Current News

1. Shift work may cause heart and kidney disease
2. Ethnicity may predict sleep patterns in women
3. Does insomnia prolong depression in older adults?
4. Sleep problems + Weight problems = Behavior problems in kids
5. Obstructive sleep apnea and Retinopathy in patients with Diabetes
6. Long Term improvements in snoring and sleep apnea with the use of Mandibular Repositioning Appliances
7. Night Shift work linked to cancer risk
8. Sleep disturbance linked with Injury in Toddlers
9. Having Surgery? Stop and take this Test first…..
10. All-Nighters linked with Low mood and academic performance in college students
11. Nasal surgery improves nasal Obstruction, Quality of Life in Patients with Sleep Apnea
12. Orexin: a cure for sleep deprivation?
13. Sleepiness predicts Work Limitation among Sleep Apnea patients
14. Sleep Apnea may boost Carbon Dioxide levels
15. Sleep deprived kids more likely to be overweight
16. Insomnia may contribute to visual decline in Older Adults
17. Sleep Disordered Breathing linked with Increased Heart Rate Variability
18. CPAP compliance lowers cardiovascular risk in Sleep Apnea
19. War Trauma Impacts sleep, Relationships
20. Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) may be associated with Migraine, Depression
21. High fat diet alters the ‘Body Clock’
22. Premenstrual Syndrome associated with increased sleepiness
23. Objective evaluation shows stress, worry disturb sleep
24. Short sleep and TV-a recipe for overweight kids
25. Sleep combined with low dose Alcohol severely impairs Driving
26. Thinking of using cough and Cold medicine to help your child through the night?
27. Poor sleep linked to low physical fitness in older women
28. CPAP Reduces Blood Pressure in patients with OSA
29. Sleep duration linked with Mental health in Teens
30. Memory for speech shuts down as sleep comes on
31. Children’s sleep is highly variable
32. Short, Long sleepers more than twice likely to die of heart Disease
33. Insomnia’s effects depend on the age of the sufferers
34. The Role of Circadian clock in the development of Type 2 diabetes
35. Electrical boost during sleep Improves Memory
36. Rumination and poor sleep
37. High rate of SDB in Heart Failure patients
38. Sleep Quantity affects Testosterone in older men
39. Sleep interruptions may increase pain Head injury linked with Increased risk of sleep disorders
40. Head injury linked with Increased risk of sleep disorders
41. Regular napping associated with excessive Day time sleepiness
42. Insomnia patients report improved healthy and quality of life after treatment
43. Link between sleep disorders and Heart disease
44. Morbidly obese patients are not being evaluated for Sleep Apnea
45. Men who drink Alcohol regularly are more likely to have Sleep related Breathing Disorder (SBD)
46. Short sleep linked with obesity in suburban children
47. Internet could help battle insomnia
48. Is better performance just a Dream away
49. No correlation found between exercise and Total sleep time
50. Sleep deprivation: can you feel it in your bones?
51. Kids sleeping less than they did twenty years ago
52. Women’s libido in menopause linked with sleep problems
53. CPAP: How much is enough?
54. Risk factors for snoring in children
55. CPAP reduces Arthrosclerosis in patients with severe OSA
56. Link between Sleep Apnea and Depression
57. Nearly 12 % of people over the age of 50 may experience symptoms of RLS
58. Lethargic worms shed light on the purpose of sleep
59. Shift work predicts occupational disability in women
60. Breath test may predict Sleep Apnea severity
61. Lower Hemoglobin, Less Iron found in pregnant women with Restless leg Syndrome (RLS)
62. Does your child have Nightmares? You’re not alone!
63. Seven to eight hours of sleep optimal for good health
64. Short sleep linked with Diabetes risk
65. Honey improves Nocturnal cough, related sleep symptoms in kids
66. Brain becomes emotionally more reactive when sleep deprived
67. People sleep less than they think
68. CPAP improves symptoms of Depression in OSA patients
69. Memory replayed in high speed during sleep
70. Less sleep linked with weight retention for new moms
71. Sleep is influenced by ones Chronotype, seasons
72. CPAP effectively treats Sleep Groaning in OSA
73. Loss of Deep sleep may increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
74. Insomnia symptoms impact well being
75. Prolonged exposure to cell phone radiation may cause Insomnia
76. Sleep Apnea linked with mental impairment in older women
77. For mental health Patients, Insomnia often goes Untreated
78. Sleep Apnea doubles the risk of motor vehicle crashes
79. Loud Noise may increase Blood Pressure during sleep
80. Loud snoring linked with heart disease, increased health care utilization
81. Most Physicians skimp on sleep
82. Sleep is critical for Memory and Learning
83. Sleep disruption linked with Heart and Kidney disease
84. Poor sleep, harder on women than men
85. Obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA): an expensive condition for Older Adults
86. Sleepiness tied to unexplained pain in children
87. CPAP: It’s Heart smart
88. Sleepiness in Teens: what’s love got to do with that?
89. Long, Short sleep correlated with Metabolic syndrome
90. Snoring Elevated Heart Hormone in children associated with bed wetting
91. Short Sleep linked with Obesity, consistently and world wide
92. Sleep disorders increase Morbidity and Mortality
93. Does short sleep Increase Belly Fat?
94. Surprise finding: Lack of sleep hurts your Teeth
95. Do violent dreams signal the onset of Neurodegenerative disease?
96. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Heart Failure : A Deadly combination
97. Parkinson’s Disease linked with Narcolepsy
98. Adults may not get enough sleep
99. Weight gain, race may determine effectiveness of surgery or sleep disordered breathing in kids
100. Teens who sleep poorly more likely to have psychological, Interpersonal and health problems
101. The Molecular Biology of Sleep
102. Sleep times predict future weight gains, body fat gain and Diabetes risk
103. Vigorous exercise improves kids sleep
104. Shift work may cause Heart and kidney disease
105. Ethnicity may predict sleep patterns in women
106. Infant sleep problems increase “Baby Blues” in women
107. Caffeine: A Stimulator, sleep disrupter or pain reliever?
108. Exercise may improve Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)
109. Memories replayed while we sleep
110. Behavior and attention problems linked with Sleep Apnea
111. The face of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
112. Proteins that control biological rhythm found
113. An age related loss of responsiveness to Melatonin
114. Sleep problems and night mares common among suicide attempters
115. CPAP may improve memory inpatients with OSA
116. Day time sleepiness linked with heart problems in patients with OSA
117. Naps, work hour limits improve performance among medical residents
118. Trauma in childhood linked with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in adulthood
119. Parents unaware of sleep problems in children
120. Be good to your heart - Take a nap
121. Children’s insecurity about parent’s marriage affects their sleep
122. Insomnia overlaps with multiple Medical conditions
123. Teen sleep symptoms associate with poor grades
124. Link between Type 2 Diabetes and sleep disorders
125. Research links Sleep apnea to heart Disease and Strokes
126. Sleep Apnea is common, yet undiagnosed in pacemaker patients
127. Chronic Fatigue syndrome alters Deep sleep
128. Menopause not always to blame for sleep problems in Midlife Women
129. More than half of MS patients have RLS
130. Work hassles and conflicts impact sleep
131. Menopause affects sleep the most
132. Women with Fibromyalgia suffer sleep problems, study finds
133. CPAP use improves sleep disorder symptoms, with or without hypnotic sleep aids
134. Poor sleep may compromise immune function in women
135. Sleepiness, sleep problems in asthma patients related to OSA
136. Vigorous Exercise Improves Kids' Sleep
137. New Technological Development in Sleep Medicine
138. Memory Impairment treated with CPAP
139. OSA impeding recovery of heart function after heart attack
140. Effects of sleep apnea on Lipid profile
141. Higher Respiratory diseases found in children with OSA
142. Perioperative Risks in patients with Sleep Apnea
143. Playing the didgeridoo improves sleep apnea
144. Who Has Insomnia?
145. Drowsy Driving
146. Sleep Apnea Doubles the Risk of Motor Vehicle Crashes
147. Sleep Apnea Linked with Mental Impairment in Older Women
148. Orexin: A Cure for Sleep Deprivation?
149. Honey Improves Nocturnal Cough, Related Sleep Symptoms in Kids
150. The shift worker; tips for successful shuteye
151. Sleep and Heart Disease: Are you at risk?
152. Recognizing sleep apnea symptoms in children
153. Elderly Women underestimate the quality of sleep
154. Bariatric Surgery patients remain at higher risk of short term complications
155. Weight Loss can help Sleep Apnea
156. Too much sleep could increase the risk of Dementia
157. People with Apnea more vulnerable to effects of Alcohol
158. Sleep related Breathing Disorders linked to two types of Arrhythmias
159. One Third of Americans take naps
160. Extreme sleep durations lead to poor quality of life
161. Genes may play a part in the lack of sleep
162. Too much light at night may cause Depression
163. A rise in Fatigue -related car crashes
164. Feeling sleepy? Stop driving if you exhibit theses warning signs
165. Counter measures-The NSF’s tips for drowsy free driving
166. Most Americans experience insufficient sleep
167. Depression is as dangerous as smoking?
168. Get a good night’s sleep for healthier skin
169. Grueling schedules & bleary eyes lead to poor quality of health
170. Abnormal sleep and errors more common in ICU nurses
171. CPAP compliance is improved when sedatives are given during titration
172. Sleep Apnea increases risk of Heart disease and strokes in patients with kidney disease
173. Sound can penetrate Deep sleep and enhance memories
174. Metabolic syndrome among police officers influenced by sleep patterns, duration
175. Sleep Apnea therapy improves golf game
176. Ecstasy use linked to Sleep Apnea
177. OSA may trigger nocturnal Arrhythmia’s
178. Hyperactive boys experience shorter sleep durations, may worsen condition
179. Pulmonary Hypertension reduces function and survival with Sleep Apnea
180. Coping with Jet-lag during the travel season
181. Weight loss and Sleep Apnea treatment strategy stacks up
182. Can’t sleep-what to do about Insomnia?
183. Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Diabetes
184. You can’t catch up on sleep
185. Is early to bed, a cure for depression?
186. Sleep talking funny or dangerous?
187. High school students getting less sleep
188. RLS linked to erectile dysfunction in older men
189. Treating Sleep Apnea (OSA): what’s new for CPAP masks?
190. Sleep management and working parents
191. Who needs more sleep – older adults or younger adults?
192. Do women need more sleep than men?
193. Brain responds similarly while in deep sleep and under anesthesia
194. Rest, even while awake strengthens Memories
195. Reduced Gray Matter concentration of patients with severe OSA
196. Impact on sleep deprivation on brain functioning different than previously thought
197. Healthy adults may need less sleep as they age
198. Severe Sleep Apnea (OSA) reduces frequency of Nightmare recall
199. Lack of morning light is keeping teenagers up at night
200. Naps help Babies retain Information
201. The role of sleep in Brain Development
202. Extremes in Sleep duration related to increases in abdominal fat in minority young adults
203. Frequent napping associated with increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes in older adults
204. Extremes of sleep related to increased fat deposition around body organs
205. Sleep Apnea (OSA) linked to Eye Disorder
206. Maintaining Daily routines associated with reduced rates of Insomnia in the elderly
207. Sleep Deprivation drives teens to drug use
208. Children with Insomnia may have impaired Heart rate variability
209. The mathematics behind a good nights sleep
210. Study identifies common SIDS risk factors
211. Link between Acid Reflux (GER) and Sleep Apnea (OSA) challenged
212. Mouth Breathing can cause sleep problems
213. Health, Age and sleep duration
214. How to get a Good Night’s sleep?
215. Caffeine, Sleep and Finals
216. Sleep disturbances linked with behavior problems in Autistic children
217. Treating sleep Apnea in Truck drivers lowers health care costs
218. Older people in assisted living facilities sleep poorer
219. Caffeine Reduces mistakes made by shift workers
220. Implanted sleep device shows promising early results
221. CPAP use reduces incidence of cardio-vascular events and Hypertension in pts with OSA
222. New born infants learn while asleep
223. Sleep Apnea increases Insulin resistance
224. Could dwindling Testosterone levels decrease sleep in middle-aged men?
225. Brain Injury tied to Trouble sleeping

1. Shift work may cause heart and kidney disease.

Toronto researchers studied hamsters whose circadian clocks were disrupted by genetic mutation to be out-of–sync with the environment. The researchers found that these animals were more likely than normal hamsters to develop heart & kidney disease, extensive fibrosis and other health problems. Once the Hamsters circadian clocks were normalized these effects were reversed. In accordance, these findings suggest that circadian organization is essential for health and longevity and circadian rhythm disruptions such as sleep deprivation, jet-lag and shift work may lead to heart and kidney disease.

Am J Physiol Regul Integr comp Physiology, 2008 Jul; 2951(1) R369

top

2. Ethnicity may predict sleep patterns in women

A recent study in which 1,440 women from various ethnic backgrounds were interviewed, revealed that African American women were 12% more likely than Caucasian women (8%) to have Short sleep, and Long sleep (11% vs 9%). The study also indicates that eastern European women are77% more likely than European American women to experience insomnia (70%), whereas English speaking Caribbean women are least likely to have insomnia (34%). This may place African American women at higher risk of medical problems associated with extreme sleep durations.

J Nati Med Assoc. 2008 Jul; 100(7) ; 868

top

3. Does Insomnia prolong depression in Older Adults?

According to a study based on the sleep patterns of 1,801 patients 60 yrs and older with a diagnosis of severe or mild depression, it was found they were 1.8-3.5 times more likely to remain depressed over the course of the year, in comparison to patients with no insomnia. The above findings were greater in patients receiving standard care and lower among patients receiving enhanced care. These results suggest that persistent insomnia may perpetuate depression in elderly patients, particularly those receiving standard care by primary providers.

Sleep and Depression in Post Partum women: A Population-based study 847-855

top

4. Sleep problems + Weight problems = Behavior problems in kids

A study of 235 children from 3-18 years of age, who under went a sleep study for symptoms of SDB (sleep disordered breathing) at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island suggested that
56% of the children were overweight or at risk of being overweight
36% were short sleepers
49% had an additional sleep disorder
47% had behavioral problems
23% had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The results suggest that a combination of being overweight and having a sleep problem such as SDB or insomnia contributes to behavior problems in childhood.

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med : 2008;162(4) :313-321

top

5. Obstructive sleep apnea and Retinopathy in patients with Diabetes

Researchers at the Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine, United Kingdom, studied data and retinal images from 118 men with OSA and Type 2 Diabetes. Researchers found that retinopathy was present in 54% of those who had OSA (obstructive Sleep Apnea),compared to 31% of those without OSA, independent of the effects of Glucose control, age, Body Mass index(BMI) , Blood Pressure and the duration of Diabetes. Further research will try to determine if CPAP therapy, the treatment for OSA can delay the development and progress of Retinopathy, associated with Diabetes.

American Thoracic society: 22 May 2009

top

6. Long Term improvements in snoring and sleep apnea with the use of Mandibular Repositioning Appliances

Mandibular Repositioning Appliances (MRA) are devices used to treat snoring and Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A study of 185 people in Sweden, who had been using MRA’s for an average of 5.4 years, showed that the regular use of MRA’s was associated with a reduction in sleepiness, headaches and day time naps. The rate of compliance with the MRA’s was 78% for snorers and 74% for OSA patients.

J Sleep Res. 2007 Dec; 16 (4): 414-20

top

7. Night Shift work linked to cancer risk

According to International scientists for the International Agency for Cancer Research, working night shifts may increase the risk of Breast and Colon cancer in women and prostrate cancer in men. The Disruption of regular sleep and circadian rhythms may reduce melatonin, a Hormone believed to inhibit the cell damage that causes cancer. According to Health Partners Research Foundation, 15-20% of the U.S and European work force are employed in Shift-work jobs.

Report of the IARC study; 3 Dec 2007

top

8. Sleep disturbance linked with Injury in Toddlers

According to a study by researchers at the University of Alabama- 799 children were followed from Birth to 36 months of age. It was observed that children who consistently wake up through the night have higher risk of unintentional injury, and that the increased risk was independent of factors such as maternal mood, parenting style and socioeconomic factors.

J Pediatr Psychol. 2008 Apr;33(3):323-32.Epub 2007 Nov.14

top

9. Having Surgery? Stop and take this Test first…..

Undiagnosed Obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA) puts patients at risk of complications when undergoing surgery or anesthesia and following the surgery. According to a new study, answering a few simple questions can determine if the patient has OSA and gives them an opportunity to be treated for the above condition prior to surgery.
A new tool called STOP consists of the following 4 questions:

S - Do you snore loudly?
T - Do you often feel tired, sleepy or fatigued during the day time?
O - Has anyone seen you stop breathing in your sleep?
P - Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?

Answering “yes” to one or more of the above questions means that OSA must be evaluated prior to surgery. The National sleep Foundation advises all patients and all those at risk for OSA to discuss with their health care providers before undergoing any surgical procedures.

Anesthesiology: May 2008- Volume 108-Issue 5-pp 812-821

top

10. All-Nighters linked with Low mood and academic performance in college students

A lot of college/university students pull ‘All-nighters’ as a way of extended exam preparation and socializing. According to a new study of questionnaire responses of 120 university students, who had gone through a night of self-imposed sleep deprivation were more likely to have later bed times, evening preference, lower academic performance and more symptoms of depression.

Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Volume 6, Issue1 Jan.2008,pages 16-31

top

11. Nasal surgery improves nasal Obstruction, Quality of Life in Patients with Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with daytime sleepiness, fatigue and depression. According to a study of 51 Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients, who under went surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum and nasal obstruction, it was determined that the procedure was associated with improvements in snoring, sleepiness, fatigue and overall health.

Arch Otolaryngology Head & Neck surgery- April 2008 vol.134 (4):429-433

top

12. Orexin: a cure for sleep deprivation?

A new study of Rhesus monkeys who were deprived of sleep for 30-36 hrs, were administered Orexin intravenously or via nasal spray. Researchers found that both nasal and Intravenous Orexin improved the monkey’s performance on the test, and that the nasal spray was more effective than intravenous Orexin. This shows that a nasal spray containing Orexin (a naturally occurring chemical in the brain) can increase attention, alertness and reduce low performance associated with sleep deprivation.

The Journal of Neuroscience, Dec.26, 2007, 27(52):14239-14247

top

13. Sleepiness predicts Work Limitation among Sleep Apnea patients

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with day time sleepiness, poor concentration and reduced work performance. However not all patients experience such symptoms and effects. According to a Canadian research team who administered a sleep survey and a work limitation questionnaire to 428 patients undergoing sleep-testing, found that daytime sleepiness was associated with worse time management, interpersonal relationships and productivity. The team also found among those subjects with whom they followed up after 2 years, that patients on CPAP therapy, showed significant improvement in lower work limitations and productivity. These results indicate a strong relationship between reports of day time sleepiness and work impairment among OSA patients.

SleepMed: 2007 Dec; 9(1):42-53.Epub 2007 Sep 6

top

14. Sleep Apnea may boost Carbon Dioxide levels

A recent study shows that people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA), may also experience a condition named as ‘Hypercapnia’(refers to high levels of Carbon Dioxide in the blood). According to a study in Japan of 1,227 people with OSA, 14 % had Hypercapnia, and the condition was more likely to be in obese individuals & those who had severe OSA. They found that after 3 months of use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), more than half of these patients had corrected their Hypercapnia. These results support the idea that CPAP effectively reduces the symptoms of OSA & related adverse health effects.

Chest July 1, 2008 134: 218-219

top

15. Sleep deprived kids more likely to be overweight

According to a new study children who are sleep deprived are at higher risk of being overweight, compared with those who slept well. Data on sleep and BMI (Body Mass index) were analyzed of 785 sixth graders, and it was found that 18% were over weight and that ‘short’ sleep was associated with a higher BMI. Therefore, adequate sleep may be one way to prevent kids from becoming overweight.

top

16. Insomnia may contribute to visual decline in Older Adults

Visual impairment and sleep problems are common among older adults. A recent sleep study of young adults without insomnia and older adults with chronic insomnia found that visual impairment in later life may be worsened by sleep disorders such as insomnia. Therefore treating Insomnia in older adults may have beneficial effects on their vision.

J Gerontol Nurs. 2007 Oct; 33(10):pp 32-41

top

17. Identifying Invisible sleep stealers

More often than not factors such as a snoring partner & the cat scratching at the bedroom door are identified as obvious sleep stealers. But not all “sleep stealers” are obvious. The following are “sleep stealers” that could be unconsciously keeping you awake at night.

Psychological factors: Stress is considered the number one cause of short-term sleep difficulties .You are not going to solve all your problems by staying awake all night so, give it a rest and get some rest!

Life style stressor: Drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages in the afternoon/evening, exercising close to bed time, following an irregular morning/nighttime schedule and working or doing mentally intense activities right before or after getting into bed can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.

Medications: Certain medications such as Decongestants, steroids and some medications for high blood pressure, asthma or depression can cause sleeping difficulties as a side effect.

top

18. CPAP compliance lowers cardiovascular risk in Sleep Apnea

A study in Greece used blood test to determine the cardiovascular risk in 53 newly diagnosed patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) at the start of the study and after 6 months of CPAP therapy. It was found that patients with good compliance of CPAP therapy showed significant improvement in most cardiovascular risk factors, while those with poor CPAP compliance showed improvement only in one risk factor and those who did not use CPAP did not show any improvement in their risk status. The results suggest that continuous use of CPAP may reduce the risk of getting cardiovascular disease in OSA.

Chest: Sep. 2007 vol.132 (3) 3 843-851

top

19. War Trauma Impacts sleep, Relationships

Since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers have been exposed to emotional and psychological trauma. As a result, many continue to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) long after their tours of duty are over. A recent study of male soldiers returning home from the war finds that those who suffer from PTSD are more likely to experience sleep disorders, emotional, sexual and relationship problems. The results reveal that this may lead to a breakdown in relationships among military couples in which the male has been exposed to war trauma.

J Fam psychol.2007 sep; 21 (3); 344-53

top

20. Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) may be associated with Migraine, Depression

A study of 411 migraine sufferers and an equal number of people with no history of migraine all of whom were evaluated for RLS, headache and depression, found that RLS may be more common in people who suffer from Migraine headaches. Migraine sufferers who also had RLS scored more on a standard screening test for depression. These results suggest an association between RLS and migraines and a co-association with Depression.

Cephalalgia, 2007 Nov; 27 (11):1255-60, Epub 2007 sep21

top

21. High fat diet alters the ‘Body Clock’

The ‘Body clock’ plays an important role in regulating normal sleep and metabolism. A study by Illinois researchers, who studied 2 groups of mice, one that was fed a regular diet and one that was fed a high fat diet, suggests that eating a diet rich in high fat foods may disrupt the normal ‘Body clock’. This shows the complex relationship between sleep and the metabolic function of the human body.

Cell Metabolism, Vol 6 (5), pp414-421, 7 Nov. 2007

top

22. Premenstrual Syndrome associated with increased sleepiness

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a collection of symptoms, mood/emotional changes and sleep problems such as insomnia and day time sleepiness in the week or 2 leading up to menstruation. A recent study of 2 group of women (some of whom suffer from significant PMS and others with minimal PMS symptoms) in whom sleep and daytime alertness were monitored, found that women with significant PMS symptoms reported being sleepier and less alert during the days prior to menstruation. This suggests that menstrual sleep changes may be common in women regardless of if they experience PMS symptoms or not, and that day time sleepiness may occur independently of those changes.

J Sleep Res. 2007 Sep; 16(3): 262-8

top

23. Objective evaluation shows stress, worry disturb sleep

Stress is one of the main causes of insomnia. A recent study based on sleep recordings of 33 healthy adults finds that high levels of stress and worry are associated with less sleep time, more time spent awake at night and an increase in sleep latency(the time taken to fall asleep).This suggests that increased stress and worries at bed time lead to disturbed sleep and insomnia.

Boil Phychol.2007 Oct; 76(3):170-3.pub 2007 Aug. 6

top

24. Short sleep and TV-a recipe for overweight kids

Like in many parts of the world, southern India has also seen a recent rise in childhood obesity rates. Researchers in Bangalore city studied the patterns of eating, sleeping, daily activity and TV viewing of 598 children from 6-16 yrs. They found that being over weight was significantly associated with increased television viewing, eating fried foods and short sleep durations.

Nutr J. 2007. Sep. 20; 6: 25

top

25. Sleep combined with low dose Alcohol severely impairs Driving

Most people are aware that drinking and driving are a dangerous combination, especially if the divers Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) are above 0.08 %( the legal limit). A recent study of 19 adults showed that sleep deprived drivers with a BAC of 0.03% had greater impairments in reaction time and lane/speed variability when compared with drivers with a BAC of 0.05% in a rested state. Also 26 % of females and 20% of males in the NSF sleep in America polls report getting less sleep than needed while driving with a BAC below the legal limit. This severely impairs their driving performance and increases their risk of having a motor vehicle crash.

SLEEP: vol.32 (7)-wed, Jul. 01-2009

top

26. Thinking of using cough and Cold medicine to help your child through the night?

Many parents use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines containing the antihistamine Diphenhydramine to help their children alleviate cough and cold symptoms. However a 2006 study found that Diphenhydramine does not affect sleep in infants but that it may actually keep them awake. A similar study also found no improvements in cold and cough symptoms in children who took the above medication.

PEDIATRICS; vol 114 (1); July 2004; pp e85-e90

top

27. Poor sleep linked to low physical fitness in older women

A large study of older women (mean age of 83.5 yrs) has found that those who sleep less than 6 hrs at night walked 3.5% longer than those who slept 6-6.8 hours per night. More disturbed sleep also predicted physical impairment, those with high wake after sleep onset (WASO) walked slower when compared to those with lower WASO scores.

SLEEP: vol 32 (7)-July 2004

top

28. CPAP Reduces Blood Pressure in patients with OSA

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for Hypertension. A recent study of 55 patients with OSA and Hypertension who were treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for 1 year shows that long-term treatment of OSA patients with CPAP may significantly reduce their Blood pressure.

1, Chest.2007 Dec; 132(6):1847-52.Epub 2007 Oct 9

top

29. Sleep duration linked with Mental health in Teens

A recent study of nearly 10,000 junior and senior High school students in Japan shows that the mental Health status of those who sleep less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours per night was less than those who sleep between 7 to 9 hours at night. The study also showed an association between poor mental health and complaints of Insomnia. Therefore it is important to promote mental health care and good sleep habits among adolescents.

J Clin, Psychiatry 2007 Sep; 68(9):1426-35

top

30. Memory for speech shuts down as sleep comes on

A team of researchers has demonstrated that the brains ability to comprehend and form memories of speech may be significantly reduced as we drift off to sleep. According to the study, researchers monitored the participants’ response to speech when they were awake/alert, sedated and deeply sedated. The results suggested that during the alert phase participants actively perceived and encoded the speech sounds to memory, during the lightly sedated period, participants were only able to perceive sound but could not encode them to memory. In the deepest level of sedation participants were not able to do neither.
The results suggest differences in the brains ability to respond and process speech during reducing levels of awareness.

PNAS Oct. 9 2007 vol. 104 (41): 16032-16037

top

31. Children’s sleep is highly variable

A new study finds that children’s sleep habits are highly variable and that some sleep less than others. A study based on 105 children from 1-10 years of age showed a wide range of average sleep durations among children, even though individual sleep characteristics remained constant throughout development. According to the study, those children who were short sleepers as toddlers remained to be short sleepers even in later childhood.

Pediatrics 2007 Oct.120 (4); e769-76

top

32. Short, Long sleepers more than twice likely to die of heart Disease

According to a recent study in which 10,000 civil servants aged 35-55years, whose sleep and health were monitored for 17 years, found that those who regularly sleep less than 5 hours or more than 9 hours at night had a 1.7% higher death rate from all causes, and more than double the risk from heart disease. It is known that 40% of the population in the U.S regularly sleeps less than 5 hours at night.

top

33. Insomnia’s effects depend on the age of the sufferers

According to NSF’s Sleep in America Poll Half of American adults report at least 1 symptom of insomnia a few times a week or more. Insomnia may lead to serious physical and psychological effects. According to a recent study of 8,580 people between the ages of 16-74years in the United Kingdom, it was found that insomnia was associated with reduced quality of life and that older people were more affected. It was also revealed that longer periods of insomnia are more common in older people and that Insomnia led to older people taking longer acting sleeping pills, and a higher incidence of divorce/separation/widowed marital status in younger participants.

SLEEP vol.32 (7)- wed. July 01, 2009

top

34. The Role of Circadian clock in the development of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult on-set Diabetes. Historically seen among older adults, type 2 diabetes is becoming commoner among young adults and children, mainly due to increasing rates of obesity. Research shows that people with diabetes have disturbed sleep and that short sleep and poor sleep quality are associated with poor blood-sugar control. Based on the above findings, researchers from the Netherlands suggest that the circadian/biological clocks may lose its internal and external ‘rhythm’ in younger people, which may lead to diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as sleeping late, short sleep, “modern lifestyle”& metabolic excess, may disrupt the biological clock of the body and may lead to Diabetes.

Exp. Gerontol. 2007 Jan-Feb; 42(1-2); 22-7 Epub 2006 Oct 17

top

35. Electrical boost during sleep Improves Memory

Apart from strong evidence that remembering new learning depends on the quality and the quantity of sleep, a recent study of healthy adults by German researchers, finds that sending an electric current through the brain during sleep can improve memory even more than sleep alone. They also found that the electrical boost intensified deep sleep, which in turn leads to increased memory. Even though this method is not used practically the NSF suggests using the tried and true means of improving memory: ‘allow enough time for a good nights sleep’.

Nature 2006 Nov.30, 444(7119) 610-3, Epub 2006 Nov. 5

top

36. Rumination and poor sleep

Research suggests that ruminating (thinking about things deeply and repeatedly) about negative events is associated with poor quality of sleep, negative mood and depression.
According to a recent study at Duke University Medical Centre and NSF, poor sleepers are more likely to ruminate when compared with good sleepers. It was also found that poor sleepers’ ruminations were focused on symptoms such as feeling bad, fatigue and problems with concentration, all which are symptoms of insomnia. Based on the above finding the study suggests that ruminating about feelings and symptoms may lead to sleep disturbances.

Behay Sleep Med.2006; 4 (4); 228-41

top

37. High rate of SDB in Heart Failure patients

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB, eg: snoring & Obstructive Sleep apnea) are associated with abnormal Heart rhythms, impaired glucose tolerance and Insulin resistance. Now according to a recent study of 647 people with ischemic ( reduced blood flow) and non-ischemic heart failure, all who were screened for SDB, showed a 70% prevalence of SDB in people with non-ischemic heart failure and a 82% prevalence among people with ischemic heart failure. Therefore the results suggest that a routine screening for SDB should be part of the investigations for patients with heart failure.

Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2007: Apr. 10; 104(15):6406-11

top

38. Sleep Quantity affects Testosterone in older men

Testosterone is the primary male hormone which is important for male libido and energy levels. According to a recent study of 12 healthy men between 64-74 years of age, it was found that the amount of sleep an older man gets may affect his morning Testosterone levels in the blood. It was also revealed that the amount of sleep received at night predicted the morning Testosterone levels in men.

SLEEP vol 32(7)-Jul. 01, 2009

top

39. Sleep interruptions may increase pain

According to a study of 32 healthy women who were subject to repeated sleep disturbances over a period of 1 week, it was found that women whose sleep was disrupted showed an increase in spontaneous pain and decrease in pain inhibition. This effect was not seen in women who were sleep deprived or who slept a full night. The results suggest that people who are repeatedly awakened from sleep may become more susceptible to pain.

SLEEP vol. 32 (7)-Jul, 01, 2009

top

40. Head injury linked with Increased risk of sleep disorders

Researchers at the University of California studied 42 people with insomnia following mild traumatic brain injury. It was found that 36% had Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders (CRSD), the figure a several times higher than found in the general population, 8% had delayed phase sleep syndrome and 7% had irregular sleep-wake patterns. This suggests that mild head injuries were linked with a higher risk of sleep disorders.

Neurology. 2007 Apr.3: 68 (14): 1136-40

top

41. Regular napping associated with excessive Day time sleepiness

An analysis of NSF’s 2003 sleep in America poll by a group of researchers finds that 10% of adults 55-64 yrs and 25% of those 75-84 yrs of age are regular nap-takers. This reveals that 15% of older adults (55-84 yrs of age) take naps regularly. It was also found that taking naps regularly is strongly associated with excessive day time sleepiness and that depression, pain and nocturia (frequent urination at night) also increases napping during the day.

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007 Apr; 15(4); m344-50

top

42. Insomnia patients report improved healthy and quality of life after treatment

Having insomnia can be extremely stressful and may lead to reduced day time functioning, depression and poorer overall health. After an evaluation of prior research of people with insomnia it was found that treatment of insomnia can lead to significant improvement in overall health, depression, daytime functioning and sleepiness and an improvement in the quality of life.

JCSM vol 5 (3) - Mond, June 15 2009

top

43. Link between sleep disorders and Heart disease

Sleep is closely associated with heart health. Two recent studies offer further evidence for the sleep-heart-health connection. The first study that monitored 10 patients with Restless Leg syndrome (RLS) found that Blood pressure rose during Periodic leg Movements and that the rise in blood pressure was greater in older patients and those who suffered from RLS for a longer period of time. The second study which focused on 164 people with Heart failure and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), found that untreated OSA increased the risk of death in patients with heart failure as compared to those without OSA.

Neurology 2007 Apr. 10; 68(15): 1213-18

top

44. Morbidly obese patients are not being evaluated for Sleep Apnea

Obesity is one of the primary risk factors for OSA and nine in every ten patient that undergoes bariatric surgery also have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). According to a study of patients on the Bariatric surgery program at Case Medical school in Cleveland, OH, it was revealed that 19 % had been diagnosed with OSA prior to surgery (on further evaluation 56% met the clinical standard to be diagnosed with OSA) and 91% were found to have OSA based on mandatory sleep study testing of all the patients. The results suggest mandatory testing of all patients for OSA prior to bariatric surgery.

Am J Surg. 2007 Mar; 193 (3); 364-7; discussion 367

top

45. Men who drink Alcohol regularly are more likely to have Sleep related Breathing Disorder (SBD)

Many people use alcohol as a sleep aid. However alcohol which may initially bring on sleepiness, may also cause restless sleep and lead to frequent awakenings. A study at the university if Wisconsin-Madison of 775 men and 645 women who were evaluated for alcohol consumption and SBD found that compared to men who consumed less alcohol, for every additional drink per day, those who consumed more had a 25% greater risk of having mild or worse SDB. These results were not seen in women. Therefore those with or at high risk of SBD should avoid alcohol near bed time.

JCSM vol 5(3) - Mond. June 15 2009

top

46. Short sleep linked with obesity in suburban children

According to a study of 529 High school students, researchers found that 90% of students reported an average sleep time of less than six hors and out of this category 20 % of the students were overweight, and that overweight status was significantly associated with male gender, increased consumption of caffeine and short sleep. Moreover, the association between short sleep and being overweight was also dose related (i.e.: shorter the sleep the more likely the student was overweight).The results suggest that students who do not get enough sleep are at higher risk of being over weight.

Sleep Breath, 2007 Dec; 11 (4) :285-93

top

47. Internet could help battle insomnia

The internet to frequent user is often known as a cause of Insomnia and not a cure. Now, a recent study of 44 individuals with a history of difficulty in sleeping at the University Laval in Quebec, found that half of whom were put on a Cognitive Behavior Therapy program (CBT-l) for Insomnia, experienced a decrease in the severity of their insomnia and were less likely to wake up in the middle of the night, compared with the other half who were placed on a waiting list. The results suggest that Internet Intervention programs (which are aimed at changing sleep habits, scheduling as well as misconceptions about sleep and Insomnia) may be effective in treating insomnia, without the use of sleeping pills.

Arch of Gen Psychiatry, 2009; 66 (7); 690

top

48. Is better performance just a Dream away

A recent study at the University of California, San Diego placed volunteers under certain sleep conditions and recorded their results on word–association tests in the morning and evening. They found that the group that did not nap mid–day had the lowest scores, while those who napped without REM sleep had slightly higher scores. A 40% increase in the evening test was observed among those who napped with REM sleep. The results suggest that having naps containing a significant amount of REM sleep increases performance levels in individuals.

New York Times- June 23, 2009; pages D6

top

49. No correlation found between exercise and Total sleep time

The amount of energy you expend during the day may not be associated with the amount of sleep we get, according to a study at the Walter Reed army Medical Centre which monitored 14 individuals wearing arm bands to measure body temperature, ambient temperature body position, motion, sleep efficiency and sleep time. It was revealed that subjects experiencing increased physical activity during the day had a lower sleep time each night and that a lower total sleep time was followed by increased activity the next day. The results suggest that even though exercise is good for one’s body and health, properly timing exercise ( eg.; not exercising right before bed time) is necessary to maximize it’s beneficial effects.

J Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research 2009: vol 32

top

50. Sleep deprivation: can you feel it in your bones?

A variety of serious health issues including reduced productivity, safety and mood are associated with sleep deprivation. Yet, many people skimp on their sleep. According to a recent study in South Dakota, which studied the sleep and bone data of 1,146 adults (652 women), found that 19% were sleep deprived (<6.5 hours/night) and that sleep deprived women had lower bone density than women who were not sleep deprived (>6.5-10 hours/night). It was also observed that sleep deprived men had weaker bones than their well slept male counterparts. The results suggest that men and women who sleep less have a higher risk of osteoporosis than those who sleep well.

Osteoporos Int. 2007 Jan; 18(1): 93-9. Epub 2006Aug 15

top

51. Kids sleeping less than they did twenty years ago

A study which compared data collected from 2 surveys (in1985 and 2004) of 1,000 south Australian children between the ages of 10 and 15 years revealed that within the span of a generation, average sleep duration dropped by 28 minutes for girls and 33 minutes for boys, owing largely to later bed times. Results also showed a greater increase in sleep duration for boys of lower socioeconomic backgrounds (44 minutes) than those from higher ones( 23 minutes) .The results suggest that parents need to make sleep an important part of their child’s daily routine, help maintain consistent sleep schedules and eliminate “sleep stealer” (eg: TV, internet) from their bed rooms.

Acta Peadiatr. 2007 Jul; 96(70); 954-5

top

52. Women’s libido in menopause linked with sleep problems

According to a study of 341 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women for sexual function, depression, sleep symptoms and other factors, it was found that 64% reported reduced sexual desire, 43% reported poor health and 18% had major depression. The results suggest that a diminished libido among women in mid-life is associated with depression, night sweats and disturbed sleep, all common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

AJOG vol 196(6). June 2007; p593. E1-593 .e7

top

53. CPAP: How much is enough?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which may cause excessive daytime sleepiness and serious health problems. A recent study which monitored 149 patients with severe OSA before treatment and again after 3 months of CPAP therapy found that, longer CPAP use (about 7 hours per night) was associated with less daytime sleepiness, fatigue and improved daytime functioning.

SLEEP vol 30 (6)-2007

top

54. Risk factors for snoring in children

Snoring in children may be associated with different causes and risk factors than snoring in adults. According to a study of 219 children with allergies selected from the Australian Childhood Asthma Prevention study, it was found that 60% of children with allergies snored and that 26% snored more than 3 times per week. It was also revealed that being first born, exposure to maternal tobacco smoke, or having asthma and eczema at 5 years of age were all factors associated with snoring in children. In comparison, risk factors for snoring in adults include excess weight, middle/older age, consumption of alcohol and smoking.

Pediatric Pulmonology vol 42 (7) May 2007; pp584-591

top

55. CPAP reduces Arthrosclerosis in patients with severe OSA

Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with several health issues including High Blood pressure, Stroke, Diabetes, Obesity, Depression and Atherosclerosis. A recent study of 24 patients who were given either CPAP therapy or no treatment at all, revealed that after 4 months of treatment with CPAP patients experienced a significant decrease in artery thickness. The results suggest that CPAP therapy can significantly improve the early signs of Atherosclerosis in patients with severe OSA.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007 oct1; 176(7): 706-12. Epub 2007 June 7

top

56. Link between Sleep Apnea and Depression

According to a recent study of 54 OSA patients sleep, mood and CPAP adherence (at the start of the study and again after 1-2 months), the results showed a significant correlation between improved OSA symptoms and a reduction of depressive symptoms after starting CPAP therapy. The results also showed that patients who continued to have OSA symptoms after CPAP therapy tended to have more depressive symptoms. The results suggest that CPAP treatment may lead to an improvement in symptoms of depression for its users.

Psychoson Med, 2007 Jun; 69(5); 449-54. Epub 2007 Jun7

top

57. Nearly 12 % of people over the age of 50 may experience symptoms of RLS

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that is usually associated with disturbed sleep. According to the NSF’s Sleep in America poll, 9.7% of American adults experience RLS at least a few times a week. A recent study of 283 patients over the age of 50 in Spain, found that the prevalence of RLS was 11.6% among this population and that women were 3 times more likely to report RLS symptoms than men. Only 15% of the patients reported a major impact of symptoms on their health, yet an association between RLS and frequent doctor visits, day time sleepiness and the use of Hypnotics was observed.

Rev. Neurol 2007 Jun 1-15; 44(11):647-51

top

58. Lethargic worms shed light on the purpose of sleep

Sleep: we spend about a third of our lives doing it, but there are many unanswered questions as to why we do it. Results of a recent study of Round worms may bring us closer to understanding the purpose of sleep in all animals, including humans. According to a Pennsylvania research team, round worms undergo a period of “lethargus”, before they molt. It was also discovered that the gene that regulates “lethargus” is found in other animals, and this may help identify the genes that regulate sleep in humans, which could lead to new treatments of sleep disorders. The similarity between “lethargus” and mammalian “sleep” relates to the theory that sleep like states evolved to facilitate nervous system change.

Nature2008 Jan 31; 451(7178): 569-72. Epub 2008, Jan 9

top

59. Shift work predicts occupational disability in women

For many people shift work may refer to any work schedule other than the typical 9’-5’shift.It has been found that shift work may have a negative impact on health and well being. According to the Danish work Environment Cohort study, shift work may increase occupational disability in women, even after adjusting factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and ergonomic exposure. The above association was not found among men who worked work shifts.

Occup Environ Med: 2008 Apr; 65(4): 283-5. Epub 2008 Jan 15

top

60. Breath test may predict Sleep Apnea severity

Diagnosing Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often by Polysomnography (PSG), which measures the heart rate, blood oxygen levels, muscle tone and brain activity during sleep. PSG is also used to determine the severity of OSA. According to a recent study of 68 non-smokers with mild, moderate or severe OSA, as well as 10 healthy smokers all of whom under went PSG and Breath tests for the concentration of 2 Bio-markers of Immune response (Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 10). It was found that the levels of the Bio-markers differed significantly across the 4 groups and that their concentrations were correlated with the severity of OSA .The results suggest that a patients breath may also serve as a predictor of OSA severity among non-smoking patients.

Sleep med. 2009 Jan; 10 (1): 95-103. Epub 2008 Jan 22

top

61. Lower Hemoglobin, Less Iron found in pregnant women with Restless leg Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a disorder in which an irresistible urge to move the legs may seriously affect a persons quality of life and the ability to sleep is common among pregnant women. In a study of more than 100 pregnant women, 26% reported symptoms of RLS. Although the prevalence is high, the cause of RLS during pregnancy is not well understood. According to a recent study of 146 pregnant women it was found that pregnant women with RLS had lower Hemoglobin levels, more medical problems, night cramps and excessive day time sleepiness and that they took less Iron and vitamin supplements when compared to pregnant women without RLS. The results suggest that a deficiency in blood Iron and low hemoglobin levels may be the cause of RLS in pregnant women.

Mov Disord 2007 Apr.15; 22 (5);627-31

top

62. Does your child have Nightmares? You’re not alone!

Parasomnias- including sleep walking, sleep talking, night terrors, bed wetting and REM behavior disorders, which are common among children. A recent review by a team of Pennsylvania researchers who summarized the important clinical features of parasomnias concluded that pediatricians should counsel parents about safety precautions, risk factors and treatment options for parasomnias in children. It was also recommended that parents maintain a diary of their children’s sleep and be informed about the effects of caffeine on children’s sleep.

SLEEP vol32 (7)-wed July 01, 2009

top

63. Seven to eight hours of sleep optimal for good health

Most people agree that getting the right amount of sleep is essential to feeling one’s best. According to a team of researchers in the UK who studied more than 8,000 people for 12-17 years, found that among participants who slept 6-8 hours at the start of the study, shorter sleep duration was associated with a 110% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality. Similarly among participants who slept 7-8 hours at the start of the study - increased sleep duration was associated with a 10% higher risk of non-cardiovascular mortality. The results suggest that sleeping 7-8 hours at night may be optimal for good health.

SLEEP vol 32 (7); wed July 01, 2009

top

64. Short sleep linked with Diabetes risk

Previous research suggests that sleep problems such as Obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA) are associated with an increased risk of Diabetes. A recent study based on a decade- long analysis of health data of 9,000 adults, found that participants with an average sleep of 5 hours and less and those with an average sleep of 9 hours or more were significantly more likely to develop Diabetes. The results suggest that sleeping too much or too little at night may lead to the onset of Diabetes, possibly because of poor sleep quality.

SLEEP vol 32 (7); wed July 01, 2009

top

65. Honey improves Nocturnal cough, related sleep symptoms in kids

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that is widely used for cold/cough symptoms and related sleep disturbances in children. According to a study of 105 children between the ages of 2-18 years, who were given honey, honey flavoured Dextromethorphan or no treatment for cold/cough symptoms, it was found that a dose of honey was significantly better at reducing both night time cough and sleep difficulties among children. The results suggest that giving Honey to kids with coughs may be a safe, natural and a well tolerated alternative to Dextromethorphan

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007; 161(12); p 1140-1146

top

66. Brain becomes emotionally more reactive when sleep deprived

For many people being tired may cause irritability and concentration problems. Researchers in a recent study at the University of California at Berkley, studied 26 healthy adults, half of whom were sleep deprived for 35 hours and half of whom slept normally. After scanning the subjects’ brains with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) it was found that sleep deprived adults were 60% more reactive when shown disturbing images such as sharks attacking or mutilated bodies. The researchers attribute this to a dampening of the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that controls emotional behavior in humans. These results suggest that being sleep deprived and sleepy may lead to emotional instability.

Current Biology vol 7(20);R877-R878, 23 Oct. 2007

top

67. People sleep less than they think

A new report finds that self reports of sleep time may be significantly higher than actual sleep times, with a difference of one hour in some cases. A team of researchers compared the results of the time reported sleeping on average per night by 2,113 adults with the results of their unattended home Polysomnography (PSG)/ sleep studies. It was found that the average nightly sleep time reported was about seven hours, while PSG revealed a mean sleep time of just over six hours. The study suggests that results from studies subjectively assessing sleep times may not be compared with those studies using objective methods of assessments.

JCSM vol 5 (3)- Mon June 15, 2009

top

68. CPAP improves symptoms of Depression in OSA patients

Depression is common among people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Previous research found that people with OSA had a five fold risk of depression when compared with people without OSA. Now according to a recent study in which a survey of Depression questions was administered to people with OSA after 4-6 weeks of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and again after 1 year, it was found that CPAP therapy was associated with significant improvements in symptoms of depression and that improvements were maintained at the one-year follow–up of treatment. The results suggest that CPAP therapy may significantly improve the symptoms of Depression in people with OSA.

JCSM vol 5(3)-Mon June 15, 2009

top

69. Memory replayed in high speed during sleep

Researchers have long known that sleep plays a key role in memory consolidation and that the brain replays the day’s events and experiences as we slumber. Now a recent study at the University of Arizona, in which the neural activity of rats who were taught to follow a pattern in a maze, was monitored during the exercise and again during subsequent sleep. It was observed that memories may be replayed in sleep 6-7 times faster than they occurred in real time. The results may lead to a better understanding of the role of sleep in the consolidation of experience in to memory.

Science 2007 Nov. 16; 318(5853): 1147-50

top

70. Less sleep linked with weight retention for new moms

Two of the biggest challenges for many new moms are weight loss and adequate sleep. A study of 940 women after child birth revealed that those who regularly slept 5 hours or less per day were 3 times more likely to be 11 pounds overweight at their babies first birthday, when compared with those who slept 7 hours or more per day. The results suggest that getting enough sleep may be just as important as diet and exercise for moms trying to loose the extra weight commonly associated with childbearing.

Am J Epidemiol 2008 Jan 15; 167(2); 178-87. Epub 2007 Oct. 29

top

71. Sleep is influenced by ones Chronotype, seasons

According to a recent study in Germany, based on the sleep behavior of more than 1,700 medical students, all of whom were monitored during springtime and again in autumn, it was found that sleep duration was longer in autumn than spring, regardless of chronotype. It was also observed that compared with ‘night owls’, ‘morning larks’ showed higher sleep efficiency, which is the percentage of time spent in bed sleeping. The results also indicate that male subjects were more likely to be ‘night owls’ and that female subjects were more likely to be ‘morning larks’. The results suggest that sleep is influenced by the seasons as well as ones chronotype, the natural preference to be a ‘night owl’, ’morning lark’ or somewhere in between.

Chronobiol Inf. 2007; 24(5): 875-88

top

72. CPAP effectively treats Sleep Groaning in OSA

Catathrenia, which refers to loud groaning in sleep, may be a feature of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can be effectively treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). According to a study conducted at Stanford University of 7 female patients seeking treatment for catathrenia, they were first diagnosed with OSA and later each of the subjects was treated with CPAP, which was both effective at treating OSA as well as Catathrenia. The results suggest that Catathrenia may be related to OSA, not a parasomnia, as it is currently classified by the international classification of Sleep Disorders.

SLEEP vol 32(7); wed July 01, 2009

top

73. Loss of Deep sleep may increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Sleep patterns change as we age, with older adults showing less slow-wave-sleep (SWS), the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep. Evidence suggests that loss of deep sleep is also common among obese adults, possibly due to sleep disordered breathing such as snoring and sleep apnea. A recent study of 9 healthy adults between the ages of 20-31 years of age at the University of Chicago, repeatedly disturbed the subjects as they entered deep sleep and their blood glucose levels revealed that their insulin sensitivity had reduced by 25% and that the reduction was more significant in those with the least amount of deep sleep. The results suggest that the loss of deep sleep may be associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Proc Natl.Acad Sci USA, 2008 Jan 22; 105(3); 1044-9. Epub 2008 Jan 2

top

74. Insomnia symptoms impact well being

A recent study of data of 7,189 adults (between the ages of 25 and 74 years) from the National survey of Midlife Development, USA, at the University of Kansas revealed that insomnia symptoms had a significant relationship with both psychological(one’s overall mental health) and subjective well-being (one’s perception of his/her life), but a stronger relationship to subjective well-being. The results suggest that symptoms of insomnia are closely linked with lower levels of well-being.

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2007 Dec; 75(6); 939-46

top

75. Prolonged exposure to cell phone radiation may cause Insomnia

Ever since the increase in mobile phone usage in recent years, there has been a growing concern about the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on human health. A recent study which involved 35 men and 36 women, half of whom were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 3 hours and half of whom believed they had not been exposed (Placebo group). In a sleep session started 1 hour later, those who had been exposed to radiation took longer to reach the first cycle of sleep and spent less time in deep sleep, than the placebo group. The results suggest that exposure to cell phone radiation may have an impact on sleep cycles, which may in turn lead to insomnia.

PIERS online vol 3(7) 2007-pp 1148-1150

top

76. Sleep Apnea linked with mental impairment in older women

A new study has revealed that sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), which includes Obstructive Sleep apnea(OSA), may increase the risk of mental decline in older women. The study which involved 448 women with a mean age of 82.8 years who under went cognitive testing, polysomnography(Sleep study) and genetic analysis, found that women with SDB, are more likely to show cognitive impairments. The results also indicated a strong association with a gene APOE e4, which is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease as well as SDB. Based on the above findings, the results suggest that cognitive impairment may be caused by chronically low oxygen levels in OSA patients. Therefore more aggressive interventions for SDB in older women are recommended by clinicians in order to prevent mental decline.

J of The American Geriatric society vol 56(1) ; pp 45-50

top

77. For mental health Patients, Insomnia often goes Untreated

Insomnia is a common feature of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. According to a study based on the analysis of data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 38% of patients seeking treatment for insomnia from 1995-2004 had at least 1 mental health condition. The results also revealed that those with a psychiatric condition were less likely to receive medical treatment for Insomnia. These findings indicate that there is a lack of standardization when it comes to the treatment of Comorbid insomnia and that mental health practitioners need to address their patients sleep problems, particularly since poor sleep may contribute to or worsen mental illness.

J of Medical Economics 2009 vol 12 (2)

top

78. Sleep Apnea doubles the risk of motor vehicle crashes

A study of 783 sufferers of Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) and 783 age-matched adults without OSA at the University of British Columbia, found that those with OSA were twice as likely to have a motor vehicle crash compared with non-OSA sufferers, and that crashes among OSA patients were more likely to be severe and involve bodily injury. The results suggest that people with OSA are significantly more likely to be in a motor vehicle crash than people without OSA. Based on the above findings it is recommended that people suspected of having OSA be screened and be made aware of the potential driving hazards.

Thorax: 2008 Jun; 63(6): 536-411. Epub 2008

top

79.Loud Noise may increase Blood Pressure during sleep

Noise may be a common cause of sleep loss. A recent study by European researchers, in which the Blood Pressure (BP) and bedroom noise level of 140 people who lived near major Air-ports were monitored, finds that in addition to being a nuisance loud noise can be bad for your health. It was revealed that when subjects were exposed to noise at 35 DB or higher (e.g.: plane flying over head) it lead to a significant rise in Blood Pressure, and that the increase in BP correlated with the intensity of the noise. The above incidents occurred whether or not the subjects were awakened by it.

European Heart Journal,doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehno13

top

80. Loud snoring linked with heart disease, increased health care utilization

Loud snoring has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study of more than 12,000 individuals in Hungary , it was found that loud snorers ,compared with people who do not snore are 40% more likely to have hypertension, 34% more likely to have a heart attack and 67% more likely to have a stroke, even after taking into consideration risk factors such as age, obesity and smoking. However, among women soft snoring was associated only with an increased risk of hypertension. Among both sexes loud snoring was linked with an increased utilization of health care/hospital resources. Therefore the results suggest that Loud snoring is not only associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but also with a higher rate of health care utilization.

SLEEP vol 32(7) Wed July 01, 2009

top

81. Most Physicians skimp on sleep

Physicians often urge their patients to sleep well for optimal health. But do they take their own advice? Not according to a new survey by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).The survey of 581 physicians found that 70% reported needing at least 7 hours of sleep at night to function at their best, yet reported sleeping only 6.5 hours on working days.43% also said that their work schedule didn’t allow for adequate sleep and 93% reported using caffeine during the day.

J ACCP-SI March 2008 press release

top

82. Sleep is critical for Memory and Learning

According to conclusions of ”The Role of Sleep in Memory and Learning Conference”, which was organized by the NSF, adequate sleep is important for maximizing memory formation and consolidation and sleep disorders (i.e. : Insomnia, sleep apnea)may disrupt sleep dependant learning.
Additional conference findings include:

• Insufficient sleep and sleep disorders may impair memory and learning, particularly in children
  
  
• Certain types of sleep (e.g.: REM sleep, Deep sleep) may be important for different types of memories
  
  
• Changes in sleep and circadian regulation that occurs in adolescents are consistent with most middle school and early High school start times. Therefore it is recommended by researchers that school start times not be earlier than 8.30 or 9.00 am
  
  
• There is much more to be researched and understood in terms of understanding the role of sleep in memory and learning

‘Role of sleep in Memory and learning conference’; March 3-4, 2008

top

83. Sleep disruption linked with Heart and Kidney disease

Sufferers from jet-lag know that circadian rhythm disruptions can be physically and mentally taxing. A result of a recent study at Toronto General Hospital’s cardiac centre shows that when hamsters biological ‘clocks’ are out-of-sync with the environment (i.e.: light/dark cycles are reversed) the animals die at a younger age from cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart) and severe kidney disease. It was also found that when the light/dark cycles are normalized, these ill effects can be reversed. These results suggest that those who experience circadian rhythm disruptions on regular basis (e.g.: shift workers, flight crews) are at a higher risk of developing Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses.

Am J physio; Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008 May; 294 (5); R1675-83. Epub 2008 Feb 13

top

84. Poor sleep, harder on women than men

Beginning at puberty and continuing throughout the lifecycle, women suffer from sleep problems such as insomnia at a higher rate than men. Now a recent study suggests that compared with men, women suffer more severe health consequences as a result of poor sleep. According to a survey based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) of 210 men and women with no history of sleep disorders, it was revealed that women who slept poorly were more likely to be overweight /obese and to suffer from Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It was also seen that women who slept less reported higher levels of hostility, anger and depression. The results suggest that increased risk of cardiovascular and other chronics illnesses in women may be linked with both psychosocial stresses and pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Brain Behav Immun. 2008 Aug: 22(6); 960-8. Epub 2008 Mar 6

top

85. Obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA): an expensive condition for Older Adults

Having Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is not only devastating for one’s health; it can also be quite costly. According to a recent study which analyzed the health care costs of 158 elderly and 1,166 middle aged patients (67-89 and 40-64 years) with OSA as well as age-matched people without OSA, in Israel, it was found that in the 2 year period before diagnosis, health costs were nearly twice as high for those with OSA compared with those without OSA. They also found that among OSA sufferers health costs were almost twice as high for elderly patients when compared with middle aged patients. There analysis also revealed that cardiovascular illness and the use of psychoactive medications were largely to blame for the increase in health care costs.

J of American geriatric Society Jan 2008; vol 56 (2); p247-254

top

86. Sleepiness tied to unexplained pain in children

Most people, even children experience unexplained occasional body pain - that is not caused by any injury or trauma. A recent study of more than 1,000 children with a mean age of 11 years who were free of pain at the outset, were monitored over the course of 1 year. It was found that those who suffered regular headaches or daytime sleepiness were more likely to develop unexplained pain than those who did not.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorder. May 23 2007; 8; 46

top

87. CPAP: It’s Heart smart

Left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may lead to depression, obesity, heart attacks and strokes. Continuous positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for OSA. Now a recent study of 53 newly diagnosed patients with OSA who were evaluated for cardiovascular risk at the time of diagnosis and 6 months after treatment with CPAP, found that patients with good CPAP compliance experienced a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors as well as reduction in total cholesterol and homocystein levels (high levels of homocystein is a risk factor for Coronary artery disease), compared with those who had lower compliance on CPAP. The results suggest that good CPAP compliance can improve overall health, daily functioning and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in OSA patients.

Chest. 2007 Sep; 132(3):848-51. Epub 2007 Jun15

top

88. Sleepiness in Teens: what’s love got to do with that?

Falling in love for the first time can hit young people like a ton of bricks. But what effects does falling in love have on the sleep pattern of teens? According to a recent study in Switzerland which involved 107 adolescents with a mean age of 18 years (60 of whom had recently fallen intensely in love and 47 were single/not in a long-lasting relationship), found that teens in the early stages of intense romance experienced behavior similar to hypomania with shorter sleep, experience less daytime sleepiness and improved concentration. The results suggest that while there is no known cure for love, teens should not expect to loose too much sleep over it.

J Adolesc. Health 2007 Jul; 41(1); 69-76; Epub 2007 Apr 12

top

89. Long, Short sleep correlated with Metabolic syndrome

According to a recent study of 1,214 adults aged 30-54 years, the results showed that short sleepers (less than 7 hours per night)and long sleepers(more than 8 hours per night) were 45% more likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome than those who slept an average amount(7-8 hours) per night. The results suggest that sleeping too little or too much may increase ones risk of metabolic syndrome, a set of medical conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abdominal obesity) that may cause cardiovascular disease and Diabetes.

SLEEP vol 32(7) - wed July 01, 2009

top

90. Snoring Elevated Heart Hormone in children associated with bed wetting

A recent study at the University of Louisville, KY which analyzed more than 18,000 surveys completed by parents with children 5-7 years of age, found that about 11% of the children were habitual snorers and that 53% of habitual snorers were boys. It was also revealed that about 27% of the group also wet the bed (only 11% of non-snoring children wet the bed) and that nearly 90% of those who wet the bed are boys. Additionally it was revealed that BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) levels were raised in children who wet the bed, suggesting that BNP may be related to snoring, although a correlation between the level of BNP and snoring was not found.

Peadiatrics 2008 May ; 12 (5) ;e 1208-14

top

91. Short Sleep linked with Obesity, consistently and world wide

Various studies from around the world suggest that short sleep is linked with Obesity in both children and adults. An analysis of data on sleep duration, Body mass Index (BMI) and other factors from several studies were conducted on 604 children and 509 adults from 1997-2007worldwide.The results revealed that 7 of 11 studies of children showed a significant association between short sleep and obesity, while all of the adult studies showed a significant negative association between the hours of sleep and BMI.

SLEEP vol 32 (7) wed July (01)-2009

top

92. Sleep disorders increase Morbidity and Mortality

A recent study of sleep and health data of more than 30,000 adults(12,437 who had been diagnosed with sleep disorders) by European researchers showed a clear association between sleep disorders and behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, mental health problems( stress and depression) and chronic illnesses (Heart failure and coronary artery disease). The data also showed that people with sleep problems had a 3 fold increase in mortality and a higher risk of deaths by suicide.

J Clin Psychiatry 2007;9 (5)

top

93. Does short sleep Increase Belly Fat?

A recent study which involved 442 children who were evaluated for sleep duration , body Mass index(BMI) and waist circumference revealed that sleep duration was significantly associated with waist circumference and that the association remained even after the adjustment of BMI and other factors such as parent income /education, duration of TV viewing and playing sports out side of school. The results suggest that insufficient sleep may lead to weight gain in children.

J Paediatric Obese 2007;2(3); 188-91

top

94. Surprise finding: Lack of sleep hurts your Teeth

A recent study which looked in to the relationship between smoking and gum disease was surprised to find out how much a person sleeps may also impact their oral health. The study of 219 workers in 1999 and again in 2003, which examined the health status and lifestyle factors (e.g.: exercise, smoking, stress and the hours of sleep) revealed that the 2 most significant factors which influenced the development of periodontal disease were smoking and the lack of sleep. The results suggest that getting more sleep may help people improve and protect their oral health.

J of Periodontology; May 2007

top

95. Do violent dreams signal the onset of Neurodegenerative disease?

REM Behavior disorders (RBD) is a condition in which people violently act out their dreams during REM sleep, putting them and others at the risk of injury. For people with RBD the paralysis that normally accompanies REM sleep is incomplete or absent making REM sleep unsafe. A recent study found that patients with violent RBD have a high probability of later developing Dementia, Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s like disorders, all of which seem to be caused by a similar Neurodegenerative process. The results reveal that patients with RDB may actually be exhibiting the early stages of Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia.

Mayo Clinic; wed May 16; 2007

top

96. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Heart Failure : A Deadly combination

A recent study of 88 Heart Failure patients, 56 of whom had CSA and 32 of whom did not for 51 months, found that median survival of patients with CSA was 45 months compared with 90 months for those without CSA. The results suggest that Heart failure patients who also have CSA face a similar risk and may live only half as long as Heart failure patients without CSA.

J Am col Cardiol, 2007; 49: pp 202-20348

top

97. Parkinson’s Disease linked with Narcolepsy

The onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often marked by sleep problems such as Insomnia, nightmares, extreme sleepiness, sleep attacks and REM sleep behavior disorders. These same symptoms are characteristic of Narcolepsy, a disorder caused by the brains inability to regulate sleep/wake cycles normally. A recent study at UCLA finds that PD and Narcolepsy have another common feature: a loss of Orexin /Hypocretin cells (Hcrt) in the brain (up to 62% in certain cases).It was also revealed that the loss of Hcrt cells was correlated with the severity of PD. The results suggest that if the sleep problems caused in PD patients is because of the loss of Hcrt cells, and then PD patients may benefit from the treatment of narcolepsy.

Brain Advance Access published online –May 9, 2007

top

98. Adults may not get enough sleep

Sleep is considered to be a passive activity but sufficient sleep is considered essential for good health. According to a recent, four state ( Delaware, Hawaii, New York and Rhode island) study released by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDCP) the percentage of adults who reported not getting enough sleep or rest everyday in the past 30 days ranged from 14% in Delaware to 8% in Hawaii. The above results will help researchers explore the relationship between sleep duration to sleep disorders and conditions such as depression, hypertension, heart disease and strokes.

CDC (MMWR weekly); Feb29,2008/ 57(8); 200-203

top

99. Weight gain, race may determine effectiveness of surgery or sleep disordered breathing in kids

The benefits of surgery to alleviate Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) may be short lived in some kids. A recent year-long study was conducted at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, which was based on measures of sleep symptoms, Body-Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure in 30 children (aged 7-13 years) who had undergone adenotonsillectomy (surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids). It was found that while most children experienced an improvement in symptoms 6 weeks after surgery, 27% of non-obese children and 79% of obese children showed a significant relapse of symptoms 1 year after the surgery. The results suggest that the chance of relapse was correlated with obesity, race (especially African-American’s), high blood pressure, the severity of SDB and rapid weight gain after surgery.

Am J Respir Crit care Med 2008 Mar 15;177(6); 654-9. Epub 2008 jan 3

top

100. Teens who sleep poorly more likely to have psychological, Interpersonal and health problems

Chronic Insomnia may have serious implications on the health and well being of teens. A recent study of 3,134 adolescents aged 11-17 years of age was conducted at the University of Texas, in which 14 aspects of well being including sleep problems, health, drug use, Interpersonal problems and daily activities were monitored at the beginning and end of a one year period. The results revealed that more than one-quarter of teens reported at least 1 symptom of insomnia while 55 met the diagnostic criteria for Insomnia and 46% had similar sleep problems a year later. It was also determined that chronic insomnia among teens was linked with a higher risk of health, psychological ,interpersonal problems and a greater need to seek medical care.

J Adolesc Health 2008 Mar ; 42(3); 294-302. Epub2007 Dec 21

top

101. The Molecular Biology of Sleep

Researchers have uncovered new details about the molecular workings of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) using a mouse model. It was revealed that the motor neurons in the face and jaws of animals with OSA showed swollen endoplasmic reticula, a protein network where cellular proteins are made. The cause for the above phenomena was attributed to a build-up of poorly folded proteins, which develop when exposed to oxygen fluctuations over a period of time.

J Neurosci 2008 feb 27; 28 (9); 2168-78

top

102. Sleep times predict future weight gains, body fat gain and Diabetes risk

According to the Quebec family study based on 276 adults, the results showed that over the course of six years

• Short sleepers (5-6 hours per night) were 355 more likely than average sleepers (7-8 hours per night) to gain 1 lb.
• Long sleepers (9-10 hors per night) were 25% more likely than average sleepers to gain 11 lbs.
• Compared with average sleepers, short and long sleepers showed a greater percentage of body fat
• Compared with average sleepers, short and long sleepers had a greater risk of developing Diabetes

The results suggest that overall good health requires optimal sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise.

SLEEP vol 32 (7)-wed July 01,2009

top

103. Vigorous exercise improves kids sleep

Vigorous exercise can lead to better sleep in kids. According to a study in Germany which involved 11 kids with a mean age of 12 years, who performed 2 bicycle exercise sessions (one of medium intensity and one of high intensity) on 2 different days, revealed that high intensity (vigorous) exercise was associate with a shorter sleep latency, more deep sleep and greater sleep efficiency. The results suggest that the intensity of exercise may be the important factor in the sleep effects of exercise seen in children.

Sleep Medicine vol 9 (3);pp 266-272 March 2008

top

104. Shift work may cause Heart and kidney disease

According to a recent study by Toronto researchers, which involved hamsters whose circadian clocks were disrupted by mutations to be out-of-sync with the environment, it was found that these animals were more likely than normal hamsters to develop heart and kidney disease, extensive fibrosis and other health issues. They also found that once the animals circadian clocks were normalized these effects were reversed. The results suggest that circadian rhythm disruptions such as jet lag and shift work are associated with serious health problems and that circadian organization is vital for good health and longevity.

Am J physiol Regul Integr comp Physiol 2008 Jul: 951(1) R 369

top

105. Ethnicity may predict sleep patterns in women

Women suffer from sleep disorders more than men mainly due to lifestyle and hormonal factors. A study in which 1,440 women from different ethnic backgrounds were questioned about their sleep revealed that African-American women were more likely than Caucasian women to have short sleep (12% vs 8%) and longer sleep (11% vs 9%),which may put them at higher risk of medical problems associated with extreme sleep durations. It was also seen that Eastern European women were more likely to have symptoms of insomnia than European American women (77% vs 0%), where as Haitian and Caribbean women were least likely to have insomnia (34% and 33%). The results suggest that the difference in sleep patterns among women may be determined by ethnicity.

J Nati Med Assoc 2008 July; 100(7); 868

top

106. Infant sleep problems increase “Baby Blues” in women

A recent study of 5,107 infants and 4,983 school aged children finds that sleep problems are common among children of both age groups, and that infant sleep problems are associated with severe psychological distress in mothers with no past history of depression. It was also revealed that 36% of new mothers say that their infants rarely or never sleep through the night. The results suggest that problems in infants and children have a negative impact on mothers’ mental and physical health and are linked with higher risk of post-partum depression or “Baby Blues”.

PNAS May 22, 2007 vol 104 (21); pp 9081-9086

top

107. Caffeine: A Stimulator, sleep disrupter or pain reliever?

Millions of people around the world drink tea, coffee, soda and other caffeinated products daily, presumably for the boost of alertness that it can give. Now a recent study reveals that caffeine-the amount of 2 cups of brewed coffee may help relieve the pain and soreness of muscles (which results from eccentric contraction of muscles) that sometime follows a strenuous workout. While these results may be welcome news to those who suffer from post-workout pain, it is important to bear in mind that caffeine is a stimulant and that may be accompanied by negative effects such as anxiety, heart palpitations and sleep problems.

top

108. Exercise may improve Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

Research suggests that exercise may improve symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), such as snoring and Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA).NSF’s 2005 Sleep in America polls revealed that every 1 in 4 Americans are at high risk for OSA and more than half of the people who are obese are also at risk. According to the Sleep Heart Health study, of 2,275 individuals by Arizona researchers, it was found that at least 3 hours of vigorous physical activity per week reduced the risk of SDB and offered some protection against SDB, especially in men and those who are obese. The results suggest that exercise can be an important part, and not a substitute in the treatment of OSA.

Sleep Breath 2007 sep.11 93): 149-57

top

109. Memories replayed while we sleep

Sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation and learning and is important for organizing memories and transferring newly-learned knowledge form short term to long term ‘storage’ in the brain. A recent study at the Massachusetts institute of Technology revealed that the brain has another function: to replay the events of the day. The above revelation was made after researchers found that the Neurons of the hippocampus (The memory centre) and the visual cortex in rat’s brains, which were active during a waking experience, were reactivated during sleep. These results may help us understand the role of sleep and dreaming in the learning and memory process of humans and animals.

top

110. Behavior and attention problems linked with Sleep Apnea

Sleep problems are sometimes confused with hyperactivity problems and attention problems in children. According to a recent study of 1,463 children aged 6-15 years in Taiwan, it was found that insomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances and inadvertent napping increased with age, whereas bed wetting, bruxism (grinding and clenching of the teeth) and night terrors reduced with age. It was also found that children with sleep problems were prone to be inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive and display oppositional behavior. These results suggest that there is a close relationship between sleep, behavior and attention problems in children and that the treatment of sleep problems may play an important role in eliminating attention and hyperactivity disorders in children. This focuses on the importance of parents, schools and community groups in managing activities and schedules, so that healthy sleep is made a priority for children.

top

111. The face of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing and daytime sleepiness. There are certain characteristics which increases ones risk of developing OSA, including being overweight and obese, having a narrow upper airway, having an overbite, having a large neck size or a deep set chin. Now a recent study of men in China shows that the soft palate is longer and the tongue base is pushed further back in patients with severe OSA. It was also revealed that more body weight, a longer face and head posture are significant predictors of the severity of OSA.

Angle Orthod 2006; 76(6);962-9

top

112. Proteins that control biological rhythm found

In mammals the daily rhythms of physiology and behavior including sleep, eating, breathing, heart rate and a variety of other functions are controlled by the SupraChiasmatic Nuclei (SCN) of the brain. Even though how these rhythms are coordinated is still not known, it is known that these cells are highly synchronized. Now a recent study at Washington University found that the cells of the SCN are coordinated by a protein called the Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP).A second study by the same team of researchers is looking at the protein GABA, the predominant neurotransmitter in the SCN, in synchronizing these rhythms.

PNAS Dec, 12 2006, vol 103(50) 19188-19193

top

113. An age related loss of responsiveness to Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland of the brain and is important for the regulation of the circadian rhythm. Millions of people take Melatonin supplements to help them sleep. Melatonin also used in the treatment of circadian rhythm disturbances such as jet-lag and shift work sleep disorders. Many older adults use melatonin as a sleep aid because of a wide spread belief that Melatonin levels drop as we get older. A study in 2000 showed that this was untrue. A recent study which analyzed the melatonin receptor sites in the brains of young and old mice at the University of Massachusetts revealed that instead of a decreasing level of Melatonin, a lack of responsiveness in the brain to melatonin may occur as a result of ageing.

Neurobiol aging 2008; Mar 29 (3)

top

114. Sleep problems and night mares common among suicide attempters

A recent study in Sweden in which 165 adults with suicidal attempts were interviewed, found that 89% reported having at least 1 sleep problem, with problems falling a sleep being more common than trouble staying a sleep (69%) nightmares (66%) and early morning awakenings (58%). It was also found that insomnia and nightmares -dreams that have negative emotions were associated with a 5 fold increase in risk of suicide, even after adjusting for psychiatric illness.

SLEEP vol 32(7)-wed July 01, 2009

top

115. CPAP may improve memory inpatients with OSA

Continuous positive Airway pressure(CPAP)is the treatment of choice for Obstructive Sleep apnea(OSA).CPAP benefits patients in a variety of ways including lowering the risk of Cardiovascular disease, Now a recent study of 58 memory impaired OSA patients whose memory was assessed prior to CPAP and 3 months after CPAP use, reveals that CPAP improves memory among all of the patients, but that optimal users were 8 times more likely than poor CPAP users to rate in the normal range for memory performance. The results suggest that CPAP may improve memory in OSA patient who have memory problems.

CHEST: dec 2006, vol 130 (6);p 1772-1778

top

116. Day time sleepiness linked with heart problems in patients with OSA

People with heart disease commonly complain about day time sleepiness, which is also a common symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). A study of 87 people who were suspected of having OSA, were subject to a sleep study and investigation of their cardiac-output. It was revealed that OSA patient with daytime sleepiness were more likely to have heart disease and the degree of sleepiness was correlated with cardiac impact. These results suggest that apart from sleepiness caused by OSA, additional fatigue may result from heart disease in OSA patients.

SLEEP vol 32(7)-wed July 01.2009

top

117. Naps, work hour limits improve performance among medical residents

For doctors in training working long hours is associated with an increased risk of making serious work-related mistakes, motor vehicle crashes and sustaining occupational injuries. In July 2003 the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) limited the duty hour of Interns and residents to 80 hours per week. Since then a study has found that when hospital interns work 5 long hour shifts (>24 hours) per month the risk of making a fatigue related mistake which harms a patient is 700%, and that the risk of making a fatigue related mistake which results in the death of the patient is increase by 300%.The results of a second study revealed that taking a 40 minute nap improved performance and mood and decreased fatigue in doctors and nurses in the Emergency room.

PLoS Medicine Dec. 2006 issue

top

118. Trauma in childhood linked with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in adulthood

Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling condition characterized by profound sleep and fatigue, mood and sleep problems. A new study in Atlanta, GA, which was based on the early experiences of people with and without CFS, revealed that CFS patients had significantly higher rates of childhood trauma including physical, sexual, emotional abuse as well as emotional and physical neglect. People with CSF also reported higher levels of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic Stress disorder. The results suggest that childhood trauma was an important risk factor for CFS.

top

119. Parents unaware of sleep problems in children

According to a recent study to determine the prevalence of sleep problems among British children, 300 pairs of 8 year old twins and their parents were questioned about sleep problems. While 45%of children reported sleep problems only 17% of parents reported that their children had trouble sleeping. An awareness gap between parents and their children was also found in the NSF’s 2006 Sleep in America Poll on adolescents health, which found that a majority of teens reported not getting the adequate amount of sleep they needed ,90% of the parents reported that their child gets sufficient sleep at least a few times a week. It was also found that children who resisted going to bed were more likely to have sleep problems and those who read or were read to at bed time were likely to sleep more.

Child Development Nov 14, 2006 vol 77(6); pp 1668-1679

top

120. Be good to your heart - Take a nap

Taking a siesta/nap is common in Mediterranean countries where rates of heart disease are lower when compared to the U.S.A.  A recent Epidemiological study by American and Greek researchers, monitored 23,681 Greek adults with no history of heart disease, stroke or cancer. It was found that those participants who napped regularly, especially working men, had a 37% lower risk of dying from heart disease. The results suggest that more than just taking a nap, a siesta may augment night time sleep, help increase alertness, stamina and may also reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.

Archi of Internal Medicine vol 167(3) Feb 12, 2007

top

121. Children’s insecurity about parent’s marriage affects their sleep

Most school age children sleep less than recommended and more than two-thirds experience frequent sleep problems according to the NSF’s 2004 Sleep in America polls. Now a recent study of 166 elementary school children, in which reports about parent’s marital conflicts and emotional security were analyzed, it was found that children’s emotional insecurity regarding their parent’s marital relationship was an important factor in the marital conflict-sleep disruption link. It was also revealed that sleep disturbance in children can have a negative effect on their behavioral, emotional and academic performance.

Child Development vol.77 (1): pp31-43

top

122. Insomnia overlaps with multiple Medical conditions

People with a chronic medical condition are at a higher risk of insomnia. A recent study which involved 772 adult men and women who reported on their sleep, physical and mental health condition, found that people who have insomnia report statistically higher rates of gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, chronic pain and problems with breathing and urination. The study also revealed that people with such problems report more chronic insomnia than people without such medical problems.

SLEEP vol 32 (7)-wed July 01, 2009

top

123. Teen sleep symptoms associate with poor grades

According to a recent study by Colorado researchers, which involved 238 students whose sleep habits, school performance and socio-economic status were analyzed revealed that sleep problems are prevalent among adolescents and that both sleep problems and parents income affects day time performance in school, including their grade point averages. It was also found that when socio-economic variables are controlled students with lower grade point averages are more likely to have Restless legs at bedtime, complain of sleepiness during the day and have difficulty concentrating.

JCSM vol 5 (3)-Mon June 15, 2009

top

124. Link between Type 2 Diabetes and sleep disorders

A conference at the International Diabetes Federation revealed increasing evidence that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may lead to Type 2 diabetes and complicate the condition for those who already have it. It also showed that OSA, may make Diabetes medication less effective and that that the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) not only helps treat OSA but also reduces the risk of Cardiovascular disease and may improve the symptoms of diabetes and the efficacy of drug treatment in Diabetic patients with OSA.

International Diabetes federation press Release 15 Feb 2007

top

125. Research links Sleep apnea to heart Disease and Strokes

A new study in Japan of 65 men with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) found that these subjects had more lesions (scars) on brain scans compared with those who had mild OSA or no-sleep disorders. Additionally people with severe OSA had elevated levels of inflammation and blood clotting, which increased their risk of Heart attack or strokes. A second study of 24 patients with moderate to severe OSA, who were treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for 3 months, revealed that the use of CPAP was associated with reduced levels of both inflammation and blood clotting and CPAP helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

top

126. Sleep Apnea is common, yet undiagnosed in pacemaker patients

A study in France which involved 68 pacemaker patients with a mean age of 64 years who had not been diagnosed with OSA found that 59% had OSA and that 21% had severe OSA. It was also found that pacemaker patients with OSA were less symptomatic than typical OSA patients. Although it is a known fact that OSA leads to heart arrhythmias it was not revealed whether OSA contributes to heart problems in pacemaker patients.

top

127. Chronic Fatigue syndrome alters Deep sleep

Most people experience fatigue even occasionally. But people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) suffer from profound fatigue for longer periods of time as well as from insomnia and other sleep disorders, and therefore have trouble alleviating their fatigue by sleep. A recent study reveals that people with CFS have a blunted response to sleep deprivation, which suggests that they may be less able to recover from sleep loss when compared with people without CSF.

SLEEP vol 32(7)-wed July 01, 2009

top

128. Menopause not always to blame for sleep problems in Midlife Women

More than half of women aged 55-64 years say they sleep poorly at least a few times per week according to the NSF’s 2007 Sleep in America poll. Women and their physicians often attribute sleep problems in mid-life to hormonal changes related to menopause. Now a recent analysis of data from NSF’s ‘scientific workshop on women and sleep’ finds that stress and caring for ageing relatives may keep women from their sleep as they get older. It was also revealed that sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Restless legs syndrome are also affecting women at higher rates in later life.

JAMA vol 297(17) May 2, 2007

top

129. More than half of MS patients have RLS

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) face a range of challenging symptoms such as paralysis, depression, incontinence, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders. A recent study of 156 MS patients, found that 51% met the criteria for Restless leg Syndrome(RLS) based on the neurological examinations and medical interviews of patients and that RLS was associated with higher MS related disability. The results suggest that RLS is also common among patients with MS.

top

130. Work hassles and conflicts impact sleep

According to a recent study based on 2,300 adults for more than a decade found that those who frequently felt bothered or upset at work, or had ongoing conflicts with bosses or co-workers were about 1.7 times more likely than others to experience sleep problems. The results suggest that common work hassles, stress and conflicts with ones boss and co-workers are more likely than long hours, shift work or job insecurities to impact a good night’s sleep.

US News-Thursday July 30, 2009

top

131. Menopause affects sleep the most

Women experience a range of symptoms including mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats and sleep problems in the transition to menopause. But it has been revealed that sleep problems may be the most bothersome symptom. A study at the University of Arizona, which studied 110 perimenopausal women (mean age of 49 years), found that sleep difficulties forgetfulness and irritability were perceived by most, and sleep difficulties, night sweats, irritability and forgetfulness were rated the most severe symptoms. It was also seen that some menopausal symptoms changed with time, but sleep disturbances remained constant.

Nursing in practice-Thurs 17th April 2008

top

132. Women with Fibromyalgia suffer sleep problems, study finds

Fibromyalgia is an illness characterized by chronic pain and sleep problems. Researches have published a new study that a large proportion of women with fibromyalgia also have sleep-disordered breathing. These findings are based on polysomnograms. These women had poor sleep with many arousals (median arousal index 23), apneas-hypopneas (median apnea-hypopnea index 22), and oxygen desaturations <87% was common in half the patients. Restless legs were detected in polysomnograms among many women who clinically denied it. However, studies are still needed to examine if treatment of the commonly detected sleep apnea will have beneficial effects on symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Shah Ma et al.J Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Dec; 12(6):277-81

top

133. CPAP use improves sleep disorder symptoms, with or without hypnotic sleep aids

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common method of treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The drawback to CPAP treatment is that some people may not use the machines optimally. Researchers at the Naval Medical Center hypothesized that administration of hypnotic medication to new CPAP users would facilitate compliance. The study involved 72 male OSA patients referred for CPAP treatment were randomized to also receive an oral hypnotic agent (zolpidem), placebo pill, or neither (standard care) for the first 14 days of CPAP treatment. CPAP usage was recorded by an internal data chip. Patient symptoms were assessed with the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire (FOSQ). They found out that those men who were given sleeping aids did not show greater CPAP usage. However, all groups showed significant symptom improvement on both the ESS and FOSQ.

Bradshaw DA et al. Chest. 2006 Nov; 130(5):1369-76

top

134. Poor sleep may compromise immune function in women

Sleep is important for health; alterations in immune function following poor sleep may be linked to ill-health. In a recent study, a team of New York researchers looked at the relationship between sleep and the action of natural killer (NK) lymphocytes - cells of the immune system responsible for killing infected or tumor cells. The researchers monitored the sleep duration and time awake after sleep onset (WASO) of 39 healthy female volunteers. They found that participants with high WASO had significantly less NK cell mobilization in response to the stressor and that cells failed to return to pre-stressor levels 30 minutes later. These findings indicate that sleep problems may be linked to an impaired NK response to stressful stimuli, which may impact health and the body's ability to fight off disease and infection.

Brain Behav Immun. 2007 Mar; 21(3):358-63. Epub 2006 Oct 6

top

135. Sleepiness, sleep problems in asthma patients related to OSA

People with asthma often suffer their worst symptoms at night which can lead to sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. Michigan researchers evaluated 115 adult asthma sufferers for sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), asthma severity and other medical problems and medications. They found that 55% being sleepy, 86% snoring, 38% reported habitually snoring. They also found that sleepiness was correlated with OSA and male gender, but not with asthma severity.

Teodorescu M et al. Sleep Med. 2006 Dec;7(8):607-13. Epub 2006 Jul 3

top

136. Vigorous Exercise Improves Kids' Sleep

Vigorous exercise can result in better sleep for kids, according to the results of a new study by a team of German researchers. The study involved 11 kids with a mean age of about 12 years who performed two bicycle exercise sessions – one of medium intensity and the other of high intensity – on different days. The researchers found that high intensity exercise was associated with shorter sleep latency, more deep sleep and greater sleep efficiency. These results suggest that exercise intensity may be the determining factor in the sleep effects of exercise seen in children.

Markus Dworak et al.Sleep Medicine .March 2008 (Vol. 9, Issue 3, Pages 266-272)

top

137. New Technological development in sleep medicine

Researcher diagnose OSA through snoring noises

A research team from the University of Queensland, Australia & Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane Australia, have developed several techniques of Diagnosing OSA by simply listening to snoring noises. The above developed methods are capable of screening OSA with greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity. According to the researchers these methods are unmatched in terms of non-invasiveness and performance, and equivocally illustrate the viability of a snore based, noncontact OSA screening device which can be used in a home based setting. The novel home-screening method is likely to be available in the next 2-5 yrs.

Sleep Review-December 3, 2009

Urinary Biomarkers can help detect Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

Cysteinyl Leukotrienes (CysLTs), is a Biomarker which plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children by contributing to the enlargement of tonsils and adenoids, which are the most common cause of OSA in children. According to a recent study by Greek scientists which monitored the level of urine CysLts in 92 children (19 children with moderate to severe OSA; 29 with mild OSA; 26 with primary snoring and 18 children without OSA), found that the moderate to severe OSA group had significantly higher levels of urine CysLTs than the other 3 groups. The results suggest that the levels of CysLTs are significantly associated with the severity of OSA in children apart from tonsil size and BMI scores.

CHEST 2009; 135; pp 1496-1501

First patients successfully transplanted with Neurostimulation device to treat OSA

Recently two patients were successfully implanted with the aura 6000 Neutostimulation device (from ImThera Medicals) for the treatment of tongue-based OSA at the ENT department of the Universite Catholic de Louvain, Belgium The surgical procedure had taken approximately 90 mins to complete without surgical complications. One week after the surgery the patients were not disturbed by the implanted stimulator, leads or electrodes and neither were their speech, swallowing or tongue sensitivity. Stimulation resulted in effective and painless tongue movement during wakefulness and during sleep, stimulations at different levels were not perceived by the patient and did not interrupt their sleep. In the sleep study done one week after the surgery it was revealed that severity of sleep apnea was improved together with substantial improvement in upper airway opening & air flow.

Sleep Review: December 2009

top

138. Memory Impairment treated with CPAP

Memory impairment is a known symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers have published a study that shows an improvement in memory by application of positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Fifty eight patients were divided into three groups based on usage of CPAP. Group 1 use CPAP less than 2 hours per night, Group 2: 2-6 hours per night and Group 3 more than 6 hours per night. After 3 months, patients in group 3 were 8 times more likely to have normal memory function as compared to Group 1. Most people consider memory loss as a side effect of getting old. However, sleep apnea is a reversible and easily treated cause of memory loss. This shows the importance of adhering to treatment.

Zimmerman et al. Chest 2006; 130:1772-1778

top

139. OSA impeding recovery of heart function after heart attack

Researchers in Japan have studied 86 patients who had their first heart attack. They found that 43% of these patients had OSA. Heart function was measured during the recovery period, and after 21 days, the recovery function of the heart was significantly lower in groups with OSA compared to the group without OSA. This study highlights the high frequency of sleep-breathing disorders in patients with heart attacks, and the fact that lack of OSA treatment may impede recovery.

Nakashima H. Eur Heart J. 2006 Sept 6

top

140. Effects of sleep apnea on Lipid profile

The Sleep Heart Health Study (6000 patients) and a study from European Respiratory Journal (366 patients) showed an association between severity of OSA and an increase in lipid profile (cholesterol). After treating patients with CPAP for months, a modest increase (5.8%) of HDL (good cholesterol) was observed. All patients with abnormal lipid levels improved significantly under CPAP therapy.

Borgel et al. Eur Respir J 2006; 27:121-127

top

141. Higher Respiratory diseases found in children with OSA

Researchers studied 156 children from first year of life to date of diagnosis with OSA. Children with OSA were found to have 40% more hospital visits, 20% more repeated visits and a higher comsumption of antibiotics and respiratory drugs. Referral to specialists was also higher. The higher health care utilization and morbidity was mainly due to respiratory tract diseases. This information is beneficial to pediatricians and sleep specialists for early suspicion and intervention.

Tarasuik et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007 Vol 175, pages 55-61

top

142. Perioperative Risks in patients with Sleep Apnea

Adverse outcomes have been reported in the perioperative setting in patients with known or unrecognized sleep apnea. In people who have OSA, up to one third of patients have developed substantial respiratory or cardiac complications including irregular heartbeats, decreased oxygen to the heart or ICU admission. There is also an increased risk of infection after the operation. Special consideration for anesthesia, sedation, or pain control needs to be taken into account for OSA.

Sleep diagnosis and therapy volume 2 number 1, Feb/Mar 07: 17.

top

143. Playing the didgeridoo improves sleep apnea

Researchers looked at the effects of playing and practicing the didgeridoo (a wind instrument of Australia) on snoring and sleep apnea. 25 patients with moderate OSA were randomized to 1 - daily practice for 25 minutes, 6 days a week for 4 months, or 2 - no intervention (control group). Compared with the control group, there was less daytime sleepiness and less apnea per hour in the group that played the didgeridoo. This study shows the importance of training the upper airway muscles to control OSA.

Braendi et al. BMJ 2006; 332:266-270.

top

144. Who Has Insomnia?

• Forty-eight percent of Americans report insomnia occasionally, while 22 percent experience insomnia every or almost every night*
• Women are 1.3 times more likely to report insomnia than men
• People over age 65 are 1.5 times more likely to complain of insomnia than younger people
• Divorced, widowed and separated people report more insomnia
• Insomnia is a common feature of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. However, a new analysis finds that patients with both insomnia and comorbid mental health issues are often not prescribed medication to treat insomnia
• The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, which tracks annual physician visits among Americans. According to the results, 38 percent of patients seeking treatment for insomnia between 1995 and 2004 had at least one comorbid condition. The results also revealed that those with a psychiatric co-morbidity were less likely to receive pharmacotherapy for insomnia. These findings indicate that there is a lack of standardization when it comes to treating comorbid insomnia and that mental health practitioners may need to do more to address their patients’ sleep problems, particularly since poor sleep may contribute to or worsen mental illness

If you suffer from insomnia, consider the following guidelines for better sleep: Exercise regularly, about six hours before you want to sleep.

• Avoid napping.
• Go to sleep and wake at the same time every day.
• Save your worries for daytime (If concerns come to mind in bed, write them down in a "worry" book, then close the book until the morning.).
• Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a hot bath or listening to calming music

top

145. Drowsy Driving

• Most teens and college students have been educated about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, but many are woefully unaware that driving while tired can be just as dangerous," says NSF CEO Richard Gelula, MSW. “According to NSF's 2006 Sleep in America poll, only one in five adolescents (20%) gets an optimal amount of sleep during the week, and more than half (51%) report having driven drowsy in the past year. Other research shows us that young people under the age of 25 are by far the largest at-risk group for these types of crashes.”
• Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the United States. Alcohol is often a factor in fatal crashes involving young people, but sleepiness also plays a significant role. Like alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time and impairs judgment. Unlike alcohol, a person who falls asleep while driving has no control of the vehicle and cannot take measures to avoid a crash. For this reason, drowsy driving crashes are often very serious or fatal and are recognized by the lack of skid marks at the crash scene
• Young people need more sleep than older adults, yet most do not get nearly enough. The combination of sleepiness, inexperience and lifestyle choices, including a tendency to drive at night and in the early morning hours when there is a strong urge to sleep, puts teens and young adults at high risk for drowsy driving and sleep-related crashes. Additionally, sufficient sleep time for young drivers is continually challenged by ongoing pressures including academic work load, extra curricular activities and early school start times (for both high school and college-aged students

top

146. Sleep Apnea Doubles the Risk of Motor Vehicle Crashes

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have determined that people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are significantly more likely to have a motor vehicle crash than people without OSA. The researchers studied the crash records and polysomnographic findings of 783 OSA sufferers and 783 age-matched adults without OSA. They found that those with OSA were twice as likely to have a crash compared with non-OSA sufferers and that crashes among OSA patients were more likely to be severe and involve bodily injury. The study is the largest of its kind and the first to look at the severity of crashes involved. Based on these findings, the authors recommend that people suspected of having OSA be screened for the disorder and be made aware of the potential for driving hazards. The latest publication by the Highway Safety Roundtable, concludes that one in five Canadians have fallen asleep while driving in the past year.

top

147. Sleep Apnea Linked with Mental Impairment in Older Women

A new study finds that sleep disordered breathing (SDB), which includes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may increase the risk of mental decline in older women. The study involved 448 women with a mean age of 82.8 who underwent cognitive testing, polysomnography, and genetic analysis. The results show that women with SDB are more likely to show cognitive impairments. In addition, the results indicate that the association is even stronger in women with a gene called APOE e4, which is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease as well as SDB, according to the authors. Based on these findings, the authors note that cognitive impairment may be caused by chronically low blood oxygen levels in OSA patients, but point out that additional research is needed to establish the nature of the association. They recommend more aggressive SBD intervention in older women by clinicians in order to prevent cognitive decline.
"The significance of this finding is that SDB is treatable," senior author Kristine Yaffe, MD, said in a prepared statement. "If we treat it effectively, we might be able to prevent cognitive impairment in some older adults. This is especially important for those with the APOE.

top

148. Orexin: A Cure for Sleep Deprivation?

A new study using rhesus monkeys finds that a nasal spray containing orexin, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain, can increase alertness and reduce the performance deficits associated with sleep deprivation. Previous research has shown that a loss of orexin-producing neurons causes narcolepsy and that treating patients with orexin can increase arousal and attention. In the current study, researchers administered orexin either intravenously or via nasal spray to monkeys that were deprived of sleep for 30-36 hours and then subjected to a series of cognitive tests. They found that while both nasal and intravenous orexin improved the monkeys' performance on the tests, the nasal spray was significantly more effective than intravenous orexin.

top

149. Honey Improves Nocturnal Cough, Related Sleep Symptoms in Kids

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant widely used to treat cold symptoms and related sleep problems in children. Now a recent study finds that a spoonful of honey given to kids at bedtime may be a more effective way to ease cold symptoms and sleep trouble. The study was based on 105 children between the ages of two and eighteen who were given either honey, honey-flavored dextromethorphan, or no treatment for cold symptoms. The results showed that a dose of honey was significantly better at reducing both nighttime cough and sleep difficulties among kids, suggesting to the authors that honey may be a safe and well-tolerated alternative to dextromethorphan.

top

150. The Shift Worker
Tips for Successful Shuteye

Bedtime Rituals

• Take a warm bath
• Lower the room temperature (a cool environment improves sleep)
• Don't "activate" your brain by balancing a checkbook, reading a thriller, or doing other stressful activities

Light

• Darken the bedroom and bathroom.
• Install light blocking and sound absorbing curtains or shades.
• Wear eye shades. Install carpeting and drapes to absorb sound.
• Unplug the telephone.

Sound

• Wear ear plugs
• Use a white noise machine or a fan to block out noises

Balancing Life and Work

The shift worker faces special problems in trying to maintain family relationships and social and community ties. It becomes difficult to balance work, sleep and personal time. The need to sleep during the day (or, for the evening worker, to be on the job during the dinner hour and the family-oriented part of the day) means that the shift worker often misses out on family activities, entertainment and other social interaction. That is why it is important to talk with family members and friends about your concerns. With their help, you can schedule special times to share with a spouse, children and friends. Remember that sleep loss and feeling at odds with the rest of the world can make you irritable, stressed and depressed. As one expert puts it, "Blame the shift work — not your kids!"

Food

• Avoid caffeine at least five hours before bedtime
• Don't stop for a drink after work; while you may feel relaxed at first, alcohol actually disturbs sleep
• Eat a light snack before bedtime. Don't go to bed too full or too hungry

Exercise

If you exercise at the workplace, do so at least three hours before you plan on going to bed. Otherwise, exercise after you sleep. Because exercise is alerting and raises the body temperature, it should not be done too close to bedtime

Napping

It is important to keep a regular sleep schedule, even on days off and weekends. However, if you can't get enough sleep or feel drowsy, naps as short as 20 minutes can be helpful. Naps can maintain or improve alertness, performance and mood. Some people feel groggy or drowsy after a nap.
These feelings usually go away within 1-15 minutes, while the benefits of the nap may last for many hours. The evening or night worker can take a nap before work to be refreshed. Studies show that napping at the workplace is especially effective for workers who need to maintain a high degree of alertness, attention to detail, or make quick decisions. In situations where the worker is working double shifts or longer, naps at the workplace are even more important.

The Ride Home

Driving home after work can be risky for the shift worker, particularly since you have been awake all night and the body needs to sleep. For the evening worker coming home around midnight, the risk of meeting drunk drivers is higher. People think that opening the car windows or listening to the radio will keep them awake. However, studies show that these methods do not work. In fact, these actions should signal you that you are fatigued and need to pull over immediately. If you are sleepy when your shift is over, try to take a nap before driving home. Remember, sleep can quickly overcome you when you don't want it to.

Follow these steps to arrive home safely:

1. Carpool, if possible. Have the most alert person do the driving
2. If you are sleepy, stop to nap, but do so in your locked car in a well-lit area
3. Take public transportation, if possible
4. Drive defensively
5. Don't stop off for a "night cap."

Promoting Alertness at Work

Just as you can take steps to ensure a good night's — or day's — sleep, you can try these steps to stay alert on the job.

• Take short breaks throughout the shift
• Try to work with a "buddy."
• Talking with co-workers can help keep you alert. And co-workers can be on the lookout for signs of drowsiness in each other
• Try to exercise during breaks
• Use the employee lounge, take a walk, shoot hoops in the parking lot, or climb stairs
• Try to eat three normal meals per day. Eat healthy snacks, avoiding foods that may upset your stomach
• If you consume caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, gum, mints), do so early in the shift, e.g., before 3 a.m. for the night worker
• Don't leave the most tedious or boring tasks to the end of your shift when you are apt to feel the drowsiest
• Night shift workers hit their lowest period around 4 a.m.
• Exchange ideas with your colleagues on ways to cope with the problems of shift work
• Set up a support group at work so that you can support and learn from each other

For the Employer

There are a number of ways you can make your workplace safer and more productive for your shift workers. Educate managers and shift workers about the need for sleep and the dangers of fatigue.

• Install bright lights in the work areas. A well-lit workplace signals the body that it is time to be awake and alert. Provide vending machines with healthy food choices
• Schedule shifts to allow sufficient breaks and days off, especially when workers are re-assigned to different shifts. Plan enough time between shifts to allow employees to both get enough sleep and also attend to their personal life. Don't promote overtime among shift workers
• Develop a napping policy. Encourage napping by providing a sleep-friendly space and time for scheduled employee naps. A short break for sleep can improve alertness, judgment, safety, and productivity
• Be concerned about employee safety going to and from work. Encourage the use of carpools, public transportation, rested drivers, and even taxis

top

151. Sleep and Heart Disease: Are you at risk?

According to a recent study of 4,600 participants (73% of whom were men) at Warwick Medical School- England, it was found that women who slept 5 hours at night or less displayed an increase in high-sensitive C-reactive proteins (an inflammatory marker),which are commonly associated with cardiovascular disease. The results suggest that women are at a greater risk of short sleep which is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk and that the association between sleep duration and cardiovascular risk factors was markedly different among men and women.

top

152. Recognizing sleep apnea symptoms in children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which the individual stops breathing for more than 10 seconds in his/her sleep. According to a recent study, children who snored loudly were twice as likely to have learning problems. The symptoms of OSA in children are as follows:

During the Night, a child with OSA may:

• Snore loudly on a regular basis
• Have pauses, snorts and gasps and actually stop breathing. These gasps/snorts may awaken them and disrupt their sleep
• Be restless or sleep in unusual positions with their head in unusual positions
• Sweat heavily during sleep

During the Day, a child with OSA may:
• Have behavioral , school and social problems
• Have difficulty paying attention, be hyperactive and have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
• Be difficult to wake up in the morning
• Have headaches during the day, but especially in the morning
• Be irritable, agitated, aggressive and cranky
• Be so sleepy during the day that they actually fall asleep or day-dream
• Speak with a nasal voice and breath regularly through the mouth Parents with children who exhibit symptoms of OSA are advised to consult their pediatricians.

top

153. Bariatric Surgery patients remain at higher risk of short term complications

A recent study which evaluated complications and death rates of 4,776 patients (18 years and older and having an average BMI of 44) after 30 days of having Bariatric surgery for the first time found that, 4.1% of patients had at least one major adverse outcome of the surgery (Eg: Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, death or repeat surgeries). The third day mortality was low but depended on the type of bariatric surgery performed. It was also revealed that patient factors such as pre-operative history of deep vein clots, very high BMI and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) increased the risk of post–operative complications. The results suggest that while short-term complications and death rates are low following bariatric surgery, according to the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS-1) patients with a pre-operative history of sleep apnea remain at a greater risk of complications.

New England Journal of Medicine: July 30, 2009

top

154. Elderly Women underestimate the quality of sleep

A recent study by researchers in the Netherlands, examined the data from actigraphs (an accelometer that measures activity) and sleep diaries (which were maintained over 6 consecutive nights) by 956 participants 59 to 97 yrs of age. According to the study, women reported a shorter sleep time, an increase in time to fall asleep and poorer sleep quality and efficiency compared to men. However after examination of the actigraphs researchers determined that women slept longer than the men and with less disturbance, compared to men who overestimated the quantity & quality of their sleep (with participants claiming that they got 7 hours of sleep when in reality they got only 6.5 hrs of sleep)

Journal SLEEP: vol 32 (10), Oct 22, 2009-pp1367-1375

top

155. Weight Loss can help Sleep Apnea

A recent study conducted by the Sleep AHEAD research group, monitored 264 participants with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Type 2 Diabetes & an average body weight of 225 pounds. The participants were separated into 2 groups: one that underwent a behavioral weight loss program and another that attended 3 group sessions on effective Diabetes management. It was found that after 1 yr, three times as many participants in the weight loss group, than the session group saw their OSA go in to remission, and that the prevalence of OSA in the weight loss group decreased by half. The results suggest that weight loss leads to an improvement in OSA symptoms in obese patients with type 2 Diabetes.

top

156. Too much sleep could increase the risk of Dementia

A 3 year study of 3,286 adults 65 yrs and older was conducted in Spain, in which participants were screened for Dementia and reported their daily sleep duration (which included night time sleep & daytime napping).Based on the duration of sleep the participants were divided in to 5 groups: Less than or equal to 5 hrs at night, 6hrs, 7 hrs, 8 hrs & equal or more than 9 hrs at night. Over the 3 yrs, while there were 140 incident cases of Dementia reported, it was found that those who slept 9 hrs or more at night were twice as likely to develop dementia as compared to those who slept 7 hrs at night (even after risk factors such as age, smoking and consumption of Alcohol were eliminated).

top

157. People with Apnea more vulnerable to effects of Alcohol

A recent study at the Adelaide Institute for Sleep health in Australia monitored 38 patients with untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and 20 control participants, in which the participants were allowed to sleep unrestricted, had their sleep restricted to 4 hours or ingested enough vodka to achieve a blood alcohol level of 0.05 g/dL. Thereafter they took part in a driving simulator that measured steering deviation, crashes and braking reaction time. It was revealed that patients with OSA had a 40% increase in steering deviation & more frequent crashes, compared with the control group with normal sleep. The frequency of crashes was further elevated by restricted sleep and after the consumption of alcohol, compared with the control group. The results suggest that people with OSA are more vulnerable than healthy individuals to the effects of alcohol while driving.

top

158. Sleep related Breathing Disorders linked to two types of Arrhythmias

According to a study of 2,911 men who underwent sleep studies between 2003 & 2005 at Case Western Reserve school of Medicine, Cleveland, it was found that Sleep related Breathing Disorders, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) were associated with two types of arrhythmia’s- one involving the atria & the other involving the ventricles of the heart. OSA was associated with arrhythmias of the ventricles, while Central Apneas (CS) was more strongly associated with arrhythmias of the atria (Eg: Atrial fibrillation). It was also revealed that the severity of Sleep Disordered Breathing was directly proportionate to the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.

top

159. One Third of Americans take naps

A recent poll of 1,488 adult participants (based on the responses to a question survey of what the participants had engaged in the last 24 hrs, including napping) by the Pew Research Centre, USA found that 34% of participants took naps, with men more than women (38% vs31%). In older adults the difference was more pronounced, with more than 41% of men ages, 50 yrs and older admitting they napped during the last 24 hrs compared with 28% of women in the same age group. A distinctive racial pattern of napping with almost 50% of black adults admitting to nap compared with just a third of whites & Hispanics was also revealed by the poll.

top

160. Extreme sleep durations lead to poor quality of life

According to a recent study of questionnaires filled by 3,834 people aged 60 yrs and older from 2001-2003 at the University of Madrid, Spain, it was found that those with extreme sleep durations (sleep less than 5 hrs or more than 10 hrs at night) had worse physical and mental scores, while men sleeping less than 5 hrs was associated with a worse physical score than women. According to the study most of the effects from extreme sleep durations led to a reduction in the quality of life that is typically associated with aging 10 yrs. The results suggest that older adults with extreme sleep durations had a markedly worse health related quality of life compared with those who slept 7 hrs at night.

Journal SLEEP: Oct 26th 2009; Vol32 (8) pp1059-1068

top

161. Genes may play a part in the lack of sleep

In the past, disorders such as Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Insomnia, sleep walking and even Restless leg syndrome have been linked to genetic mutations and variations. A recent study of 700 participants led researchers at the University of California, San Francisco to discover a rare genetic mutation that allows it’s carriers to function properly with less sleep than the average adult. The results suggest that our genes might actually determine the duration of our sleep.

top

162. Too much light at night may cause Depression

A recent study at Ohio State University which studied 2 groups of mice: those who were housed in a lighted room 24 hrs a day and those who were housed in a room with normal light-dark cycles. It was revealed that mice exposed to light 24 hrs a day exhibited more signs of depression than the other mice. The results suggest that the increasing rate of depressive disorders in humans corresponds with the increased use of artificial light at night in modern society.

top

163. A rise in Fatigue -related car crashes

According to The National Sleep Foundations (NSF) Sleep In America Polls 2009, 1% or as much as 1.9million drivers have had a car crash or a near miss due to drowsiness in the past year. It was also revealed that 54% of drivers (105 million) have driven when drowsy at least 1 in the past year and 28% (54 million) do so at least 1 per month. Therefore the NSF recommendations’ for drowsy driving are as follows:

top

164. Feeling sleepy? Stop driving if you exhibit these warning signs

• Difficulty focusing, frequent or heavy lids
• Difficulty keeping reveries or day dreams at bay
• Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips
• Unable to clearly remember the last few miles driven
• Missing exits or traffic lights
• Yawning repeatedly
• Felling restless, irritable or aggressive

  top

165. Counter measures-The NSF’s tips for drowsy free driving

• Get a good nights sleep (7-9 hrs) before driving
• Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination as many drivers try to maximize their time by driving at night and not stopping for breaks
• Use the buddy system: Avoid driving alone for long distances without a buddy at your side and drive in shifts
• Take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours
• Avoid alcohol and sedating medications (always check your labels and ask your doctor/pharmacists about side effects)
• Avoid driving at times you would normally be sleeping
• Take a 15-20 minute nap if you feel that you are in danger of falling asleep
• Drink coffee/caffeinated beverages or chew caffeinated gum and mints during/prior to driving, as an equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours
• Adequate sleep happens to be the best counter measure for sleepiness when driving

top

166. Most Americans experience insufficient sleep

In 2008 the Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System(BRFSS) gathered information through a random telephone survey of more than 400,000 adults over all 50 states in USA, in which the participants were asked the number of days they had felt or did not get enough sleep during the past 30 days. The results revealed that more than 30% reported no days of insufficient sleep or rest, 41% reported between 1-13 days , 17% reported 14-29 days and 11% reported insufficient rest or sleep for the entire 30 day period. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) the number of Americans who report they get less than 6 hours of sleep on average, increased significantly from 13% in 2001 to 20% in 2009 and the number of people who reported they get 8 hours or more sleep had decreased from 38% in 2001 to 28% in 2009.

top

167. Depression is as dangerous as smoking?

Research suggests that people with insomnia have a ten fold risk of developing depression compared with those who sleep well. Now, according to a recent study by researchers at King’s College-London, who analyzed the results of a survey of over 60,000 people and a comprehensive mortality data base discovered that 4 yrs after the survey, people who were depressed had a similar mortality risk to people who smoked. It was also found that while patients with depression face a higher mortality risk, people with a combination of depression and anxiety had a lower mortality risk.

top

168. Get a good night’s sleep for healthier skin

Sleep affects how we look, feel and perform on a daily basis and has an impact on our overall quality of life. When your body does not get the rest it needs it will let you know by fatigue or sickness (as a result of a weakened immune system) or by the negative effects on your skin. During hours of sleep, the production of hormones such as Cortisol & Insulin inversely peak so that the production of collagen 1 (which helps firm the skin and maximize water retention) is accelerated. Not getting enough sleep can interfere with this process and starts to show more as you age, leading to side effects such as lackluster complexion, dark circles, fine lines and even rashes & eczema.

top

168. Sleep Deprivation can slow reaction time

A recent study at the University of Texas at Austin studied 49 cadet officers who were split in to 2 groups, 21 of whom were deprived of sleep and 28 of whom were well rested, and tested them on tasks that required quick decision making. According to the study participants in each group performed the tasks twice, separated by a 24hr period. Cadets who were sleep deprived between testing periods saw their accuracy decline by 2.4%, and cadets who were well rested between testing periods improved by 4.3%. The results suggest that sleep deprivation can affect one’s ability to make quick decisions.

top

169. Grueling schedules & bleary eyes lead to poor quality of health

A recent study conducted for the British parliament concluded that long 18-20 hour work days lead to mental fatigue which affects one’s cognitive performance, leading to errors of judgment, micro sleeps (lasting seconds or minutes), mood swings and poor motivation. According to the study short sleep duration is also linked with an increase in motor vehicle accidents, an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI), an increased risk of Diabetes and Heart problems, an increased risk of psychiatric problems including depression & substance abuse, and a decreased ability to pay attention, react to signals or remember new information.

top

170. Abnormal sleep and errors more common in ICU nurses

A recent study which was presented at the CHEST 2009 meeting in San Diego, California concluded that ICU nurses tend to have a greater frequency of errors across the length of their shift which could impair patient safety when compared with floor nurses. The above findings have been explained on the basis of the ICU nurses having a more impaired sleep quality as seen by PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), that ICU nurses made more errors at the beginning/end and as their shift progressed (as assessed by the Psychomotor Vigilance Test), and by having a more intensive & demanding work schedule in the ICU when compared to the floor.

top

171. CPAP compliance is improved when sedatives are given during titration

A recent study at Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington DC randomized 117 patients to receive a 2-week course of 3 mg of Eszopiclone or Placebo during CPAP Titration studies (98 patients completed the study). It was revealed that Eszopiclone lead to significant improvements in mean sleep efficiency, total sleep time and the number of residual Obstructive events seen at the CPAP titration study compared with the placebo. It was also found that during the first 4-6 weeks, the active treatment group showed significantly better compliance as they used CPAP more frequently (75.9% vs 60.1%) and for longer hours at night (4.8 vs 3.9). The above findings together with other interventions aimed at improving the initial experience with CPAP may also help improve adherence of existing patients on CPAP therapy.

top

172. Sleep Apnea increases risk of Heart disease and strokes in patients with kidney disease

A recent study at Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary studied the prevalence of OSA in kidney transplant patients and the effects it had on their Cardiovascular risk. It was found that kidney transplant patients were as likely to have OSA as dialyzed kidney disease patients who are on the transplant waiting list, indicating that both categories of patients should be considered at high risk for developing serious heart related complications. It was also found that kidney transplant patients with OSA were more than twice likely to be taking 3 or more antihypertensive drugs as patients without OSA, but still displayed higher blood pressure than patents that slept normally. It was also revealed that kidney disease patients with OSA had twice the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke compared with patients without OSA. The results suggest that OSA is common in individuals who receive a kidney transplant and is associated with a high risk of High Blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

top

173. Sound can penetrate Deep sleep and enhance memories

A recent study at Northwestern University presented 25 different sounds to 12 participants as they slept and then conducted memory tests to see if they could match the sounds to a correct object which was presented on a computer screen. The participants were more accurate in matching the 25 objects matched to sounds they heard while they slept than identifying another 25 unrelated matched objects. The results suggest that we “don’t shut down” our minds during deep sleep, but rather-deep sleep is important for memory consolidation.

top

174. Metabolic syndrome among police officers influenced by sleep patterns, duration

A recent study at the University of Buffalo evaluated the fasting Blood Glucose levels, Systolic & Diastolic Blood pressure, and waist circumference measurements of 98 randomly selected police officers in an effort to correlate the effects of occupation on Cardio vascular risk factors. Participants also completed an extensive questionnaire on Demographic and lifestyle choices. Researchers had also obtained day-by-day data on shift work and overtime hours from payroll records. It was revealed that 30% of officers working the night shift (and had less than 6 hrs of sleep) had metabolic syndrome compared to 21% of the General population. The results suggest that a combination of night work, overtime and shortened sleep can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome among all “first responders” including police officers.

top

175. Sleep Apnea therapy improves golf game

A recent study of 12 golfers with diagnosed moderate to severe OSA on CPAP therapy & a control group of 12 subjects without CPAP therapy were monitored over a period of 3-5 months at Madison Memorial Hospital, Madison, NJ. The results revealed that the CPAP treatment group demonstrated a significant improvement in HI, ESS scores and SQ scores during the study, compared with the control group. The results suggest that golfers with OSA who undergo treatment for Sleep Apnea may improve their golf game as well as their overall health.

top

176. Ecstasy use linked to Sleep Apnea

According to a recent study at John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, which studied 71 people who had used ecstasy 25 times or more and 62 people who had never used ecstasy, it was revealed that ecstasy users had more than 8 times the risk of Sleep Apnea compared with non–users & Obese individuals. The 2 groups had a similar rate of people with mild OSA (21% of ecstasy users and 27% of non-users), but only ecstasy users had moderate (13%) or severe OSA (1%). The length of time a person had used ecstasy was correlated with a higher rate of Sleep apnea episodes. The above findings have been explained by the fact that Ecstasy damages neurons related to Serotonin, a chemical of the brain which is involved in sleep regulation and breathing.

top

177. OSA may trigger nocturnal Arrhythmia’s

A recent research study at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland analyzed & screened 2816 overnight sleep study results for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT) & Non Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT). It was revealed by conditional logistic regression analysis that the odds of a nocturnal arrhythmia after a respiratory disturbance were nearly 18 times greater than the odds of an arrhythmia occurring during normal breathing. The results suggest that the risk of nocturnal arrhythmias is markedly increased shortly after the occurrence of a sleep-related breathing pause in patients with OSA.

top

178. Hyperactive boys experience shorter sleep durations, may worsen condition

A recent study at the University of Montreal which analyzed the data collected from 2,057 mothers who answered questions concerning sleep durations & hyperactivity of their children until the age of 5 yrs, revealed that hyperactivity problems may interfere with night-time sleep & also that children who didn’t sleep long were generally hyperactive boys who lived under adverse family conditions. It was also found that short/fragmented sleep leads to sleepiness, which could manifest as hyperactivity in boys. However the risk of abbreviated sleep in highly hyperactive children was stronger than the risk of hyperactivity among kids with short sleep duration. It was also noted that children who slept persistently for11 hrs or more had lower hyperactivity scores.

top

179. Pulmonary Hypertension reduces function and survival with Sleep Apnea

According to a recent study of 83 patients with OSA who were undergoing pulmonary artery catheterization at the Cleveland clinic, Ohio it was found that 70% of patients had pulmonary hypertension (out of which 33% had severe pulmonary hypertension) and 30% did not. The patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (with a pulmonary artery pressure of 40mmHg) had more nocturnal drops in blood oxygen, worse hemodynamics and greater mortality than those without or with mild/moderate pulmonary hypertension. The results suggest that pulmonary hypertension may cause functional limitations & increase mortality in patients with OSA.

top

180. Coping with Jet-lag during the travel season

The holidays can be a stressful time for travelers especially if mixed with jet-lag. The following are some simple behavior adjustments individuals may use to reduce the effects of traveling from one zone to another.

• Anticipate the time change for trips by getting up and going to bed earlier several days prior to a eastward trip and later for a westward trip.
• Upon boarding the plane change your watch to the destination time zone.
• Try to get out in the sunlight when ever possible. Daylight is a powerful stimulant to regulate the biological clock, while staying indoors worsens jet-lag.

top

181. Weight loss and Sleep Apnea treatment strategy stacks up

A recent study at Karolinska Institute, Sweden monitored 63 obese men (with a BMI of 30-40) aged between 30 & 65 yrs, with moderate to severe OSA. All participants had CPAP therapy and were assigned to 2 groups, one of which under went an intense weight loss program, the other served as a control group for a period of 9 weeks. The results revealed that the weight loss group lost 19 kilos on average after 9 weeks and more than halved the number of apnea events in sleep. The results suggest that dramatic weight loss can be an effective way to improve moderate to severe OSA in obese individuals and that the weight loss program was most effective in those with severe OSA.

top

182. Can’t sleep-what to do about Insomnia?

You know that you have Insomnia when you have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently during the night, wake up too early in the morning and suffer from daytime sleepiness. Although Insomnia is a disorder in its own right, it is often a symptom of another disease. Stress, worry, pain and jetlag are some other factors that contribute to insomnia. The many ways of coping with insomnia are: maintaining a sleep diary for 2 weeks and then discussing it with ones doctor, behavioral therapy or medications. Behavioral therapy may include creating a sleep environment that promotes sleep, lifestyle modifications and relaxation methods. Medical treatment is usually in the form of prescription sleep medicines-called Hypnotics which depend upon your age, diagnosis, medical conditions and the use of alcohol and other drugs.

top

183. Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Diabetes

A recent study at the University of Chicago which studied 60 out-patients with type 2 Diabetes (out of which 77% had OSA without treatment) found that it is likely that Diabetes could worsen if they also have OSA, as OSA adversely affects blood glucose levels especially if undiagnosed. According to the study diagnosing OSA and its severity in type 2 Diabetes patients could help with the effective treatment of both conditions, will increase their glucose control ( by 1.49% in patients with mild OSA, by 1.93% in moderate OSA & 3.69% in Severe OSA) and will also reduces their risk of long term complications from diabetes.

top

184. You can’t catch up on sleep

A recent study at Harvard Medical School found that chronic sleep loss/deprivation (among shift workers, doctors, truck drivers and law enforcement officers) effects ones overall performance and demonstrated that it is ‘nearly” impossible to “catch up on sleep” to improve performance. According to the study, even when you sleep an extra 10 hours to compensate for sleeping only 6 hours a night up to 2 weeks, your reaction time and ability to focus is worse than if you had pulled an all-nighter. The results suggest that there is no real way to catch up for lost sleep, although shift workers are advised to wear dark glasses to block out the sunlight on their way home, keep the same wake/sleep time schedule even on weekends, eliminate light and sound from their sleep environment.

top

185. Is early to bed, a cure for depression?

A recent study at Columbia University, New York found that adolescents with earlier bed time were less likely to suffer from Depression & suicidal thoughts. While parental influence in bed time was considered important it was found that adolescents with a late bed time (later than midnight) were 24% more likely to suffer from depression. Teens who reported sleeping less than 5 hours per night were 71% more likely to suffer from Depression compared to teens that got a ‘sufficient’ amount of sleep. The signs of sleep deprivation in teens due to late bed times are: -Your teen falls asleep in class periodically -Your teen gets anxious, irritable and gets angry easily on days that he/she gets less sleep -Your teen runs from one activity to the next: he or she participates in extra curricular activities has a job and stay.

top

186. Sleep talking funny or dangerous?

There are many reasons why people talk in their sleep- Sleep deprivation; alcohol, stress and daytime sleepiness are some of the reasons. Sleep talking (formerly known as ‘somniloquy’) can involve complicated dialogs or monologues or mumbling. Sleep talking is not particularly dangerous, but it can keep your partner up at night. Sleep talking is a rare and short lived occurrence that is most common among males and children. Sleep talkers are typically not aware of their behavior or speech; therefore their voices and the type of language that they use may sound different from their wakeful speech. Sleep talking usually goes untreated but if there is any cause for concern one should consult with his/her physician.

top

187. High school students getting less sleep

Teenagers are notorious for sleep deprivation & staying up late at night due to working on school projects or socializing with friends. According to a recent study in the ‘Journal of Adolescent Health’: two third of high school students get less than 7 hour of sleep at night, while girls and students in the higher grades were most sleep deprived. The above findings are a cause for concern as lack of sleep can increase depression, poor overall physical / mental health, poor school performance, absenteeism and drowsy driving. So, how can you or your teen get more sleep?

• Establish and maintain a constant sleep-wake schedule
• Don’t eat, drink or exercise a few hour of your bed time, while sticking to quiet, calm activities before bed time.
• Have a sleep/bed room environment free of a computer, TV or telephone. Maintain a sleep-Diary.

top

188. RLS linked to erectile dysfunction in older men

According to recent research erectile dysfunction was 16% more likely in men with RLS that occurs 14-15 times per month (odds ratio of 1.16) and 78% more likely in men with RLS which occurs more than 15 times a month (OR 1.78), The association was independent from age, BMI, use of antidepressants, anxiety and possible risk factors for RLS. 53% of RLS patients and 40% of participants without RLS reported having erectile dysfunction (i.e: poor or very poor ability to have and maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse). The results suggest that erectile dysfunction was more common in older men with RLS than those without RLS, and the magnitude of this association increases with a higher frequency of RLS symptoms.

top

189. Treating Sleep Apnea (OSA): what’s new for CPAP masks?

While the rate of OSA is rising in the U.S and many people go undiagnosed, out of the 18 million diagnosed patients with OSA fewer than 50% use their CPAP masks during sleep. Common patient complains are that the masks are uncomfortable, awkward and claustrophobic. CPAP manufacturers are making changes to the masks in order to make them more comfortable. Design changes include softer materials, air pumps that are smaller and quieter, built-in humidifiers and Full face masks for bearded individuals. The national Sleep Foundation makes the following recommendations for patients with OSA on CPAP therapy: Attend a CPAP titration sleep study & meet up with your CPAP supplier, at which you would have the opportunity to try on CPAP masks with different shapes & sizes and decide on which one is most comfortable for you Contact your sleep specialist if you still continue having difficulty adjusting to the CPAP devise so that adjustments can be made. Put your CPAP mask on as soon as the lights are shut off at night. To be effective CPAP should be used for 6-8 hours each night.

top

190. Sleep management and working parents

When a new baby enters the picture, it is some times difficult for working parents to get good-nights sleep. The Wall Street Journal offers a few coping tips through their blog ‘the Juggle”: Both moms (especially nursing mothers) and dads should try to limit their caffeine intake throughout the day. Drinking water, chewing gum and walking around can help staying awake during the day. Refrain from comforting your baby each time he/she cries at night.. Eventually your baby should adjust to the limits that you lay down. The NSF also suggests that parents find help during the first few months of their babies’ life so that they can take uninterrupted naps. Parents should also try to split up responsibility so that the entire burden does not fall upon one parent alone.

top

191. Who needs more sleep – older adults or younger adults?

While a good night’s sleep is essential for good health regardless of age, those with good health tend to sleep at least 20 minutes less than those who are not. A recent study in the Journal SLEEP found those adults free of sleep disorders (and other health conditions) need less sleep than young adults, and that although older adults wake up more often at night that good overall health would not require that they take a nap during the day. According to The NSF’s 2003 ‘Sleep in America” polls which also examined sleep and aging found that older adults who suffer from sleep disorders may have difficulty managing other medical conditions. In fact the poll findings indicated that 44% of older persons experience one or more of the night time symptoms of Insomnia a few nights per week or more. Insomnia may be chronic (lasting over 1 month) or acute (lasting from a few days to weeks) and is often related to an underlying medical or psychiatric condition.

top

192. Do women need more sleep than men?

According to recent research women on average need twenty more minutes of sleep than men. It has been found that women tend to multi-task and use more of their actual brain than men leading to a greater need for sleep. While women need more sleep than men many are not getting the proper amount. The numerous factors that may affect the quality and quantity of sleep that women get are:

• Sleep disturbances during pregnancy due to excess weight and position of the fetus.
• Difficulty sleeping during menopause due to hot flushes
• Being woken up and moved around the bed by the partner
• Worrying about problems and losing sleep as a result
• The NSF recommends regular exercise, setting routine bed & wake times, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, improving the sleep environment and seeking medical advice if insomnia persists.

top

193. Brain responds similarly while in deep sleep and under anesthesia

A recent study at the University of Wisconsin, gave participants the anesthetic Midazolam and then used a non-invasive technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to stimulate the brains cortical neurons from the scalp in combination with EEG (electroencephalography),which recorded the TMS evoked brain responses. Through this the researchers found a pattern that looks much as it does when the brain is in Deep/Non-Rapid Eye Movement (Non REM) sleep. According to the researchers when the brain is unconscious it appears to loose the connectivity that underlies the coordinated, yet differentiated responses to electrical stimuli observed when the brain is awake or in REM sleep. The results suggest that brains of people under anesthesia respond to stimuli the same way they do in the deepest part of sleep.

top

194. Rest, even while awake strengthens Memories

During a recent study at New York University participants were shown pairs of images containing a human face and an object or a scene followed by a period of awake-rest. The researchers used MRI to gauge activity in the Hypocampus (a Brain structure known to play an important role in memory consolidation) and cortical regions of the brain during the task and during the ensuing rest period, which helped them test the associate memory of study objects. It was found that during rest following the study period there was a significant correlation between the brain activity of the subjects Hypocampus and the cortical regions that were active during the initial encoding of each stimulus pair, and that greater the activity in the Hypocampus and cortical regions the stronger the memory. The results suggest that human memories are strengthened during periods of rest, even while awake.

top

195. Reduced Gray Matter concentration of patients with severe OSA

‘Grey matter’ refers to the cerebral cortex in which most information processing in the brain takes place. It is a layer of tissue that lacks ‘myelin insulation’ and coats the surface of the cerebrum & the cerebellum and is gray in appearance. A recent study at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea found Gray matter deficits in multiple brain areas (including limbic structures, prefrontal cortices and the Cerebellum) of people with severe OSA. The study suggests that the memory impairment, cardiovascular disturbances, decreased cognitive functions and dysregulation of autonomic and respiratory control frequently observed in OSA patients may be associated to morphological changes in Brain structures. It was also revealed that CPAP therapy can stop progression of further Brain damage in patients with severe OSA.

top

196. Impact on sleep deprivation on brain functioning different than previously thought

A recent study at Washington State University found that working memory – a key element of executive functioning (the ability to initiate, monitor and stop actions to achieve objectives) was essentially unaffected by as much as 51 hours of total sleep deprivation. Instead, they saw a degradation of nonexecutive components of cognition such as information intake that accounted for the overall impairment of subjects’ performance on individual tasks (i.e: The sleep deprived brain appears to be capable of processing information, but this information may be distorted before it can be processed). These results challenge an existing theory that states that sleep deprivation affects executive functions more than nonexecutive cognitive processes of the brain.

top

197. Healthy adults may need less sleep as they age

A recent study at the University of Surrey, U.K found that during a night of 8 hours in bed, total sleep time decreased significantly and progressively with age. Older adults slept about 20 minutes less than middle-aged adults, who slept 23 minutes less than young adults. The number of awakening and the amount of time spent awake after initial sleep onset increased significantly with age, and the amount of time spent in deep sleep decreased across the age groups. Yet even with these decreases in sleep time, intensity and continuity, older adults displayed less subjective and objective day time sleep propensity than younger adults. The results suggest that healthy older adults without sleep disorders can expect to have a reduced “sleep need” and be less sleepy during the day than healthy young adults, and also that it is not normal for older adults to be “sleepy” during the day.

top

198. Severe Sleep Apnea (OSA) reduces frequency of Nightmare recall

A recent study at the Sleep Disorders center in South Colorado, Pueblo found that the percentage of participants decreased linearly as OSA severity increased. Frequent nightmare recall, occurring at least weekly was reported by 71.4% of non-apneic healthy individuals, 43.2% of participants with mild OSA, 29.9% of participants with moderate OSA and in 20.6% of participants with severe OSA. The severity of OSA was higher (AHI=40.3) among participants who reported infrequent nightmares compared with participants with moderate OSA (AHI=24.6), who frequently recalled nightmares. The decline in recalling of nightmares were attributed to the fact that OSA leads to sleep fragmentation which in turn leads to a reduction in REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep in which nightmares generally occur.

top

199. Lack of morning light is keeping teenagers up at night

A recent study of 11 eighth grade students who wore special glasses to block shortwave-length (blue) morning light from reaching their eyes, found that these students experienced a 6 minute delay which gradually increased to a 30 minute delay in sleep onset in the evening, by the 5th day of the study. Melatonin, the hormone which indicates to the body when it’s night time, is delayed when blue morning light is removed. Sleep onset typically occurs about 2 hrs after melatonin onset in the evening. As teenagers spend more time indoors they miss out on essential morning light needed to stimulate the body’s 24-Hour Biological clock which regulates the sleep/wake cycle. The results suggest that insufficient daily morning light exposure contributes to teenagers going to bed later, getting less sleep at night and having poor academic performance at school.

top

200. Naps help Babies retain Information

A recently study at the University of Arizona, subjected 48-15 month old infants to repeatedly played phrases until the babies became familiar with these phrases. Some of the infants after learning this faux language took their normally scheduled naps prior to being tested. Differences arose among the infants that had napped and those who had not napped prior to the test. The results suggest that babies who are able to get in a little daytime nap are more likely to exhibit an advanced level of learning known as abstraction.

top

201. The role of sleep in Brain Development

According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, it was found that once the brain is triggered to reorganize their neural networks in wakefulness (by visual deprivation) intra- and inter-cellular communication pathways engage, setting a series of enzymes in to action within the reorganizing neurons during sleep. The key cellular player in this process is a molecule called N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR), which acts like a combination listening post and gatekeeper. It both receives extracellular signals in the form of glutamate and regulates the flow of calcium ions into cells. As soon as the brain falls asleep, memories begin to form. The above findings suggest that cellular changes in the sleeping brain may promote the formation of memories.

top

202. Extremes in Sleep duration related to increases in abdominal fat in minority young adults

A recent study at the University of Winston-Salem, NC found that that both long and short sleep durations in participants over 40yrs of age, were associated with significant increases in BMI, as well as in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation. Compared to participants who slept 6-7 hour at night, those who reported a sleep duration of 5 hours or less per night had an average BMI increase (over a 5 yr period) of 1.8kg/m2 higher, as well as greater accumulation of SAT (20 cm2) and VAT (6 cm2). However, no significant relationship existed between sleep duration and abdominal fat change in participants over 40 yrs of age. The findings suggest that both African-American and Hispanic young adults with long and short sleep duration’s had greater increases in belly fat over a 5 year period compared with those who reported sleeping 6-7 hours at night.

top

203. Frequent napping associated with increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes in older adults

A recent study of older Chinese participants at the University of Birmingham, UK found that the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 36% higher in participants who reported napping 4-6 times/week and 28% higher in those who napped daily. Similar associations were found between napping and impaired fasting glucose levels. The observed associations were unaltered in statistical analysis that removed participants with potential ill health and daytime sleepiness, suggesting that it is less likely that diabetes leads to daytime sleepiness and raising the possibility that napping may increase the risk of Diabetes. The results suggest that frequent napping is associated with ban elevated prevalence of type 2 Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in older adults.

top

204. Extremes of sleep related to increased fat deposition around body organs

A recent study at the Wake Forest University school of Medicine revealed that in participants under 40 yrs of age (especially Hispanic men and Black women) getting 5 hrs or less of sleep each night led to an increased amount of visceral fat deposition (fat around the organs) together with a higher risk of obesity, Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. The researchers also found that getting more than 8 hrs of sleep at night has a similar – though less pronounced effect, and is a problem most commonly seen among Hispanic women of all ages. However the association between extremes of sleep and accumulation of visceral fat was not seen among participants over 40 yrs of age. Therefore the results suggest that both short and long sleep durations can be hazardous to ones health & well being.

top

205. Sleep Apnea (OSA) linked to Eye Disorder

A recent study at the Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK found that about one third of patients with Floppy Eye Syndrome (FES) also had Keratoconus & OSA. FES is caused by weakened muscles or decreased Elastin in eyelids and is more prevalent in overweight males over 60 yrs of age. The significant association of the 3 disorders was evident even when the patients BMI was considered and controlled. And even though FES is often considered a disease of overweight, middle-aged men the above study did not find a patient cluster based on age, gender or BMI. The findings suggest that when a patient is diagnosed with FES they should also be investigated for OSA/Keratoconus and vice-versa.

top

206. Maintaining Daily routines associated with reduced rates of Insomnia in the elderly

A recent study at the University of Haifa, Israel highlighted the importance of developing lifestyle regularities as a means for maintaining good sleep quality in the elderly. The results of the study indicate that increased stability in daily routine predicted a shorter time to fall asleep, higher sleep efficiency and improved sleep quality. Stability in basic activities such as bathing, dressing and eating were more strongly associated with sleep quality than stability of instrumental activities such as shopping, public transportation use and medical appointments. The authors also noted that changes in the circadian system are considered a natural part of aging and are implicated as an underlying factor of reduced sleep quality in the elderly.

top

207. Sleep Deprivation drives teens to drug use

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego and Harvard University mapped the social network of 8,349 adolescents from grade 7 through 12. They found clusters of poor sleep behavior and Marijuana use that extended up to 4 degrees of separation (to one’s friends’ friends’ friends’ friends’) in the social network. Another effect that the researchers discovered was that teens who are at the centre of he network are at greater risk of poor sleep , which in turn means that they will turn to marijuana – putting them at the cross roads of two behaviors increasing a teenagers vulnerability. Contrary to the general assumptions that drug use negatively affects sleep, it was found that sleep loss is likely to drive adolescents to drug use-the less they sleep, the more likely their friends are to sleep poorly and use drugs.

top

208. Children with Insomnia may have impaired Heart rate variability

A recent study of 612 elementary school students (with an average age of 9yrs) in Pennsylvania, all who were generally in good health were subject to an overnight sleep study. Researchers measured sleep duration, trouble falling asleep, the number of awakenings, problems going back to sleep if awakened & cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM)-the balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the heart rate rhythm. It was found that children with insomnia had impaired CAM with an increase in sympathetic activation of the heart rhythm. Children who slept longer had a slower heart rate, indicative of a balance of heart rhythm & more parasympathetic activation. The results suggest that insomnia and short sleep duration, even in young children results in a physiological activation of sympathetic system and that there is an impairment in cardio vascular autonomic regulation, long before these children reach the traditional high risk period for cardiovascular disease.

top

209. The mathematics behind a good nights sleep

Researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are using Mathematics to develop a computer model that will help scientists predict how different environmental, physical or mental changes to a person’s body will affect their sleep-wake cycles, instead of using the traditional methods of brain scan or NPSG. The model is based on the most recent biological findings of neurotransmitters; EEG and EMG data developed by neurologists on the various phases of the sleep/wake cycle and is built on mathematical equations from that foundation. The research data allowed the team to develop a massive 11-equation model of the sleep-wake cycle and researchers are currently working to input those differential equations in to an easy –to-use graphic computer model. This has created a model that is both mathematically and biologically accurate and can serve as a benchmark of the ideal, healthy sleep-wake cycle to a variety of scientists. In the near future scientists will be able to use this non-invasive ideal model and predict how different disturbances such as caffeine and jetlag will impact that ideal cycle.

top

210. Study identifies common SIDS risk factors

A recent study at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School found that more than 96% of infants who died from sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) were exposed to known risk factors (sleeping on their side or stomach, or exposure to Tobacco smoke) and that 78% of SIDS cases contained multiple risk factors. The study also notes that in 2005- 2,234 infants died from SIDS and since the public health initiatives which were commenced in the 1990’s, the risk of SIDS has dropped by more than 50%. However the study indicates that risk education to parents and guardians should be more comprehensive. The researchers also stress upon the importance of educating parents/guardians on the importance of back-to-sleep (the position of infant sleep associated with the lowest risk of SIDS), as well as, but not only limited to avoidance of Tobacco smoke, elimination of the use of pillows, quilts/soft or loose bedding in the infants sleep environment, avoid face covering and avoidance of the use of shared sleep surfaces during sleep.

top

211. Link between Acid Reflux (GER) and Sleep Apnea (OSA) challenged

A recent study at the Medical college of Wisconsin studied the sleep events of 9 patients with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) without OSA, 6 patients with OSA without GER, 11 patients with OSA and GER and 15 control subjects. Although GER is thought to be induced by decreasing intra esophageal pressure during OSA, study results showed that intra esophageal pressure progressively increased during OSA. It was also found that the incidence of GER during sleep in patients with OSA did not differ from the remaining 3 groups. The findings have led the researchers to speculate that OSA may not induce GER or other reflux events.

top

212. Mouth Breathing can cause sleep problems

According to the clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) children who mouth breathe typically do not sleep well, causing them to be tired during the day and possibly unable to concentrate in school. Overtime children whose mouth breathing goes untreated may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development such as long, narrow faces and gums, gummy smiles, gingivitis and crooked teeth. The poor sleeping habits may adversely affect growth and academic performance at school. Many of these children are also often misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) & hyperactivity. In addition mouth breathing can cause poor oxygen concentration in the blood, which can cause High Blood Pressure, Heart problems, Sleep Apnea (OSA) and other medical issues.

top

213. Health, Age and sleep duration

According to a recent study of over 2,800 persons aged 100 or older participated in a recent study of 15, 000 pensioners in China which found that those who lived 100 yrs or older were 3 times as likely to get up to 10 hours of sleep per night than younger age groups. “Age and Health” were the two most important factors associated with self reported sleep quality and duration. On average the participants said that they slept for 7-7.5 hrs per day, with men reportedly getting better sleep than women. The study also found that even with health problems the centenarians slept longer than those in their 60’s and 70’s reporting that ‘healthy’ older adults who live past their retirement age could experience satisfactory sleep quality.

top

214. How to get a Good Night’s sleep?

According to a recent online poll at the NSF, it was revealed that 28% of voters used a dark, quiet and comfy sleep environment, 18% used a sleep aid, 17% tried to maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule and that 7% depended on a relaxing bed time routines to get a good night’s sleep. Even so, almost 30% of respondents were still not sure what to do to get a good night’s sleep. In general most healthy adults need 7-9 hrs of sleep at night. The following are some additional steps one could take to improve his/her sleep quality and duration at night:

1. Do not eat too much close to bed time
2. Use the bed and bed room for sleep & sex only
3. Avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine/tea close to bed time
4. Maintain a sleep diary to identify your sleep habits and patters that you can share with your doctor

top

215. Caffeine, Sleep and Finals

Caffeine is perhaps the most popular `drug` in the world. Tea, chocolate and many energy drinks contains caffeine which temporarily makes us feel more alert by temporarily blocking sleep inducing chemicals in the brain and increasing adrenalin production. Although it appears that most people can get a lot done while on caffeine, there are side effects that must be considered. Caffeine is known to cause anxiety, irritability and sleep disturbances- none of which is good for when you need to concentrate and focus during a final exam. Studies show that lack of sleep leads to problems completing a task, concentrating making decisions and unsafe actions. Therefore it is recommended that students prioritize on getting enough sleep at night to improve their overall performance and receive the energizing and revitalizing benefits of sleep.

top

216. Sleep disturbances linked with behavior problems in Autistic children

A recent survey (The children’s sleep habits questionnaire and the child behavior checklist) conducted by the ATN (Autism Treatment Network) was completed by parents of 1,056 children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The results found an association between sleep problems and problematic daytime behaviors especially emotional problems and anxiety. Children who got less sleep had more emotional problems and children who had parasomnias’, including nightmares, night terrors and sleep walking had more behavior problems overall. These findings suggest that sleep problems in children and adolescents with ASD are associated with challenging daytime behaviors and support the developments of treatments for sleep disturbances as a way to improve behavior of these children.

top

217. Treating sleep Apnea in Truck drivers lowers health care costs

In a recent study researchers used insurance claims records to evaluate the effects of OSA treatment in truck drivers, in which costs were compared for 156 drivers who received CPAP therapy (or other forms of treatment) for OSA & for 92 drivers who were diagnosed but did not have treatment for OSA. For treated drivers, health plan costs decreased by an average of $2,700 in the first year and another $3,100 in the second year compared to no change for untreated drivers. The treated truck drivers also missed fewer work days and had lesser short term disability costs. On average, treatment of OSA led to over $6000 in total health plan and disability cost savings pert treated driver (Total cost decreased by 41% in drivers treated for OSA compared to an 8% decrease in untreated drivers). The above findings suggest that treating OSA in truck drivers has health as well as economic and safety benefits.

top

218. Older people in assisted living facilities sleep poorer

A recent study of 121 residents of Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) in the Los Angeles area over a 6 month follow-up period, found that on average they slept about 6 hrs per night and napped for about 90mins during the day, 74% had lived at the ALF for 2 yrs or less an 65% of the participants were suffering significant sleep disturbances. The most commonly reported factors contributing to ‘trouble sleeping” included waking up in the middle of the night or early morning (60%) and inability to fall asleep within 30mins (59%). Initially, even though sleeping poorly was associated with lower health related-quality of life, needing more help with activities of daily living and more symptoms of depression, on the follow-up visits 3 & 6 months later, researchers found that sleeping poorly at the initial visit predicted a worsening quality of life needing even more help with activities of daily living and even more depression. The results suggest that poor sleep in older people was associated with the progressive declining of their quality of life and increased depression.

top

219. Caffeine Reduces mistakes made by shift workers

A recent study reviewed data from 13 trials studying the effects of caffeine on shift workers (mostly in simulated working conditions) with an average age of 20-30 years. The caffeine was given in the form of coffee, pills, energy drinks or caffeinated food and the performance was assessed by tasks such as driving and neuropsychological tests. Caffeine seemed to reduce errors compared to placebos or naps and improved performance in certain neurophysiological tests including those focusing on memory, attention, perception and concept formation and reasoning. The results suggest that caffeine can help those working shifts or nights to make fewer errors while at work.

top

220. Implanted sleep device shows promising early results

Recently Apnex Medical released preliminary data from a clinical study that showed significant improvements in OSA patients who were treated with the companies Apnex HGNS system. The Apnex HGNS system treats OSA by activating an upper airway muscle during sleep, which opens the airway allowing the patients to breath and remain asleep. 3-and-6-month data from the Australian first-in-man study evaluating the safety and the efficacy of the HGNS-system showed that the above system reduced the severity of OSA by 50% as measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The results demonstrate the potential benefits the HGNS system can provide for patients who do not tolerate CPAP therapy. Patients also experienced significant improvements in OSA symptoms and the patients tolerated the treatment well with an average of 6.5hrs use at night. There were also no device failures during the study.

top

221. CPAP use reduces incidence of cardio-vascular events and Hypertension in pts with OSA

A recent study of 724 patients with moderate to Severe OSA (AHI>20) and minimal daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale<10) despite significant OSA was conducted in Spain. The patients were randomized to be treated with CPAP or conservative treatment (weight reduction, sleep hygiene measures) and were followed for 4 yrs. After 4 yrs it was found that the risk of having a cardiovascular event (stroke, angina, cardiac arrhythmias and peripheral ischemia) or developing hypertension among patients who were on CPAP therapy for at least 4 hrs a night was reduced by 25% compared to those who did not use CPAP therapy. Among those who had baseline hypertension and used CPAP for 4 or more hrs a night the risk of a cardio vascular event declined to nearly half of those who did not use CPAP therapy. The results suggest that even in non-sleepy OSA patients CPAP usage can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and hypertension.

top

222. New born infants learn while asleep

According to a recent study done in order to understand how newborns learn while in their most frequent state- of sleep, a team of researchers tested the learning ability of 26 sleeping newborns by repeating tones that were followed by a gentle puff of air on to the eyelids. After about 20minutes, 24 out of the 26 babies squeezed their eyelids together when the tone was sounded without the puff of air. Not only did the infants show that they can learn to give this reflex in response to this simple tone, but they gave the response at the right time. The learned eye lid movement reflects the normal functioning of the circuitry of the cerebellum. This study’s method potentially offers a unique non-invasive tool for early identification of infants with atypical cerebella structures and those who are potentially at risk for developmental disorders (Eg: siblings of individuals with Autism and Dyslexia).

top

223. Sleep Apnea increases Insulin resistance

A recent study at the University of Pittsburgh found that intermittent hypoxia exposure associated with OSA causes a distinctive drop in Insulin sensitivity & secretion in mice, even though chronic hypoxia such as that associated with high altitude did not. The results suggest that intermittent hypoxic exposure can cause Insulin resistance which may have an important consequence in metabolically vulnerable Diabetic patients who present with co-morbid Sleep Apnea.

top

224. Could dwindling Testosterone levels decrease sleep in middle-aged men?

A recent study at the University of Montreal’s Department of Psychology found a link between Testosterone levels in men over 50 yrs and their quality of sleep-especially deep sleep. The study did not find a correlation with other parts of the sleep cycle: falling asleep, stages 1 or 2 & paradoxical sleep. According to the study it is the dwindling Testosterone levels that impact sleep and not vice versa as previously suggested. The findings also support the possibility that the loss of deep sleep in these middle-aged men could be treated with Testosterone.

top

225. Brain Injury tied to Trouble sleeping

A recent study at Monash University, Australia which monitored 23 people with severe traumatic brain injury (on average 14 months earlier) and 23 healthy people (of the same age) over a period of 2 nights found that the healthy individuals produced more Melatonin than individuals with brain injuries. The people with brain injuries also spent less time in bed actually asleep than the healthy participants did, with a sleep efficacy of 82% compared to a 90% for the healthy individuals. They also spent more time awake after initially falling asleep with an average of 62 minutes per night compared to 27 minutes for the healthy individuals. Those with brain injuries also had more signs of anxiety and depression and spent more time in non-REM sleep. These results suggest that Brain injuries may disrupt the brain structures that regulate sleep, including the production of Melatonin and raises the question if supplementary Melatonin may be used to improve sleep in people with Brain injuries.

top

Home | Examples | Sleep Questionnaires | Current Research | Useful Links | Links to Vendors
References | Events | Our Team | Biology of Sleep | Patient Information | CPAP Titration Study
Sleep Diary| Common Sleep Disorders | Glossary of Terms | Contact Us | Virtual Tour | Site Map | Top