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, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 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/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/2012/02/120214122035.htm Scientific research has shed new light on dissociative symptoms and dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. This condition seems to arise most often when a vulnerable person meets a therapist with a suggestive line of questioning or encounters sensationalized media portrayals of dissociation. Research shows that people with rich fantasy lives may be especially susceptible to such influences. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122035.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/2012/02/120201135314.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/2012/01/120127135710.htm The concept of the subliminal message is now familiar. A subconscious suggestion can help a person bring about positive change, such as smoking cessation, or otherwise influence one’s actions. The science behind reaching this suggestive state and how to successfully present a message of change has its own journey. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135710.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/2012/01/120103165012.htm A new study indicates missed naps by toddlers leads to more anxiety, less joy and interest and a poorer understanding on how to solve problems. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165012.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/2011/11/111128132704.htm Men may think about sex more often than women do, but a new study suggests that men also think about other biological needs, such as eating and sleep, more frequently than women do, as well. And the research discredits the persistent stereotype that men think about sex every seven seconds, which would amount to more than 8,000 thoughts about sex in 16 waking hours. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132704.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/2011/11/111115175349.htm Getting enough sleep can help children maintain a healthy weight, new research reveals. Similarly, the more time children spend in front of the TV or their computers (screen time), the higher their body weight. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175349.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/2011/11/111109161246.htm People with Parkinson's disease may be more likely to have a movement disorder called leg motor restlessness, but not true restless legs syndrome as previous studies have suggested, according to a new study. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143434.htm Researchers have identified the group of neurons that mediates whether light arouses us and keeps us awake, or not. They report that the cells necessary for a light induced arousal response are located in the hypothalamus, an area at the base of the brain responsible for, among other things, control of the autonomic nervous system, body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue -- and sleep. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102124955.htm A woman goes into labor, and gives birth. The newborn is swaddled and placed to sleep in a nearby bassinet, or taken to the hospital nursery so that the mother can rest. Despite common practice, new research provides new evidence that separating infants from their mothers is stressful to the baby. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102124955.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/2011/10/111028113626.htm The ability to dream is a fascinating aspect of the human mind. However, how the images and emotions that we experience so intensively when we dream form in our heads remains a mystery. Up to now it has not been possible to measure dream content. Scientists in Germany have now succeeded, for the first time, in analyzing the activity of the brain during dreaming. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028113626.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/2011/10/111020025758.htm A new study has shown that teenagers having an average sleep pattern -- six to nine hours of sleep per night -- score higher in school, especially in physical education. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025758.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/2011/10/111017092041.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/2011/10/111009140219.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/2011/10/111004123558.htm People with narcolepsy are not only excessively sleepy, but they are also prone to gaining weight. In fact, narcoleptic patients will often pack on pounds even as they eat considerably less than your average person. Now researchers appear to have an answer as to why. It seems a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, an ingredient that encourages hunger and wakefulness, may leave them with a lack of energy-burning brown fat. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123558.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/2011/09/110927124653.htm People may be learning while they're sleeping -- an unconscious form of memory that is still not well understood, according to a new study. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124653.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 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920103816.htm Obese teenagers who don't get the proper amount of sleep may have disruptions in insulin secretion and blood sugar (glucose) levels, say pediatric researchers. Their study suggests that getting a good night's sleep may stave off the development of type 2 diabetes in these adolescents. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920103816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103110.htm A new study explored the relationship between the sleeping habits, hours slept, and academic performance of children aged between six and seven years of age. Experts have found that sleeping less than nine hours, going to bed late and no bedtime routine generally affects children's academic skills. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912095133.htm The risk of insomnia is 67 percent higher in people from families in which at least one member is an insomniac, according to a new study. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912095133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124144.htm Narcolepsy is a rare disorder characterized by an excessive urge to sleep at inappropriate times and places. Narcoleptics are also often subject to "cataplexy," a sudden muscle weakness that is triggered by strong emotions. Although most cases of narcolepsy are thought to be caused by complex mechanisms, a small percentage of cases are associated with unidentified inherited mutations. Now, a new study uncovers a mutation that causes narcolepsy in a large family affected by the disorder. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104005.htm Sleep disorders affect 40 percent of adult Canadians according to a new study. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907132057.htm When it comes to the circuits that make up the olfactory system, it seems that less is more. Much like the addition and elimination of extra synapses that helps fine-tune brain circuitry, the olfactory system continues to produce and remove neurons throughout life. Yet it is not entirely clear how and why some newborn neurons are preserved while others are eliminated. Now, new research reveals that both olfactory experience during feeding and a subsequent period of rest contribute to both the likelihood that a new olfactory neuron will escape elimination and be incorporated into existing circuitry. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907132057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121014.htm During sleep, our perception of the environment decreases. However the extent to which the human brain responds to surrounding noises during sleep remains unclear. Researchers have now used brain imaging to study responses to sounds during sleep. They show that brain activity in the face of noise is controlled by specific brain waves during sleep. Researchers found that perception of the environment is not continuously reduced during sleep, but rather varies throughout sleep under the influence of particular brain waves. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901093653.htm Insomnia is costing the average US worker 11.3 days, or $2,280 in lost productivity every year, according to a new study considered to be more accurate than previous estimates. Researchers hope such numbers will prompt the implementation of screening and treatment programs for employees. Because insomnia is not considered an illness -- the kind that results in lost days at work -- employers tend to ignore its consequences. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901093653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830102204.htm A new study finds that college students are spending too much time burning the midnight oil and not enough time gaining the sleep that will benefit their ability to learn. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830102204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829164644.htm A reduced level of dreamless, deep sleep is a powerful predictor for developing high blood pressure in older men, according to new research. High quality sleep is as important to health as diet and exercise. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829164644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162220.htm Alcohol is known to increase slow-wave sleep during the first half of sleep, but then become disruptive. A new study of the relationship between sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep has found that alcohol interferes with the restorative functions of sleep. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815113536.htm Researchers compared the sleep of "vegetative" patients and minimally conscious state patients. The results of their study demonstrate once again the necessity of an adapted and specific medical care for each of these states. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815113536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809161957.htm Older women with sleep-disordered breathing, as indicated by measures of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), were more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia than women without this disorder, according to a new study. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809161957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803092314.htm A new class of drugs developed to treat sleep disorders can reverse the inactivity and exhaustion brought on by acute illness. Researchers have found that the neurotransmitter system thought to be primarily involved in the induction of sleep is actually extremely important in maintaining motivation and movement during acute and chronic illness. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803092314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802113618.htm When parents fight, infants are likely to lose sleep, researchers report. New parents often report sleep as being the most problematic of their child's behavior. Researchers found that poor sleep patterns in children from ages 9 to 18 months are likely influenced by conflict in their parents' marriage. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802113618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175617.htm Up to 45 percent of patients suffering REM sleep behavior disorders develop Parkinson's disease, new research suggests. This work suggests brain SPECT, a neuro-imaging technique, is an effective tool for viewing the disease progression at an early stage. This discovery will allow the study of future neuroprotective drugs in very early stages, even before first Parkinson's disease symptoms appear. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725152844.htm With the novel use of a technique that uses light to control brain cells, researchers have shown that fragmented sleep causes memory impairment in mice. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725152844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095841.htm Circadian rhythms -- the natural cycle that dictates our biological processes over a 24-hour day -- does more than tell us when to sleep or wake. Disruptions in the cycle are also associated with depression, problems with weight control, jet lag and more. A researcher now says that his discovery of the genetic resemblances between the zebrafish and the human body is a breakthrough for continuing research on the still mysterious circadian system. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720103529.htm More than half of all college students have received sexually suggestive images via text messaging, and nearly 80 percent have received suggestive messages, according to new research. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720103529.htm