Articles tagged with Sleep
Researchers at Monash University found a new drug, tasimelteon, that can effectively shift melatonin levels to alleviate jet lag and sleep disorders. The drug has the potential to improve sleep quality for patients with transient insomnia caused by time zone changes.
A study found that night shift workers who use bright light exposure therapy, dark sunglasses, and a strict sleep schedule can achieve a compromise circadian phase position, improving alertness and performance. This partial physiological adaptation allows for increased daytime sleep on days off.
A study published in The Lancet finds that low medicine availability and high prices in developing nations impede access to essential treatments. Tasimelteon, a melatonin analogue, has been shown to improve sleep efficiency and reduce latency for those affected by jet-lag or night shift work.
Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered a specific set of wake-promoting neurons in fruit flies that are analogous to cells in the human sleep circuit. The study found that these neurons play a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and that targeting them could lead to the development of more effective sleep treatments.
Researchers found that a night's sleep restored abilities lost after 12 hours of training, and protected memory against loss over the next day. Sleep consolidation may help in learning language processes and eye-hand skills.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sleeping less than seven and a half hours per day is associated with future risk of heart disease. Patients with shorter sleep duration plus overnight increased blood pressure had a higher incidence of heart disease.
A study has found a specific neurochemical abnormality in the brains of adults with primary insomnia, suggesting hyperarousal is present during both waking and sleep. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are reduced by nearly 30% in individuals with primary insomnia for more than six months.
A new Swedish study found that adjusting clocks to summer time increases the risk of myocardial infarction in the following week by about five percent. The readjustment back to winter time on the last Sunday in October reduces the risk, albeit to a lesser extent, due to the extra hour's sleep.
A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that respiratory rhythms and cortisol levels can predict chronic insomnia in women with metastatic breast cancer. Breathing exercises such as yoga and meditation may help alleviate sleep disruptions, which are common among cancer patients.
Researchers found that women with metastatic breast cancer experience sleep disturbances due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Insomnia symptoms are associated with lower baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia and increased stress levels.
A landmark study by NC State University researchers found that African-American seniors with sleep trouble have poorer memory performance. The study of 174 subjects aged 65-90 suggests that identifying and treating sleep difficulties may help preserve cognitive functioning.
A new study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research found that using a fan to improve room ventilation reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 72 percent. The study also found that opening a window in an infant's room reduces SIDS risk by 36 percent.
A study found that using a fan during sleep significantly lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), particularly in rooms with inadequate ventilation. The use of fans was associated with a 72% decrease in SIDS risk, especially in infants who slept on their sides or shared beds.
A unique study successfully used instrumental sensorimotor rhythm conditioning (ISC) to improve sleep spindles, decrease sleep onset latency, and increase memory performance. Participants who trained their brain activity to shape SMR amplitude showed significant improvements in sleep quality and memory performance after two weeks.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.
The HappyWakeUp smart alarm clock uses a microphone to detect subtle changes in sleep patterns, providing an optimal wake-up time. By waking users up during their natural 'awake' period, the device helps regulate internal clocks and reduces morning stress.
A study of 2,978 women aged 70 and older found that those sleeping five hours or less per night had a higher risk of falls. The risk was also associated with reduced sleep efficiency and greater wake time after initial sleep onset.
A study found that African-Americans have a lower prevalence of periodic limb movements during sleep, which is linked to a higher rate of insomnia complaints. The overall prevalence of PLMS is 7.6 percent, with a lower prevalence in African-Americans and a higher prevalence in Caucasians.
A neuroimaging study found that chronic insomnia is associated with compromised cognitive processes, but these deficits can be reversed through non-pharmacological treatment. Sleep therapy was shown to improve verbal fluency tasks and restore altered brain function in people with insomnia.
A study found that older adults with insomnia are less sensitive to changes in skin temperature, making it harder for them to detect when their body is too hot or cold. Warming the skin can facilitate sleep onset despite this decreased sensitivity.
A study found that older adults who slept more during rehabilitation had less functional recovery and took longer to recover. The study suggests that interventions to improve sleep patterns may promote functional recovery in older adults.
Healthy teens who slept less than 6.5 hours a night were 2.5 times more likely to have elevated blood pressure compared to those who slept longer, with an average increase of 4 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. The study also found that poor sleep efficiency was associated with higher risk of prehypertension and hypertension.
Circadin, a new drug developed at Tel Aviv University, replenishes the hormone melatonin, which declines with age, to improve sleep quality and morning alertness in people over 55. This therapy has also been shown to normalize blood pressure and blood sugar levels at night.
A study found that older adult dementia caregivers have significantly worse sleep patterns than non-caregivers, with less total sleep time and increased daytime sleepiness. Caregivers also reported lower subjective sleep quality and higher depressive symptom scores.
A study found that sleep plays a key role in preserving emotional memories, strengthening the memory's emotional core while diminishing neutral background details. This process enables the brain to selectively preserve only the most salient information, leading to vivid recall of emotional events.
A new study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that conscious thinking can lead to better choices for complex decisions, debunking a controversial 2006 research result. The study suggests that unconscious thought is more susceptible to irrelevant factors and that conscious thinkers given adequate time t...
A small pilot study found that gabapentin reduced insomnia in recovering alcoholics and helped them stay away from alcohol more successfully. The study involved 21 insomniacs in recovery from alcohol dependence, with 30% of patients who received gabapentin relapsing to drinking compared to 80% of those on placebo.
A new study found that sleep-disordered breathing is associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the risk of death among adults aged 30 to 60. The severity of breathing issues was linked to an increased risk, with severe cases doubling mortality risk.
A study found that people with severe sleep apnea have a much higher mortality risk than those without, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.2. Regular CPAP use may protect against cardiovascular death, but the mechanisms are unclear.
A 14-year follow-up study found that individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those with mild OSA or no sleep apnea. The study, which involved a community-based sample of adults, provides strong evidence linking sleep apnea to all-cause mortality.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity patterns due to bladder problems, potentially leading to disrupted sleep and attention issues. The study suggests targeting the locus ceruleus neural circuitry for potential treatment improvements in patients with bladder dysfunctions.
A new study found that more Internet time, less sleep, and higher alcohol consumption are associated with weight gain in adolescent girls. Girls who consumed 2 or more alcoholic beverages a week or slept less than 6 hours a night gained more weight.
Researchers found that shorter work rotas significantly improved patient care, with a 32.7% reduction in medical errors. However, there were concerns about reduced educational opportunities for junior doctors and potential delays in patient health investigations.
Difficulty sleeping and waking up early are more common in certain ethnic groups during menopause. The study found that Caucasian women were more likely to experience difficulty staying asleep, while Hispanic women were less likely to wake up frequently at night.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mice deficient in fragile X and related genes have disrupted sleep-wake cycles, leading to a lack of rhythm. This finding provides new insights into the causes of fragile X syndrome and its impact on patients.
Two new studies evaluate bassinet use and bedsharing, finding that lack of oxygen is a common cause of death in bassinets. The researchers also identify risk factors for bassinet use, including blankets, pillows, and plastic bags.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that women experience underreported hot flashes and these symptoms are linked to poor verbal memory. Objective measurement of hot flashes reveals a strong relationship between the number of hot flashes and memory performance.
The Phoenix Processor achieves a groundbreaking low-power design by focusing on its extreme sleep mode, which consumes just 30 picowatts. This innovation enables smaller battery sizes and overall system reductions, opening up new sensor applications.
A study by Rosemary Horne found that all severities of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children are associated with elevated blood pressure during sleep. SRBDs range from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and can be detected through continuous measurements of blood pressure during overnight sleep.
A two-week study found that delaying school start time by one hour improved cognitive test scores in eighth graders. The experimental group woke up later and performed better on the first week, with longer sleep duration positively affecting cognitive functioning.
A study of 798 teenagers found that those with parents who suffer from chronic insomnia are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The research suggests that family sleep interventions could help alleviate these risks.
A study of 2,226 women aged 60 found that fewer complaints of sleep maintenance insomnia and less daytime napping were associated with successful aging. The research highlights the importance of good sleep for healthy aging, suggesting healthcare professionals should prioritize sleep improvement.
A study by Angela Jackman and colleagues found significant differences in heart rate and heart rate variability among children with primary snoring compared to controls. The results suggest that primary snoring may impact cardiovascular functioning equivalent to that of moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
A study by Jodi Mindell found significant differences in sleep patterns among young children worldwide, with predominantly Caucasian countries exhibiting longer bedtimes and more sleep. In contrast, Asian countries saw shorter total sleep times, increased parental perception of sleep problems, and higher rates of room-sharing.
A new self-report measure called the Children’s Report of Sleep Patterns (CRSP) has been developed to assess sleep patterns, sleep hygiene, and sleep disturbances in school-aged children. The study found that CRSP demonstrated adequate internal reliability and moderate significant relationships with other measures.
A study by Lee Ritterband found that an online cognitive behavioral intervention for insomnia improved sleep efficiency and reduced symptoms of insomnia in adults. The six-week program led to significant improvements in sleep quality, with participants increasing their total sleep time by 80 minutes.
A study of 28 spousally bereaved seniors found significant sleep disruption, with grief-related differences in alertness and reduced daytime regularity. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene to mitigate the negative effects of disturbed sleep on mental health.
A study of 3,000 older men found that disrupted rest and activity biological rhythms were associated with a higher risk of death. Men with more robust rest/activity rhythms had lower mortality rates, highlighting the importance of regular sleep routines for health and longevity in older adults.
A study found that moderate aerobic exercise reduces sleep onset latency and wake time, increasing total sleep time and efficiency, while decreasing anxiety state in insomnia patients. This breakthrough suggests a non-medication approach to treating insomnia, improving quality of life for millions worldwide.
A new study published at SLEEP 2008 found strong associations between disturbed rest/activity rhythms and mortality rates in older, community-dwelling men. The research, which included 3,053 men aged 67 years and older, showed that those with lower amplitude (i.e., weaker) rhythms had higher mortality rates than those with stronger rhy...
A study by the University of Chicago found that restricting bedtime led to increased energy from snacks, including more carbohydrates. This behavior may be driven by changes in reward-seeking and motivation. Getting adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
The study found that younger children reported later bedtimes and wake times, while older children experienced longer total sleep time and more night wakings. Parents also reported significantly more night wakings, with noise and pain being the most bothersome disruptors.
A recent study found that prenatal drug exposure is associated with greater sleep problems in children. Early sleep problems also predict later sleep problems, and nicotine has a unique effect on sleep patterns.
A recent study found a positive correlation between total energy intake and awakenings during sleep, as well as apnea-hypopnea index. Healthy adults who consume high amounts of calories before bedtime may experience increased sleep fragmentation, which can disrupt their overall health.
A study of returning war veterans with post-deployment adjustment disorders found they experienced severe insomnia-like symptoms, including nightmares and disrupted sleep. The findings highlight the need for sleep-focused assessments and treatments for this new group of combat-exposed military veterans.
Research suggests that OSA patients cared for by accredited sleep centers and certified sleep medicine specialists receive better education than those cared for by non-accredited centers and non-certified physicians. This leads to improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes for the condition.
A study found that CPAP treatment improved cognition in Alzheimer patients with OSA by increasing total sleep time, rather than improving oxygen levels. This finding suggests that short sleep time may contribute to cognitive dysfunction associated with OSA in dementia patients.
A study of 215 children found that those with bigger neck sizes are more likely to have a sleep-related breathing disorder, with predicted neck size correlating strongly with apnea-hypopnea index. This suggests that neck size should be considered in the clinical evaluation of children with snoring and apnea.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that children who consistently get enough sleep perform better on an auditory attention task. Brain responses recorded from children with low sleep variability were better able to discriminate between frequent and infrequent tones.
Research suggests that extended driving at night can impair an individual's driving performance and increase the risk of accidents. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting between seven and eight hours of nightly sleep to ensure safe driving.