http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/insomnia/ Learn about insomnia, sleep deprivation and other sleep problems. See the latest research on insomnia causes, possible cures involving melatonin and other treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/insomnia/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133055.htm Researchers have discovered new ways neurons work together to ease the transition between sleep and wakefulness. Their findings provide additional insights into sleep-wake patterns and offer methods to explore what may disrupt them. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161614.htm What goes bump in the night? In many U.S. households: people. About 3.6 percent of US adults -- or upward of 8.4 million -- are prone to sleepwalking, new research shows. The work also showed an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. A large number of people reported sleepwalking in childhood or adolescence making the lifetime prevalence of sleepwalking 29.2 percent. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104959.htm Researchers have discovered a mechanism involving the neurotransmitter dopamine that switches fruit fly behavior from being active during the day (diurnal) to nocturnal. This change parallels a human disorder in which increased agitation occurs in the evening hours near sunset and may also be due to higher than normal dopamine levels in the brain. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510132637.htm Urgent appointments, tight work timetables and hectic social schedules structure modern life, and they very often clash with our intrinsic biological rhythms. The discrepancy results in so-called social jetlag, which can damage one’s health. Among other effects, it can contribute to the development of obesity, as a new study shows. Thu, 10 May 2012 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510132637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122802.htm Social jetlag -- a syndrome related to the mismatch between the body's internal clock and the realities of our daily schedules -- does more than make us sleepy. It is also contributing to the growing tide of obesity, according to a large-scale epidemiological study. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085702.htm Toss out another old wives' tale: Sleeping too much does not make you fat. Sleeping more than nine hours a night may actually suppress genetic influences on body weight, says a new study examining sleep and body mass index (BMI) in 1,088 pairs of twins. Tue, 01 May 2012 08:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085700.htm Children who have learning, attention and behavior problems may be suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even though clinical tests show them sleeping long enough at night. Researchers studied 508 children and found that those whose parents reported EDS -- despite little indication of short sleep from clinical measurements -- were more likely to experience learning, attention/hyperactivity and conduct problems than children without EDS. Obesity, symptoms of inattention, depression and anxiety, asthma were among the culprits. Tue, 01 May 2012 08:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104343.htm Chronic pain sufferers who learn to dwell less on their ailments may sleep better and experience less day-to-day pain, according to results of research conducted on people with chronic face and jaw pain. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423103724.htm Patients coping with the complex pain disorder fibromyalgia often have difficulty sleeping, and a new study reports that despite the negative quality of life implications, poor sleep is not a significant predictor of fibromyalgia pain intensity and duration. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423103724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419090548.htm Insomnia can have a negative effect on tinnitus, worsening the functional and emotional toll of chronic ringing, buzzing, hissing or clicking in the head and ears, according to a new study. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419090548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417080539.htm Depressed mothers are more likely to needlessly wake up their infants at night than mothers who are not depressed, according to Penn State researchers. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417080539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417080350.htm Can lack of sleep make you fat? A new paper which reviews the evidence from sleep restriction studies reveals that inadequate sleep is linked to obesity. The research explores how lack of sleep can impact appetite regulation, impair glucose metabolism and increase blood pressure. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417080350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144316.htm A new study reinforces the finding that too little sleep or sleep patterns that are inconsistent with our body's "internal biological clock" may lead to increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224456.htm The discovery of a major gear in the biological clock that tells the body when to sleep and metabolize food may lead to new drugs to treat sleep problems and metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113805.htm Getting too little sleep – or even too much – appears to spell trouble for the heart. New data reveal that adults who get less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack and congestive heart failure. Even those who reportedly sleep more than eight hours a night have a higher prevalence of heart problems, namely chest pain (angina) and coronary artery disease, a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316185727.htm Obesity appears to significantly increase the risk of death tied to sleeping pills, nearly doubling the rate of mortality even among those prescribed 18 or fewer pills in a year, researchers have reported. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316185727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314170456.htm If you don't get enough sleep, you may also eat too much -- and thus be more likely to become obese. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314170456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314101240.htm People with symptoms suggesting rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, have twice the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Parkinson's disease within four years of diagnosis with the sleep problem, compared with people without the disorder, a new study has found. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307162555.htm The Monday and Tuesday after moving the clocks ahead one hour in March is associated with a 10 percent increase in the risk of having a heart attack. Learn what you can do to mitigate your risk. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307162555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120304141858.htm The people we trust to take us or our loved ones from place to place struggle with sleep, according to an new poll. It is the first poll to ask transportation professionals, including pilots, train operators, truck, bus, taxi and limo drivers about their sleep habits and work performance. Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120304141858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301103758.htm Older adults who sleep poorly have an altered immune system response to stress that may increase risk for mental and physical health problems, according to a new study. In the study, stress led to significantly larger increases in a marker of inflammation in poor sleepers compared to good sleepers -- a marker associated with poor health outcomes and death. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301103758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227204830.htm People are relying on sleeping pills more than ever to get a good night's rest, but a new study links the medications to a 4.6 times higher risk of death and a significant increase in cancer cases among regular pill users. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227204830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223142432.htm Researchers have put sleeplessness on the map - literally. The research team, analyzing U.S. data, has produced the first state-by-state sleep maps for the United States, revealing that residents of Southern states suffer from the most sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue, while residents on the West Coast report the least amount of problems. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223142432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120220211013.htm On the surface, it's simple: when night falls, our bodies get sleepy. But behind the scenes, a series of complex molecular events, controlled by our genes, is hard at work to make us groggy. Now, research suggests that a newly identified gene known as insomniac may play a role in keeping us asleep. By cloning and testing this gene in fruit flies researchers say they have discovered an entirely new mechanism by which sleep is regulated. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120220211013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216133430.htm It's been said that timing is everything, and that may be particularly true when it comes to the ability to fight off disease. New research shows that the success of host immune defense depends in part on an organism's "body clock." The study may lead to therapeutic strategies designed to optimize the immune response and to protect patients at the time when they are most vulnerable. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216133430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171036.htm The amount and quality of sleep you get at night may affect your memory later in life, according to new research. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121856.htm Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soda are the pick-me-ups of choice for many people, but too much caffeine can cause nervousness and sleep problems. Caffeine Zone, a new software app developed by researchers, can help people determine when caffeine may give them a mental boost and when it could hurt their sleep patterns. The software takes information on caffeine use and integrates it with information on the effects of caffeine to produce a graph of how the caffeine will affect the users over time. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110510.htm New research finds that 16- to 18-year-olds perform better academically when they shave about two hours off what current guidelines prescribe. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210105907.htm Children and adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea had substantial improvements in attention, anxiety and quality of life after treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP) —- a nighttime therapy in which a machine delivers a stream of air through a mask into the nose. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210105907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135314.htm A new study sheds light on why some children may need to urinate more often during the rest cycle. Researchers found sleep deprivation caused healthy children, ages 8-12, to urinate significantly more frequently, excrete more sodium in urine, have altered regulation of the hormones important for excretion. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094323.htm People with severe sleep apnea may have an increased risk of silent strokes and small lesions in the brain, according to a small study. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131501.htm Sleeping disorders have been known for some years to increase the risk of diabetes. Scientists have now linked a gene that plays a key role in synchronizing biological rhythms to type two diabetes. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151052.htm Scientists have found new evidence for a link between the body clock hormone melatonin and type 2 diabetes. The study found that people who carry rare genetic mutations in the receptor for melatonin have a much higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111740.htm New research shows that a specific brain region that contributes to a person’s appetite sensation is more activated in response to food images after one night of sleep loss than after one night of normal sleep. Poor sleep habits can therefore affect people’s risk of becoming overweight in the long run. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210820.htm Job stress and shift work have a lot more to do with obesity among nurses than previously thought, according to a new study. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111154126.htm Exposure to light appears to have therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease patients, a researcher has found. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111154126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140225.htm New research provides evidence for the first time that disruption of circadian rhythms -- the biological "clocks" found in many animals -- can clearly cause accelerated neurodegeneration, loss of motor function and premature death. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220172618.htm A survey of police officers indicated that about 40 percent have a sleep disorder, which was associated with an increased risk of adverse health, safety and performance outcomes, according to a new study. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220172618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190019.htm Scientist have made a major breakthrough by unraveling the inner workings of melatonin, also known as the "sleep hormone." The research reveals the key role played by the melatonin receptor in the brain that promotes deep, restorative sleep. This discovery led the researchers to develop a novel drug called UCM765, which selectively activates this receptor. The results may pave the way for the development of new and promising treatments for insomnia. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163626.htm People with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to stick to prescribed treatment when a partner or parent is involved with their treatment, according to a team of sleep researchers. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111124150237.htm Researchers have shown that ABCC9, a known genetic factor in heart disease and diabetes, also influences the duration of sleep in humans. This function is evolutionarily conserved as knock-out of the gene reduces the duration of nocturnal sleep in fruitflies. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111124150237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133346.htm They say time heals all wounds, and new research indicates that time spent in dream sleep can help. Researchers have found that during the dream phase of sleep, also known as REM sleep, our stress chemistry shuts down and the brain processes emotional experiences and takes the painful edge off difficult memories. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143354.htm People sleep significantly better and feel more alert during the day if they get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, a new study concludes. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm A new study has found that protein and not sugar activates the cells responsible for keeping us awake and burning calories. The research has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114095717.htm Researchers from Norway have uncovered an association between sleep problems and increased risk of fibromyalgia in women. The risk of fibromyalgia increased with severity of sleep problems, and the association was stronger among middle-aged and older women than among younger women. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114095717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093043.htm Eating a Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity can help to improve some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, according to new research. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095304.htm Significant risk for preterm birth found in women reporting sleep disruptions during their first and third trimesters, even after medical risk factors and income levels were accounted for. However, it's inexpensive and uncomplicated to assess, and requires only a change in behavior to help reduce risk when intervened early enough. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095302.htm Study of adults in tight-knit South Dakota community shows lonely feelings associated with compromised sleep -- that is, the stronger the loneliness, the more disruptions during the night, with potentially negative consequences on wellness. Results agree with 2002 study of college students, indicating that individuals young and old, in big towns and small, need to feel secure in their social setting to get a healthy night's rest. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091640.htm Researchers in France have found that patients with mild Alzheimer's disease whose vision improved after cataract surgery also showed improvement in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns and other behaviors. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164706.htm Having trouble sleeping? If so, you could have a moderately higher risk of having a heart attack, according to new research. In a recent study, the risk of heart attack in people with insomnia ranged from 27 percent to 45 percent greater than for people who rarely experienced trouble sleeping. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105800.htm Researchers have developed an alarm clock that monitors your brain activity and triggers its alarm within a time window you set in advance but only when your brain is in a more easily roused state rather than deep sleep. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018084631.htm Researchers from Sweden have uncovered an association between shift work and increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Those who engage in off-hour employment before the age of 20 may be at risk for MS due to a disruption in their circadian rhythm and sleep pattern. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018084631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018084626.htm In an updated policy statement and technical report, the American Academy of Pediatrics is expanding its guidelines on safe sleep for babies, with additional information for parents on creating a safe environment for their babies to sleep. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018084626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092041.htm New research reinforces the need for continued public education programs that encourage parents to place their infants to sleep in the supine (back) position in a safe crib or bassinet, to prevent an estimated 4,600 annual Sudden Unintended Infant Deaths, of which 50 percent are classified as Sudden Death Syndrome. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092037.htm While breastfed babies initially awaken more during the night for feedings, their sleep patterns -- falling asleep, staying asleep and total sleep time -- stabilize in later infancy and become comparable to non-breastfed babies, according to new research. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111009140219.htm An ongoing lack of sleep during adolescence could lead to more than dragging, foggy teens, a new study suggests. Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111009140219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121254.htm Health-care providers assess blood and tissue type as well as organ size and health to enhance transplant success. New research indicates that checklist might also need to include the circadian clock. While some human studies have shown the time of day transplant surgery is performed can influence the outcome, this study of mice with dysfunctional internal clocks is the first correlating circadian clocks with transplant success. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930052216.htm Researchers recording the bedtimes and wake times of 2,200 Australian youths found that the night owls were 1.5 times more likely to become obese than the early birds, twice as likely to be physically inactive and 2.9 times more likely to sit in front of the TV and computer or play video games for more hours than guidelines recommend. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930052216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161343.htm Ever wondered why you wake up in the morning -- even when the alarm clock isn't making jarring noises? Wonder no more. Researchers have identified a new component of the biological clock, a gene responsible for starting the clock from its restful state every morning. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165942.htm A marker for Alzheimer's disease rises and falls in the spinal fluid in a daily pattern that echoes the sleep cycle, researchers have found. The pattern is strongest in healthy young people and reinforces a link between increased Alzheimer's risk and inadequate sleep that had been discovered in animal models. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165942.htm