ScienceDaily: Insomnia News

Gene involved in neurodegeneration keeps clock running: Scientists identify another gene important to morning wake-up call

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Scientists have shown a gene involved in neurodegenerative disease also plays a critical role in the proper function of the circadian clock. In a study of the common fruit fly, the researchers found the gene, called Ataxin-2, keeps the clock responsible for sleeping and waking on a 24-hour rhythm. Without the gene, the rhythm of the fruit fly's sleep-wake cycle is disturbed, making waking up on a regular schedule difficult for the fly.

Getting a grip on sleep

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:45:45 EDT

All mammals sleep, as do birds and some insects. However, how this basic function is regulated by the brain remains unclear. According to a new study, a brain region called the lateral habenula plays a central role in the regulation of REM sleep.

Future hospitalization and increased health service use may be linked to insomnia

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:53:53 EDT

New study finds insomnia may be an important indicator of future hospitalization among middle-aged and older adults.

Diet linked to daytime sleepiness and alertness in healthy adults

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:46:46 EDT

A new study suggests that your level of sleepiness or alertness during the day may be related to the type of food that you eat.

Unusual comparison nets new sleep loss marker

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:04:04 EDT

For years, medical researchers have used what they have learned in fruit flies to look for markers of sleep loss in humans. They have now reversed the process in a new article, taking what they find in humans back to the flies and gaining new insight into humans as a result: identification of a human gene that is more active after sleep deprivation.

Violent video games have lower effects on highly-exposed teens

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:50:50 EDT

Teenagers who are highly exposed to violent video games —- three or more hours per day -— show blunted physical and psychological responses to playing a violent game, reports a new study.

One bad gene: Mutation that causes rare sleep disorder linked to migraines

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:35 EDT

A gene mutation associated with a rare sleep disorder surprisingly also contributes to debilitating migraines, a new discovery that could change the treatment of migraines by allowing development of drugs specifically designed to treat the chronic headaches.

Sharp rise in emergency department visits involving the sleep medication Zolpidem

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:11:11 EDT

A new report shows that the number of emergency department visits involving adverse reactions to the sleep medication zolpidem rose nearly 220 percent from 6,111 visits in 2005 to 19,487 visits in 2010.

What triggers those late-night snack cravings?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:03:03 EDT

The circadian system increases hunger and cravings for sweet, starchy and salty foods in the evenings, according to new research. Eating higher-calorie foods in the evening can be counterproductive if weight loss is a goal since the human body handles nutrients differently depending on the time of day.

Melatonin delays ALS symptom onset and death in mice

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Melatonin injections delayed symptom onset and reduced mortality in a mouse model of the neurodegenerative condition amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, according to a new study.

Musicians who learn a new melody demonstrate enhanced skill after a night's sleep

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

A new study examining how the brain learns and retains motor skills provides insight into musical skill. Musicians who practiced and learned a new melody and were tested on it again after a night's sleep showed enhanced learning, says a researcher. The study found, however, that when two similar musical pieces were practiced one after the other, followed by sleep, any gains in speed and accuracy were diminished.

Reactivating memories during sleep: Memory rehearsal during sleep can make a big difference in remembering later

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Why do some memories last a lifetime while others disappear quickly? A new study suggests that memories rehearsed, during sleep or waking, can have an impact on memory consolidation and on what is remembered later. A new study shows that when the information that makes up a memory has a high value, the memory is more likely to be rehearsed and consolidated during sleep and remembered later.

Sleep apnea patients more likely to report nodding at the wheel and fail driving simulator tests

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:48:48 EDT

People with sleep apnea are more likely to fail a driving simulator test and report nodding whilst driving, according to new research.

Sound stimulation during sleep can enhance memory

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:38:38 EDT

Slow oscillations in brain activity, which occur during so-called slow-wave sleep, are critical for retaining memories. Researchers have found that playing sounds synchronized to the rhythm of the slow brain oscillations of people who are sleeping enhances these oscillations and boosts their memory.

Increased sleep could reduce rate of adolescent obesity

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:35:35 EDT

Increasing the number of hours of sleep adolescents get each night may reduce the prevalence of adolescent obesity, according to a new study. Results of the study show that fewer hours of sleep is associated with greater increases in adolescent body mass index for participants between 14 and 18-years-old.

Children with sleep apnea have higher risk of behavioral, adaptive and learning problems

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:12:12 EDT

A new study found that obstructive sleep apnea, a common form of sleep-disordered breathing, is associated with increased rates of ADHD-like behavioral problems in children as well as other adaptive and learning problems.

Increase in postpartum sleep is still only a dream for new moms

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:48:48 EDT

Sleep tips and supports from specially-trained nurses are valued by new parents but do not help increase postpartum sleep for first-time moms or their babies.

Acting out dreams linked to development of dementia

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:48:48 EDT

The strongest predictor of whether a man is developing dementia with Lewy bodies — the second most common form of dementia in the elderly — is whether he acts out his dreams while sleeping, researchers have discovered.

Sleep consolidation of interfering auditory memories in starlings

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Sleep plays an important role in the brain’s ability to consolidate learning when two new potentially competing tasks are learned in the same day, according to a new study that measured starlings' ability to recognize new songs.

Short and poor sleepers have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:51:51 EDT

People who sleep poorly or not long enough have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This does not apply to people who sleep less than 6 hours, but wake up feeling fit and rested.

Caffeine 'can significantly protect against crash risk' for long distance heavy vehicle drivers

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:23:23 EDT

Long distance commercial drivers who consume caffeinated substances such as coffee or energy drinks, to stay awake while driving, are significantly less likely to crash than those who do not, even though they drive longer distances and sleep less, finds a new study.

Sleep study reveals how the adolescent brain makes the transition to mature thinking

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:27:27 EDT

A new study conducted by monitoring the brain waves of sleeping adolescents has found that remarkable changes occur in the brain as it prunes away neuronal connections and makes the major transition from childhood to adulthood.

Sleep loss precedes Alzheimer's symptoms

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:33:33 EDT

Sleep is disrupted in people who likely have early Alzheimer’s disease but do not yet have the memory loss or other problems characteristic of full-blown disease, researchers report.

Sleep discovery could lead to therapies that improve memory

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:33:33 EDT

A team of sleep researchers has confirmed the mechanism that enables the brain to consolidate memory and found that a commonly prescribed sleep aid enhances the process.

Less sleep leads to more eating and more weight gain, according to new study

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:11:11 EDT

Sleeping just five hours a night over a workweek and having unlimited access to food caused participants in a new study to gain nearly two pounds of weight.

Is this peptide a key to happiness? Findings suggests possible new treatment for depression, other disorders

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:57:57 EST

For the first time in humans, scientists have measured the release of a specific peptide, that greatly increased when subjects were happy, but decreased when they were sad. The findings have implications for the treatment of depression.

Better living through mindfulness

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:46:46 EST

Results of a new study suggest that mindfulness -- awareness of the present moment -- may be linked to self-regulation throughout the day, and this may be an important contributor to better emotional and physical well-being.

Molecular key to exhaustion following sleep deprivation

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:29:29 EST

Scientists have identified one of the molecular players in this process has been identified – at least in nematode round worms. Scientists report that even in Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny nematode worm that feeds on bacteria, loss of sleep is “stressful.”

Insomnia is linked to increased risk of heart failure

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:03:03 EST

People who suffer from insomnia appear to have an increased risk of developing heart failure, according to the largest study to investigate the link.

Potential target to better treat, cure anxiety disorders

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

Researchers have, for the first time, identified a specific group of cells in the brainstem whose activation during rapid eye movement sleep is critical for the regulation of emotional memory processing.

Exercise key to good sleep

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EST

Exercise can affect your sleep. The results of the National Sleep Foundation's 2013 Sleep in America® poll show a compelling association between exercise and better sleep.

What predicts distress after episodes of sleep paralysis?

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EST

Ever find yourself briefly paralyzed as you're falling asleep or just waking up? It's a phenomenon called sleep paralysis, and it's often accompanied by vivid sensory or perceptual experiences, including complex and disturbing hallucinations and intense fear. For some, sleep paralysis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; for others, it can be a nightly phenomenon.

Adult sleepwalking is serious condition that impacts health-related quality of life

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:58:58 EST

A new study found that adult sleepwalking is a potentially serious condition that may induce violent behaviors and affect health-related quality of life.

Increased risk of sleep disorder narcolepsy in children who received swine flu vaccine

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:40:40 EST

A study finds an increased risk of narcolepsy in children and adolescents who received the A/H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine (Pandemrix) during the pandemic in England.

Sleep reinforces learning: Children’s brains transform subconsciously learned material into active knowledge

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:11:11 EST

During sleep, our brains store what we have learned during the day -- a process even more effective in children than in adults, new research shows.

Lack of sleep? Keep away from the buffet

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:47:47 EST

New research shows that sleep-deprived people select greater portion sizes of energy-dense snacks and meals than they do after one night of normal sleep. Poor sleep habits can therefore affect people’s risk of becoming overweight in the long run.

How seals sleep with only half their brain at a time

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:02:02 EST

Biologists have identified some of the brain chemicals that allow seals to sleep with half of their brain at a time.

Paving the way for better sleep in Alzheimer's

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:25:25 EST

A new sleep pattern monitoring system has been developed by UK researchers to help spot sleep disturbance in people diagnosed with early dementia. The system, known as PAViS, could be used remotely by healthcare workers to view sleep profiles and analyze sleep patterns based on sensory data gathered at the patient's home.

Losing hope of a good night's sleep is risk factor for suicide

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:53:53 EST

When people lose hope that they will ever get another good night's sleep, they become at high risk for suicide, researchers report.

Frequently prescribed drug used in concerning ways with harmful side effects

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:16:16 EST

A popular class of drugs commonly used to treat sleep and mood symptoms continues to be frequently prescribed despite being known to have potentially life-threatening side effects.

Eat to dream: Study shows dietary nutrients associated with certain sleep patterns

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:35:35 EST

A new study shows for the first time that certain nutrients may play an underlying role in short and long sleep duration and that people who report eating a large variety of foods -- an indicator of an overall healthy diet -- had the healthiest sleep patterns.

Active duty military personnel prone to sleep disorders and short sleep duration

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:44:44 EST

A new study found a high prevalence of sleep disorders and a startlingly high rate of short sleep duration among active duty military personnel. The study suggests the need for a cultural change toward appropriate sleep practices throughout the military.

Poor sleep in old age prevents the brain from storing memories

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 13:42:42 EST

The connection between poor sleep, memory loss and brain deterioration as we grow older has been elusive. But for the first time, scientists have found a link between these hallmark maladies of old age. Their discovery opens the door to boosting the quality of sleep in elderly people to improve memory.

Astrocytes identified as target for new depression therapy: Starry brain cells used to mimic sleep deprivation

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:37:37 EST

Neuroscientists have found that our star-shaped brain cells may be responsible for the rapid improvement in mood in depressed patients after acute sleep deprivation. The researchers report that the findings may help lead to the development of effective and fast-acting drugs to treat depression, particularly in psychiatric emergencies.

Reviewing alcohol's effects on normal sleep

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:22:22 EST

Sleep cycles between two states: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement sleep. A review of all studies involving normal volunteers has clarified that alcohol shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, increases deep sleep, and reduces REM sleep.

Surprising connections between our well-being and giving, getting, and gratitude

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:50:50 EST

We all know that getting a good night's sleep is good for our general health and well-being. But new research is highlighting a more surprising benefit of good sleep: more feelings of gratitude for relationships.

Simulated mission to Mars reveals critical data about sleep needs for astronauts

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:14:14 EST

In the first study of its kind, researchers have analyzed data on the impact of prolonged operational confinement on sleep, performance, and mood in astronauts from a simulated 520-day space mission to Mars. The findings revealed alterations of life-sustaining sleep patterns and neurobehavioral consequences for crew members that must be addressed for successful human interplanetary spaceflight.

Top four reasons why diets fail

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:23:23 EST

Only twenty percent of people will lose weight and keep it off this year, despite research that two-thirds of Americans admit to being on a diet. Here are the top four reasons where dieters go wrong, according to experts.

Let crying babes lie: Study supports notion of leaving infants to cry themselves back to sleep

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:18:18 EST

Waking up in the middle of the night is the most common concern that parents of infants report to pediatricians. Now, a new study finds that a majority of infants are best left to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own.

Impaired melatonin secretion may play a role in premenstrual syndrome

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:41:41 EST

Researchers shows altered body rhythms of the hormone melatonin in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) women with insomnia. This finding may help explain some of the sleep disruptions experienced by women with PMDD, also known as premenstrual syndrome.

Sleeping pills owe half their benefits to placebo effect, study finds

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:12:12 EST

Half of the benefit of taking sleeping pills comes from the placebo effect, according to a major new study.

Significant link found between daytime sleepiness and vitamin D

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:09:09 EST

A new study suggests that there is a significant correlation between excessive daytime sleepiness and vitamin D, and race plays an important factor.

Dogs can help wake sleepy patients on public transport

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:31:31 EST

Researchers in Belgium show in a new article how dogs can help patients with severe sleep problems.

More than 3,000 epigenetic switches control daily liver cycles

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:41:41 EST

When it's dark, and we start to fall asleep, most of us think we're tired because our bodies need rest. Yet circadian rhythms affect our bodies not just on a global scale, but at the level of individual organs, and even genes.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging offers insights into mental fatigue

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:16:16 EST

Brain scans could help scientists uncover the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mental fatigue.

Kids' sleep-related breathing problems

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:24:24 EST

Children with sleep-related breathing problems (such as snoring or apnea) frequently have concurrent behavioral sleep problems (such as waking repeatedly).

Protected 'power naps' prove helpful for doctors in training to fight fatigue

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:22:22 EST

New research indicates that the implementation of protected sleep periods for residents who are assigned to overnight shifts in a hospital represent a viable tool in preventing fatigue and alleviating the physiological and behavioral effects of sleep deprivation among these doctors in training.

Women with sleep apnea have higher degree of brain damage than men, study shows

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

Women suffering from sleep apnea have, on the whole, a higher degree of brain damage than that found in men with a similar sleep disorder, according to a first-of-its-kind study.

Shifting the safety balance for overnight workers

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:38:38 EST

Sleep researchers have developed the world's first screening tool to help reduce workplace accidents and illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, caused by shift work.

Extended sleep reduces pain sensitivity

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 08:59:59 EST

A new study suggests that extending nightly sleep in mildly sleepy, healthy adults increases daytime alertness and reduces pain sensitivity.