Articles tagged with Sleep
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.
Researchers found that treatments don't fit a 'one size fits all' model for patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Targeted therapies were more effective when matched to individual symptoms, with 29% of patients benefiting from treatments such as CPAP and modafinil.
A recent study published in SLEEP found that a workplace-based Sleep Health Program significantly reduced the risk of injuries and long-term disability among firefighters. The program, which included sleep health education and screening for sleep disorders, resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in disability days.
A Singapore-based study found an association between insufficient sleep and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Short sleep duration was linked to increased risk of GDM, with the highest frequency among women who slept less than six hours a night.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate the impact of intervention strategies on tsetse flies and humans. They found that combining medical screening with vector control could speed up elimination of sleeping sickness in high-burden areas, potentially achieving zero transmission by 2030.
Research shows homeless people sleep an average of 6 hours and 31 minutes per night, with 8% reporting less than four hours of sleep. Homeless women are twice as likely to experience insomnia compared to men, and 33% report daytime fatigue.
Researchers found that a small group of brain cells controls sleep and regulates core body temperature, which explains why people don't feel jet-lagged when they have a fever. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind circadian rhythms and their role in regulating bodily processes.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a two-pronged approach combining active screening and vector control, which could eliminate Gambian sleeping sickness in key regions of DRC within four years. Without this combined strategy, elimination might not occur until the 22nd century.
A new study shows that recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and improving sleep quality occur in parallel. As patients regained consciousness, their sleep-wake cycles also improved.
A new study found that ring-tailed lemur populations have declined significantly due to habitat destruction and hunting, with only three sites containing more than 200 individuals. The species is ecologically adaptable but many other lemurs in Madagascar are also in dire straits.
A team of scientists has identified genetic connections between sleep disturbance and a range of medical disorders, including restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity. The study found novel genetic links with insomnia symptoms, as well as associations with schizophrenia risk, measures of obesity, and abnormal glucose metabolism.
A review of 18 studies found that later high school start times are associated with longer weekday sleep durations and reduced vehicular accident rates. This suggests that moving school start times later may help teens get more sleep and have fewer motor vehicle accidents.
The study found that large-scale data can be gathered in real time from mobile devices, stored securely, and transferred. State transition patterns of activity, not just absolute activity, relate to the reported presence of disease.
A new Stanford study utilizes smartphones to collect data on individuals' physical activity patterns, heart rate, and other cardiovascular metrics. The study found that not just the amount of activity matters but also the pattern, with those who were active throughout the day reporting better levels of cardiovascular health.
A study published in Psychological Science found that judges in the US tend to give defendants longer sentences on Mondays following daylight saving time transitions. The researchers analyzed data from 1992-2003 and discovered a consistent trend of harsher sentencing, suggesting that sleep deprivation may influence legal decisions.
A study by the University of Zurich found that sleep after a traumatic event can significantly reduce recurring emotional memories and distress. This non-invasive approach may provide an important early prevention strategy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A Washington State University-led study explores the relationship between sleep and chronic pain, with the goal of developing new treatments. The research aims to understand which comes first: pain or poor sleep, and whether improving sleep can alleviate pain symptoms.
Researchers found that brain cells in specific columns cycle independently between active and inactive states during both sleep and wake. This cycling is linked to improved attention and response to external stimuli.
A study published by The Menopause Society confirms electro-acupuncture's effectiveness in reducing hot flash severity and improving sleep quality in breast cancer survivors. Electro-acupuncture has been shown to affect neurotransmitters associated with sleep, such as serotonin and melatonin.
A new study found that parental confidence in helping children get enough sleep is positively associated with child sleep duration. Additionally, higher parent sleep duration was also linked to increased child sleep duration, suggesting that addressing insufficient sleep among children may require family-based interventions.
Researchers at Concordia University have designed a new software solution called Hypnoguard to safeguard laptop data while the computer is in sleep mode. The system uses encryption and password-based authentication to protect critical data from unauthorized access.
Scientists have found that protein and salt in food can drive post-meal sleepiness in fruit flies, leading to longer naps. The study used a system to measure feeding and sleeping behaviors of individual flies, revealing that larger meals result in longer sleep periods.
Researchers discovered that flies slept more after consuming larger meals, with protein and salt promoting sleep. The study suggests that 'food coma' might be a natural adaptation to maximize gut absorption of essential nutrients.
Research by QUT's Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety - Queensland found that driver distraction and sleepiness account for approximately 25% and 20% of road crashes respectively. Younger drivers are more vulnerable to these risks due to their developing sleep-wake systems.
Research found that short and poor quality sleep were associated with a lower risk of developing kidney failure, while higher sleep fragmentation increased the risk. Patients who experienced daytime sleepiness also had a higher risk of death during follow-up.
Biochemists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered indolepyruvate, a metabolic by-product of trypanosome activity, which may offer possibilities for developing anti-trypanosome drugs. Inhibiting its production could be key in fighting the parasite, which causes sleeping sickness and kills millions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found people with early Alzheimer's disease have different daily patterns of activity than those without the disease, spending less time in moderate-intensity activities. Customized interventions targeting morning physical activity may help improve sleep and slow cognitive decline.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between increased smartphone screen-time and lower sleep quality. Over 650 adult participants recorded their daily screen-time using a smartphone application, revealing that longer screen-time periods were linked to poorer sleep quality and less sleep overall.
A new UCL study found that mismatched light and heat levels can cause major disruptions to body clock function, leading to behavioral changes and molecular signals. The research suggests that a moderate time lag between light and temperature causes the clock to break down, with significant effects on behavior.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new interactive sleep app, SleepCoacher, that uses sleep analytics to provide personalized recommendations. The app guides users through self-experiments to find the most effective recommendations for improving their sleep.
A new study reviewing 20 existing studies found that bedtime use of media devices increases the likelihood of inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The presence of a media device in the bedroom also affects sleep, even without use.
A Cardiff University study found that bedtime screen use increases poor sleep duration by over double, impacting quality as well. Sleep disturbance in childhood is linked to various health issues, including obesity, mental health concerns, and stunted growth.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a consistent association between bedtime media device use and inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in children. Children who had access to but didn't use media devices at night also experienced similar sleep problems.
A new CBTI treatment program using trained 'sleep coaches' significantly improved sleep quality in older adults. Participants took less time to fall asleep, woke up fewer times, and reported better overall sleep quality.
A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for sleep apnea significantly improves patient-reported outcomes in hypertensive patients, including reduced daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and fatigue severity. The study also showed consistent improvement even in resistant hypertension cases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a bedroom with parents but on separate surfaces, avoiding soft bedding and exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The updated policy also emphasizes skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for added protection against SIDS.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that shelter dogs spending more time resting during the day displayed better behavioral signs of well-being and performed better on a food reward test. The researchers suggest setting aside quiet time for dogs to rest may be beneficial for their welfare.
The UMass Nursing UManage Center aims to develop technologies to help people with chronic illness manage fatigue and impaired sleep. The center will test wearable devices to monitor fatigue or sleep pattern changes, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their health activities.
A study by McGill University researchers found that the brain's biological clock regulates thirst in the hours leading up to sleep. By stimulating vasopressin release, the clock anticipates dehydration and increases water intake.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have found that meal times play a crucial role in resetting the body clock for long-haul cabin crew. By eating regular meals on their days off, crew members can alleviate symptoms of jetlag and improve their overall well-being.
Researchers identify peptide allatostatin A in Drosophila that regulates feeding behavior and promotes sleep, with effects comparable to human galanin receptor. The study provides insights into the complex interactions of hunger, sleep and digestion.
A new study suggests that CPAP therapy may help improve nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The mean heartburn score decreased by 62 percent among sleep apnea patients who were adherent to CPAP therapy.
A new study found that women who experience frequent nighttime hot flashes and sleep disruption are more likely to exhibit mild symptoms of depression. The researchers suggest menopausal women should be screened for mood disturbances, incorporating efforts to address sleep and nighttime hot flashes.
A review of published studies and FDA reports found that prescription sleep aids can stimulate patients instead of calming them, leading to a rare but serious risk of suicide. The main concern is the first few days after taking the medication, when a paradoxical response is most likely to arise.
Stanford researchers have identified a key brain circuit that regulates both sleep-wake cycles and the reward system, providing potential new therapeutic avenues for insomnia and other disorders. The discovery sheds light on how dopamine plays a crucial role in these processes.
A new mathematical model has successfully reproduced complex brain activity during deep sleep, revealing its role in memory consolidation. The thalamocortical coupling is crucial for this process, according to the researchers.
Research identifies three pathways where sleep problems contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including heightened risks at night and prolonged failure to achieve good sleep. The study emphasizes the need for nighttime service provision and restored healthy sleep in relation to coping with mental health problems.
A nationwide study found that job satisfaction in late 20s and early 30s has a significant impact on mental health by the time individuals reach their 40s. Those with consistently low or declining job satisfaction tend to experience poorer mental health, including depression, sleep problems, and excessive worry.