The "Eyes" Have It

The "Eyes" Have It
University of Oxford researchers have discovered that sleepiness is controlled by nerves in the eye. By turning off certain cells in the eyes of mice, the effects of light on sleep and alertness is completely abolished.   "If we can mimic the effect of light pharmacologically, we could turn sleep on and off," lead researcher Russell Foster, of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, said.   This discovery could help in the...

Lack of Energy in Old Age May Foretell Illness
Anergia not just a part of advancing years but could be tied to severe problems, death

Rockabye Baby - Pregnancy
We all know, I'm sure, the effects of sleep deprivation, the damage a lack of sleep can do to the body, both mental and physical.   When it comes to sleep deprivation, parents, and in particular, mothers, are high on the list. Babies sleep - well, like babies. The problem is, babies and toddlers may not be on the same sleep schedule as adults.   But the sleep deprivation begins months before baby comes into the world. During the...

The Basics of CPAP
 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Except for tracheotomy, it is also the most effective treatment for OSA. CPAP is basically a computerized air pump that delivers pressurized air through a hose and then through a nasal interface into the patient's throat. The pressurized air splints open the upper airways, preventing the airflow pauses (apneas) and airflow...

WARNING: Pillows Recalled
Check your pillows especially if they were purchased between February 2008 and June 2008. If they were purchased at Cosco and have the registration number PA-27156(CA) and Sleep Innovations" printed on the tag, they have been recalled. The following warning was just received:   "Sleep Innovations Recalls Pillows Sold Exclusively at Costco; Metal Fragments Pose Abrasion Hazard The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted...

The Elderly and Sleep
A recent joint study from Elizabeth Klerman of Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Harvard Medical School states that the elderly don't need as much sleep as the general population. Sure, there are lifestyle and medical reasons why the elderly have trouble sleeping, but the real answer lies in changes in the circadian rhythm and REM sleep.   But, even with the results of the study, everybody needs sleep, and the elderly are no exception....

Put sleep on back-to-school checklist, experts say
For teenagers, summer often means staying up to all hours of the night and sleeping in the next day. That will, or should, all come to an end shortly as students head back to school, experts advise.

Teen Lack of Sleep a Growing Problem
It's that time of year again and all over the nation, schools are back in session. Suddenly it all hits you - school, homework, maybe a job, dating, family, sports, and on and on. How on earth can you fit it all in?   Did you notice anything missing in the above list? Right! Sleep. Unfortunately, that one commodity is also often missing from a teen's life. Maybe not entirely, but the majority of teens don't get the hours of sleep they...

Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide

Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide
Title: Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 8/26/2008
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2008

Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Warning Signs
Title: Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Warning Signs
Category: Doctor's Views
Created: 2/17/2005
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2008

Sleep Deprivation Survey and Statistics
Looking for statistics and information on sleep deprivation? Read the results of our sleep deprivation survey for more on sleep deprivation and related sleep statistics.

Weight-loss surgery won't "cure" sleep apnea
In people who are obese, weight-loss surgery will likely lead to an improvement in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but it won't eliminate the nighttime breathing disorder. Many patients will have residual OSA one year after weight-loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery), results of a study indicate.

Causes of Disrupted Sleep
Disrupted sleep, in the form of restless leg syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), sleep apnea and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), are serious disorders that can damage your health. Keep reading for more on the causes of disrupted sleep.

Medical Conditions that Interfere with Sleep
Certain medical conditions can interfere with sleep. Keep reading to learn how medical conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTS, ADHD and asthma, affect sleep.

Coping with Nocturnal Eating
Sleep eating, also known as nocturnal eating syndrome, is a disorder that causes people to eat while they sleep. Keep reading to learn about sleep eating.

New Evidence On Addiction To Medicines Diazepam Has Effect On Nerve Cells In The Brain Reward System

Addictions to medicines and drugs are thought to develop over a relatively long period of time. The process involves both structural and functional changes in brain nerve cells that are still poorly understood. However, a single drug or alcohol dose is sufficient to generate an initial stage of addiction. More at...

 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Except for tracheotomy, it is also the most effective treatment for OSA. CPAP is basically a computerized air pump that delivers pressurized air through a hose and then through a nasal interface into the patient's throat. The pressurized air splints open the upper airways, preventing the airflow pauses (apneas) and airflow... More at...

Many of us are aware that eating or drinking some food products hinders our ability to sleep. Coffee contains caffeine and should be avoided later in the day. Chocolate also contains caffeine and should also be avoided. Spicy foods can cause digestive problems, including heartburn and gas. For a good night's sleep, eat these foods in the afternoon or early evening.   But what about foods that promote sleep? Melatonin is a hormone produced... More at...

A US study that followed a random sample of men and women for 18 years showed that those with sleep apnea, where breathing pauses during sleep, had more than three times the risk of death from any cause compared to those who did not, and the risk went up when the condition was not treated. More at...

We all know, I'm sure, the effects of sleep deprivation, the damage a lack of sleep can do to the body, both mental and physical.   When it comes to sleep deprivation, parents, and in particular, mothers, are high on the list. Babies sleep - well, like babies. The problem is, babies and toddlers may not be on the same sleep schedule as adults.   But the sleep deprivation begins months before baby comes into the world. During the... More at...

Staying awake slows down our brains, scientists have long recognized. Mental performance is at its peak after sleep but inevitably trends downward throughout the day, and sleep deprivation only worsens these effects. For the first time, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found a way to stop this downward slide. More at...

Poor sleep tied to excess pounds in children

Overweight children tend to sleep less than their thinner peers, spending less time in the "dream" stage of sleep in particular, according to a study published Monday. More at...

Suggestions for more comfortable rest More at...

Sleep tends to help people better remember aspects of a negative event while allowing memory of background information to fade, researchers have found. More at...

Anergia not just a part of advancing years but could be tied to severe problems, death More at...

It's that time of year again and all over the nation, schools are back in session. Suddenly it all hits you - school, homework, maybe a job, dating, family, sports, and on and on. How on earth can you fit it all in?   Did you notice anything missing in the above list? Right! Sleep. Unfortunately, that one commodity is also often missing from a teen's life. Maybe not entirely, but the majority of teens don't get the hours of sleep they... More at...

One More Reason to Become Smoke Free: Better Sleep

More at...

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Women, regardless of age and physical health, are far more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Learn more about sleep disorders in pregnant and menopausal women, as well as the relationship between stress and sleep. More at...

Weight gain can sometimes be attributed to a lack of sleep. Keep reading to find out how lack of sleep and sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain. More at...

Looking for statistics and information on sleep deprivation? Read the results of our sleep deprivation survey for more on sleep deprivation and related sleep statistics. More at...

Sleep disorders in children include bedwetting (enuresis), night terrors, nightmares and trouble sleeping all night. Keep reading for more of the causes, symptoms and treatments for sleep problems in children. More at...

More at...

College Students and Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation in college students is serious, not only to students' health but also to their studies. Keep reading to learn about the effects of sleep deprivation on college students. Continue reading ...

The National Sleep Foundation tells us that teens need between 8 ½ and 9 ¼ hours sleep every night. However, most teens do not get enough sleep to function efficiently. Several causes exist for this deficiency in sleep, but it all adds up to one thing - sleep deprivation. With the return to school approaching, the problems tend to escalate. It's that time of year again and all over the nation, schools will soon be back in session.... Continue reading ...

Parasomnias are common sleeping disorders. Keep reading to learn about parasomnia disorders, including bedwetting, grinding teeth, sleep talking and somnambulism. Continue reading ...

Title: Poor Sleep Linked to High Blood Pressure in Teens
Category: Health News
Created: 8/19/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2008 Continue reading ...

Do you know how a lack of sleep effects the aging process? Read on to learn more about how sleep deprivation causes accelerated aging. Continue reading ...

Respiratory medical equipment and supplies are effective in treating many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn more about treatment options for sleep apnea. Continue reading ...

Do you have trouble sleeping? Read on to learn how using a sleep diary to record your sleep history may help you beat insomnia. Continue reading ...

Changing Bedtime Habits Could Benefit Insomnia Sufferers

Changing Bedtime Habits Could Benefit Insomnia Sufferers
Many people sleep better when they are on holiday and wish that they could sleep as well all the time. But according to the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), it is not only being free of daily worries that can make a difference to sleep. Good bedtime habits can help people to sleep well all year round. Medication provides short-term relief at best. In information published on

Sleep Disorders in Children
Sleep disorders in children include bedwetting (enuresis), night terrors, nightmares and trouble sleeping all night. Keep reading for more of the causes, symptoms and treatments for sleep problems in children.

Hypertension May Result From Poor Teen Sleep Habits, Lead To CVD
Teenagers who don't sleep well or long enough may have a higher risk of elevated blood pressure that could lead to cardiovascular disease later in life, researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers found the odds of elevated blood pressure increased 3.5 times for those with low sleep efficiency and 2.5 times for those with sleeping periods of less than 6.

Lack of Sleep and Weight Gain: Is There a Connection?
Weight gain can sometimes be attributed to a lack of sleep. Keep reading to find out how lack of sleep and sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain.

Causes of Disrupted Sleep
Disrupted sleep, in the form of restless leg syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), sleep apnea and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), are serious disorders that can damage your health. Keep reading for more on the causes of disrupted sleep.

Tired All The Time? It May Be Sleep Apnea
Repetitive blockages of the airway, called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can reduce airflow or cause breathing to stop. When this happens, frequent brief awakenings can leave a person feeling excessively sleepy during the day, even though they believe they have had a full night's sleep. More serious consequences, including obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes -- are often related to OSA.

Night Sweats: Understanding What Causes You to Sweat While You Sleep
Do you suffer from night sweats? Learn more about the causes of and reason for night sweats.

Surgical Weight Loss Does Not Eliminate Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that surgical weight loss results in an improvement of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but most patients continue to have moderate to severe OSA one year after undergoing bariatric surgery. .Results of this study suggest that it is the severity of the condition, rather than a patient's presurgical weight, that determines if OSA will be resolved.

Higher Blood Pressure Risk In Teenagers Linked To Poor Or Insufficient Sleep

Higher Blood Pressure Risk In Teenagers Linked To Poor Or Insufficient Sleep
US research reveals that teenagers who don't sleep enough or have poor quality sleep may be at higher risk of elevated blood pressure that could lead to cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The study is the first to examine links between high blood pressure and sleep quality in healthy adolescents. The research appears as a paper published online before print on 18th August in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association (AHA).

Australian Study Shows That Sleep Apnea Is An Independent Risk Factor For Mortality
Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, according to a study in the August 1 issue of the journal Sleep. Fourteen years after initial data were collected, about 33 percent of participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea had died (six of 18 individuals), compared with 6.5 percent of people with mild OSA (five of 77) and 7.7 percent of people with no OSA (22 of 285).

Eradicating Insomnia In The Over 55's
If you're over 55 and have spent more than a few sleepless nights, you're not alone -- insomnia affects about half of all people over 55 -- but you may also be at increased risk for physical and mental ailments. Many older adults don't get enough restorative sleep, leading to serious health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, memory problems and increased rates of depression.

Medical Conditions that Interfere with Sleep
Certain medical conditions can interfere with sleep. Keep reading to learn how medical conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTS, ADHD and asthma, affect sleep.

Teens and Sleep Disorders
Teens suffer from sleep deprivation more than most. Keep reading to find out the causes of teen sleep problems and to find out how many hours of sleep a teen requires.

Study Provides Interesting Clues Into Why Some Children Are More Likely To Develop Into Adult Snorers, Says British Lung Foundation

Study Provides Interesting Clues Into Why Some Children Are More Likely To Develop Into Adult Snorers, Says British Lung Foundation
A study has found that a predisposition to adult snoring can be established very early in life. The research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Respiratory Research describes possible childhood risk factors, including exposure to animals, early! respiratory or ear infections and growing up in a large family.

One More Reason to Become Smoke Free: Better Sleep

Lose Weight, Sleep Tight

Zolpidem (Stilnox) And Insomnia Management - NPS Info For Prescribers And Patients, Australia
To help prescribers and pharmacists counsel patients concerned about the sleep-related adverse effects associated with zolpidem (Stilnox), the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) has released a position statement on the drug and sleep-related behaviours.

Hypertension May Result From Poor Teen Sleep Habits, Lead To CVD
Teenagers who don't sleep well or long enough may have a higher risk of elevated blood pressure that could lead to cardiovascular disease later in life, researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers found the odds of elevated blood pressure increased 3.5 times for those with low sleep efficiency and 2.5 times for those with sleeping periods of less than 6.

Sleep Disorders Program - Brigham And Women's Hospital
The Sleep Disorders Program in the Division of Sleep Medicine is devoted to research aimed at understanding sleep disorders and improving therapy for sleep disorders as well as providing clinical services to care for patients afflicted by these disorders. Our faculty and staff continue to demonstrate their leadership role in basic and clinical research.

Sleep Apnea A Stand-Alone Mortality Risk
An independent link between sleep apnea and mortality has been discovered by a group of Australian researchers, suggesting the prevention and treatment of this condition should be a higher priority for government bodies working to improve community health. The study conducted by the

Health Tip: Get a Good Night's Sleep While Pregnant
It's important for you and baby

Sleep Apnea Boosts Death Risk

Sleep Apnea Boosts Death Risk
But it's unclear whether treating the breathing disorder cuts the danger, one expert says

Easing Your Teens Into the Back-to-School Schedule
Before classes start, reset those summer sleep times to soften the transition

A Period Of Slumber Helps The Brain Distinguish Core Emotions From Background Details
As poets, songwriters and authors have described, our memories range from misty water-colored recollections to vividly detailed images of the times of our lives. Now, a study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Boston College offers new insights into the specific components of emotional memories, suggesting that sleep plays a key role in determining what we remember - and what we forget.

Poor teen sleep habits may raise blood pressure
Teenagers who don't sleep well or long enough may be at increased risk for developing high blood pressure (also called hypertension), which could herald heart disease later on, according to a study published today.

Eye cells may hold key to better sleeping pill
Sleepiness can be controlled by a set of nerve cells in the eye, tests on mice suggest, offering a new target for drug developers that may lead to better sleeping pills, British scientists said on Sunday.

Changing Bedtime Habits Could Benefit Insomnia Sufferers
Many people sleep better when they are on holiday and wish that they could sleep as well all the time. But according to the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), it is not only being free of daily worries that can make a difference to sleep. Good bedtime habits can help people to sleep well all year round. Medication provides short-term relief at best. In information published on

Australian Study Shows That Sleep Apnea Is An Independent Risk Factor For Mortality
Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, according to a study in the August 1 issue of the journal Sleep. Fourteen years after initial data were collected, about 33 percent of participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea had died (six of 18 individuals), compared with 6.5 percent of people with mild OSA (five of 77) and 7.7 percent of people with no OSA (22 of 285).

Sleeping Pills Are Not A Long-term Solution, But More Knowledge About Bedtime Habits Could Help Relieve Insomnia
Many people sleep better when they are on holiday and wish that they could sleep as well all the time. But according to the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), it is not only being free of daily worries that can make a difference to sleep. Good bedtime habits can help people to sleep well all year round. Medication provides short-term relief at best. In information published on

Health Tip: Can't Sleep?

Health Tip: Can't Sleep?
Title: Health Tip: Can't Sleep?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/7/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/7/2008

Women Watch Out: Poor Sleep Could Be Worse for You

One More Reason to Become Smoke Free: Better Sleep

Are We Sleep Deprived or Not?

Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function
Title: Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function
Category: Health News
Created: 8/9/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/11/2008

Olympics Got Your Sleep?

How to Nap with Positive Results

How to Nap with Positive Results
Don’t think you will be doing less work because you sleep during the day.  That’s a foolish notion held by people with no imaginations.  You will be able to accomplish more.  You get two days in one- well at least one and a half. - Winston Churchill   Or as Yogi Berra put it:   I usually take a two hour nap from one to four.   Near and dear to our hearts is the nap.  Some of the greatest...

Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Do you snore? Do you have trouble sleeping because your spouse "rattles the walls" with their snoring? Are you are a little overweight and not fully refreshed by your sleep? Do you doze off a lot and just feel like you lack energy during the day? Then maybe the best holiday "gift" you can give yourself or significant other is an evaluation for sleep apnea.   Ironically, we haven't really talked much about the most common sleep disorder -...

Teens and Sleep Disorders
Teens suffer from sleep deprivation more than most. Keep reading to find out the causes of teen sleep problems and to find out how many hours of sleep a teen requires.

Causes of Excessive Sleep
Excessive sleep, also known as hypersomnia, is a type of sleep disorder that can manifest itself through depression and narcolepsy. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of excessive sleep.

Seeking Medical Care for Sleep Problems
When should you seek medical attention for your sleep problems? Read on to learn more about seeking medical care.

Snoring

Title: Snoring
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 11/29/2005
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2008 More at...

I’d like to continue on the topic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.   As we mentioned OSA is the repetitive stopping of breathing due to an obstruction in the child’s airway.  OSA can occur in children of all ages, but is probably more common in pre-school children.  As we explained, in most children the main reason for their OSA is not obesity, which is the main risk factor in the adult population,... More at...

Title: Health Tip: Can't Sleep?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/7/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/7/2008 More at...

Title: Narcolepsy
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/4/2002
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008 More at...

Ear infections, dogs in the home, and large families all contribute, study finds More at...

Narcolepsy

Title: Narcolepsy
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/4/2002
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008 Complete news at...

Title: Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Warning Signs
Category: Doctor's Views
Created: 2/17/2005
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2008 Complete news at...

US scientists studying sleep processes in rats found that aging tended to impair the brain's ability to "replay" memories during sleep, a consolidation process that is important for converting recent memories into long term ones. However, impaired memory replay was not found in all the older rats tested in the study. Complete news at...

Title: Poor Sleep Linked to High Blood Pressure in Teens
Category: Health News
Created: 8/19/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2008 Complete news at...

A study conducted by scientists in Switzerland revealed that a good night's sleep strengthened the nerve cells that control learning and memory. But --- can you actually learn while you're sleeping? If you listen to a CD on the history of Greece while in deep slumber, will the information be stored in your brain cells, ready for that big test tomorrow?   A web search brought up dozens of sites claiming you can learn while you sleep. A new... Complete news at...

How Many Years Can You Sleep Off?

How Many Years Can You Sleep Off?

The Heat Factor: Warm Skin, Cozier Sleep

Tim Russert, Coronary Artery Disease, and Sleep

Help Hubby Sleep: Don't Vacate the Bedroom

Sunday Night Sleeplessness

Is Sleep Deprivation Your Badge of Honor?

Your Sleep Questions Answered, Part 1
The original mandate of this blog was to help readers with answers to some of their sleep related questions. Since we have been covering many topics in detail, I have not really had the opportunity to answer your questions, so now is my chance. I greatly appreciate your interest and questions and will try to answer at least some of them. In the interest of space, I will attempt to paraphrase some of the longer questions. Also, and most...

Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function

Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function
Title: Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function
Category: Health News
Created: 8/9/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/11/2008

Insomnia Gets Another Nod

Women Watch Out: Poor Sleep Could Be Worse for You

Narcolepsy
Title: Narcolepsy
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/4/2002
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008

Are We Sleep Deprived or Not?

Got Sleep Apnea? Go Green, as in Green Tea

Pediatric OSA Treatment
Let us continue talking about pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  We have covered its background and complications, now its time for us to talk a little about treatment.   As we explained in previous blogs, as opposed to adults where OSA is most often related to being overweight, in otherwise healthy kids the most common cause of OSA is enlarged tonsils and adenoids (glands located at the exit of the nose canal as it...

Are You Suffering From Olympic Exhaustion?
Title: Are You Suffering From Olympic Exhaustion?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/15/2008
Last Editorial Review: 8/15/2008

How Stress Affects Sleep

Wth our busy lives, stress can lead to a bad night's sleep. Keep reading to learn about the effects of stress and stress management on sleep. Read more ...

Exercise and quality sleep go hand in hand. Keep reading to learn how you can exercise during the day to get more quality sleep time. Read more ...

Lack of sleep, namely insomnia and related disorders, has unique symptoms, causes and treatments. Keep reading to leanr more about the causes and effects of lack of sleep. Read more ...

Family, friends and neighbors remember Lisa Sandler Spaeth as an active mother of two in Potomac, Md., with a lot on the go, juggling her son's baseball games and her daughter's horseback-riding lessons with numerous committee obligations, organizing women's activities at her local synagogue. Add to this Spaeth's thriving home business turned wholesale supplier - making custom hair accessories for children - which she founded with her mother. Read more ...

Respiratory medical equipment and supplies are effective in treating many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn more about treatment options for sleep apnea. Read more ...

Do you know how surgery can treat sleep disorders? Keep reading to learn more about how sleep apnea and snoring can be improved through sleep disorder surgery. Read more ...

Sleep Apnea A Stand-Alone Mortality Risk

Sleep Apnea A Stand-Alone Mortality Risk
An independent link between sleep apnea and mortality has been discovered by a group of Australian researchers, suggesting the prevention and treatment of this condition should be a higher priority for government bodies working to improve community health. The study conducted by the

Sleep Apnea Linked To Higher Risk Of Death
A US study that followed a random sample of men and women for 18 years showed that those with sleep apnea, where breathing pauses during sleep, had more than three times the risk of death from any cause compared to those who did not, and the risk went up when the condition was not treated.

Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function
People almost 4 times groggier than those awakened during day rest, study finds

Sleep Disorders Program - Brigham And Women's Hospital
The Sleep Disorders Program in the Division of Sleep Medicine is devoted to research aimed at understanding sleep disorders and improving therapy for sleep disorders as well as providing clinical services to care for patients afflicted by these disorders. Our faculty and staff continue to demonstrate their leadership role in basic and clinical research.

Poor Sleep Linked to High Blood Pressure in Teens
Similar results have been found in studies of adults

Poor sleep tied to excess pounds in children
Overweight children tend to sleep less than their thinner peers, spending less time in the "dream" stage of sleep in particular, according to a study published Monday.

The FDA Has Accepted For Filing The Registration Application For Sublinox
The submitted registration application for Sublinox has been accepted by the FDA as complete for substantive review after initial evaluation. Sublinox contains the well-known active substance zolpidem and is based on Orexo's sublingual technology, involving a rapidly disintegrating tablet placed under the tongue. Meda AB acquired the exclusive world-wide commercialization rights for Sublinox on April 14, 2008.

Young People Who Sleep Less Have More Risk Of Being Overweight
Young people who sleep less may be more likely to be overweight, especially if they spend less time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, according to a report released on August 4, 2008 in Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The obesity epidemic in the United States is well recognized, and has been occurring even in children.

Lack of Energy in Old Age May Foretell Illness

Anergia not just a part of advancing years but could be tied to severe problems, death Read more ...

Let us continue talking about pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  We have covered its background and complications, now its time for us to talk a little about treatment.   As we explained in previous blogs, as opposed to adults where OSA is most often related to being overweight, in otherwise healthy kids the most common cause of OSA is enlarged tonsils and adenoids (glands located at the exit of the nose canal as it... Read more ...

  I would like to continue answering some of your very interesting questions.  As before, in the interests of brevity some of the questions will be shortened.   Question:   I've been using CPAP for the past 8-9 years and have now become dependent on it to sleep.  I've lost more than 40 pounds and wonder how and if I will know that I no longer need the machine?  Am I now dependent upon it for life? ... Read more ...

 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Except for tracheotomy, it is also the most effective treatment for OSA. CPAP is basically a computerized air pump that delivers pressurized air through a hose and then through a nasal interface into the patient's throat. The pressurized air splints open the upper airways, preventing the airflow pauses (apneas) and airflow... Read more ...

I’d like to continue on the topic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.   As we mentioned OSA is the repetitive stopping of breathing due to an obstruction in the child’s airway.  OSA can occur in children of all ages, but is probably more common in pre-school children.  As we explained, in most children the main reason for their OSA is not obesity, which is the main risk factor in the adult population,... Read more ...

Do you snore? Do you have trouble sleeping because your spouse "rattles the walls" with their snoring? Are you are a little overweight and not fully refreshed by your sleep? Do you doze off a lot and just feel like you lack energy during the day? Then maybe the best holiday "gift" you can give yourself or significant other is an evaluation for sleep apnea.   Ironically, we haven't really talked much about the most common sleep disorder -... Read more ...

Some possible reasons Read more ...

Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or the complaint of unrestorative/unrefreshing sleep. Most people experience short-term insomnia from time to time, but when insomnia lasts for more than several weeks, it is considered chronic and should be evaluated by a physician. Insomnia used to be classified by sleep specialists as either primary or secondary insomnia. Secondary insomnia was insomnia that was due to an... Read more ...

Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function

Title: Interrupted Night Sleep Worse for Cognitive Function
Category: Health News
Created: 8/9/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/11/2008 Continue reading ...

Young people who sleep less may be more likely to be overweight, especially if they spend less time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, according to a report released on August 4, 2008 in Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The obesity epidemic in the United States is well recognized, and has been occurring even in children. Continue reading ...

Bladder problems may leave a mark on the brain, by changing patterns of brain activity, possibly contributing to disrupted sleep and problems with attention. For one in six Americans who have overactive bladder, the involuntary bladder contractions that often trigger more frequent urges to urinate, such mind-body connections may be of more than academic interest. Continue reading ...

Neurogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NRGN) announced that, as planned, it commenced a Phase 2/3 clinical trial in chronic insomnia patients with the Company's insomnia agent, adipiplon and that, based upon reports from initial dosing of a higher than anticipated rate of unwanted next day effects, the Company has suspended dosing in the study. Neurogen believes that the bilayer tablet formulation of adipiplon being used in the study may not be performing as expected. Continue reading ...

An independent link between sleep apnea and mortality has been discovered by a group of Australian researchers, suggesting the prevention and treatment of this condition should be a higher priority for government bodies working to improve community health. The study conducted by the Continue reading ...

To help prescribers and pharmacists counsel patients concerned about the sleep-related adverse effects associated with zolpidem (Stilnox), the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) has released a position statement on the drug and sleep-related behaviours. Continue reading ...

I previously posted about the diagnosis of insomnia, the difference between primary and secondary/comorbid insomnia, and the importance of evaluating for and treating any underlying causes of insomnia. I encourage you to read my Secondary Insomnia post before reading any more of this post. Today I will be talking more about medication treatment options for secondary (comorbid) insomnia. Although persons with primary insomnia (insomnia not... Continue reading ...

Kids Who Sleep Poorly at Risk for Being Overweight

Kids Who Sleep Poorly at Risk for Being Overweight
Title: Kids Who Sleep Poorly at Risk for Being Overweight
Category: Health News
Created: 8/5/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008

Health Tip: Get a Good Night's Sleep While Pregnant
It's important for you and baby

Health Tip: Can't Sleep?
Some possible reasons

Kids Who Sleep Poorly at Risk for Being Overweight
Even an hour's less rest linked to doubled chance of weight gain, study finds

Health Tip: Can't Sleep?
Title: Health Tip: Can't Sleep?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/7/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/7/2008

Sleep Apnea May Be Deadly

Sleep Apnea May Be Deadly
Title: Sleep Apnea May Be Deadly
Category: Health News
Created: 8/4/2008
Last Editorial Review: 8/4/2008

Sleep Deprivation and Athletes
An article from the National Sleep foundation (NSF) states that "if you are experiencing sleep deprivation, your athletic performance may suffer." Some effects of sleep deprivation may strike at the body, causing reduced endurance and a drop in the fitness level. Eyesight and hearing may be impaired. Other effects are emotional, including mood swings.   Logic would say that getting enough sleep is important for optimal sports...

Sleep More, Learn More
A study conducted by scientists in Switzerland revealed that a good night's sleep strengthened the nerve cells that control learning and memory. But --- can you actually learn while you're sleeping? If you listen to a CD on the history of Greece while in deep slumber, will the information be stored in your brain cells, ready for that big test tomorrow?   A web search brought up dozens of sites claiming you can learn while you sleep. A new...

Australian Study Shows That Sleep Apnea Is An Independent Risk Factor For Mortality
Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, according to a study in the August 1 issue of the journal Sleep. Fourteen years after initial data were collected, about 33 percent of participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea had died (six of 18 individuals), compared with 6.5 percent of people with mild OSA (five of 77) and 7.7 percent of people with no OSA (22 of 285).

New JCR Book Provides Tips On Recognizing, Preventing Effects Of Fatigue
Fatigue among health care workers is known to lower production and increase the risk of errors, as well as lead to higher absenteeism, personnel turnover and health care costs. "Strategies for Addressing Health Care Worker Fatigue" a new publication from Joint Commission Resources (JCR), offers health care organizations practical strategies for addressing this important health care topic. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.

Dreams from A to Zuni

Dreams from A to Zuni
In my last article, I discussed dreams in art and literature. To continue the study of dreams, this article focuses on the impact of dreams on different cultures.   Dreams have been with us since the beginning of time. There's no proof of this, but I'd bet the cavemen dreamed of woolly mammoths, saber tooth tigers and dragging some pretty girl off by her hair. The Bible is full of references to dreams and visions. There are almost a...

Dreams from A to Zuni 2
To the aboriginal peoples all over the world, dreams are the focus of much of their thoughts and plans. And, in many of the tribes, the beliefs are similar. Dreams are messages from the spirit world, whether from the gods, or from ancestors who have gone before.   The Australian Aborigines have their dreamtime. Everything begins and ends in dreamtime. This time is very different than time in the normal outer world.   The Senoi are...

Sleep disturbance common in fibromyalgia patients
The results of a study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism suggest that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, a disorder characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and bones, have a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, which play an important role in exacerbating their symptoms.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children
We have already discussed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the adult, but have not spent much time on OSA in the pediatric age group, which despite also causing breathing to stop during sleep, can have different consequences, is often treated differently, and consequently is a very different disease.  Unfortunately pediatric OSA is often overlooked as a problem, and can lead to serious health problems. As is the case in an adult,...

Experts Urge Research on Sleep Apnea-Heart Disease Link
With obesity rising, troubled nighttime breathing will become even bigger problem, AHA warns

Your Sleep Questions Answered: Part 2
  I wanted to get back to your sleep questions.  Please see my disclaimer on last blog.  These questions and answers are meant to be educational and not to be used to replace your own physician.   Question: REM Behavior disorder (RBD) sounds interesting.  What if the person, in this case a nine year old child is somewhat awake or walking about and talking, is that related to RBD? I'm 29...

Stretch Your Way to sleep
An article from canada.com suggests that older people who practice tai chi chih improve their sleep. Tai chi chih is a version of the ancient Chinese martial art, tai chi. However, tai chi chih is not a martial art, and no violence is involved.   Dr. Michael R. Irwin, of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA who headed the research team, stated that tai chi chih provided benefits similar to those obtained using drugs or CBT...

Studies Link Circadian Rhythm, Metabolism, Longevity to One Protein
New molecular clock component ties all three together, researchers say

Sleeping Problems and Mental Health

People who are suffering from depression or anxiety often
have trouble sleeping. Indeed, one of the first signs of
depression is insomnia, although lack of sleep by itself is
not thought to cause depression.

Regardless of the cause, sleeping problems of any kind are
not pleasant and can significantly lower quality of life
whether or not depression is present. Some of the more
common types of sleep problems include insomnia, sleep
apnoea and snoring.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition whereby a person has difficulty in
getting to sleep, or has no problem in getting to sleep but
awakens often during the night, or who wakes up too early
in the morning. Another type of insomnia is sleep state
misperception where a person has managed to sleep during
the night but believes that they didn't.

It's important to note that not everyone requires the same
amount of sleep but a standard 8 hours a night give or take
an hour or so, is probably the ideal for most people to
feel alert and energetic throughout the day.

There are different types of insomnia too. Sleeplessness
that occurs for only a few nights is known as transient
insomnia, or if it goes on for a couple of weeks, short
term insomnia, or when it persists for over a month with
difficulties experienced most nights it is classed as
chronic insomnia. Some factors which could influence an
individual's ability to get a good night's sleep include:

- Too much caffeine during the day
- Some types of medication
- Anxiety, stress and worry
- Depression
- Physical pain
- Noise
- Changes in temperature
- Jet lag
- Underlying physical or mental illness
- Too much alcohol before bed

Obviously, any treatment for insomnia will ultimately
depend upon its underlying cause. For example, if the
insomnia is caused by medication, the problems may cease if
the medication is stopped or changed. Similarly, dealing
with any underlying anxiety, stress or worry may resolve
the problem. Sometimes it's not possible to identify the
cause of insomnia and in some severe cases sleeping pills
on a temporary basis may help, however, these should only
be taken under medical supervision as there are potential
side effects and contraindications to be considered.

Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea can be a potentially serious sleeping disorder
which is characterised by short periods during the night
where breathing stops. Symptoms associated with sleep
apnoea include loud snoring, morning headaches, night
sweats, insomnia, jerking or twitching during the night,
waking up gasping for breath and getting up to go to the
toilet frequently during the night. These symptoms can vary
from mild to severe.

Sleep apnoea is caused by some sort of obstruction in the
airways, the throat or nasal passages which could be a
blocked nose and too much tissue being present, the tongue
slipping back into the throat, enlarged tonsils, or even
the angle of the jaw. One of the most significant factors
though is being overweight.

If you suspect that you or your partner suffers from sleep
apnoea it's important to speak to a doctor for a proper
diagnosis and advice. If the problem is mild then it might
just be a case of losing weight, sleeping on your side, and
not drinking alcohol in the evening, however, if it is
severe then there are other options available including the
wearing of a special mask. People who suffer from sleep
apnoea have a shortage of oxygen reaching the brain and may
also have an increased risk of strokes and heart disease as
well as other health problems.

Snoring

Snoring is extremely common and is caused by vibration of
the palate and the uvula whilst breathing during sleep. If
the snoring is regular, rhythmic and not very loud and you
wake up feeling alert and refreshed, then there is probably
very little to worry about other than possibly disturbing
others who are trying to get to sleep.

If on the other hand the snoring is loud, accompanied by
snorts and gasps and periods of interrupted breathing, then
you should speak to your doctor as it would indicate sleep
apnoea.

Ways to improve sleep

- Talking therapies can be useful in highlighting ways to
cope with any anxiety and/or depression, which in turn will
improve sleep

- Learn some relaxation and breathing techniques, take up
yoga or meditation, These may help you to relax and unwind
and make falling asleep and staying asleep much easier

- Increasing the amount of physical exercise not only
improves health in general it helps the blood flow to the
brain, relieves stress and anxiety, makes you feel good,
and facilitates a better night's sleep

- Avoid the temptation to lie in bed watching television
and if you do awake during the night and can't get back to
sleep, try getting up for a while

- Avoid drinking too much tea and coffee in the evening or
drinking alcohol just before going to bed

- Remove any computers or television sets from the bedroom
and make your bed a place that is only used for sleeping
and for sex

About the Author:

Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions
that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information
about depression and selp help come and visit
http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk