Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
A new scientific statement highlights the potential of technology-based health solutions to promote heart-healthy behaviors and increase equitable access to resources. The statement emphasizes the need to address barriers faced by populations most impacted by adverse social drivers of health, particularly those with lower socioeconomic...
Research finds that letting the mind wander during low-focus tasks can improve performance and learning, exhibiting sleep-like brain activity linked to enhanced task learning. Spontaneous mind wandering is more beneficial than deliberate mind wandering in these situations.
This study found that low-intensity multitask exercise increased delta power during sleep and activated the prefrontal cortex immediately after the session. The findings suggest that multitasking exercise may be a promising strategy for promoting better sleep in older adults.
A study of European jackdaws reveals that sleep-deprived birds prioritize deep sleep over vigilant wakefulness. The findings suggest that even flexible sleep strategies have limits, highlighting the importance of understanding animal sleep patterns to better comprehend human sleep loss.
Researchers are using smartphones to capture naturalistic data on memory, sleep, and dreams, finding that a single night of sleep influences memory for the events that occurred the day before. Memories following sleep were more vivid, felt temporally closer, and were easier to recall.
Researchers found that whales and dolphins use a unique sleep strategy by turning off one half of their brain at a time. This phenomenon is enabled by specific genes and pathways that enable secondary aquatic adaptation.
A recent study found that individuals with reduced slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep had smaller volumes in critical brain regions, particularly the inferior parietal region. This association suggests a potential link between sleep deficiency and brain atrophy, which may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Daily electronic screen use is associated with approximately 50 minutes less sleep per week and later bedtimes in adults. The findings suggest that these disruptions are not limited to children and adolescents, particularly among those with evening chronotypes.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that increased daytime sleepiness in older women is associated with a double risk of developing dementia. The study tracked 733 female participants over five years and observed significant changes in sleep patterns, including declining nighttime sleep and increasing sl...
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A study of 733 older female participants found that those with increasing sleepiness had double the risk of stable sleepers. Poor sleep quality in midlife and delayed dream phase are also linked to a higher risk of dementia. The study adds to recent research on the relationship between sleep patterns and dementia.
A new study published in PLOS One found that people with an evening chronotype have poorer sleep quality, higher alcohol consumption, and act with less mindfulness than morning chronotypes. The association between chronotype and depression symptoms may be mediated by differences in mindfulness, sleep quality, and alcohol consumption.
New research strengthens evidence against bottle feeding in bed for toddlers, linking it to increased risk of dental cavities and overweight. Parents are advised to stop using bottles before naps and at bedtime by age 12 months to prevent these health issues.
A powerful AI tool, PFTSleep, has been developed to process an entire night's sleep with high accuracy. The model, built on transformer architecture, analyzes brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns to classify sleep stages more effectively than traditional methods.
A randomized trial found that adenotonsillectomy surgery reduced healthcare utilization in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing by 32% fewer doctor visits and 48% fewer prescriptions. This effective early intervention supports reducing behavioral, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, and cardiometabolic issues.
The Tots & Tech Study aims to understand how children and families grow, sleep, move, and interact with technology. Families will participate in 20 hours of activities over three years, earning up to $1,200, with no risks involved.
A new study found that poor sleep health is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who slept six hours or fewer per night had a 32% higher risk compared to those who met the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep.
Researchers developed the Boston Mattress Satisfaction Questionnaire (BMSQ) to rigorously assess mattress satisfaction and characteristics. The study found that most people reported being somewhat satisfied with their current mattresses, with an average score of 6.9 out of 10.
A new study from the University of Nottingham found that poor sleep quality increases susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs, with depression playing a key role. Experts also discovered that individuals with poorer sleep quality are more likely to endorse conspiracy theories after exposure to conspiratorial content.
A recent study by the University of Kent found that short animations known as GIFs can improve the sleep of professional female footballers. The researchers designed bespoke GIF messages with sleep hygiene tips and implemented them across a two-week period, leading to significant improvements in sleep quality, even during mid-season.
This cohort study found persistent inadequate sleep duration and late sleep onset linked to increased glycemic variability in adults. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both sleep duration and timing for optimizing glycemic control.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that pupil dynamics is related to specific patterns of brain activity and arousal levels, contradicting previous assumptions about low arousal during sleep. The study uses pupil measurements to monitor brain activity in humans for the first time.
A new Northwestern Medicine study suggests that muscle injuries heal faster when they occur during the body’s natural waking hours. The findings could have implications for shift workers and may also prove useful in understanding the effects of aging and obesity.
Researchers found that limiting daytime sleep and getting approximately seven hours of sleep each night in the first week after a concussion may speed up recovery. Youth who sleep more or less than ideal amounts during this period may experience slower symptom resolution.
A cohort study of 46,000 US residents found nearly two-thirds had suboptimal 5-year sleep duration trajectories, associated with increased risk of mortality. Maintaining healthy sleep duration is crucial for reducing mortality risk in this population.
New research from the University of Surrey found that morning blue light therapy improved sleep quality and daily activity in older adults. The study, which investigated 36 adults aged 60 and over, revealed that exposure to blue-enriched light in the morning led to greater daytime activity and regular sleep patterns.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has developed an educational program and formal certification exam for nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates in critical care. The program validates clinical expertise and demonstrates professional acumen, aiming to improve patient care.
A study of over 3,600 adolescents found that spending more than 3 hours a day engaged in sedentary behaviors increases the risk of psychological distress. In contrast, moderate screen exposure invested in educational activities was linked to less psychological distress.
Research by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to workplace bullying can lead to increased symptoms of insomnia in both individuals and their partners. The study also highlights the 'contagious' nature of sleep issues between partners, where one person's sleep problems can influence the other.
A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.
A study published in Communications Psychology found that dream recall is influenced by individual characteristics and external factors, including positive attitude toward dreams, mind-wandering tendency, and sleep patterns. Younger participants showed higher rates of dream recall, while older individuals experienced 'white dreams.'
Researchers found two patterns of irregular sleep schedules that can increase cardiac risk in adolescents. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle may protect them from future adverse cardiac outcomes.
Researchers discovered that adolescents with higher body mass indexes consumed more calories later in the day than their peers of healthy weight. The study controlled for environmental and behavioral influences to isolate the role of the circadian system in shaping eating patterns.
A new research paper found that physical activity (PA) is associated with better sleep quality in older adults during social isolation. Reduced levels of PA had a negative association with the quality of sleep in four studies, while one study found improved sleep patterns among active individuals.
A first-of-its-kind study found that restrictive school policies didn't lead to lower phone and social media use among students, nor better outcomes in mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests that reducing time spent on phones is crucial, but schools must consider phone use beyond their boundaries.
Researchers discovered that non-REM sleep is crucial for strengthening emotionally linked perceptual memories, contrary to previous beliefs about REM sleep. The study found that the amygdala and cortical top-down circuitry play a key role in this process.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cold-water immersion can reduce stress levels within 12 hours, improve sleep quality, and boost quality of life. However, these benefits may fade after three months. Cold showers also showed promise in reducing sickness absence and improving mood.
A study found that working sled dogs take a day to adjust to the change in routine caused by Daylight Savings Time, whereas pet dogs and their owners show no significant changes. Older pet dogs are less active on the first morning after the time shift.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that FIFO workers with better sleep hygiene had better health, including a better sleep environment, more regular sleep schedule, and better mental health. This includes having an optimal sleep environment despite remote mining camps' challenges.
New research from VCU and Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU shows a decline in infant mortality rates by 24.2% between 1999 and 2022. However, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) mortality rates have risen significantly, with the highest rates among Black, Native Hawaiian, and Native American infants.
A recent study found that infant mortality from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) has increased significantly in the US, affecting Black infants disproportionately. The analysis suggests possible explanations for this trend, including COVID-19 and maternal opioid use.
A Michigan State University study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in children's sleep patterns, with non-white and multiracial children experiencing more significant variability in bedtime and rise time. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequities to promote healthy sleep equity among all children.
The Cognitive Neuroscience Society conference will feature keynote addresses, award lectures, and symposia on various topics in cognitive neuroscience. Researchers will present the latest findings on sleep, emotional experiences, brain connectivity, and more.
A Swedish study found that topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is characterized by symptoms such as redness, pain, and itching, often accompanied by sleep problems. The study aimed to understand the phenomenon of TSW, which many patients consider a cortisone dependence.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found no increase in cortisol release after waking, contrary to long-held assumptions. The study's findings suggest that daily cortisol rhythms may play a more significant role in regulating stress responses.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that high job strain at the start of a nine-year study led to increased sleep disturbances among middle-aged workers. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 workers and discovered significant associations between higher job strain and poorer sleep quality.
A new study found that exposure to high aircraft noise levels can lead to stiffer and thicker heart muscles, increasing the risk of poor heart function and major cardiac events. People exposed to night-time aircraft noise were particularly at risk, with increased risks of heart attacks, life-threatening rhythms, and strokes.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.