Articles tagged with Sleep
Researchers found that piggyBac transposon is five to 10 times better than other circular pieces of DNA at making a home and difference in several mammalian cell lines. This could lead to safer and more efficient gene delivery for therapeutic applications.
A team of German scientists has uncovered a genetic basis for the human familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), which causes people to go to sleep and wake up early. The study identified a mutated gene, PER2, and its phosphorylation sites that lead to the disorder's symptoms.
Research findings published in this issue of Archives of Internal Medicine highlight the importance of sleep evaluation in routine medical care. Studies show that fewer hours of sleep may contribute to poor health in young adults and affect body mass index, while also impacting the immune system and quality of life.
A study of 161 African-Americans with type 2 diabetes found that poor sleep quality and quantity were associated with higher HbA1c levels, indicating poorer blood glucose control. The results suggest that optimizing sleep duration and quality may improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A recent analysis found that over 17% of adults in the US reported trouble sleeping or insomnia, with 4.5% using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. The most common types of CAM used were biologically based therapies and mind-body therapies.
A national survey of 31,044 adults found that approximately 4.5% of those with insomnia reported using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. CAM therapies were used by 65% of respondents who sought biological methods, such as herbal medicines and diet interventions.
Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.
Patients with allergic rhinitis experience more difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders compared to those without allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects about 20-50% of the population, contributing to snoring, breathing problems, and sleep apnea.
The University of North Carolina has received a $21.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop new treatments for late-stage African sleeping sickness and visceral leishmaniasis. The project aims to create affordable therapies for diseases affecting hundreds of thousands of people in developing nations.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that acamprosate improved sleep disturbances in alcohol-dependent patients attempting to stop drinking. The medication was shown to reduce sleep problems during acute withdrawal and maintain its effects after two weeks of treatment.
A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.
A study of 340 drivers found that chronic short sleep duration and severe sleep apnea increase the risk of sleepiness, performance impairment, and decreased task vigilance while driving. The researchers suggest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should implement plans to identify and treat sleep-impaired drivers.
A new study found that frequent naps in infants improve their ability to learn abstract concepts and generalize knowledge to new phrases. The research, published in Psychological Science, suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive development.
African sleeping sickness parasite Trypanosoma brucei evolves an unusual chromosomal structure to diversify its VSG genes and evade human immune response. This adaptation enables the parasite to change protein expression rapidly, allowing it to persist in a host population.
A new drug, eszopiclone, has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce daytime napping in elderly patients with insomnia. The study found that eszopiclone significantly reduced wakefulness after sleep had begun and improved sleep efficiency and total sleep time.
A Stanford cardiologist studied the effects of extreme exercise on the hearts of endurance athletes after a four-day ultra-endurance race. He found that even highly fit athletes experience cardiac fatigue under such conditions, with the heart pumping less blood at the end of the race compared to the beginning.
Sleep disturbance in the elderly is associated with decreased memory, impaired concentration, and impaired ability to function. Geriatricians recommend addressing sleep problems through lifestyle changes, such as keeping a diary to track sleep patterns, and trying daytime walks and environmental adjustments to improve sleep quality.
Researchers have discovered that sleep improves memory consolidation by strengthening recently learned word pairs and making them more resistant to interference. The study found that sleep benefits declarative memory, a type of memory linked to the brain's hippocampus, particularly when faced with competing information.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that diphenhydramine, a widely used antihistamine, has no benefit in helping infants and toddlers sleep. The study involved 44 children aged 6-15 months and showed only 1 out of 22 children improved sleeping after using the drug.
A study found that diphenhydramine hydrochloride did not improve infant sleep or parents' happiness with their children's sleep. Parents who took the medication experienced no significant difference in nighttime awakenings or parental satisfaction with their child's sleep.
Researchers found that severe hot flashes are associated with chronic insomnia in postmenopausal women. More than 81% of women with regular severe hot flashes reported symptoms of chronic insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and non-restful sleep.
Researchers found a significant association between hot flashes and insomnia in midlife women, with severe hot flashes increasing the risk of chronic insomnia. The study suggests that treating hot flashes may be an effective way to improve sleep quality in these patients.
A study found that ROZEREM was effective in promoting sleep and did not cause lingering effects the next day. The medication was associated with a decrease in time to fall asleep compared to placebo.
Researchers found that serotonin increases the amount and quality of sleep in fruit flies, even improving sleep in mutant flies with sleep deficits. The discovery highlights a potential link between serotonin's role in learning and memory and its effect on sleep.
A study of 321 Finnish parents found that both active and passive TV viewing were associated with shorter sleep duration and increased sleeping difficulties. High levels of passive exposure to TV, especially adult-targeted programs, were strongly linked to sleep disturbances.
A large study of 68,183 middle-aged women found that those who slept 5 hours or less per night were more likely to experience major weight gain and become obese over 16 years. The researchers didn't find a link between sleep duration and physical activity levels.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that comas are often grossly misrepresented in movies, with inaccurate depictions of patients' appearances and care. The researchers propose solutions to improve accuracy in film portrayals, including collaborations between screenwriters and neurologists.
Researchers found that melatonin improved sleep efficiency during non-natural sleep periods, but not during natural sleep cycles. The study used 36 healthy young adults who took melatonin supplements to aid sleep at irregular times.
Patients with severe sleep-disordered breathing have a higher prevalence of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. The study found that individuals with SDB are more vulnerable to nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.
Researchers at VIB have made a significant breakthrough in combating African sleeping sickness by developing a nanobody that carries an ApoL-1 variant to the surface of the parasite. This treatment has shown promising results in mice, with infected animals surviving after a single treatment and the parasite being removed from their blood.
A study found that ramelteon significantly reduced time to fall asleep in approximately two-thirds of patients, with no rebound insomnia or withdrawal effects. The medication showed effectiveness in treating chronic insomnia, representing an alternative option for patients seeking a safe sleeping aid.
A new study found that children with behavior and sleep problems were more likely to have improved symptoms after undergoing tonsillectomy. The research suggests a link between sleep-related breathing problems and daytime behavior issues, but notes that the procedure is not a cure-all for ADHD.
A study found that sleep apnea treatment improved the shape and pumping action of the heart, reducing high blood pressure and daytime sleepiness. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices also reduced cardiovascular risks and improved overall health outcomes in patients.
A recent study by Université Laval found that children who slept less than 10 hours a night were 3.5 times more at risk of being overweight than those who slept 12 or more hours.
Research shows brain activity persists and evolves with time after learning new information, integrating recent memories through dynamic processing. The findings challenge the idea that sleep is essential for strengthening memories.
Research published in Diabetes Care found that men who slept between five and six hours per night were twice as likely to develop diabetes. Long sleep duration, on the other hand, increased the risk by three times. The study also highlights the importance of finding mechanisms by which long sleep duration contributes to diabetes risk.
Researchers at EMBL and IVMS have obtained a detailed structural picture of the ZEBRA protein, which plays a key role in activating the EBV. The study reveals a potential weak point that could be targeted by antiviral drugs to block the virus's activation.
Researchers found that glaucoma patients have higher intraocular pressure when lying down compared to sitting. The study measured the pressure of 148 untreated glaucoma patients over 24 hours, revealing a significant difference in peak pressures between daytime and nighttime measurements.
A study of 100 children with chronic daily headache and 100 children with episodic headache found that sleep disturbance was a common issue in both groups. The researchers suggest that addressing sleep problems may help alleviate headaches and prevent the progression from episodic to chronic daily headache.
Researchers found that growth hormone treatment can worsen or trigger sleep apnea in obese children exposed to colds, potentially leading to death. Doctors are urged to perform sleep studies on these patients before and during treatment to monitor their health.
A long-term study found that individuals with moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing have a significantly increased odds of suffering a stroke over the next four years. The study analyzed data from 1,475 participants and revealed that 21 people suffered their first-ever stroke at an average age of 53.
A retrospective chart review of 60 children aged three and younger found that supine sleep increases respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) episodes. The study highlights the importance of considering body position in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in pediatric patients.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery found that toddlers with sleep apnea are more likely to experience respiratory problems when sleeping on their backs. The research contradicts previous findings, suggesting that body position may play a role in the severity of OSAS in young children.
A new study found that sleep restriction significantly affects students' academic performance, attention, and behavior. Teachers rated students with less than eight hours of sleep as having the most trouble recalling material and paying attention.
A study monitored 74 healthy children between 6-12 years old, showing that reduced sleep hours led to lower academic ratings and attention issues. Parents' consistent emphasis on bedtime and limiting after-school activities can help protect against these negative effects.
A recent Gallup survey found that 53% of adults with sleep problems are not receiving treatment, while 77% express concerns about long-term effects of prescription sleep aids. Worry is a common factor interfering with nearly 40% of older adults' ability to fall asleep, especially among primary caregivers.
A large series of patients surveyed by Mayo Clinic found that those with chronic cough experience significant social, psychological, and physical sufferings. The top problems reported include interference with lifestyle and leisure, frequent physician visits, and frustration.
A new study found that combining bright light and melatonin can help advance the circadian clock and reduce jet lag. The combination produces a larger phase advance than bright light alone, making it a practical solution for travelers.
A study of 81 patients found that 94% of recorded acid reflux events during sleep were associated with arousal from sleep. In another study, 168 patients with sleep apnea reported frequent daytime and nighttime heartburn symptoms, leading to worse quality of life.
Scientists used transcranial magnetic stimulation to study brain activity during deep sleep, finding that regions of the cerebral cortex become functionally disconnected. This suggests that consciousness depends on the integration of information across different brain areas.
Research found that disturbed sleep was more common than thought among students. The study, published in the Journal of School Health, highlights the importance of adequate sleep for students' academic success and overall well-being.
A study found that mass treatment interventions in Uganda had no significant impact on reducing the prevalence of human infective T b rhodesiense parasites. Since 1998, over 428 new cases have been diagnosed in the Sorotic district, with an additional 300 cases likely going undiagnosed.
Researchers have discovered a shared genetic core among three deadly parasites, which could lead to the development of new drugs targeting these diseases. The genome studies found that the parasites share approximately 6,200 conserved genes, providing potential targets for treatment.
A study found that bedsharing and couchsharing are associated with increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), even in non-smoking parents. The safest sleep environment is a separate room for the first six months, with the infant placed on their back to sleep.
A new study of 229 children found that regular snoring in childhood is linked to an increased risk of developing hyperactive behavior. The study also found that other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, can predict future behavior problems.
New research shows that sleep plays a key role in improving motor skill performance, particularly in children and stroke patients. By consolidating memories and strengthening connections between brain cells, sleep enables more efficient storage and retrieval of information.
Researchers found that insomnia prolongs bouts of sadness and hopelessness, making recovery less likely. Elderly patients with insomnia are nearly 11 times more likely to still be depressed at six months than those sleeping well.
A new study found that ramelteon helped adults with chronic insomnia fall asleep faster and sleep longer, while also demonstrating no abuse potential or behavioral impairment. Ramelteon works by targeting two brain receptors, MT1 and MT2, to regulate the body's circadian rhythms.
The study found that 7.2% of the general population reported RLS symptoms, with women experiencing twice as high frequency of symptoms as men. Quality of life was significantly impacted, with RLS sufferers reporting lower scores than the general population.
Research psychologist Michel Varkevisser found that employees with chronic sleeping complaints perform less well under controlled laboratory conditions. However, when self-reliant in boring circumstances, they can maintain high performance levels but at a long-term cost to their physical well-being.