https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/insomnia/ Learn about insomnia, sleep deprivation and other sleep problems. See the latest research on causes and possible cures including new treatment options. en-us Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:20:29 EDT Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:20:29 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/insomnia/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071936.htm Millions of people start work before sunrise—but their brains aren’t ready for it. A new clinical trial has found that the wake-promoting drug solriamfetol can significantly boost alertness in early-morning shift workers struggling with shift work disorder. Participants who took the drug were able to stay awake and function better throughout full shifts, with improvements in productivity, safety, and daily performance. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:10:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071936.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330210905.htm Deep sleep does far more than rest the body — it activates a powerful brain-driven system that controls growth hormone, fueling muscle and bone strength, metabolism, and even mental performance. Scientists have now mapped the neural circuits behind this process, uncovering a delicate feedback loop in which sleep boosts growth hormone, and that same hormone helps regulate wakefulness. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:39:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330210905.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326011458.htm Vivid dreams might be doing more than just entertaining your mind at night. Researchers found that immersive dreaming can actually make sleep feel deeper and more refreshing, even when brain activity is high. Surprisingly, people reported their deepest sleep after intense dream experiences, not just during quiet, inactive periods. This suggests dreams may play a key role in helping us feel truly rested. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:00:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326011458.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:27:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004407.htm Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less data exists for typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and rising accidental ingestions among young kids. Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only alongside proven behavioral sleep strategies. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:08:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004725.htm Teenagers naturally fall asleep later, which makes early school start times a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation. Researchers studying a Swiss high school that introduced flexible start times found that students overwhelmingly chose to begin later—and ended up sleeping about 45 minutes longer each school night. The extra rest led to fewer sleep problems, better well-being, and improved academic performance. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:49:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093440.htm Struggling to fall asleep and stopping breathing at night may be a far riskier combo than previously thought. In a study of nearly a million veterans, researchers found that having both insomnia and sleep apnea dramatically raises the risk of hypertension and heart disease. The two conditions don’t just coexist—they interact in ways that intensify strain on the heart. Addressing sleep problems early could help prevent cardiovascular disease before it starts. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:07:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093440.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040820.htm A groundbreaking clinical trial is testing whether specially engineered stem cells can help the brain restore its own dopamine production in people with Parkinson’s disease. Because the condition is driven by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells—leading to tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement—researchers are implanting lab-grown cells directly into the brain’s movement center to replace what’s been lost. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:03:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215084958.htm A simple shift in your evening routine may give your heart a measurable boost. In a new study, adults who stopped eating and dimmed the lights three hours before bed and extended their overnight fast by about two hours saw improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood-sugar control — without cutting calories. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:58:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215084958.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011026.htm Scientists have identified a promising new compound, Mic-628, that can reliably shift the body’s internal clock forward—something that’s notoriously hard to do. By targeting a key clock-control protein, Mic-628 jump-starts the gene that sets daily rhythms, synchronizing both the brain’s master clock and clocks throughout the body. In mice experiencing simulated jet lag, a single dose cut recovery time nearly in half. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:17:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092904.htm A major study suggests menopause is linked to changes in brain structure, mental health, and sleep. Brain scans revealed grey matter loss in areas tied to memory and emotional regulation, while many women reported increased anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Hormone therapy did not reverse these effects, though it may slow age-related declines in reaction speed. Researchers say menopause could represent an important turning point for brain health. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:52:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm New research using rhesus monkeys suggests that the brain’s relationship with alcohol may begin forming long before a person ever takes a drink. Scientists found that exposure to alcohol before birth reshaped the brain’s dopamine system, a key player in motivation and reward, and those changes were linked to faster drinking later in adulthood. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:26:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012203.htm Scientists at Keck Medicine of USC are testing an experimental stem cell therapy that aims to restore the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the chemical whose loss drives Parkinson’s disease. The early-stage clinical trial involves implanting lab-grown dopamine-producing cells directly into a key movement-control region of the brain, with the hope of slowing disease progression and improving motor function. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:57:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030529.htm Sound machines may not be the sleep saviors many believe. Researchers found that pink noise significantly reduced REM sleep, while simple earplugs did a better job protecting deep, restorative sleep from traffic noise. When pink noise was combined with outside noise, sleep quality dropped even further. The results suggest that popular “sleep sounds” could be doing more harm than good—particularly for kids. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:58:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030529.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260130041101.htm People who naturally stay up late may be putting their hearts under added strain as they age. A large study tracking more than 300,000 adults found that middle-aged and older night owls had poorer overall heart health and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than those who were active earlier in the day, with the effect especially pronounced in women. Much of this elevated risk appeared to stem from lifestyle factors common among evening types, including smoking and inadequate sleep. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:05:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260130041101.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260116035351.htm Scientists have discovered that breast cancer can quietly throw the brain’s internal clock off balance—almost immediately after cancer begins. In mice, tumors flattened the natural daily rhythm of stress hormones, disrupting the brain-body feedback loop that regulates stress, sleep, and immunity. Remarkably, when researchers restored the correct day-night rhythm in specific brain neurons, stress hormone cycles snapped back into place, immune cells flooded the tumors, and the cancers shrank—without using any anti-cancer drugs. Sun, 18 Jan 2026 23:35:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260116035351.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022811.htm Tryptophan does far more than help us sleep—it fuels brain chemistry, energy production, and mood-regulating neurotransmitters. But as the brain ages or develops neurological disease, this delicate system goes awry, pushing tryptophan toward harmful byproducts linked to memory loss, mood changes, and sleep problems. Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:01:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224623.htm Teens who sleep in on weekends may be giving their mental health a boost. A new study found that young people who made up for lost weekday sleep had a significantly lower risk of depression. While consistent sleep is still best, weekend catch-up sleep appears to offer meaningful protection. The findings highlight how powerful sleep can be for adolescent well-being. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:04:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260103155026.htm Your daily rhythm may matter more for brain health than previously thought. Older adults with weaker, more disrupted activity patterns were far more likely to develop dementia than those with steady routines. A later daily energy peak was also linked to higher risk. The study points to the body clock as a possible early warning sign for cognitive decline. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:52:00 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260103155026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020018.htm Time-restricted eating has been widely promoted as a simple way to boost metabolic health, but new research paints a more complicated picture. When calorie intake stayed the same, an eight-hour eating window did not improve insulin sensitivity or cardiovascular markers. What did change was the body’s internal clock, which shifted based on meal timing and altered sleep patterns. The results suggest calorie reduction, not the eating window itself, may be the real driver of health benefits. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 04:11:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235942.htm ADHD stimulants appear to work less by sharpening focus and more by waking up the brain. Brain scans revealed that these medications activate reward and alertness systems, helping children stay interested in tasks they would normally avoid. The drugs even reversed brain patterns linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers say this could complicate ADHD diagnoses if poor sleep is the real underlying problem. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:59:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm A massive global genetics study is reshaping how we understand mental illness—and why diagnoses so often pile up. By analyzing genetic data from more than six million people, researchers uncovered deep genetic connections across 14 psychiatric conditions, showing that many disorders share common biological roots. Instead of existing in isolation, these conditions fall into five overlapping families, helping explain why depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders so frequently occur together. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:28:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043225.htm A new study shows dopamine isn’t the brain’s movement “gas pedal” after all. Instead of setting speed or strength, it quietly enables movement in the background, much like oil in an engine. When scientists manipulated dopamine during movement, nothing changed—but restoring baseline dopamine levels made a big difference. The finding could reshape how Parkinson’s disease is treated. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:38:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100924.htm Natural killer cells act as the immune system’s rapid-response team, but the stress of anxiety and insomnia may be quietly thinning their ranks. A study of young women in Saudi Arabia found that both conditions were linked to significantly fewer NK cells—especially the circulating types responsible for destroying infected or abnormal cells. As anxiety severity increased, NK cell levels dropped even further, suggesting a stress-driven weakening of immune defenses. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:47:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100924.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090740.htm Researchers uncovered how estrogen subtly reshapes learning by strengthening dopamine reward signals in the brain. Rats learned faster when estrogen levels were high and struggled when the hormone’s activity was blocked. The findings help explain how hormonal cycles influence cognitive performance and psychiatric symptoms. This connection offers a new path for understanding brain disorders tied to dopamine. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 23:32:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104012959.htm Long-term melatonin use for sleep problems may come with unexpected heart dangers. Researchers found that chronic users were almost twice as likely to die and 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. Though melatonin is widely regarded as harmless, experts now urge caution with extended use. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:48:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104012959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093005.htm Boston researchers linked nighttime light exposure to greater stress-related brain activity and inflamed arteries, signaling a higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts normal stress responses, leading to chronic inflammation. Experts call for reducing unnecessary light in cities and homes to protect cardiovascular health. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:44:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093005.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205012.htm Disrupted sleep patterns in Alzheimer’s disease may be more than a symptom—they could be a driving force. Researchers at Washington University found that the brain’s circadian rhythms are thrown off in key cell types, changing when hundreds of genes turn on and off. This disruption, triggered by amyloid buildup, scrambles normal gene timing in microglia and astrocytes—cells vital for brain maintenance and immune defense. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 01:25:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251101000713.htm Researchers discovered that altering the body’s natural rhythm can help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s damage. By turning off a circadian protein in mice, they raised NAD+ levels and reduced harmful tau buildup. The findings suggest that adjusting the body’s clock may one day help prevent neurodegeneration. Sat, 01 Nov 2025 09:20:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251101000713.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251025084557.htm A new study shows that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day can significantly improve sleep that same night. Researchers found a clear link between diet quality and sleep depth, with participants who met the CDC’s daily produce recommendations seeing a 16% boost in sleep quality. The findings suggest that small dietary changes could make a big difference in how well we rest. Sat, 25 Oct 2025 22:19:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251025084557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040331.htm Women who undergo C-sections are more likely to experience debilitating pain and sleep disorders in the months after giving birth. Researchers found both qualitative and large-scale data supporting this link, including a 16% increase in sleep disorder diagnoses. Proper pain management and healthy sleep habits can reduce these risks, helping new mothers recover more smoothly and avoid complications like depression and fatigue. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:36:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040331.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074014.htm New research shows that poor sleep could make the brain appear years older than it really is. Using MRI scans and machine learning, scientists found a clear link between unhealthy sleep patterns and accelerated brain aging. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:36:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074014.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250930034158.htm Tokyo residents face a trade-off between home size and commute time when it comes to sleep health. A new study shows longer commutes increase both insomnia and daytime sleepiness, while smaller housing also raises insomnia risk. Even with average-sized homes, commuting more than 52 minutes pushed people into the insomnia range. Researchers say smarter housing planning could improve both sleep and quality of life. Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:17:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250930034158.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054907.htm Researchers have revealed how polymyxins, crucial last-resort antibiotics, break down bacterial armor by forcing cells to overproduce and shed it. Astonishingly, the drugs only kill bacteria when they’re active, leaving dormant cells untouched. This discovery could explain recurring infections and inspire strategies to wake bacteria up before treatment. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:49:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054907.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250925025336.htm New studies show that a bacterial molecule, peptidoglycan, is present in the brain and fluctuates with sleep patterns. This challenges the idea that sleep is solely brain-driven, instead suggesting it’s a collaborative process between our bodies and microbiomes. The theory links microbes not only to sleep but also to cognition, appetite, and behavior, pointing to a profound evolutionary relationship. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:48:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250925025336.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202850.htm Switching clocks twice a year disrupts circadian rhythms in ways that harm health. Stanford scientists found permanent standard time would reduce obesity and stroke rates nationwide, making it the strongest option over permanent daylight saving time or seasonal shifts. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:28:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202850.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250913232924.htm Chronic insomnia may do more than leave you groggy, it could speed up brain aging. A large Mayo Clinic study found that people with long-term sleep troubles were 40% more likely to develop dementia or cognitive impairment, with brain scans showing changes linked to Alzheimer’s. Those reporting reduced sleep showed declines comparable to being four years older, while certain genetic risk carriers saw even steeper drops. Sun, 14 Sep 2025 02:02:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250913232924.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175446.htm UC Berkeley researchers mapped the brain circuits that control growth hormone during sleep, uncovering a feedback system where sleep fuels hormone release, and the hormone regulates wakefulness. The discovery helps explain links between poor sleep, obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline, while opening new paths for treating sleep and metabolic disorders. Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:23:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175446.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085158.htm Overactivation of dopamine neurons may directly drive their death, explaining why movement-controlling brain cells degenerate in Parkinson’s. Mice with chronically stimulated neurons showed the same selective damage seen in patients, along with molecular stress responses. Targeting this overactivity could help slow disease progression. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:57:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085158.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104658.htm A long-term study following insomnia patients treated with cannabis-based medical products revealed sustained improvements in sleep quality, mood, and pain management over 18 months. Most participants reported better rest and less anxiety or depression, while only a small fraction experienced mild side effects such as fatigue or dry mouth. Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:42:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104658.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm Ozempic’s weight loss benefits might come at the cost of muscle strength, even if muscle size remains relatively stable. This raises significant concerns for older adults, who are already at risk for muscle loss and reduced mobility. Researchers stress the urgent need for human clinical trials to understand these effects fully. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:15:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809100959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233041.htm Neuroscientist Dr. Randy J. Nelson explores how artificial light at night disrupts our bodies, from immune health to mood. His work bridges lab research, clinical trials, and everyday solutions while mentoring future scientists. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:02:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250807233041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000856.htm Yoga, Tai Chi, walking, and jogging may be some of the best natural remedies for improving sleep and tackling insomnia, according to a large analysis comparing various treatments. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) remains effective, exercise-based approaches—especially Tai Chi—were shown to deliver significant improvements in total sleep time, efficiency, and reducing how long people stay awake after falling asleep. Yoga stood out for boosting overall restfulness, and jogging helped ease insomnia symptoms. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 03:46:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000843.htm Struggling to sleep might be the hidden reason why adults with ADHD traits often feel less satisfied with life. New research reveals a strong link between insomnia and reduced well-being in people with ADHD symptoms, suggesting a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens attention and emotional issues, and vice versa. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:10:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000843.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250703230641.htm Stanford researchers discovered that dialing down an overactive enzyme, LRRK2, can regrow lost cellular “antennae” in key brain cells, restoring vital dopamine communication and neuroprotective signals in a mouse model of genetic Parkinson’s. After three months on the LRRK2-blocking drug MLi-2, damaged circuits revived and early signs of neuronal recovery emerged, hinting that timely treatment could not only halt but reverse disease progression—and perhaps benefit other Parkinson’s forms. Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:44:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250703230641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250613013854.htm Teens might finally have a good reason to sleep in on weekends within limits. A new study reveals that teenagers who get up to two extra hours of sleep on weekends show fewer anxiety symptoms than those who don t. But go beyond that sweet spot, and symptoms can actually increase. Fri, 13 Jun 2025 01:38:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250613013854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131819.htm The timing and consistency of your daily activity might be associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness and walking efficiency. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:18:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250523141912.htm Daylight can boost the immune system's ability to fight infections. Fri, 23 May 2025 14:19:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250523141912.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124251.htm Scientists have uncovered a startling metabolic twist: mice engineered to lack the amino acid cysteine, and fed a cysteine-free diet, shed nearly a third of their body weight in just a week. The deprivation caused energy pathways to collapse, forcing fat to burn away at a furious pace while vital molecules like coenzyme A dwindled. This set off a cascade of stress responses usually seen only in cancer cells, while also preventing fat stores from being rebuilt. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:42:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124251.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124247.htm Researchers developed a way to extend the shelf life of vegetables by injecting them with melatonin using biodegradable microneedles. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:42:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131800.htm The body defends itself against pathogens by depriving them of vital iron. However, this strategy doesn't always succeed against Salmonella. Researchers have discovered that these bacteria specifically target iron-rich regions within immune cells to replicate. Their findings on how pathogens evade the immune defense are important for fighting infections. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:18:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131800.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131537.htm Sleep experts recommend against snoozing after a wake-up alarm, but a study shows the practice is common, with more than 50% of sleep sessions logged ending in a snooze alarm and users spending 11 minutes on average snoozing. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:15:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131537.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111059.htm Neuroscientists have discovered that the brain uses a dual system for learning through trial and error. This is the first time a second learning system has been identified, which could help explain how habits are formed and provide a scientific basis for new strategies to address conditions related to habitual learning, such as addictions and compulsions. The study in mice could also have implications for developing therapeutics for Parkinson's. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:10:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111059.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112739.htm Even a few nights with insufficient sleep promote molecular mechanisms linked to a greater risk of heart problems. This has been shown in a new study in which the researchers investigated how sleep deprivation affects biomarkers (in this case proteins) associated with cardiovascular disease. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:27:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112739.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170657.htm Muscle cells contain their own circadian clocks and disrupting them with shift work can have a profound impact on aging, according to new research. Mon, 05 May 2025 17:06:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423130336.htm The molecular mechanism behind why heart attacks can vary in severity depending on the time of day has been uncovered, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments that align with the natural circadian rhythm. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:03:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423130336.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131216.htm Adolescents who sleep for longer -- and from an earlier bedtime -- than their peers tend to have improved brain function and perform better at cognitive tests, researchers have shown. But the study of adolescents in the US also showed that even those with better sleeping habits were not reaching the amount of sleep recommended for their age group. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:12:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131216.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112904.htm A new study suggests that early-life exposure to two widespread environmental pollutants -- small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night -- could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. The study found a 'significant association' between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and outdoor artificial light at night (O-ALAN) and increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in children and young adults up to 19 years old. The exposures occurred during the perinatal stage of life, typically defined as the time from when pregnancy occurs up to a year after birth. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:29:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112902.htm For adults over the age of 65, higher levels of both insomnia symptoms and sleep medication use were associated with higher risk of disability a year later, according to a new study. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:29:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135728.htm Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that is often associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. In the affected areas, nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in an atypical manner, which often makes drug therapy more difficult. A research team has now found evidence of profound changes in the dopamine system in FCD type 2. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:57:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135728.htm