Articles tagged with Sleep
Researchers discovered that a key enzyme in the milk of lactating tsetse flies functions similarly to mammalian enzymes, making them a potential model for studying lipid metabolism during mammalian lactation. Reduced levels of this enzyme led to poor health in offspring, suggesting targeting it could aid population reduction efforts.
A new study by researchers at the University of Manchester found that orangutans build nests with a high degree of sophistication, using strong branches for structural parts and weaker ones for linings. The apes' choice of branch was dictated by its diameter and rigidity, indicating possible knowledge of mechanical properties.
Research found that depressed mothers are more likely to excessively worry about their infants' nighttime behavior and spend more time with them, leading to increased night waking in the infants. Mothers with high depressive symptoms were also more likely to seek out their babies at night, despite the infant not appearing distressed.
Inadequate sleep disrupts appetite regulation, leading to increased food intake and decreased energy expenditure. A review of studies shows that under 6 hours of sleep can impact BMI and increase risk of obesity.
Wild West African chimpanzees build ground nests, shedding light on ancient humans' transition from tree to ground sleep. The study suggests a gradual, tree-to-ground transition occurred before the emergence of Homo erectus.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that prolonged sleep restriction with simultaneous circadian disruption increases the risk of developing diabetes and obesity. This is because disrupted internal clocks can lead to poor insulin secretion and increased glucose concentrations in the blood.
African sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma brucei, affects 60 million people in rural sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare access is limited. Researchers studying the parasite's glucose-sensing mechanisms aim to develop new therapeutics and improve understanding of glucose regulation in various organisms.
A new study found that sleep protects positive memories just as it does negative ones, with significant implications for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Sleep enhances emotionally positive memories while these memories decay over wake, prioritizing them for processing during sleep.
A new CDC study has found a significant association between symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and probable major depression in US adults. The study, which surveyed 9,714 American adults, found that snorting, gasping, or pauses in breathing during sleep were associated with nearly all depression symptoms.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep disturbances significantly impair the overnight improvement and plateau performance of motor tasks in patients with sleep apnea. The authors concluded that optimal memory consolidation requires continuous sleep, independent of the total amount of sleep.
A large population survey found that adults getting less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Those sleeping more than eight hours also have a higher prevalence of heart problems, including chest pain and coronary artery disease.
Researchers found that sleeping shortly after learning new information improves memory recall, particularly for unrelated facts. Practicing before bed may help consolidate memories and improve retention.
Researchers found that obese patients taking sleeping pills have a significantly higher risk of mortality, nearly doubling the rate even among those prescribed fewer than 18 pills per year. The study also revealed a stronger association in men and young adults, with obesity emerging as a marker of increased vulnerability.
A large-scale study found that children with sleep-disordered breathing are more likely to develop behavioral difficulties such as hyperactivity and emotional symptoms. The study suggests that snoring, mouth breathing, and apnea can have serious consequences for children's behavior and social-emotional development.
A new survey of over 150,000 Americans shows that subjective sleep quality improves over a lifetime, with women reporting more sleep disturbances than men. Health problems and depression are associated with poor sleep, but except for an uptick during middle age, sleep quality consistently improves with age.
Researchers found that induced hyperammonaemia significantly increases daytime sleepiness in patients with cirrhosis. Higher blood ammonia levels reduce the ability of cirrhotic patients to produce restorative sleep. This study suggests that reducing daytime sleepiness may result in improved sleep at night.
A study led by University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Kathi L. Heffner found that poor sleepers react to stress with significantly larger increases in a marker of inflammation, which may increase risk for mental and physical health problems. This association could not be explained by other factors linked to immune impairment.
A matched cohort study found that certain commonly prescribed sleeping pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of death and cancer among users. The study linked these drugs to a more than fourfold increased risk of death, even at relatively low doses.
A Scripps Clinic study found that sleeping pill users are at a 4.6 times higher risk of death, with rates of new cancers being 35% higher among regular users. The research suggests alternatives to hypnotic medications and emphasizes the importance of treating underlying psychological disorders.
Yale University researchers found that the circadian clock regulates a key immune system gene response to bacteria and viruses, suggesting that sleep patterns disruptions contribute to illnesses. The study also suggests that timing of vaccinations may be improved based on jet lag influence on immune system.
A new theory suggests that sleep problems may contribute to dissociation and dissociative disorders. Research finds that sleep disturbances can impair memory and increase suggestibility, potentially increasing the impact of leading interventions. Therapists should adopt a more nuanced approach to treat patients with dissociative symptoms.
Research suggests that disrupted sleep patterns may be associated with the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brains of people without memory problems. The study found that participants who woke up more than five times per hour and slept inefficiently were more likely to have these markers.
A new software app, Caffeine Zone, developed by Penn State researchers, can help people find the best time to consume caffeine for a mental boost without disrupting their sleep. The app provides personalized graphs based on individual caffeine intake and drinking habits.
Researchers have developed a new technology using bacteria naturally found in tsetse flies to release nanobodies against trypanosomes, the parasites that cause sleeping sickness. The nanobodies can bind to the parasite's surface and potentially block or destroy its development.
A review highlights the need for early identification and treatment of insomnia to reduce the risk of developing other illnesses, including depression, diabetes, and hypertension. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is shown to be highly effective in treating insomnia with long-lasting benefits.
A study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that nap-deprived toddlers show more anxiety, less joy and interest, and poorer problem-solving skills. Insufficient sleep alters their facial expressions, making them respond less positively to exciting events and more negatively to frustrating ones.
Young diabetics struggle with blood sugar control, school performance, and misbehavior due to lighter sleep and breathing problems. Sleep apnea also contributes to compromised health outcomes.
A study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that drinking two glasses of tart cherry juice per day significantly improved sleep behaviors in healthy adults. The researchers attribute the benefits to the melatonin content of tart cherries, a powerful antioxidant critical for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
A flexible workplace initiative improved employees' health behavior and well-being by increasing the amount and quality of sleep, better health management, and reducing work-family conflict. Employees participating in the initiative reported significant improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, and self-reported health.
Researchers found that social support from a partner or parent can encourage patients to adhere to CPAP treatment. Innovative approaches, such as telecommunications and individualized considerations, can also improve treatment outcomes.
A new study from Ohio State University challenges the persistent stereotype that men spend more time thinking about sex. The research found that young men thought about sex almost 19 times a day, while women thought about it nearly 10 times a day. Men also considered eating and sleep needs more frequently than women.
A new study found that hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) produces marked dose-related increases in airflow in OSA patients without arousing them from sleep. HGNS has been shown to eliminate inspiratory airflow limitation in the majority of patients, providing substantial relief of upper airway obstruction during sleep.
A genetic factor regulating sleep duration has been identified in a study of over 4,000 participants. The ABCC9 gene variant affects sleep duration and is associated with metabolic syndrome symptoms. The discovery may explain the underlying mechanisms linking sleep to metabolic health.
A new study found that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week significantly improves sleep quality, with participants feeling less sleepy during the day. The study's results support mounting research linking regular exercise to various health benefits, including improved daytime alertness.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that fatigue and poor sleep quality among emergency medical services (EMS) workers are associated with higher rates of injuries, medical errors, and safety-compromising behaviors. The study suggests that improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue may be key targets for inte...
A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Researchers found that sleep paralysis is more common in students and psychiatric patients, affecting nearly 28% of students and 32% of psychiatric patients. The study also identified three types of hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis, including the presence of an intruder, pressure on the chest, and levitation.
Researchers found that higher loneliness scores were associated with significantly higher levels of fragmented sleep. The study suggests loneliness may compromise a good night's rest, potentially affecting overall health.
Research shows poor sleep quality during pregnancy increases risk of preterm birth. Early intervention through improved sleep habits may help reduce this risk. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disruptions during critical pregnancy periods.
A recent brain imaging study using lucid dreaming has linked neural activity to specific body motions in dreams. The study offers a promising approach towards 'dream reading' by analyzing patterns of brain activity.
A study of 100 patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) found that left-handed individuals are significantly more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a key indicator of PLMD. This suggests a higher risk of sleep disorders in left-handed people compared to right-handed individuals.
Researchers in India developed an alarm clock that monitors brain activity to wake users during more easily roused stages of sleep. This leads to a gentler and more refreshed awakening compared to conventional alarm clocks.
A study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology found that adolescents sleeping more hours scored higher in math, especially in physical education. Those with good sleep latency (less than 15 minutes) also performed better academically.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has expanded its guidelines on safe sleep for babies, providing specific recommendations to create a safe environment for their infants to sleep. The new guidelines aim to eliminate all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS and suffocation deaths.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that breastfed babies initially experience more night wakings and disrupted sleep patterns. However, these differences typically stabilize within six months, with all sleep patterns becoming comparable to non-breastfed babies.
A new study in New Mexico found that 52% of infants who died from SUID/SIDS were placed to sleep in a non-supine position, while 71% were on an unsafe sleep surface. Continued public education programs are essential to prevent these infant deaths.
The US Army has awarded a $1.5 million cooperative research agreement to Virginia Tech's Arlington Innovation Center for neuroimaging studies of human performance and sleep regulation. The project aims to use advanced imaging techniques to better understand the brain's role in sleep, stress, and mood.
Human development specialists emphasize the importance of family interactions in maintaining healthy relationships and well-being. Parents are advised to limit screen time and prioritize quality time with their children, while also nurturing their relationship as a couple.
A new study found that middle-aged women with Restless Legs Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that women who experienced more frequent symptoms of RLS were more likely to have high blood pressure.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests that short-term sleep restriction in adolescent mice prevented balanced growth and depletion of brain synapses, which may have lasting consequences for the wiring of the brain. The study's findings could be relevant to mental illnesses like schizophrenia that often start during adolescence.
A study of 2,200 Australian youths aged 9-16 found that those who went to bed early and woke up early had lower risks of obesity and were more physically active. In contrast, late-nighters were more likely to engage in sedentary behaviors and have higher body mass indexes.
A new LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) test has been designed specifically for sleeping sickness diagnosis in rural African settings. The test promises to improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the need for repeated lumbar punctures, paving the way for potential elimination of the disease.
A study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona found that children who sleep less than nine hours per night have worse academic skills and cognitive development. Parents are advised to establish a bedtime routine and ensure their children go to bed on time to maintain healthy sleep patterns.
A recent study by Université Laval researchers found that the risk of insomnia is significantly higher in people from families where at least one member is an insomniac. The study involved 3,485 participants and showed a 67% increase in insomnia risk for family members with one or more relatives suffering from insomnia.
A recent study investigates how individuals respond to unexpected and unsettling events, suggesting that different threat-reduction approaches can be adaptive in various situations. The researchers propose a new framework for understanding responses to such events, highlighting the importance of considering individual perspectives on t...
A study by Université Laval researchers found that 40% of adult Canadians experience insomnia symptoms at least three times a week. The survey also revealed that many people try to treat their sleep problems themselves, rather than consulting a healthcare professional.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have created a safer oral version of the sleeping sickness drug melarsoprol, increasing its solubility and releasing it slowly in the gut. The new treatment retained its ability to kill the infection and cured mice infected with the parasite after a seven-day daily dosing schedule.
A national survey of 7,428 employees found that insomnia is prevalent among 23% of US workers, with women and those over 65 experiencing higher rates. Insomnia costs the workforce an estimated $63.2 billion annually in lost productivity.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between blue light transmission and risk of sleep disturbances in the elderly. The study suggests that natural yellowing of the eye lens, which absorbs blue light, may be responsible for insomnia in older adults.
A study by Brown University researchers found that college freshmen often struggle with sleep quality due to factors like roommates, dorm noise, and academic stress. However, a campuswide media campaign was able to help nearly 10% of students improve their sleep habits, leading to better grades, mood, and overall health.