Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
Researchers found that mice higher in their social hierarchy benefited from isolation, while those lower did not. The team also discovered that being alone can disrupt the brain's ability to stabilize its internal rhythms during sleep, which may be relevant to human mental health.
A new open-science resource for studying sleep in children with autism has been launched, leveraging state-of-the-art wearable and nearable devices to gather unprecedented data. The Simons Sleep Project reveals that autistic children have greater difficulties falling asleep than their siblings, and this specific sleep problem is associ...
Researchers developed a smartphone-based assessment approach to detect improvements in daytime insomnia symptoms, detecting treatment effects more powerfully than traditional methods. The new method leverages real-time, multimethod assessment and shows potential for personalizing sleep medicine care.
This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.
A new UK-wide clinical trial evaluated a self-guided behavioural sleep programme for children with epilepsy, resulting in improved sleep duration of 16.5 minutes. However, the main issue was engagement, as only half of those given access to the resources used them.
A study found that maintaining a bedroom temperature of 24°C at night reduces stress responses and helps the heart recover from heat exposure. Dr. Fergus O'Connor's research suggests this can be especially beneficial for individuals aged 65 years and over.
A recent study found that back pain can predict sleep problems years later in men over 65, leading to a 12% to 25% increase in sleep issues. Men with back pain are more likely to experience poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
A new AI model, SleepFM, uses large-scale sleep data to predict over 100 health conditions. The model analyzes various physiological signals and identifies patterns that can forecast disease onset with reasonable accuracy.
A Bar-Ilan University study uncovers the origin of sleep in jellyfish and sea anemones, demonstrating that protecting neurons from DNA damage is a basic function of sleep. The research shows that both species accumulate DNA damage during wakefulness and reduce it during sleep, with increased damage triggering recovery sleep.
Researchers developed a triple-electrode integrated functional electrode for synchronized monitoring of neural signals and dopamine release during sleep-wake transitions. The study highlights the critical role of dopamine in regulating sleep-stage transitions and identifies distinct neuronal populations involved in this process.
A national longitudinal cohort study found consistently worse mental health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Integrated screening and intervention strategies are needed to address this association.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified SIRT6 as a critical upstream drug target for combating neurodegenerative pathology. By reprogramming gene expression, SIRT6 prevents the production of neurotoxic tryptophan metabolites and promotes protective neurotransmitters.
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
A newly discovered neural pathway connects the amygdala with arousal centers in mice, revealing a key mechanism for emotional regulation of sleep-wake cycles. This finding highlights potential therapeutic targets for stress-related insomnia and mood disorders.
A new study published in Sleep Health found that the quality of a night's sleep, rather than its length, predicts how quickly older adults process information the next day. Researchers analyzed data from 261 participants aged 70 and above, who wore devices to track their sleep and completed cognitive assessments six times a day.
A study found that the week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for anxiety, cardiovascular disease, depression, and psychiatric conditions. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the spring clock change has any short-term effect on health conditions.
A study by Raedeh Basiri found associations between dietary patterns, glycemic status, diabetes control, and sleep outcomes. Individuals with diabetes or prediabetes were more likely to have trouble sleeping and experience abnormal sleep duration compared to those without these conditions.
A study of over 3,500 adolescents found that social jet lag has widespread negative effects on the developing brain's structure and neural circuits. This includes weaker connections between key brain regions responsible for sensory processing, emotion regulation, and social function.
Researchers developed an experimental protocol to monitor brain activity in mouse models, finding that brain activity shifts from inner layers to cortex throughout the day. This discovery could lead to new methods for assessing fatigue and understanding mental health issues.
A recent study published in SLEEP Advances found a strong correlation between insufficient sleep and decreased life expectancy. The research, conducted by Oregon Health & Science University, suggests that catching at least seven hours of sleep per night can improve overall well-being and longevity.
A study of over 70,000 people found that fewer than 13% meet recommended sleep and physical activity targets. Improving sleep quality was associated with higher daily activity levels. The findings suggest prioritizing sleep may be the first step toward a healthier, more active life.
A new study links rising temperatures to reduced sleep quality and length in US adults, particularly those living on the West Coast. The research estimates that by 2099, people could lose up to 24 hours of sleep each year due to heat, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on sleep health.
A new study found that fragmented sleep worsens symptoms of traumatic brain injury and decreases rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. Injured mice failed to compensate for lost REM sleep, leading to increased fatigue and decreased activity. The research highlights the critical role of uninterrupted sleep in brain injury recovery.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found that use of pre-workout dietary supplements is associated with five or fewer hours of sleep per night. The study analyzed data from over 16-30 year-old participants and found that those who used pre-workout supplements were more than twice as likely to report short sleep durations.
Researchers found that short and irregular weekday sleep significantly disrupts glucose metabolism, increasing type 2 diabetes risk. Even with extended weekend sleep, the body's ability to process glucose is impaired. Regular sleep patterns are crucial for glucose regulation and may impact the development of insulin resistance.
A trial from Hong Kong found that tai chi is comparable to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of chronic insomnia. The study showed that tai chi was non-inferior to CBT at the 12-month follow-up, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment approach for middle-aged and older adults.
A study of over 27,000 collegiate athlete sleep records found that early morning team practices lead to reduced sleep time and lower sleep efficiency scores. Male athletes averaged 30 minutes less sleep, while female athletes averaged 20 minutes less, with both experiencing longer wake-up times and reduced sleep quality.
A new study finds that people living with HIV experience higher rates of sleep issues even when virally suppressed, associated with a higher risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of treating healthy sleep as a fundamental health right, not a luxury.
A study found a nearly linear relationship between nighttime light exposure and an increased risk of heart disease. The research suggests that reducing exposure to excessive artificial light at night can counteract the effects and may be a public health concern.
A new study uses fruit flies to explore the relationship between sleep and diet, finding that energy deprivation leads to increased feeding and sleeping behavior. The researchers propose that correcting sleep habits may help alleviate eating and metabolic disorders.
A study found that long-term use of melatonin supplements may increase the risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and death in adults with chronic insomnia. The research analyzed data from a large international database and found consistent and significant increases in serious health outcomes, even after balancing for other risk factors.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed an app that uses Apple Watch data to monitor sleep stages and predict Alzheimer's disease risk. The app, BIDSleep, collects heart rate data and feeds it into an AI model that accurately identifies sleep stages 71% of the time.
Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals experience attentional failures coinciding with a flushing of CSF from the brain. During these lapses, physiological changes occur, including a flux of CSF out and then back in. The study suggests that the brain attempts to compensate for lost cleansing by initiating pulses of CSF flow.
A major study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that heatwaves increase the risk of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) by 13% during peak heatwave periods. The risk is higher when humidity is also high, with a 1.1% increase for every 1°C rise in nighttime temperature.
Poor sleep quality affects over 1 in 5 residents in long-term care facilities, leading to increased medication use, falls, and delirium. Modifiable risk factors like pain management, medication review, and improved sleep routines can help mitigate these issues.
Obstructive sleep apnea is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, challenging the stereotype that it only affects older or overweight individuals. Many people with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed due to daytime fatigue and overlooked symptoms like snoring or choking.
A new study using next-generation imaging technology discovered that when the brain is falling asleep, it shows a coordinated shift in activity. Areas involved in thinking, memory, and daydreaming quiet down and use less energy during NREM sleep.
Researchers identified a link between early adolescence sleep disruption and later suicide attempts. Adolescents who experienced difficulties maintaining and obtaining sufficient sleep were more likely to report a suicide attempt several years later.
A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.
A new UTA study found that engaging in light activity, such as walking or doing chores, instead of sitting can lead to better feelings the next day. The research, published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, suggests that even small changes to daily routine can have a positive impact on mood and energy.
A new study reveals that rising temperatures are causing widespread reductions in sleep duration across the globe, with warmer nights resulting in an average loss of 15-17 minutes of sleep. This is particularly concerning as the likelihood of experiencing short sleep increases by approximately 40% during heatwaves.
Eight finalists compete in November for the award, with innovations including non-invasive sleep studies and treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. The AASM's Sleep Medicine Disruptors event will be held in Austin, Texas, on November 14-15.
Researchers have discovered that deep sleep plays a crucial role in controlling cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, which is essential for clearing waste from the brain. During slow-wave sleep, changes in cerebrospinal fluid signals are time-locked to slow brain waves and other neural events.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that surgically disconnected neural tissue in epilepsy patients exhibits slow-wave patterns similar to those observed during deep sleep or anesthesia, suggesting absent or reduced awareness. The persistence of these patterns raises questions about the functional role of slow waves in the brain.
Researchers identified five distinct sleep-biopsychosocial profiles, each associated with a unique pattern of brain connectivity. The study revealed that different aspects of sleep are related but can also be separable domains influencing biopsychosocial factors.
Researchers found that instructions improve recall more than emotional associations, but sleeping doesn't significantly impact memory. They discovered that sleep spindles are linked to better recall of negative words, while slow wave sleep negatively correlates with total recall.
A study found that longer commutes and smaller living spaces are associated with poor sleep health among Tokyo residents. Housing choices that balance location and size may help improve sleep health, according to researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University.
A study of 27,500 people found that poor sleep leads to brains appearing older than their actual age. Low-grade inflammation is estimated to explain around 10% of the link between poor sleep and older brain age.
The Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) is accepting research abstracts and session proposals for the 40th annual SLEEP meeting. Abstracts will be accepted until Dec 8, 2025, for oral and poster presentations on sleep and circadian science.
A new study found that healthy habits such as optimism, good sleep, and social support are strongly linked to healthier brains. Study participants who reported the most protective factors had brains eight years younger than their chronological age, and their brains aged more slowly over time.
A new national study found nearly one in four older adults who started off in poor health and lower well-being can fully recover within three years. Strong psychological and emotional wellness, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, and social engagement were key factors associated with recovery.
Researchers from Washington State University suggest a link between bacterial peptidoglycan and the regulation of sleep in mice. The study found that peptidoglycan is present in different locations within the brain and changes with time of day and sleep deprivation.
A new study by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche researchers reveals that brain slow waves are guided by neuronal excitability, not anatomy. The discovery uses advanced computational models to analyze local and global brain activity, shedding light on states like deep sleep and anesthesia.
A University of Otago study found that most young people don't follow current sleep guidelines, with only a quarter exercising before bed. The research suggests that these recommendations may not be practical or effective in improving sleep.
Research by Mass General Brigham reveals association between witnessing neighborhood violence and insufficient sleep in adolescents, leading to increased violent behaviors such as carrying a weapon. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 teenagers, finding strong links between sleep loss and exposure to violence.
Dr. Matthew Walker brings a multi-disciplinary approach to sleep research, focusing on the impact of sleep on human health and disease, and developing new tools and technologies to measure and improve sleep quality. The Sleep Innovation Laboratories will serve as a vital hub for discovery, innovation and public education.
A new study published in Autism found that autistic children are more likely to experience ongoing gastrointestinal problems than their typically developing peers. These symptoms can affect sleep, communication, sensory processing and behavior, and often don't have an identified medical cause.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers finds that permanent standard time would be healthier than seasonal shifting, with benefits including reduced cases of stroke and obesity. Permanent daylight saving time would achieve about two-thirds of the same effect.
A prospective study of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development cohort found that modifiable parental factors, such as screen use and emotional regulation, are associated with specific adolescent sleep outcomes. Parental warmth is also linked to sleep chronotype, highlighting potential targets for evidence-based interventions.
A study published in the journal Sleep analysed data from over 26,000 days and nights to find that bedroom temperature and daytime light are associated with objectively measured sleep. People living with dementia have disrupted sleep patterns when bedrooms are hotter or lighting is dimmer.