Articles tagged with Sleep
Research suggests that fragmented sleep patterns are associated with a higher risk of being placed in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Studies have also linked insufficient sleep to chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Research presented at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior Annual Meeting finds that high-fat diets increase active-period sleep and sleep fragmentation in rats. Poor sleep quality is associated with reduced orexin sensitivity, a key brain chemical involved in regulating sleep and wake states.
Three studies link obesity and depression to excessive daytime sleepiness, with weight loss shown to improve symptoms in those who lost weight. The research highlights the importance of addressing these conditions to prevent related health risks and accidents.
Two studies present findings on racial and ethnic differences in sleep duration, showing white, American-born adults sleep longer than blacks, Hispanics, Indians, and Asians. Research also indicates foreign-born Americans are less likely to report short or long sleep compared to U.S.-born Americans.
A study presented at SLEEP 2012 found that children exposed to violence experience measurable negative effects on their sleep quality and quantity. The severity of the violence has a significant impact on their sleep patterns, with victims sleeping less and witnesses experiencing inconsistent sleep over time.
Research shows that CPAP therapy significantly improves sexual function and satisfaction in men with sleep apnea, regardless of their initial level of erectile dysfunction. The study found robust improvements in the majority of participants, including those with ED.
Researchers at Purdue University have proposed a method to detect 'no-sleep energy bugs' that can completely drain smartphone batteries. The bugs occur when apps continue to run background operations despite the phone being idle, consuming battery life.
Children with persistent sleep apnea (OSA) into their teens experience behavioral and emotional difficulties, including attention problems and aggression, impacting daily life skills. OSA remission or absence is a protective factor against these issues, highlighting the need for early identification and treatment.
A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy improves depressive symptoms in all patients with sleep apnea, regardless of adherence to treatment. Patients who used their PAP devices more than four hours per night showed greater improvements in PHQ-9 scores.
Research reveals that NFL players with lower daytime sleepiness tend to stay with their original drafting teams, while baseball players experience higher attrition rates at rates above MLB averages. The study suggests measuring sleepiness could help prolong a pro athlete's career.
A study of 5,666 people found that those sleeping less than 6 hours a night had a higher incidence of stroke symptoms among middle-aged to older adults. The researchers suggest that short sleep duration may be a precursor to other traditional stroke risk factors.
Researchers found nearly half of students with poor sleep also reported a fear of the dark. To treat this condition, new approaches may be needed to address the underlying phobia rather than just treating insomnia symptoms.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that individuals with insomnia are more likely to develop hypertension due to frequent nighttime wakings and delayed sleep latency. The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders to prevent related health issues.
Researchers found that a mutation in the BTBD9 gene in fruit flies disturbs sleep patterns, similar to restless legs syndrome (RLS) in humans. The mutant flies have altered dopamine levels and are more mobile during wakefulness.
Researchers found that flies lacking a key gene associated with RLS exhibit sleep disturbances and restlessness, similar to human patients. The study suggests a genetic basis for RLS and offers new insights into the disease's pathophysiology.
Two studies examined the effectiveness of CPAP treatment in reducing cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite finding no significant reduction in hypertension or cardiovascular events, the studies suggest that OSA may be an independent risk factor for developing new-onset hypertension.
A study of 27 orthopedic surgery residents found that they were functioning at less than 80% mental effectiveness due to fatigue during 48% of their awake time. Residents who worked night shifts slept an average of 5.1 hours daily, highlighting the prevalence and variability of resident fatigue.
Researchers found that primary care-based management was comparable to specialist care in terms of ESS scores, FOSQ scores, and CPAP compliance. Home auto-titrating CPAP usage was also similar between the two groups. The study suggests a lower-cost alternative for OSA treatment, particularly beneficial for rural and remote regions.
Research finds that sleepwalking is more prevalent among US adults than previously thought, affecting up to 8.4 million people. The study also shows an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders.
A large-scale study found social jetlag contributes to obesity by making people chronically sleep-deprived, increasing smoking and drinking, and living 'against the clock'. The syndrome, mismatching internal and daily schedules, affects modern society's health.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created a satellite-guided plan to effectively control the tsetse fly, which spreads sleeping sickness disease in Africa. The plan uses unprecedented precision to predict where and when to direct eradication efforts, significantly reducing costs and increasing effectiveness.
A new study examining sleep and body mass index (BMI) in twins found that sleeping more than nine hours a night suppresses genetic influences on body weight. Genetic influences accounted for 70% of BMI differences in short sleepers, while extended sleep reduced these factors.
A new study found that excessive daytime sleepiness in children is a significant contributor to learning, attention and behavioral problems, despite adequate nighttime sleep. Obesity, symptoms of inattention, depression and anxiety, asthma, and parent-reported trouble falling asleep are all linked to EDS.
Researchers found aged mice showed disrupted sleep behavior and weakened brain network activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a brain area responsible for setting sleep-wake cycles. Individual SCN cells also exhibited more severe changes, suggesting a new understanding of aging's effects on the brain.
A two-year study found that infants treated with an integrated care model had fewer contacts with medical providers and experienced a rapid decline in crying. The model treats the infant's symptoms as well as its impact on the family system.
A University of Missouri researcher says safe, separate sleep environments are critical to preventing sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs). More than 4,500 infants die unexpectedly during sleep each year in the US due to unsafe sleep environments.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.