http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/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, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/insomnia/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193632.htm They were in a deep sleep, yet sounds, such as a teakettle whistle, somehow penetrated their slumber. The 25 sounds were reminders of earlier spatial learning, though the research participants were unaware of the sounds as they slept. Yet, upon waking, memory tests showed that spatial memories had changed. Deep sleep, then, is actually is a key time for memory processing, the study suggests. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200213.htm Malfunctioning circadian clock genes may be responsible for bipolar disorder in children. Researchers found four versions of the regulatory gene RORB that were associated with pediatric bipolar disorder. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171213.htm New research has found that nearly 1 in 4 patients with OSA suffers from nighttime teeth grinding. This seems to be especially more prevalent in men and in Caucasians compared with other ethnic groups. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112239.htm Night-shift workers should avoid drinking coffee if they wish to improve their sleep, according to recent research. A new study has found the main byproduct of coffee, caffeine, interferes with sleep and this side-effect worsens as people age. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132535.htm A new study shows that sleep deprivation causes some people to shift from a more automatic, implicit process of information categorization (information-integration) to a more controlled, explicit process (rule-based). This use of rule-based strategies in a task in which information-integration strategies are optimal can lead to potentially devastating errors when quick and accurate categorization is fundamental to survival. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132537.htm A new study shows that retirement is followed by a sharp decrease in the prevalence of sleep disturbances. Findings suggest that this general improvement in sleep is likely to result from the removal of work-related demands and stress rather than from actual health benefits of retirement. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028202812.htm Despite recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapy, many rheumatoid arthritis patients continue to suffer from pain. Researchers have found that inflammation is associated with heightened pain sensitivity at joint sites, whereas increased sleep problems are associated with heightened pain sensitivity at both joint and non-joint sites. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028202812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026225744.htm A new study has found that chronic disruption of one of the most basic circadian (daily) rhythms -- the day/night cycle -- leads to weight gain, impulsivity, slower thinking, and other physiological and behavioral changes in mice, similar to those observed in people who experience shift work or jet lag. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026225744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125401.htm A research collaboration of biologists and neuroscientists has found a molecular pathway in the brain that is the cause of cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation. Just as important, the team believes that the cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation, such as an inability to focus, learn or memorize, may be reversible by reducing the concentration of a specific enzyme that builds up in the hippocampus of the brain. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008152244.htm According to new research, a form of surgery called uvopalatopharyngoplasty is effective for treating certain patients who suffer from sleep apnea, one of the most common sleep disorders. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008152244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112514.htm Attending surgeons and obstetricians/gynecologists who worked nighttime hours did not have a significantly greater rate of complications for procedures performed the next day, but having less than six hours of opportunity for sleep between procedures was associated with an increased rate of surgical complications, according to a new study. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930165030.htm People who suffer from debilitating neuropathic pain may get more relief and sleep better by combining two commonly-prescribed drugs. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930165030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091752.htm Good news for procrastinating students: a nasal spray developed by scientists promises to give late night cram sessions a major boost, if a good night's sleep follows. Scientists show that a molecule from the body's immune system (interleukin-6) when administered through the nose helps the brain retain emotional and procedural memories during REM sleep. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081204.htm A new study shows that long-term alcoholism affects sleep even after long periods of abstinence, and the pattern of this effect is similar in both men and women. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081207.htm A new study shows that elderly women sleep better than elderly men even though women consistently report that their sleep is shorter and poorer. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924141742.htm Chronic sleep deprivation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease makes Alzheimer's brain plaques appear earlier and more often, researchers report. They also found that orexin, a protein that helps regulate the sleep cycle, appears to be directly involved in the increase. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924141742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918105803.htm Ordinary, loud snoring doesn't seem to be harmful, but snorers still may want to seek treatment to stop snoring, reduce embarrassment and improve sleep for themselves and their bed partner. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918105803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916153136.htm Sleep experts have identified a genetic variation in humans, which the scientists also developed in mouse models, that allows a rare number of people to require less sleep than others. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916153136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915174506.htm A research team has pinpointed for the first time the mechanism that takes place during sleep that causes learning and memory formation to occur. The team has determined that short transient brain events, called “sharp wave ripples,” are responsible for consolidating memory and transferring the learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915174506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910114136.htm Sleep may reduce mistakes in memory, according to a first-of-its-kind study. The findings have practical implications for everyone from students flubbing multiple choice tests to senior citizens confusing their medications. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910114136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103630.htm Gabapentin, a drug initially used to treat seizures, improves sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes, researchers report in a new study. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082355.htm A new study shows that the sleep-wake activity rhythms of breast cancer patients are impaired during the administration of chemotherapy. Results indicate that the first cycle of chemotherapy is associated with a temporary disruption of these rhythms, while repeated administration of chemotherapy results in progressively worse and more enduring impairments. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903110800.htm Eat less, exercise more. Now there is new evidence to support adding another "must" to the weight-loss mantra: eat at the right time of day. A study has found that eating at irregular times -- the equivalent of the middle of the night for humans, when the body wants to sleep -- influences weight gain. This is the first causal evidence linking meal timing and increased weight gain. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903110800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090815100834.htm A new study shows that the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is an effective treatment for older patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid insomnia. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090815100834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165238.htm Can't sleep at night? A new study has found that people who suffer from insomnia have heightened nighttime blood pressure, which can lead to cardiac problems. The investigation measured the 24-hour blood pressure of insomniacs compared to sound sleepers. Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082554.htm There has been much debate about the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep. Three new studies explore GERD's effect on sleep quality and the health-care system as well as how a widely prescribed sleeping pill may mask the disease. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105148.htm Every March, most Americans welcome the switch to daylight saving time because of the longer days, but also dread losing an hour of sleep after they move their clocks forward. Now a new study shows that losing just an hour of sleep could pose some dangerous consequences for those in hazardous work environments. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082359.htm A new study shows that current or past exposure to workplace bullying is associated with increased sleep disturbances. Associations also were found between observed bullying and sleep disruption, indicating that bullying has detrimental effects even when it is experienced indirectly. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082552.htm Chronic alcohol consumption blunts the biological clock's ability to synchronize daily activities to light, disrupts natural activity patterns and continues to affect the body's clock (circadian rhythm), even days after the drinking ends, according to a new study with hamsters. The research provides a way to study human alcoholism using an animal model. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191845.htm The circadian system is not the only pathway involved in determining alertness at night. New research shows that red light, which does not stimulate the circadian system, is just as effective at increasing night-time alertness as blue light, which does. Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161333.htm A sleep researcher argues that sleep's primary function is to increase the efficiency of behavior when animals are awake by regulating behavior's timing and duration. Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090815100837.htm A new study shows that adults with Down syndrome also frequently suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090815100837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813083335.htm Sleep patterns can help predict which adolescents might be at greatest risk for developing depression, a researcher has found in a five-year study. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813083335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142459.htm Scientists have discovered the first gene involved in regulating the optimal length of human sleep, offering a window into a key aspect of slumber, an enigmatic phenomenon that is critical to human physical and mental health. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162111.htm Despite the strides in gender equality at work and at home, sociologists reveal the social factors that are causing multitasking women to lose sleep. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174301.htm Short sleep times, experienced by many individuals in Westernized societies, may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and reduced glucose tolerance, which in turn may increase the long-term risk of diabetes, according to a new study. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092657.htm A new study indicates that self-reported worsening in initiating and maintaining sleep over a five-year period was significantly associated with poorer mental quality of life, and increasing daytime sleepiness symptoms were associated with both poorer physical and mental quality of life. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092731.htm Researchers have modeled Parkinson's-associated dementia for the first time. Scientists showed that a single night of sleep loss in genetically altered fruit flies caused long-lasting disruptions in the flies' cognitive abilities comparable to aspects of Parkinson's-associated dementia. They then blocked this effect by feeding the flies large doses of the spice curcumin. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092712.htm Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and small body size at birth predict poorer sleep and higher risk of sleep disturbances in 8-year-old children born at term. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082706.htm Scientists have identified a distinct ECG-derived spectrographic phenotype, designated as narrow-band elevated low frequency coupling (e-LFCNB), that is associated with prevalent hypertension, stroke, greater severity of sleep disordered breathing and sleep fragmentation in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161257.htm An online insomnia intervention based on established face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy techniques appears to improve patients' sleep. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073947.htm Ongoing studies have shown that sleep patterns, emotional support and alcohol habits, among other factors, are important for a good health-related quality of life for patients suffering from rheumatic diseases. Knowledge of these findings can be used to improve the care of such patients. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701183007.htm Physicians focused on reducing anxiety in children and their families report that oral treatment with melatonin before surgery can significantly reduce the occurrence of emergence delirium in children. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701183007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082710.htm Postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701083523.htm Women who get less than the recommended eight hours sleep a night are at higher risk of heart disease and heart-related problems than men with the same sleeping patterns. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701083523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200645.htm Some people who take the fast-acting sleep-aid zolpidem (Ambien) have been observed walking, eating, talking on the phone and even driving while not fully awake. Many often don't remember doing any of these activities the next morning. Similarly, this drug has been shown to awaken the minimally conscious into a conscious state. A new study may help explain why these "awakenings" occur. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616080147.htm The histamine-3 receptor is important in terms of alcohol-related behavior, and a drug affecting that receptor may have qualities that alter alcohol-related behavior. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616080147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622064714.htm Light strongly influences human physiology and notably sleep regulation. Scientists have just published a detailed study on the role of melanopsin, a molecule involved in mediating the effects of light on sleep. These scientists also revealed evidence of new interactions between the different mechanisms acting on the duration and quality of sleep and alertness. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622064714.htm