Articles tagged with Sleep
A USF study of over 1,000 employees found that sedentary work and nonstandard schedules are significant threats to sleep health, leading to a 37% increase in insomnia symptoms among sedentary workers and a 66% greater risk of needing catch-up sleep.
A new study by UCL researchers has found that people who care for both their children and older family members – known as 'sandwich carers' – experience a significant decline in both mental and physical health. The study, which analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers, highlights the need for better support and resources to help...
A study published in Nature found that new memories are replayed and consolidated when the pupil contracts during non-REM sleep, while older memories are replayed when the pupil dilates. This micro-structure separates new learning from old knowledge, preventing 'catastrophic forgetting'.
A study found that persistent short sleep duration from pregnancy to 2-7 years after delivery is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. The researchers suggest exploring sleep-targeted interventions for improved cardiometabolic health, particularly among high-risk populations.
A new study from the University of Michigan found connections between sleep cycles and circadian rhythm disruptions in relation to moods. The research used Fitbit data from hundreds of medical interns to establish links between aligned and misaligned sleep patterns and real-world measures of mental health.
A recent study found that daytime sleepiness increases reliance on habits, whether good or bad, making it more likely to fall back on old, unwanted behaviors. Getting enough sleep is crucial to support new habits and maintain willpower.
Racially and ethnically minoritized US children experience disparities in mean levels and variability of sleep compared to white peers. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing multiple sleep dimensions across diverse racial and ethnic groups to achieve equitable pediatric sleep health.
Researchers found that weakly spatial cells gradually correlate their activity with other neurons to form a mental map, stitching together individual locations. Sleep aids in this process, refining neural network activity and consolidating memories.
A University of Arizona Health Sciences study found that peer support intervention improved CPAP adherence and patient satisfaction among 263 sleep apnea patients. The study showed that participants who received peer support used the CPAP machine correctly and consistently, averaging 4.5 hours of use per night, compared to those withou...
Researchers conducted a caving expedition to gather data on the effects of environmental stressors on human cognition, collecting useful insights despite logistical challenges. The study proposed a framework for future field-based cognitive science research, offering lessons beyond traditional lab settings.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that irregular sleep-wake cycles are associated with a heightened risk of major cardiovascular events. People with regular sleep patterns were 26% less likely to experience these events than those with irregular patterns, even if they met recommended sleep quotas.
The study found that irritability was the most common systemic reaction in children under 2 years, followed by fever and fatigue or sleepiness. Maternal vaccination is thought to be a factor in the higher prevalence of reactions after the first dose.
The Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) is accepting research abstracts and session proposal submissions for SLEEP 2025. Accepted abstracts will be published online and explore topics such as machine learning, sleep and the glymphatic system, and obesity management.
A new study found that females sleep less and wake up more often than males, with females experiencing shorter bouts of sleep. The study suggests biological factors may play a role in driving these sleep differences, rather than lifestyle or caregiving roles.
A new study by University of Surrey and University of Aberdeen researchers found that jetlag impacts metabolism, causing reduced energy spent processing meals and changes in blood sugar and fat levels. The metabolic effects are temporary, recovering within 2-3 days, while impairment of sleep and alertness takes longer to recover.
A new study published by Kessler Foundation reveals that short naps can significantly improve motor performance and brain activity associated with motor skill improvement in individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury. This research highlights the potential for incorporating napping protocols into rehabilitation programs to maxi...
According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, primary care clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and treatment. Despite challenges, research shows that primary care professionals with a higher ratio have lower total costs of ca...
Research finds that adults outperform children in learning new motor skills, with older individuals improving faster and retaining skills longer. Better sleep appears to benefit children's learning and memory more, but other factors like sleep deprivation may also play a role.
A study published in PNAS found that prolonged mental fatigue can lead to a decrease in self-control, causing individuals to behave more aggressively. The researchers discovered that areas of the frontal cortex dedicated to executive functions showed sleep-like activity when subjects were subjected to demanding mental tasks.
A new Penn State study found that consistent bedtimes are crucial for children's emotional regulation and behavioral control. Children who followed a regular sleep schedule displayed improved self-regulation skills, while those with inconsistent bedtimes showed increased impulsivity.
Researchers discovered a connection between the liver's internal clock and feeding centers in the brain, revealing that targeting this pathway could help people with disrupted circadian rhythms manage their weight. The study found that cutting the nerve connection in obese mice restored normal eating patterns and reduced food intake.
According to the BfR Consumer Monitor, 56% of Germans are familiar with melatonin supplements, but opinions on their use are divided. The survey also found that many people are concerned about microplastics in food and antibiotic resistance, with 68% and 62% expressing high concern respectively.
A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.
Researchers found that AI doctors who recall patients' social information, with privacy control offered, increase patient satisfaction. Human doctors don't require social or medical information to establish a close relationship with patients.
A study of over 13 million hours of data found that exposure to bright nights and dark days is associated with an increased risk of death. Those exposed to high levels of light at night had a 21–34% increased risk, while those exposed to high levels of daylight had a 17–34% reduction in their risk of death.
A team of leading sleep researchers from the British Sleep Society recommends abolishing twice-yearly clock changes in the UK due to their adverse effects on sleep and circadian health. The Society suggests adopting Standard Time throughout the year, closely aligning with natural light-dark cycles.
A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.
Mass General Brigham has been awarded $3.29 million by ARPA-H to develop a wearable device that monitors the brain's glymphatic system during sleep, which may lead to early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's in women. The project aims to create a tool for personalized interventions and make it widely accessible.
The British Sleep Society recommends abolishing twice-yearly clock changes and restoring permanent Standard Time to minimize disruptions on sleep and overall health. Natural daylight in the morning is crucial for maintaining an alignment of our body clocks.
A randomized controlled trial found that removing toddler screen time in the hour before bed leads to better sleep quality and more efficient nighttime sleep. The study suggests that limiting screen time before bed may be a useful strategy for improving toddler sleep.
A UBC study found significant disparities in sleep-related regulations across Canadian provinces and territories, leaving centres without clear guidelines. Childcare centres must emphasize safe sleep practices and monitor children during sleep to ensure their safety.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have identified a new EEG-based measure of sleepiness that could provide a diagnosis in just two minutes. The method tracks neuronal excitability, corresponding with the brain's sleep-wake processes and has wide-ranging implications for managing sleep disorders and workplace safety.
A study from the University of Kansas found that parents trust AI-generated text, like ChatGPT, more than healthcare professionals' content. Parents rated ChatGPT as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable in many cases, even when there were significant differences in ratings.
A longitudinal study tracked one person's brain activity for five months, revealing how daily life affects brain function. The research found that physical activity positively influences brain regions, while subtle shifts in mood and heart rate leave lasting imprints for up to fifteen days.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid led to cardiovascular problems in female rats and increased respiratory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in male rats. Sleep quality also deteriorated in both sexes, with males experiencing sleep fragmentation due to frequent wakefulness episodes.
A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.
Researchers found that biomarker levels for diagnosing Alzheimer's vary with time of day, with lowest levels in the morning and highest in the evening. The study suggests standardizing sample times to improve diagnostic accuracy and disease tracking.
Researchers developed a novel molecular tool, SYNCit-K, that enhances synaptic strength, leading to induced sleep and improved sleep quality in mice. The study reveals the role of synaptic connections in controlling sleep homeostasis.
Children worldwide fail to meet WHO guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep, highlighting the need for effective context-specific programs. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding factors influencing these behaviors in young children.
Research found a significant increase in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and SIDS rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2021. The study suggests a link between infection, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SUID, highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices despite infections.
A recent study found that pregnant women who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are at higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays. This can affect social, emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive, or speech skills in the child.
A new study published in the SLEEP journal found that using artificial lighting synchronized to natural biological rhythms improves quality of sleep and work performance for night shift workers. Strategic exposure to light accelerated body-clock adjustment and improved alertness and performance, as well as sleep after a night shift.
A new study using wearable devices and questionnaires found that people exposed to higher levels of night-time aircraft noise experienced more restlessness during sleep and disrupted daily sleep rhythm. The results suggest a link between night-time aircraft noise exposure and sleep disturbance, with potential long-term effects on health.
Research finds poor sleep quality directly relates to mortality risk, even before adjusting for lifestyle factors. Dementia is associated with increased mortality risk among individuals with better sleep quality, males, and older White adults.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that Black women who witness online microaggressions are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. The study suggests that health practitioners should consider a patient's stress experiences related to sex and race when treating sleep disorders.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that people are strongly biased by first impressions, but 'sleeping on it' can lead to more rational choices. Participants who didn't make a decision immediately were less likely to fall into these traps and made more rational decisions.
A randomized clinical trial shows that transitioning insomnia care away from long-term sedatives to cognitive behavioral therapy can be achieved through a mailed, direct-to-patient approach. This method reduces sedative use and improves sleep outcomes in older adults.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A recent study found that people who have had a stroke are more likely to report short or long sleep duration compared to those without prior stroke. Normal sleep duration was less common among stroke survivors across all age groups, with 32% vs 54% in the 18-44 age group.
A $3.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health supports a study on wearable sleep trackers and AI in predicting blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in at-risk individuals. The research aims to create an 'early warning system' for flagging individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.
A breakthrough technology allows for touchless infrared imaging to monitor changes in pupil size and gaze direction behind closed eyes. This innovation can help identify wakefulness, awareness, and pain in sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care, enabling more accurate clinical decision-making.
A University of Otago study found that screen use before bed does not significantly affect youth sleep, but using screens while in bed severely disrupts sleep patterns. The study suggests reevaluating sleep guidelines to accommodate modern lifestyles.
Vultures, like young humans, explore new sites and socialize frequently when they're young. However, as they age from around 10 years old, they scale back on socializing and prefer to stay at the same roosting site, similar to humans who tend to stay home.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University reveals that people who are overweight and ignore their body's signals to sleep at night experience negative health consequences. The study found sex-specific differences in health impacts, with men having higher levels of belly fat and women having higher overall body fat percentage.
A University of Gothenburg study found that work-related stress, particularly job conflicts and lack of influence, significantly increase the risk of future sick leave. Women who experienced these stressors were more than twice as likely to take sick leave, with adjusted factors indicating a significant impact on their wellbeing.
A study found that children who went to bed later and slept fewer hours during childhood and adolescence were more likely to try alcohol or marijuana by age 15. The researchers suggest that improving sleep in the school-age population could lead to improvements in other aspects of health, such as decision making.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that children's exposome scores, measuring environmental and lifestyle factors, are associated with altered serum levels of 31 metabolites. These metabolites were linked to cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in later life.
A new study published in the Journal of Marketing explores how daylight saving time affects consumer behavior. The research found that the transition leads to increased negative sentiment and impaired self-control, resulting in unhealthy behaviors such as reduced calorie intake from snacks and decreased fitness center visits.
A large cohort of primarily low-income, Black and white adults found persistently unhealthy sleep to be significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining regular sleep schedules over time may reduce the risk of adverse cardiometabolic conditions.
Researchers found that small regions of the brain can momentarily 'flicker' awake while the rest of the brain remains asleep, and vice versa from wake to sleep. This challenges traditional understanding of sleep and wake patterns, which have been defined by slow, long-lasting waves.