Sunday, May 31, 2009

Health Tip: Warding Off Age-Related Memory Loss

Title: Health Tip: Warding Off Age-Related Memory Loss
Category: Health News
Created: 5/20/2009 9:41:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2009 More at...

Title: Health Tip: Alleviate Caregiver Stress
Category: Health News
Created: 5/29/2009 7:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/29/2009 More at...

Title: New Options Offered for Sleep Apnea
Category: Health News
Created: 5/19/2009
Last Editorial Review: 5/19/2009 More at...

Sleep apnea has long been known to be associated with obesity. But a new study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care finds that the disorder is widely undiagnosed among obese individuals with type 2 diabetes - nearly 87 percent of participants reported symptoms, but were never diagnosed. For those with untreated sleep apnea, it doesn't just mean their sleep is disrupted; existing research shows that it can also mean an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. More at...

Change the lighting; improve your health. More at...

Dialysis takes hours of kidney disease patients' time several days a week, so why not do it at night while sleeping? Overnight dialysis is more convenient for some patients and offers significant benefits over shorter daytime treatments, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). 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...

Take a Caffeinated Shower

Take a Caffeinated Shower

The (Un)Lucky Snorers Burn More Calories

Oh Canada, Get Some Sleep!

Spring Sleep Makeover!

Stormy Weather, Stormy Sleep

Why Little Kids Need Big Sleep

Pills Plus Psychotherapy Can Beat Insomnia
Title: Pills Plus Psychotherapy Can Beat Insomnia
Category: Health News
Created: 5/20/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2009

New Guidelines Recommend Opioids for Seniors' Pain
Title: New Guidelines Recommend Opioids for Seniors' Pain
Category: Health News
Created: 5/7/2009 11:07:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/7/2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Former ADHD kids suffer lifelong sleep problems: study

Adolescents who were diagnosed with ADHD as children are more likely to have lifelong sleep problems than those who were never diagnosed with ADHD, a new study suggests. Read more ...

U.S. researchers have found that waking up during surgery is surprisingly common, affecting 1-in-500 surgical cases. Read more ...

Officials in the Obama administration are seeking to reassure an edgy public about a potential swine flu outbreak, stressing the need for patience and preparedness, not panic. Read more ...

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... Read more ...

A study of nurses has found that those who sleep the most are thinner than those who get less shut-eye. Read more ...

Title: Depression Hits 1 in 13 American Adults
Category: Health News
Created: 5/20/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2009 Read more ...

Friday, May 29, 2009

Why Little Kids Need Big Sleep

Why Little Kids Need Big Sleep

Sleep Apnea Widely Undiagnosed Among Obese Type 2 Diabetics
Sleep apnea has long been known to be associated with obesity. But a new study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care finds that the disorder is widely undiagnosed among obese individuals with type 2 diabetes - nearly 87 percent of participants reported symptoms, but were never diagnosed. For those with untreated sleep apnea, it doesn't just mean their sleep is disrupted; existing research shows that it can also mean an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

QualityMetric Offers Way To Measure The Impact Of Sleep Problems On Individuals And Groups
There are few things as vital to health and well-being as a good night's sleep. Yet millions of us -- nearly 50 million according to the National Sleep Foundation -- suffer from chronic sleep problems or disorders. Every year, more and more scientific studies are showing correlations between poor or insufficient sleep and disease. Now there is a simple, easy way to quantify and measure sleep problems with patient populations.

In Greenland Constant Sunlight Linked To Summer Suicide Spike
Suicide rates in Greenland increase during the summer, peaking in June. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Psychiatry speculate that insomnia caused by incessant daylight may be to blame. Karin Sparring Björkstén from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, led a team of researchers who studied the seasonal variation of suicides in all of Greenland from 1968-2002.

Spring Sleep Makeover!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Snoring, Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy

It's common knowledge that snoring is both annoying and dangerous. Loud snoring is a sign of a much more serious sleep disorder - sleep apnea. A person suffering from sleep apnea stops breathing hundreds of times a night only to start again with a loud gasp. This puts a strain on the entire body, and especially on the heart. It also decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood stream and in the brain.   Anyone can become a victim of sleep... More at...

There is no cure for the common cold, or so we've been told. But a recent study led by Sheldon Cohen of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg suggests that if you can't cure it, then find a method of preventing it.   The study, which appeared in the January 12, 2009, issue of Archives of Internal medicine, shows that, of the 153 volunteers, those who slept fewer than eight hours a night were more likely to contract a cold. For two... More at...

Could sleep be a critical component to maintaining a healthy body weight? According to new research presented on Sunday, May 17, at the American Thoracic Society's 105th International Conference in San Diego, body mass index (BMI) is linked to length and quality of sleep in a surprisingly consistent fashion. More at...

It's common knowledge that obesity is one of the main causes of sleep apnea. How, the, do we account for the 40 to 60% of sleep apnea victims who are not obese?   Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a deformed uvula or soft palate - These conditions  can be the culprits in some cases. So can liver disease. But this still leaves many cases of apnea unaccounted for.   Researchers at the University of Toronto Center for Sleep... More at...

"You'll feel better after a good night's sleep." We've all heard those words, but have we ever stopped to wonder about the mental health of people who just aren't able to sleep well? Rachel Manber has, and the Stanford University School of Medicine researcher is trying to identify the best way to treat patients suffering from both depression and insomnia. More at...

The European Medicines Agency has been formally notified by Sepracor Pharmaceuticals Ltd of its decision to withdraw its application for a centralised marketing authorisation for the medicine Lunivia (eszopiclone), 2 and 3 mg tablets. Lunivia was expected to be used for the treatment of insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakening or early awakening in adults, usually for short-term duration. More at...

Driver Fatigue: The Dangers of Driving Sleepy

Driver Fatigue: The Dangers of Driving Sleepy
Driver fatigue and driving sleepy or drowsy can cause car accidents and crashes. Keep reading to learn about driver fatigue as well as truck driver fatigue.

S.A.D. and Circadian Rhythms
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”   - Anne Bradstreet, British poet   It’s that time of the year again.  Especially for those of us not fortunate enough to live in warmer climes- the winter is coming.  As we all know, along with the season comes shorter days and longer nights.  Some of us may...

Drugs and Sleep Deprivation
Drugs and sleep deprivation go hand in hand. Keep reading to learn more about drugs that cause sleep deprivation.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation, caused by sleep disorders has a number of physical and mental effects. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of sleep deprivation.

Diagnosing Restless Leg Syndrome
You’ve all seen the ads.  You might have even heard about the charges of “disease mongering” that have been bandied about, specifically about this disorder.  We are going to start covering the topic of restless legs syndrome (RLS).  (By the way, disease mongering is when someone with a financial interest in a disease, like a pharmaceutical company with an effective medicine, publicizes a disorder with the sole...

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Treating Sleep Disorders May Ease ADHD Symptoms

Title: Treating Sleep Disorders May Ease ADHD Symptoms
Category: Health News
Created: 5/4/2009 10:37:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/4/2009 More at...

Title: Teething
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 5/12/2009
Last Editorial Review: 5/12/2009 More at...

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. More at...

Teeth grinding can occur when people are asleep or awake. Keep reading to find out about preventing teeth grinding, including using a night guard or mouth guard. More at...

Common sleep problems, aging problems and memory problems are all connected. Keep reading to learn about the physical and psychological effects of aging and sleep problems. More at...

Drugs and sleep deprivation go hand in hand. Keep reading to learn more about drugs that cause sleep deprivation. More at...

Sleep apnea has long been known to be associated with obesity. But a new study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care finds that the disorder is widely undiagnosed among obese individuals with type 2 diabetes - nearly 87 percent of participants reported symptoms, but were never diagnosed. For those with untreated sleep apnea, it doesn't just mean their sleep is disrupted; existing research shows that it can also mean an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. More at...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Secondary Insomnia and the Drugs Used To Treat It

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... Complete news at...

Most people are familiar with the after effects of a night or two without sleep. Without sleep, people are less efficient and more irritable. It's even difficult for them to think. A study by the University of California in San Diego reveals that brain activity is actually altered following sleep deprivation.   Parts of the brain, for instance the frontal lobe, did not function when the subject was severely sleep deprived. However, other... Complete news at...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for most cases of primary insomnia, and for selected cases of secondary insomnia. There are a variety of behavioral and psychological treatments that comprise CBT-I, including stimulus control therapy, relaxation training, biofeedback, paradoxical intention, sleep restriction therapy, sleep hygiene education, and cognitive therapy. Usually several of these treatments are... Complete news 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... Complete news at...

When I was a teenager, there were rumors going around about combining aspirin and Coca-Cola. For instance, you should never combine the two when out with a guy because the combination produced an aphrodisiac. But the most popular rumor said that if you dropped an aspirin or two in a bottle of Coke and drank it, it gave you a real "high." Just like a shot of booze. But other hearsay warned of caution. That same combination could kill... Complete news at...

Title: Depression Hits 1 in 13 American Adults
Category: Health News
Created: 5/20/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2009 Complete news at...

Title: Lose Weight With a Good Night's Sleep?
Category: Health News
Created: 5/18/2009
Last Editorial Review: 5/18/2009 Complete news at...

Monday, May 25, 2009

Pills Plus Psychotherapy Can Beat Insomnia

Pills Plus Psychotherapy Can Beat Insomnia
Title: Pills Plus Psychotherapy Can Beat Insomnia
Category: Health News
Created: 5/20/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2009

2-Week Course Of Sleep Aid Increases CPAP Adherence In OSA Patients At 6 Months
New research suggests that patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who use a short-course of the sleep aid, eszopiclone, when beginning continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, are more adherent with therapy in six months. The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society's International Conference in San Diego on May 17. OSA is a common disorder that leads to multiple adverse effects on health and quality of life.

Combination Therapy Appears Helpful For Short-Term Treatment Of Insomnia; Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Be Better For Long-Term
For patients with persistent insomnia, a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and the medication zolpidem for 6 weeks was associated with improvement in sleep, although for a longer treatment period CBT alone was more beneficial, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA. Insomnia is a prevalent public health problem affecting large segments of the population on a situational, recurrent, or chronic basis.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Cot Death) Associated With New Virus - Ljungan Virus
Ljungan virus, transmitted from animals to humans, has been found in 11 of 12 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. Investigators from Sweden and the USA present these findings in the scientific journal Forensic Science in Medicine and Pathology. Animals infected with the virus suffer from a similar disease. Population cycles of wild rodents carrying Ljungan virus correlate with the frequency of SIDS cases.

New Options Offered for Sleep Apnea
Title: New Options Offered for Sleep Apnea
Category: Health News
Created: 5/19/2009
Last Editorial Review: 5/19/2009

Addrenex Pharmaceuticals Expands Product Pipeline By Licensing New Drug To Treat Narcolepsy
Addrenex Pharmaceuticals expanded its pipeline of products aimed at adrenergic regulation with the signing of an agreement to license a new drug for the treatment of narcolepsy, a chronic and debilitating sleep disorder, as well as other neurologic and psychiatric conditions.

Stanford Study Recruiting Participants Who Have Insomnia And Depression
"You'll feel better after a good night's sleep." We've all heard those words, but have we ever stopped to wonder about the mental health of people who just aren't able to sleep well? Rachel Manber has, and the Stanford University School of Medicine researcher is trying to identify the best way to treat patients suffering from both depression and insomnia.

In Greenland Constant Sunlight Linked To Summer Suicide Spike
Suicide rates in Greenland increase during the summer, peaking in June. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Psychiatry speculate that insomnia caused by incessant daylight may be to blame. Karin Sparring Björkstén from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, led a team of researchers who studied the seasonal variation of suicides in all of Greenland from 1968-2002.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Health Tip: Warding Off Age-Related Memory Loss

Health Tip: Warding Off Age-Related Memory Loss
Title: Health Tip: Warding Off Age-Related Memory Loss
Category: Health News
Created: 5/20/2009 9:41:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2009

Snoring, Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy
It's common knowledge that snoring is both annoying and dangerous. Loud snoring is a sign of a much more serious sleep disorder - sleep apnea. A person suffering from sleep apnea stops breathing hundreds of times a night only to start again with a loud gasp. This puts a strain on the entire body, and especially on the heart. It also decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood stream and in the brain.   Anyone can become a victim of sleep...

Stormy Weather, Stormy Sleep

The (Un)Lucky Snorers Burn More Calories

Too Much Sitting Linked to Sleep Apnea
It's common knowledge that obesity is one of the main causes of sleep apnea. How, the, do we account for the 40 to 60% of sleep apnea victims who are not obese?   Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a deformed uvula or soft palate - These conditions  can be the culprits in some cases. So can liver disease. But this still leaves many cases of apnea unaccounted for.   Researchers at the University of Toronto Center for Sleep...

Testing New Fluorescent Lighting For Synchronizing Older Patients' Sleep-Wake Cycles

Testing New Fluorescent Lighting For Synchronizing Older Patients' Sleep-Wake Cycles
Change the lighting; improve your health.

Tips for Sleepless Mariah Carey

New System For Managing Sleep Disorders Aims To Improve Sleep Through Brain Chemistry
NeuroScience, Inc. has launched NeuroSLP, a medical protocol that tests for potential imbalances in the hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. This protocol enhances a clinician's ability to make more informed decisions regarding patient care. The NeuroSLP protocol is a major advance in the way healthcare practitioners approach sleep difficulties.

Secondary Insomnia and the Drugs Used To Treat It
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...

Oh Canada, Get Some Sleep!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

NECT Added To WHO Essential Medicines List As Combination Treatment Against Sleeping Sickness

NECT (Nifurtimox-Eflornithine Combination Therapy), a new treatment option against sleeping sickness, a fatal disease which threatens 60 million people across sub-Saharan Africa, has been added to the Essential Medicines List (EML) of the World Health Organization (WHO) based on the application submitted by the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and supported by Epicentre and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). More at...

Most new college graduates say they're ready for the "real world."  But are they ready for the world of health insurance? More at...

NECT (Nifurtimox-Eflornithine Combination Therapy), a new treatment option for sleeping sickness, a fatal disease that threatens 60 million people across sub-Saharan Africa, has been added to the Essential Medicines List (EML) of the World Health Organization (WHO). More at...

Officials in the Obama administration are seeking to reassure an edgy public about a potential swine flu outbreak, stressing the need for patience and preparedness, not panic. More at...

We started our discussion about restless legs syndrome (RLS) in my recent blog, so let’s continue where we left off.   Mild symptoms of RLS occur in 5-15% of the general population, which makes it the second or third most common sleep disorder.  Of these cases, only about 2-3% are considered clinically severe enough to require treatment.  It appears to occur more commonly in females and can even affect children.  Due... More at...

New research suggests that patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who use a short-course of the sleep aid, eszopiclone, when beginning continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, are more adherent with therapy in six months. The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society's International Conference in San Diego on May 17. OSA is a common disorder that leads to multiple adverse effects on health and quality of life. More at...

Friday, May 22, 2009

Make Money in Your Sleep

Complete news at...

Practicing certain tongue and pharyngeal exercises may reduce symptoms of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to new research being published in the second issue for May of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Although CPAP is the gold standard treatment for severe OSA, the vast majority of subjects from epidemiological studies have mild or moderate OSA. Complete news at...

Complete news at...

The eyes may be the window into the soul, but they may also contain important medical information. According to new research presented at the American Thoracic Society's 105th International Conference in San Diego on May 19, patients with diabetes who have retinopathy should also be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). "We know from our earlier research that 23 percent of men with type 2 diabetes have OSA and this is under-recognized and under-treated," said Sophie D. Complete news at...

We started our discussion about restless legs syndrome (RLS) in my recent blog, so let’s continue where we left off.   Mild symptoms of RLS occur in 5-15% of the general population, which makes it the second or third most common sleep disorder.  Of these cases, only about 2-3% are considered clinically severe enough to require treatment.  It appears to occur more commonly in females and can even affect children.  Due... Complete news at...

DSPS: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

DSPS: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is often misdiagnosed as a sleep disorder. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of DSPS.

Sleep and Accelerated Aging
Do you know how a lack of sleep effects the aging process? Read on to learn more about how sleep deprivation causes accelerated aging.

Nightmares: Why We Have Them and How to Stop Them
Do you or someone you love suffer from nightmares? Learn more about the most common causes of nightmares and how you can stop them.

Link Between Sleep And Weight Control
Could sleep be a critical component to maintaining a healthy body weight? According to new research presented on Sunday, May 17, at the American Thoracic Society's 105th International Conference in San Diego, body mass index (BMI) is linked to length and quality of sleep in a surprisingly consistent fashion.

Symptoms and Causes of Insomnia
There are many causes of insomnia. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of insomnia, including pain, depression, and sleep disorders.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Sleep Disorders in Women

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. Continue reading ...

I'm not saying that the right bed and mattress bed will cure your insomnia or sleep apnea or sleep paralysis, but a bed or mattress that's uncomfortable or unsuited to your needs will add to sleep problems.   What's your bed like? Is it starting to look a bit the worse for wear? Does it sag in the middle? Can you feel the shape of the springs when you lie down? I've even heard of people who were trying to sleep on a mattress so old that... Continue reading ...

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. Continue reading ...

The Alternative Medicine site at About.com describes acupressure as "The application of pressure to certain points along the flow of energy or "qi" in the body. This therapy is used to promote health, prevent and treat disease, and relieve pain."   Some reports tell us that acupuncture (acupressure using needles) has a 90% success rate when it comes to insomnia. Pressure on certain points on the energy chain of the body encourages an... Continue reading ...

Medicines like antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, sleeping pills and other drugs can cause insomnia. Keep reding to learn how medications can interfere with sleep. Continue reading ...

Snoring can cause problems for people who snore and even keep their loved ones awake all night. Keep reading to learn about the causes of snoring, as well as ways to help stop snoring. Continue reading ...

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. Continue reading ...

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Snoring: Tips to Stop Snoring

Snoring: Tips to Stop Snoring
Snoring can cause problems for people who snore and even keep their loved ones awake all night. Keep reading to learn about the causes of snoring, as well as ways to help stop snoring.

2-Week Course Of Sleep Aid Increases CPAP Adherence In OSA Patients At 6 Months
New research suggests that patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who use a short-course of the sleep aid, eszopiclone, when beginning continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, are more adherent with therapy in six months. The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society's International Conference in San Diego on May 17. OSA is a common disorder that leads to multiple adverse effects on health and quality of life.

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.

Medications that Interfere with Sleep
Medicines like antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, sleeping pills and other drugs can cause insomnia. Keep reding to learn how medications can interfere with sleep.

Types of Sleep Disorders
Different types of sleep disorders, such as excessive sleep and lack of sleep, affect various groups of people (namely women and children) in unique ways. Keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments for various types of sleep disorders.

New System For Managing Sleep Disorders Aims To Improve Sleep Through Brain Chemistry
NeuroScience, Inc. has launched NeuroSLP, a medical protocol that tests for potential imbalances in the hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. This protocol enhances a clinician's ability to make more informed decisions regarding patient care. The NeuroSLP protocol is a major advance in the way healthcare practitioners approach sleep difficulties.

Medical Conditions that Interfere with 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.

Sleep Disorders in Women
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.

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.

Types of Sleep Disorders
Different types of sleep disorders, such as excessive sleep and lack of sleep, affect various groups of people (namely women and children) in unique ways. Keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments for various types of sleep disorders.

DSPS: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is often misdiagnosed as a sleep disorder. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of DSPS.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Teeth Grinding: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

Teeth grinding can occur when people are asleep or awake. Keep reading to find out about preventing teeth grinding, including using a night guard or mouth guard. Complete news at...

In my last blog we discussed at length the different stages of sleep, namely non-REM and REM, the biological need for sleep to stay alive, and started discussing what some researchers believe may be the function of some portions of non-REM sleep.  We reviewed how there is some evidence linking declarative memory (memory of facts and figures) to slow wave sleep and procedural memory (the ability to perform tasks like riding a bike or playing... Complete news at...

Medicines like antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, sleeping pills and other drugs can cause insomnia. Keep reding to learn how medications can interfere with sleep. Complete news at...

Lifestyle choices such as caffeine intake, diet, stress and substance abuse can have an effect on sleep quality. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between lifestyle and sleep deprivation. Complete news at...

Do you suffer from night sweats? Learn more about the causes of and reason for night sweats. Complete news at...

Sleep deprivation, caused by sleep disorders has a number of physical and mental effects. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of sleep deprivation. Complete news at...

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. Complete news at...

Change the lighting; improve your health. Complete news at...

Monday, May 18, 2009

Foods for Sweet Dreams

Foods for Sweet Dreams

Sleep In, Save Your Heart

More Boost to Immunity

Sleeping Double in a Single Bed
Anyone who has any knowledge at all of country music will probably remember the Barbara Mandrell hit, "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed." That, according to the song, is not a favorable situation. However, please consider the alternative. Snuggling together on a narrow bed may sound appealing to the newlyweds, but believe me, keep it up and the honeymoon will soon be over. Buy a bed large enough to give both people room to move around, stretch...

Spring Sleep Makeover!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

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. Read more ...

Sleep deprivation, caused by sleep disorders has a number of physical and mental effects. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of sleep deprivation. Read more ...

There are many causes of insomnia. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of insomnia, including pain, depression, and sleep disorders. Read more ...

Let’s continue talking about restless legs syndrome (RLS).   We reviewed some of the symptoms, causes, and adverse effects of restless legs syndrome in the past two blogs, now let’s talk about how RLS is diagnosed.  Due to the unusual sensations that patients with RLS complain of, it is sometimes difficult for a healthcare provider to determine if these complaints are actually related to RLS.  Contrary to popular... Read more ...

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. Read more ...

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. Read more ...

Sexsomnia, also known as sexsleep or sleep sex, is a parasomnia that causes a person to have sex while sleeping. Learn more about sexsomnia. Read more ...

Do you suffer from night sweats? Learn more about the causes of and reason for night sweats. Read more ...

Friday, May 1, 2009

PER:PER Protein Pair Required For Circadian Clock Function

Scientists from Queen Mary, University of London have discovered a new protein complex operating in fruit fly circadian clocks, which may also help to regulate our own biological clocks. Circadian clocks are thought to have evolved to enable organisms to match their behaviour to specific time slots during the 24 hour day. They are synchronised with our surrounding environment via natural light or temperature cycles. Continue reading ...

After about seven months growing in the womb, a human fetus spends most of its time asleep. Its brain cycles back and forth between the frenzied activity of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and the quiet resting state of non-REM sleep. But whether the brains of younger, immature fetuses cycle with sleep or are simply inactive has remained a mystery, until now. Continue reading ...

A study in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that sleep problems lead to increased pain and fatigue in cancer patients. The results indicate that interventions aimed at trouble sleeping would be expected to improve both pain and fatigue in this patient population. Results show that more than half the sample reported having trouble sleeping, with 26 percent reporting moderate or severe trouble sleeping. Continue reading ...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for most cases of primary insomnia, and for selected cases of secondary insomnia. There are a variety of behavioral and psychological treatments that comprise CBT-I, including stimulus control therapy, relaxation training, biofeedback, paradoxical intention, sleep restriction therapy, sleep hygiene education, and cognitive therapy. Usually several of these treatments are... Continue reading ...

In an Early Edition issue of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on April 9, 2009, the researchers report that they have been able to determine the molecular structure of a plant photolyase protein that is surprisingly similar to two cryptochrome proteins that control the "master clock" in humans and other mammals. They have also been able to test how structural changes affect the function of these proteins. Continue reading ...

If you've ever been sleep-deprived, you know the feeling that your brain is full of wool. Now, a study published in the April 3 edition of the journal Science has molecular and structural evidence of that woolly feeling - proteins that build up in the brains of sleep-deprived fruit flies and drop to lower levels in the brains of the well-rested. The proteins are located in the synapses, those specialized parts of neurons that allow brain cells to communicate with other neurons. Continue reading ...

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... Continue reading ...