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 Tue, 13 May 2008 09:05:01 EDT Tue, 13 May 2008 09:05:01 EDT 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/2008/05/080512145824.htm Many college students have sleep patterns that could have detrimental effects on their daily performance. As a graduate student, the researcher had her own trouble sleeping, prompting her to conduct a study to determine if other students experienced the same problems. Many of the students surveyed admitted that it took longer than 30 minutes for them to fall asleep and/or they woke more than once a night for at least five nights a week. Tue, 13 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512145824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507105644.htm A new way to measure breathing patterns in sleeping infants which may also work for adults has just been created. The researcher has created a mathematical formula that measures varying breathing patterns which indicate different sleep states such as active or quiet sleep. Wed, 07 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080507105644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062808.htm Cross-sectional studies from around the world show a consistent increased risk of obesity among short sleepers in children and adults. This study showed a consistent pattern of increased odds of being a short sleeper if you are obese, both in childhood and adulthood. Fri, 02 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062805.htm Deficiencies in nighttime sleep are associated with daytime napping in older adults. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062802.htm Short and long sleepers are more likely to have metabolic syndrome, or a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. According to the results, the odds for having the metabolic syndrome increased by more than 45 percent in both short and long sleepers. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417145749.htm Children with migraine are more likely to have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and lack of sleep, than children without migraine, according to research on the effects of headaches on children's sleep patterns. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417145749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417095947.htm Common hassles at work are more likely than long hours, night shifts or job insecurity to follow workers home and interfere with their sleep. Previous research has shown that lack of sleep can have serious consequences ranging from traffic accidents to health problems, chronic disease and mortality. As many as 70 million Americans suffer from some kind of chronic sleep disorder. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417095947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416094942.htm American women have identified sleep disruption as the most common and severe problem when periods change and they start entering menopause. New research contradicts previous findings linking sleep problems to night sweats and shows that, with the exception of sleep problems, the most common menopause problems aren't always the ones that bother women the most. Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416094942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416161219.htm Researchers have discovered sleep patterns in a type of anesthesia that are the closest ever to a natural, nongroggy snooze. The anesthetic used in the study, known as ethyl carbamate or urethane, provides researchers with a tool to more thoroughly investigate ways of treating sleep disorders and improving existing sleep medications. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416161219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415101045.htm Although continuous positive airway pressure controls a husband's sleep-related obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, his treatment adherence is strongly related to his wife sharing the bed. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415101045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415101042.htm A single subjective question may be an effective screening tool for excessive daytime sleepiness. The question is: "Please measure your sleepiness on a typical day: (0 = none, 10 is highest)." Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415101042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415101037.htm A new study finds no significant difference in sleep parameters associated with the first-night effect in patients undergoing sleep studies in a hotel and a hospital-based sleep laboratory. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415101037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160748.htm Parents who want their babies to sleep through the night would be wise to avoid co-sleeping arrangements or feeding their children evening snacks beyond early infancy. The way parents put their babies to bed has a direct impact on how well children sleep when they reach 4 to 6 years old, according to a new study. Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409205727.htm Disruption of an individual's natural sleep-wake cycle has been determined to be a contributing factor in the development of organ disease. The human body works according to a natural 24 hour sleep-wake cycle, also referred to as a circadian rhythm, which controls body temperature, sleep/wake timing, and the way our organs and body systems work together. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409205727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110023.htm New study offers a closer look at the association between childhood sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea, and behavioral problems like hyperactivity and anxiety. Children with sleep-disordered breathing who are also overweight, sleep for short periods of time, or have another sleep disorder like insomnia are more likely to have behavior issues. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160745.htm Children who sleep less may be more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression and aggression later in life, according to a new report. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160735.htm Infants and toddlers who sleep less than 12 hours a day and who watch two or more hours of television per day are twice as likely to become overweight by age 3 than children who sleep longer. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160751.htm Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder appear likely to experience sleep problems, according to a new report. Sleep problems in these children may be associated with poorer child psychosocial quality of life, child daily functioning, caregiver mental health and family functioning. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081932.htm Both short and long sleeping times predict an increased risk of future body weight and fat gain in adults. Short and long duration sleepers were 35 percent and 25 percent more likely to experience a 5 kg weight gain, respectively, as compared with average duration sleepers over six years. The risk of developing obesity was elevated for short and long duration sleepers as compared with average duration sleepers, with 27 percent and 21 percent increases in risk, respectively. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402105332.htm Sleepwalkers are advised to keep a regular bedtime to avoid unwanted evening strolls, based on new research. In the study, patients were kept awake for the entire evening and remained under constant supervision. Recovery sleep was allowed the next morning after patients had been awake for 25 hours. The research team evaluated their behavior, which ranged from playing with bed sheets to trying to jump over the bed rails. Results were striking. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402105332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081930.htm In addition to being a risk factor for a depressive episode, persistent insomnia may perpetuate the illness in some elderly patients, and especially in those receiving standard care for depression in primary care settings. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081937.htm A new study confirms the persistent nature of insomnia and the increased risk of subsequent depression among individuals with insomnia. Seventeen to 50 percent of subjects with insomnia lasting two weeks or longer developed a major depressive episode. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172155.htm New research holds promise for thousands who suffer from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. RDB, a neurological disorder that causes violent twitches and muscle contractions during rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep, can lead to serious injuries. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324111509.htm Contrary to conventional wisdom, Americans average as much sleep as they did 40 years ago, and possibly more, according to sociologists. The researchers report that adult sleep averages have increased about three hours per week over the last decade, up from 56 to 59 hours. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324111509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320192339.htm Chronic insomnia is costing adolescents more than sleep. It's been linked to a wide range of physical, psychological and interpersonal problems, according to public health researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, who completed the first prospective study of adolescents with persistent sleep problems. Documenting a "twofold to fivefold" increase in personal problems among adolescents with persistent sleeplessness, public health researchers say they have completed the first prospective study demonstrating the negative impact of chronic insomnia on 11 to 17 year olds. More than one fourth of the youths surveyed had one or more symptoms of insomnia and almost half of these youngsters had chronic conditions. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320192339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319085402.htm A new study found that sleep deprivation can precipitate sleepwalking in predisposed individuals and can therefore serve as a valuable tool in diagnosing this disorder. Somnambulism (sleepwalking), which usually involves misperception and unresponsiveness to the environment, mental confusion and amnesia about sleepwalking episodes, affects up to 4 percent of adults. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319085402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319111920.htm Researchers have provided, for the first time, a detailed look at the molecular pathways underlying sleep apnea. The team found that in an animal model of sleep apnea poorly folded proteins accumulate in one compartment of a muscle nerve cell, which, under certain conditions, tells a cell to heal itself or destroy itself. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319111920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313211420.htm Chronic sleep disruption can cause heart and kidney disease. The importance of circadian rhythms - the body's "hard-wired" 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, is well understood in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology. Earlier studies have suggested that renewal of cardiovascular tissues predominantly occur during sleep; therefore sleep interruption can directly damage organs. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313211420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310131529.htm Researchers say they may have figured out why poor sleep does more harm to cardiovascular health in women than in men. Their study, in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, found that poor sleep is associated with greater psychological distress and higher levels of biomarkers associated with elevated risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They also found that these associations are significantly stronger in women than in men. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310131529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080306161926.htm Television, not the sun, determines sleep schedules in America. American's natural timing cues -- the circadian rhythms determined by the sun -- seem to have lost out to the man-made cues brought on within the last century, mainly by the creation of time zones and the television broadcast schedule. In this relatively brief time, they find, the markers for how we structure our day have been dramatically altered. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080306161926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307102554.htm The arrival of daylight-saving time this weekend means extra time for evening yard work or barbecues, but for some it also means sleepy days at work and even a bit of crankiness. This year, clocks will be move forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. That hour of lost sleep shouldn't cause any long-term health hazard, but it may require some adjustment time, say medical experts. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307102554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303120357.htm Pigeons prevented from taking naps in the afternoon sleep more intensely at night. In humans, as in all mammals, sleep consists of two phases: deep, dreamless slow-wave-sleep (SWS) alternates with dream phases, called Rapid Eye Movement (REM)-sleep. Although several studies suggest that information is processed and memories are consolidated during sleep, this remains a hotly debated topic in neurobiology. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303120357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304075723.htm In a new survey, physicians report they are not getting the sleep they need to function at their best and current work schedules may contribute to their inadequate sleep. Physicians reported more caffeine use but better overall health than the general population. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304075723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214734.htm Treatment with methylphenidate appears to have beneficial effects on sleep parameters in adults with ADHD, including increased sleep efficiency and a feeling of improved restorative value of sleep. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214742.htm The majority of patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy experience a number of symptoms of eating disorders, with an irresistible craving for food and binge eating as the most prominent features. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214745.htm Loud snoring with breathing pauses is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased health-care utilization. Loud snorers had 40 percent greater odds of having hypertension, 34 percent greater odds of having a heart attack and 67 percent greater odds of having a stroke, compared with people who do not snore, after statistical adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, level of education, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Quiet snoring was associated only with an increased risk for hypertension in women. Loud snoring was also associated with increased use of health care resources (emergency visits and hospitalization). Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214756.htm Both insomnia patients and normal sleepers define sleep quality by tiredness upon waking and throughout the day, feeling rested and restored upon waking, and the number of awakenings they experienced in the night. Further, people with insomnia have more requirements for judging sleep to be of good quality. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080301214756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080221170127.htm Lack of adequate sleep can lead to increased injuries among preschool children, new research shows. The average number of injuries during the preschool years is two times higher for children who don't get enough sleep each day as described by their mothers. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080221170127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218214401.htm People with sleep apnea -- a breathing disorder that disrupts sleep -- are at double the risk of being in a car crash, a new study finds. The study also found that patients with sleep apnea are three to five times more likely to be in a serious car crash involving personal injury. Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218214401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212114855.htm For children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can provide dramatic relief and is successful in solving sleep problems for 80 to 90 percent of children, a new study found. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212114855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211220738.htm Hot flashes may be getting an unfair rap for disrupting women's sleep at midlife. Studies have often reported that sleep problems increase during the transition into menopause, reinforcing the idea that hot flashes are to blame. Sleep problems are often assumed to result from hot flashes, but treating hot flashes isn't likely to resolve a serious underlying sleep disorder. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211220738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080208162238.htm Our alarm clocks may spring forward on March 9, but our biological clocks may take longer to adjust. That's because our internal clocks are so tightly wound to many physiological and behavioral processes. Researchers have learned that circadian rhythms--the 24-hour cycles that keep our bodies on time--are involved in sleep, weight gain, mood disorders, and a variety of diseases. Now, they've made remarkable strides in identifying genes and neural pathways involved in regulating our internal clocks. Building on this bed of research could lead to new treatments for insomnia, jet lag, depression, obesity, and other disorders. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080208162238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207104303.htm Less sleep can increase a child's risk of being overweight or obese.. A new analysis of epidemiological studies found that with each additional hour of sleep, the risk of a child being overweight or obese dropped by 9 percent. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207104303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204111812.htm Patients with insomnia who are diagnosed with accompanying mental health ailments often are not prescribed medication that will help them sleep -- which could then make related anxiety or depression worse, new research suggests. Scientists examining treatment patterns for insomniacs say that their findings suggest that many doctors appear to be reluctant to prescribe sleep aids, even those that pose no risk of dependence, if patients also have depression, anxiety or mood disorders. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204111812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204172250.htm Cigarette smokers are four times as likely as nonsmokers to report feeling unrested after a night's sleep. Smokers also spend less time in deep sleep and more time in light sleep than nonsmokers. Researchers speculate that the stimulating effects of nicotine could cause smokers to experience nicotine withdrawal each night, which may contribute to disturbances in sleep. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204172250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201155646.htm Scientists have uncovered how stimulation of a particular brain region can help st Working memory is a specific form of short-term memory that relates to the ability to store task-specific information for a limited timeframe, e.g., where your car is parked in a huge mall lot or remembering a phone number for few seconds before writing it down. It has long been established that cognitive performance, such as working memory, declines with sleep deprivation. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201155646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201085718.htm The frequency of respiratory disturbances increases dramatically with age, even in healthy individuals without symptoms or signs of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. An increase in the prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome with age has been well documented. This study focused on breathing irregularities during sleep in 163 people who are currently completely healthy, as assessed by passing numerous physical and clinical health tests. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201085718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201085713.htm Four days' exposure to a REM sleep deprivation procedure reduces cell proliferation in the part of the forebrain that contributes to long-term memory of rats. REM sleep deprivation was achieved by a brief treadmill movement initiated by automatic online detection of REM sleep. A yoked-control (YC) rat was placed in the same treadmill and experienced the identical movement regardless of the stage of the sleep-wake cycle. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201085713.htm