Research on sleep and its role in health. Covers restorative sleep, nighttime light exposure, sleeplessness, and the links between sleep and disease.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 participants who completed activity breaks during prolonged sitting sessions slept for 30 minutes longer than those who sat continuously. Short bursts of light-intensity exercise, such as chair squats and calf raises, were used in the intervention.
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.
A study found that both short and long sleep durations are associated with a higher risk of microvascular disease in individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Short sleep duration, especially among older adults, was linked to a significantly increased risk of blood vessel damage.
A study found that suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, increased fat oxidation and decreased protein catabolism during sleep in healthy men. The effect persisted after waking up, suggesting a potential clinical use for orexin receptor antagonists in managing energy metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Houston have introduced a new method for sleep stage classification that can be performed at home and uses only two leads. This approach achieves expert-level agreement with the gold-standard polysomnography without expensive equipment, paving the way for more accessible and cost-effective sleep studies.
Researchers have found that social memories lost due to sleep deprivation can be restored in mice using a drug used to treat asthma, while spatial memories can be reversed with a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. These findings suggest potential for reversing human forgetfulness.
Research by UCLA Health confirms that Tai Chi reduces inflammation and improves anti-viral defenses in breast cancer survivors, while cognitive behavioral therapy shows greater increases in anti-viral gene transcripts. The study found significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers among Tai Chi participants.
A new University of South Florida-led study found that mindfulness helps nurses experience fewer negative emotions and less rumination, leading to improved sleep quality. The findings provide insight into how employees and employers can work together to reduce work-related stress and promote overall health.
A study analyzing 5 million nights of sleep data identifies five main sleep types, with frequent changes between these types offering insights into chronic health conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea. Long-term tracking of sleep patterns may unlock new public health insights.
A new study found that a fatigue-management program improved sleep duration and reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Seattle police officers. The training also lowered rates of falling asleep while driving.
A new study uses a closed-loop auditory stimulation approach to selectively modulate brain alpha oscillations in humans. The technique has been shown to interfere with sleep onset dynamics, highlighting its potential as a tool for neuroscientific research.
A new study found that regular snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension, particularly in overweight middle-aged men. The research used multiple night home-based monitoring technologies and objective assessments to explore the connection between snoring and hypertension.
A new study found that magnesium levels in sandhoppers increase during cold weather, slowing their activity. In deeper sleep, magnesium levels can more than double, putting the sandhopper into a torpid state and allowing it to conserve energy.
A new study reveals that praising and petting dogs enhances their learning success by reducing stress. Dogs who received a 'permissive' training style with praise and petting performed better than those in a 'controlling' style, which induced greater stress.