of good sleep quality, including sleeping for at least 85% of the time and falling asleep within 30 minutes. The report highlights areas where research is needed to further define good sleep quality across age groups.
The ACA expanded insurance coverage and access to care for patients with chronic medical conditions, but nearly 1 in 7 remained uninsured. Home sleep testing was found to be as effective as lab testing in managing obstructive sleep apnea.
A new study suggests that yoga and aerobic exercise interventions did not significantly reduce objectively measured sleep disturbances among midlife women experiencing hot flashes. Despite the lack of improvement in sleep quality, women in the study still experienced disturbed sleep at night.
A study by McGill University researchers found that students from schools starting earlier slept less and were more likely to be tired in the morning. Delaying school start times could help Canadian teenagers sleep better and give them a better chance for success.
Research by Sarah Arpin found that supportive partners provide a buffer to loneliness and sleep deficits in military couples. Sharing good news with partners can improve overall health and workplace success.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a program to help student-athletes improve their sleep habits. The study found that 68% of surveyed athletes reported poor sleep quality, with many getting less than seven hours of sleep per night.
A study published in eLife reveals that a single nerve cell named ALA coordinates an organism-wide response to sickness, causing sleepiness by releasing FLP-13 and other neuropeptides. Researchers found that FLP-13 triggers sleep by turning down activity in nervous system cells that help keep organisms awake.