Articles tagged with Sleep
Research based on a Taiwanese survey of nearly 40,000 people found that better-educated women experience better nighttime sleep, whereas higher education is associated with poorer sleep in men. Social factors such as unemployment, single parenthood, and sex discrimination contribute to these differences.
A survey of 1908 participants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Europe and the US found that nearly half experience sleep problems, impacting work and personal lives. The study suggests that GERD symptoms can be related to other health conditions like depression and anxiety.
A randomized study of 829 older adults found that ramelteon significantly reduced time to fall asleep and showed no rebound insomnia. Ramelteon targets the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and has a new mechanism of action, providing an alternative treatment option for insomnia.
Researchers used a new brain-mapping technique to study the neural connections involved in sleep regulation. The study found that neurons producing orexin, which helps keep animals awake, receive inhibitory signals from sleep-active neurons and reinforcing signals from wakefulness-activated neurons.
A recent study by Fred W. Turek and Joseph Bass found a possible link between sleep disturbances and metabolic syndrome in mutant mice. The research suggests that altered circadian rhythms and hormone regulation, including leptin and ghrelin, may play a role in the development of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study conducted in Norway found that bright Arctic light can trigger migraines in women with aura. The research revealed that nearly half of those with migraine with aura experienced more frequent attacks during the summer light season than during the polar winter season.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that Pfizer's Lyrica significantly reduced pain and improved sleep, fatigue, and other symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. The study also showed a clinically meaningful reduction of pain in 48% of patients taking Lyrica compared to 27% on placebo.
A new study suggests that insomnia is more likely to lead to falls in older adults than previously believed. The research found that individuals with untreated insomnia were 90% more likely to fall, compared to those taking sleep medications. Effective treatment of insomnia can help reduce the risk of falls.
Researchers found that listening to soft music before bedtime improved sleep quality and reduced daytime dysfunction in older adults. The study, published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, used a technique where participants chose from six tapes featuring soft music and reported significant improvements in overall sleep quality.
A recent UCSF study has identified a genetic mutation in the casein kinase1 delta (CK1 delta) gene that is associated with familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), a rare sleep disorder. The research, published in Nature, also suggests that circadian rhythm variants may contribute to psychiatric disorders such as depression.
A genetic mutation in a previously unknown circadian rhythm gene causes Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (FASPS), shifting people's sleep times and daily schedules. Affected individuals live normal lives, but some struggle with being out of sync with the world.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at much higher risk of cardiac death during sleep, with peaks occurring between 10pm and 6am. The general population's lowest risk period is actually the most vulnerable time for those without sleep apnea.
A study by the University of Manchester found that wearers who slept in hydrogel lenses were five times more likely to develop keratitis than those sleeping in silicone hydrogel lenses. Silicone hydrogels are now recommended as a safer option for extended wear.
Researchers discover a significant circadian rhythm in heartbeat dynamics, but not in motor activity. They also find similar wakefulness periods across mammalian species, suggesting self-organized criticality in sleep patterns.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that extracts from the dotted dalea and Mojave dalea plants can kill parasites responsible for leishmaniasis and African sleeping sickness. The findings offer hope for developing cheap, oral treatments for these deadly diseases.
Researchers have discovered that the human circadian clock is organized in a complex network of groups performing different functions, contrary to previous beliefs. This new understanding has significant implications for health, safety, and economic benefits, particularly in addressing jet lag and sleep-related issues.
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the mechanism behind African sleeping sickness by discovering a new protein called JBP2. This protein is believed to play an important role in regulating the production of base J, a unique modified DNA base that enables trypanosomes to evade the human immune system.
A recent MIT study analyzed 17 peer-reviewed papers on melatonin and found it to be a significant sleep aid in small doses. The study challenges the common assumption that high doses of melatonin are ineffective, highlighting the need for more accurate dosing information.
A study on young zebra finches reveals that dramatic degradation in song quality occurs after waking up from sleep, only to improve with morning rehearsal. Ultimately, better singers have poorer post-sleep deterioration of song development.
Researchers found that dreams up to a week after a memorable emotional event often reflect problem resolution and positive emotions. This suggests that dreams can serve as a treatment for working through personal difficulties.
A study shows Requip significantly improves symptoms of primary RLS, including improvements in sleep and quality of life. Patients treated with Requip experienced greater improvements compared to those taking placebo.
Women who averaged less than six hours of sleep per night had significantly longer labors and were more likely to have cesarean deliveries. The study also found that women who reported having poor sleep quality were more likely to experience these outcomes.
A Northwestern University study shows that short-term exposure to social and physical activity improves cognitive performance and subjective sleep quality in older adults. The 14-day program included 90 minutes of daily activity, resulting in a 4-6% improvement in cognitive function.
A population-based study of nearly 2,300 US adults found a significant link between gastrointestinal disorders and insomnia. The study suggests that irritable bowel syndrome is more common among people with sleep disturbances than those without.
Researchers found that NASA's current guidelines, which allow for two-hour phase delays in bedtime, can lead to disruptions in sleep and alertness. The study suggests that gradual changes in sleep schedule may be more effective in minimizing negative consequences.
Research found that individuals who slept for shorter durations had reduced leptin and elevated ghrelin, leading to increased feelings of hunger. This may contribute to the rising obesity pandemic, emphasizing the importance of good sleep in fighting weight-related issues.
Infants who don't sleep on their tummies have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to a new study. Babies who experience sleeping prone are better able to avoid conditions that may trigger SIDS by learning how to breathe more efficiently.
Research by Timothy Judge found that stressed employees bring negative moods home with them, but these effects are short-lived. Employers can contribute to positive moods in both work and family life by treating employees well, the study suggests.
Effective management of insomnia begins with recognition and adequate assessment by healthcare providers. Non-pharmacological treatments like stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia, leading to durable long-term improvement in sleep.
A study found that melatonin improved sleep quality in women with mild to moderate asthma without affecting asthma symptoms. Another study revealed a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing among commercial truck drivers, linked to increased accident risk and substance abuse. Critical care use was common among seriously ill patie...
Researchers have found that a protein in brain waves is disrupted by chronic alcohol use, leading to sleep problems. This suggests new medications may improve sleep in chronic alcohol users and enhance addiction treatment outcomes.
A study found that sleep disorders can be linked to attention deficit disorder (ADD), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, dyslexia, and illiteracy. Patients with untreated sleep disorders may continue to suffer from significant health problems.
A pilot study found that Cenestin reduced hot flashes and night sweats in post-menopausal women by 79% and improved overall sleep quality. The study also showed a significant reduction in galvanic skin responses, indicating better sweat gland activity.
A study found that minority boys get the least amount of sleep among 8- to 11-year-old children. On average, they slept for 9.28 hours per night, which is significantly less than other groups. The researchers also discovered that minority boys are almost four times as likely to have a bedtime later than 11 p.m.
Damage to the parasympathetic nervous system may account for nearly half of symptoms such as gallbladder disease and depression in Gulf War syndrome veterans. The parasympathetic system regulates automatic bodily functions like digestion and sleep, which was found to be impaired in veterans.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than sleeping pills in treating insomnia. CBT yielded better short and long-term results, including improved sleep efficiency and number of normal sleepers, compared to pharmacological therapies.
A large study found that at least one in four pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome, with symptoms worsening during rest and improving with activity. The study suggests a correlation between low iron indicators and the risk of developing RLS, highlighting the need for further research into its causes.
A study found that Requip significantly reduced Periodic Leg Movements (PLMS) in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), leading to improved sleep latency and fewer awakenings. The medication also effectively reduced PLMS to normal levels for more than half of the patients.
A recent study found that caffeine treatment in premature neonates significantly increases ventilation during hyperoxia, with enhanced peripheral chemoreceptor activity. The findings suggest a direct effect of caffeine on central nervous structures controlling respiration, validating its anti-apneic effects.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine were no better than a non-medicated placebo syrup in providing nighttime relief for children with coughs. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms regardless of treatment, suggesting that natural hist...
The study reveals that histamine-triggered neurons maintain normal waking-level activity during cataplexy and are not affected by drugs that increase the condition. The findings also suggest a link between hypocretins, which govern wakefulness, and the effect of these proteins on histamine cells.
Researchers found that histamine cell activity continues during cataplexy, while norepinephrine and serotonin cell activity ceases, leading to loss of muscle tone. The study sheds light on the biological causes of narcolepsy and may aid in developing drugs to induce sleep and increase alertness.
Nonstandard work shifts negatively impact family stability, childcare arrangements, and parent-child relationships, leading to marital unhappiness and divorce rates. Policy solutions such as higher wages for late shifts and childcare subsidies are proposed to mitigate the social and health costs of these schedules.
A study by University of Washington researchers exposes the existence of two distinct circadian clocks within the mammalian brain, one tied to an internal schedule and another influenced by external light-dark cycles. The discovery sheds new light on how artificial day-night cycles can disrupt physiological rhythms in mammals.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist found that eszopiclone significantly improved sleep measures in older adults with insomnia, including reduced napping and enhanced quality of life. The treatment increased total sleep time and reduced the tendency to wake up repeatedly during sleep.
The study reveals two locomotor activity rhythms originating from separate areas within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), highlighting a network of multiple oscillators. This finding suggests that uncoupling of oscillators within the central pacemaker itself can cause symptoms like jet lag and rotating work schedules.
Researchers found pergolide substantially improves PLMS measures and subjective sleep disturbance associated with RLS. The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of pergolide treatment, maintaining improvements over 12 months.
A new diagnostic test using proteomic signature analysis has been developed to accurately diagnose sleeping sickness. The test showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98.6%, offering a promising solution for early detection and treatment.
A team of researchers found that certain mammals in the Arctic, including rodents, retained a regular sleep-wake cycle despite 82 days of continuous daylight or darkness. The study suggests that the animals may have used external environmental clues to adapt their biological clocks.
A study of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and fatigue found a relationship between fatigue and abnormal sleep cycles or disrupted sleep. Nine out of 15 MS patients with fatigue scored high on a sleep scale test, indicating excessive daytime sleepiness.
A new study found that non-habitual acute resistance and aerobic exercise negatively affected sleep quality and length. Volunteers reported waking up significantly more times at night after exercise compared to before, while objective measures of sleep using an actigraph revealed no significant differences between exercise conditions.
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Tibetan yoga improved sleep quality and reduced need for sleep medication in lymphoma patients. Despite no differences in other quality of life measures, the brief 7-week study suggests potential benefits of Tibetan yoga as a stress-reducer in cancer patients.
A longitudinal study found that early childhood sleep problems predicted substance abuse during adolescence, with around half of children experiencing sleep issues also starting to use substances at an early age. Researchers hope that identifying and treating sleep problems early on may help prevent later substance-use problems.
A long-term family study found that toddlers with sleep problems are at a higher risk of becoming teens who smoke, drink or do drugs. The study suggests that early sleep problems may be a predictor for later adolescent substance use.
A study by Michael A. Grandner and Daniel F. Kripke found that long sleepers and short sleepers report more sleep complaints than those who sleep seven to eight hours a night. Long sleepers experienced difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, and feeling unrefreshed upon waking.
A new study published in the American Thoracic Society's Journal found that preterm infants exposed to cigarette smoke in utero experience increased obstructive apneas and decreased respiratory arousal index. Additionally, researchers discovered that rhDNase treatment significantly reduces airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis patient...
A study in St. Louis, MO found that nearly half of poor African-American babies shared a bed with their mother, increasing SIDS risk. Providing safe cribs to these families reduced this risk by 78%.
Researchers suggest that a person's sleep/wake cycle, also called the circadian rhythm, may be linked to their cancer prognosis. Disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to reduced melatonin production, which can spur cancer-causing mutations in cells.
A recent study found that middle school students who slept fewer hours experienced lower self-esteem, higher levels of depression, and poorer grades. The research, published in Child Development, suggests that a good night's sleep is crucial for adolescents' health and academic success.
The editorial cites evidence from studies including the Nurses' Health Study and Cancer Prevention Study II, which found a correlation between adequate sleep duration and increased lifespan. These findings support the notion that getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.