Monday, August 31, 2009

Sleeplessness Worse for Women

Sleeplessness Worse for Women

Adolescents Are Losing Sleep Over "It"

Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Title: Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Tips for Sleepless Mariah Carey

Secrets of Sound Sleepers

Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep
Title: Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/14/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009 8:10:00 AM

Sleep Training Helps Ease Insomnia Tied to Arthritis
Title: Sleep Training Helps Ease Insomnia Tied to Arthritis
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2009 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2009

Gene Cuts Need for Sleep
Title: Gene Cuts Need for Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009

Sunday, August 30, 2009

UCLA Scientist Ask 'Why Sleep?' Analysis Shows Snoozing Is A Strategy To Increase Efficiency, Minimize Risk

UCLA Scientist Ask 'Why Sleep?' Analysis Shows Snoozing Is A Strategy To Increase Efficiency, Minimize Risk
Bats, birds, box turtles, humans and many other animals share at least one thing in common: They sleep. Humans, in fact, spend roughly one-third of their lives asleep, but sleep researchers still don't know why. According to the journal Science, the function of sleep is one of the 125 greatest unsolved mysteries in science.

UC Researchers Uncover Which Gender Is Losing Sleep
Even with growing progress toward gender equality in the workplace, women continue to carry the most responsibility for family care, a load that according to a new study could indicate why women report more sleep disruption than men. The research led by David Maume, a University of Cincinnati professor of sociology and director of the UC Kunz Center for Research in Work, Family and Gender, UC graduate student Rachel A. Sebastian and Miami University (Ohio) graduate student Anthony R.

How Well Do You Sleep At Night? Visit The New Online Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute To Find Out
Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a serious health condition that has been linked to increased risks for obesity and weight gain, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, asthma and depression. Sleep apnea has also been cited by experts as the number one cause of car accidents. Ninety-five percent of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed, putting the health of millions of Americans at risk.

Back To School Stories: Sleep To STDs, Phobias To Rx Meds
Starting or returning to school can stir up a bevy of emotions with a range of effects, from bothersome to debilitating. Knowing a little bit about a few of these problems helps parents and children manage and overcome them. School phobia extreme anxiety from going to school or even talking about it. Causes could range from being bullied to grieving for a lost pet.

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...

Causes and Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
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...

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Memory, Brain Function, and REM Sleep: Are They Related?

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... More at...

Despite mounting public health concerns about obesity and persistent social pressures dictating that slim is beautiful, young women in their '20s consistently exercise less than young men. And young black women showed significant declines in exercise between 1984 and 2006, according to a University of Michigan study to be published in the October issue of the American Journal of Public Health. More 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... More at...

A study, "Sibling risk of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy," in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP indicates that children have an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if they have at least one sibling who has been diagnosed with the sleep disorder. More at...

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... More at...

International Travel Health Guidebook Gets Updated

International Travel Health Guidebook Gets Updated
Title: International Travel Health Guidebook Gets Updated
Category: Health News
Created: 8/15/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009

Behavioral Therapy for Pain and Insomnia
Title: Behavioral Therapy for Pain and Insomnia
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009

Sleep Training Helps Ease Insomnia Tied to Arthritis
Title: Sleep Training Helps Ease Insomnia Tied to Arthritis
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2009 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2009

Health Tip: Stay Awake on the Road
Title: Health Tip: Stay Awake on the Road
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009

Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Title: Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep
Title: Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/14/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009 8:10:00 AM

Friday, August 28, 2009

Did Diprivan Lead to Michael Jackson's Death?

It's no surprise to hear that Michael Jackson suffered from insomnia. According to an Associated Press news release, he'd been plague with insomnia as far back as 1989 and the "Bad" tour.   Sleep problems are common among celebrities, and, no matter your personal opinion of Michael Jackson, there's no doubt he was a celebrity - a super nova of the music world. Can you imagine the stress and pressure of most of life? Then add to that his... Read more ...

Title: Behavioral Therapy for Pain and Insomnia
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009 Read more ...

It's annoying for anyone to have a buzzing mosquito flying around the room. They land for an instant, never long enough to swat them, but just enough to arouse, then off they go again for another circle of the room. This is not only irritating to a child but can be downright frightening.   To help keep mosquitoes and other flying insects out of the house, make sure doors are closed quickly. Don't stand and chat with a neighbor with the... Read more ...

Title: Teen Athletes Sleep Better Than Couch Potatoes
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2009 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2009 Read more ...

Title: International Travel Health Guidebook Gets Updated
Category: Health News
Created: 8/15/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009 Read more ...

Title: Soothe Back-to-School Anxiety, Teach Kids to Relax
Category: Health News
Created: 8/23/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2009 Read more ...

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Title: Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Bed Bugs
Title: Bed Bugs
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/27/2006
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Do Not Try This at Home

Fido or Tabby Got Your Sleep?

Mattress Money Stasher Throws Out a Million!

Behavioral Therapy for Pain and Insomnia
Title: Behavioral Therapy for Pain and Insomnia
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009

Teen Athletes Sleep Better Than Couch Potatoes
Title: Teen Athletes Sleep Better Than Couch Potatoes
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2009 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2009

The unsolved mystery of sleep

The unsolved mystery of sleep
Despite the fact that humans will spend roughly one-third of their lives asleep, scientists still don't know why we do it.

Drugmakers pour $40 million into healthcare reform debate
Statistics show that the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), a lobbying group that represents 32 brandname drug companies, and its member companies have spent $40 million lobbying Congress as the lawmakers work to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system.

4 things you should know about the healthcare reform bill
Dr. Bernadine Healy gives four things that you and your representatives in Washington should know about the healthcare reform bill known as H.R. 3200.

Sleep training helps insomnia in arthritis patients
According to a new study, a type of therapy known as cognitive behavior therapy may ease pain and sleep problems in older people who suffer from both arthritis and insomnia.

AMA backs House healthcare reform bill
The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging approval for healthcare overhaul legislation currently moving through committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Internet-based therapy may treat insomnia
A new software that uses quizzes, stories, and games may help people who suffer from insomnia, experts say.

Doctors judge patients by their looks, studies show
Several studies have found that doctors treat patients differently depending on their race and body weight.

Gene may explain how some function on little sleep
A lucky few can get by just fine on six hours of sleep, and a new study suggests a genetic mutation might help explain why.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sleep disorder may lead to bad behavior in asthmatic kids

Sleep disorder may lead to bad behavior in asthmatic kids
Kids with asthma who have sleep disordered breathing (SDB) at night may exhibit behavior problems, a new study has found.

Charging medical bills a risky business
Unemployment rates are climbing and medical bills are mounting, forcing many American to pay their medical bills with credit cards.

Obese Children and Sleep Disordered Breathing
Childhood obesity is on the rise, and along with the obesity comes other problems --- heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Another problem, long thought to be a disorder of older, overweight males, is sleep apnea.   A study published in the June issue of the journal sleep reveals that obese children are as much at risk of developing sleep apnea as obese adults. The risk factor is based on waist circumference and BMI...

The unsolved mystery of sleep
Despite the fact that humans will spend roughly one-third of their lives asleep, scientists still don't know why we do it.

Insomnia patients often prescribed antidepressants, not sleep meds
Almost 40 million Americans suffer from chronic insomnia, but new research suggests that doctors often prescribe antidepressants for the disorder instead of sleep meds.

Gene may explain how some function on little sleep
A lucky few can get by just fine on six hours of sleep, and a new study suggests a genetic mutation might help explain why.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Teen Athletes Sleep Better Than Couch Potatoes

Title: Teen Athletes Sleep Better Than Couch Potatoes
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2009 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2009 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...

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... More at...

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... More 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... More at...

Title: Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009 More at...

Title: Sleep Training Helps Ease Insomnia Tied to Arthritis
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2009 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2009 More at...

You are what you eat I can hear you saying, "Okay... now I have to watch what I eat and when I eat it... but now you are going to limit my fluids?"   No! However, there are certain factors that should be kept in mind when drinking any type of fluids. One troublesome item is caffeine. Caffeine interferes with sleep with most people. Caffeine can also become an addiction... so watching our intake should be... More at...

Snoring: A Health Hazard or a Harmless Habit?

Complete news at...

In my last blog we began a discussion of seasonal affective disorder or SAD.  We will pick up where we left off.   There is actually some debate in the psychiatric community whether or not SAD is actually a separate diagnosis, apart from general depression.  Those who claim it is not suggest that it is no more than a seasonal coincidence that occurs in someone with recurring episodes of depression.  As support to this idea... Complete news at...

We finished the last blog in mid-thought.  We were talking about REM sleep and the idea of brain plasticity- the rewiring of our brains that take place when we learn new information.   A recent study in rats showed that 4 days of REM sleep deprivation decreased the amount of new cells in the part of the brain that is associated with long-term memory, in other words they did not make those new circuits.   Another study with... Complete news at...

“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... Complete news at...

Complete news at...

Monday, August 24, 2009

AMA backs House healthcare reform bill

AMA backs House healthcare reform bill
The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging approval for healthcare overhaul legislation currently moving through committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sleep disorder may lead to bad behavior in asthmatic kids
Kids with asthma who have sleep disordered breathing (SDB) at night may exhibit behavior problems, a new study has found.

Charging medical bills a risky business
Unemployment rates are climbing and medical bills are mounting, forcing many American to pay their medical bills with credit cards.

Diprivan not a treatment for sleep disorders: experts
According to a nurse employed by Michael Jackson, the pop singer had repeatedly asked her to give him the powerful IV anesthetic Diprivan to treat his insomnia, even though the drug is not approved for this use.

Hospitals close to agreeing to accept Medicare cuts
According to Kaiser Health News, the hospital industry is about to agree to accept federal funding cuts of $150 billion to $170 billion over the next decade to help pay for efforts to reform the national healthcare system.

Internet-based therapy may treat insomnia
A new software that uses quizzes, stories, and games may help people who suffer from insomnia, experts say.

Reid: No healthcare vote until after August recess
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says there will be no vote on healthcare reform before Congress takes its August break, a move that would go against President Obama's announced timetable for its vote.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sleep on the Government's Agenda

More at...

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... More at...

More 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... More at...

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... More at...

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Benefits From Upper Airway Surgery For Sleep Apnea Found To Equal CPAP

Benefits From Upper Airway Surgery For Sleep Apnea Found To Equal CPAP
Adults who struggle with CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be considered candidates for reconstructive surgery on the upper airway, because it holds the same quality-of-life (QOL) benefits but with more permanence. This thesis is in new research published in the August 2009 edition of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

In Parkinson's Fly Model, Dementia Induced And Blocked
Parkinson's disease is well-known for impairing movement and causing tremors, but many patients also develop other serious problems, including sleep disturbances and significant losses in cognitive function known as dementia. Now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have modeled Parkinson's-associated dementia for the first time.

Sleep Less, Get Diabetes?
Title: Sleep Less, Get Diabetes?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/13/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/13/2009

6 things patients do that doctors hate
Patients are full of complaints about their doctors, but many doctors feel the same way about some of their patients.

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Title: Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Sleep disorder may lead to bad behavior in asthmatic kids
Kids with asthma who have sleep disordered breathing (SDB) at night may exhibit behavior problems, a new study has found.

House panel approves healthcare reform bill

House panel approves healthcare reform bill
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved a sweeping bill designed to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system, clearing the way for a vote by the full House in the fall.

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...

Internet-based therapy may treat insomnia
A new software that uses quizzes, stories, and games may help people who suffer from insomnia, experts say.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
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...

Doctors judge patients by their looks, studies show
Several studies have found that doctors treat patients differently depending on their race and body weight.

Hospitals close to agreeing to accept Medicare cuts
According to Kaiser Health News, the hospital industry is about to agree to accept federal funding cuts of $150 billion to $170 billion over the next decade to help pay for efforts to reform the national healthcare system.

Charging medical bills a risky business
Unemployment rates are climbing and medical bills are mounting, forcing many American to pay their medical bills with credit cards.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Title: Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Stressed Out College Students Losing Sleep
Title: Stressed Out College Students Losing Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/12/2009 8:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/12/2009

Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Title: Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Senior Sex
Title: Senior Sex
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/7/2002
Last Editorial Review: 8/7/2009

Bed Bugs
Title: Bed Bugs
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/27/2006
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Obese Children and Sleep Disordered Breathing
Childhood obesity is on the rise, and along with the obesity comes other problems --- heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Another problem, long thought to be a disorder of older, overweight males, is sleep apnea.   A study published in the June issue of the journal sleep reveals that obese children are as much at risk of developing sleep apnea as obese adults. The risk factor is based on waist circumference and BMI...

Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
Title: Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Causes and Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

Causes and Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
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...

The Function of Sleep Not Quite Explained
We finished the last blog in mid-thought.  We were talking about REM sleep and the idea of brain plasticity- the rewiring of our brains that take place when we learn new information.   A recent study in rats showed that 4 days of REM sleep deprivation decreased the amount of new cells in the part of the brain that is associated with long-term memory, in other words they did not make those new circuits.   Another study with...

Memory, Brain Function, and REM Sleep: Are They Related?
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...

Sleep Deprivation 101: What You Should Know
In my previous blogs I have written about the importance of good sleep, but I don’t think we ever really explained the significance of sleep deprivation and the effects on society and the individual. I thought that it would be a good idea to go over some significant facts and figures to convince you of the importance of getting a good restful sleep and of the need to address sleep problems with your doctor.What is sleep deprivation?It is...

The Holy Grail of Biological Questions: Why Do We Sleep?
In this blog, I am going to deal with a question that has stumped some of the most talented researchers in the world.  That should hopefully get your attention- this vexing question seems simple, but represents the “holy grail” of biology.  The question: why do we sleep?  Consider this- we spend approximately one-third of lives doing it and scientists are still not quit sure why.  (Much of this and future blogs on...

All Sleep is Not Created Equal
In my last blog we were reviewing the fundamental question of why we sleep.  We left off trying to sort out the level of activity of the brain and body during different stages of sleep (i.e. Non-REM and REM).    During non-REM the body and brain are at their most relaxed state.  Ironically, most people think of REM as deep sleep, but actually during REM the level of brain activity resembles the awake state.  Our most...

Diet and Sleep Part Two
You are what you eat I can hear you saying, "Okay... now I have to watch what I eat and when I eat it... but now you are going to limit my fluids?"   No! However, there are certain factors that should be kept in mind when drinking any type of fluids. One troublesome item is caffeine. Caffeine interferes with sleep with most people. Caffeine can also become an addiction... so watching our intake should be...

Relieving Those Restless Legs
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...

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving

Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Title: Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
Title: Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009

The Sounds and Sleeplessness in the ICU (Part II)

Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Title: Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Death, Especially for Men: Report
Category: Health News
Created: 8/18/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2009

Wal-Mart supports employer health insurance mandate
The Associated Press is reporting that the nation's largest private employer, Wal-Mart, has announced that it supports an employer health insurance mandate.

Yawn Alert For Weary Drivers

Yawn Alert For Weary Drivers
We've all experienced it after long hours driving, the eyelids getting heavy, a deep yawn, neck muscles relaxing, the urge to sleep, the head nodding down... But, you're hands are still on the wheel and you only just stopped yourself nodding off in time to avoid the oncoming traffic.

First Human Gene Implicated In Regulating Length Of Human Sleep
Scientists have discovered the first gene involved in regulating the optimal length of human sleep, offering a window into a key aspect of slumber, an enigmatic phenomenon that is critical to human physical and mental health. The team, reporting in the Aug.

Sleep Less, Get Diabetes?
Title: Sleep Less, Get Diabetes?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/13/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/13/2009

Gene Cuts Need for Sleep
Title: Gene Cuts Need for Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009

Removal Of Tonsils And Adenoids Associated With Ongoing Benefits For Children With Breathing Problems During Sleep
Two and a half years after children with sleep-related breathing disorders had surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids (glands in the back of the throat), they appear to sleep better than they did before the procedure but not as well as they did six months after, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Back To School Stories: Sleep To STDs, Phobias To Rx Meds
Starting or returning to school can stir up a bevy of emotions with a range of effects, from bothersome to debilitating. Knowing a little bit about a few of these problems helps parents and children manage and overcome them. School phobia extreme anxiety from going to school or even talking about it. Causes could range from being bullied to grieving for a lost pet.

Improving Sleep And Pain In People With Osteoarthritis Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for older patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid insomnia. Results showed that treatment improves both immediate and long-term self-reported sleep and pain in older patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid insomnia without directly addressing pain control.

Discovery Of Increased 'Sibling Risk' Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children
A study, "Sibling risk of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy," in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP indicates that children have an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if they have at least one sibling who has been diagnosed with the sleep disorder.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)

Title: Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009 Read more ...

Starting or returning to school can stir up a bevy of emotions with a range of effects, from bothersome to debilitating. Knowing a little bit about a few of these problems helps parents and children manage and overcome them. School phobia extreme anxiety from going to school or even talking about it. Causes could range from being bullied to grieving for a lost pet. Read more ...

Title: Health Tip: Stay Awake on the Road
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/17/2009 Read more ...

Professor Chris French, has co-authored a paper on sleep paralysis with Julia Santomauro, both of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London, which is published in Issue 22 (August 2009) of The Psychologist. Read more ...

Title: Gene Cuts Need for Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009 Read more ...

Parkinson's disease is well-known for impairing movement and causing tremors, but many patients also develop other serious problems, including sleep disturbances and significant losses in cognitive function known as dementia. Now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have modeled Parkinson's-associated dementia for the first time. Read more ...

Monday, August 17, 2009

Young Vets With PTSD More Prone to Heart Risk Factors

Title: Young Vets With PTSD More Prone to Heart Risk Factors
Category: Health News
Created: 8/5/2009 7:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2009 More at...

Title: Slim Risks From Weight Loss Surgery
Category: Health News
Created: 7/30/2009
Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2009 More at...

Title: Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep
Category: Health News
Created: 8/14/2009 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009 8:10:00 AM More at...

“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... More at...

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... More at...

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... More at...

Title: Health Tip: Nightmares Keeping You Up?
Category: Health News
Created: 7/30/2009 7:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2009 More at...

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Fibromyalgia

Title: Fibromyalgia
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997
Last Editorial Review: 7/31/2009 Read more ...

Adults who struggle with CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be considered candidates for reconstructive surgery on the upper airway, because it holds the same quality-of-life (QOL) benefits but with more permanence. This thesis is in new research published in the August 2009 edition of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Read more ...

Title: Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 8/14/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/14/2009 Read more ...

Parkinson's disease is well-known for impairing movement and causing tremors, but many patients also develop other serious problems, including sleep disturbances and significant losses in cognitive function known as dementia. Now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have modeled Parkinson's-associated dementia for the first time. Read more ...

A study, "Sibling risk of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy," in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP indicates that children have an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if they have at least one sibling who has been diagnosed with the sleep disorder. Read more ...

Read more ...

Read more ...

The Basics of CPAP

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...

Lack of Sleep Can Lead to Suicide
Contemplating suicide just because you can't sleep may seem a bit drastic, and this would be true if the insomnia only lasted for a night or two or even several nights. But if it goes on for night after night, week after week, month after.... Well, you get the depressing picture.   There are several types of insomnia, and each one can be broken down into dozens of variations. The three basic types are: Transient Insomnia - This usually...

Diet and Sleep Part Two
You are what you eat I can hear you saying, "Okay... now I have to watch what I eat and when I eat it... but now you are going to limit my fluids?"   No! However, there are certain factors that should be kept in mind when drinking any type of fluids. One troublesome item is caffeine. Caffeine interferes with sleep with most people. Caffeine can also become an addiction... so watching our intake should be...

Lack of Exercise = Lack of Sleep
Tommy sprawls on the couch, his eyes glued to the TV screen and the latest Spiderman movie. Shelly is curled up in the easy chair, her only movement her fingers on the controls of her Game Boy.   It's a perfect summer day filled with golden sunshine and light breezes. Tommy should be outside playing baseball. On the sidewalk across the street, Shelly's friends are engaged in a game of hopscotch. But hey! Both the kids are quiet and...

Did Diprivan Lead to Michael Jackson's Death?
It's no surprise to hear that Michael Jackson suffered from insomnia. According to an Associated Press news release, he'd been plague with insomnia as far back as 1989 and the "Bad" tour.   Sleep problems are common among celebrities, and, no matter your personal opinion of Michael Jackson, there's no doubt he was a celebrity - a super nova of the music world. Can you imagine the stress and pressure of most of life? Then add to that his...

Secondary Causes of Insomnia
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...

Author has Rare Sleep Disorder
George Dawes Green is an author of thrillers including, in 1995, "The Juror" and, in 2009, "Ravens." Writing, or any occupation where a person can set his own hours, is ideal for George Dawes Green, because he has a rare sleep disorder where his hours of sleeping and waking fall later every day.   This is known as free-running circadian rhythm sleep disorder.This disorder is related to day and night,to light and darkness and it is...

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Adolescents Are Losing Sleep Over "It"

Adolescents Are Losing Sleep Over "It"

The Sounds and Sleeplessness in the ICU (Part II)

Memory, Brain Function, and REM Sleep: Are They Related?
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...

Sleeplessness Worse for Women

Tips for Sleepless Mariah Carey

Foods for Sweet Dreams

Treating the Winter Blues
In my last blog we began a discussion of seasonal affective disorder or SAD.  We will pick up where we left off.   There is actually some debate in the psychiatric community whether or not SAD is actually a separate diagnosis, apart from general depression.  Those who claim it is not suggest that it is no more than a seasonal coincidence that occurs in someone with recurring episodes of depression.  As support to this idea...

Short Sleeper: Are You Fooling Yourself?

Friday, August 14, 2009

Association Between Subjective Symptoms Of Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness And Declining Quality Of Life

A study, "Longitudinal Evaluation of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Sleep Symptoms with Change in Quality of Life: The Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS)," in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal Sleep indicates that self-reported worsening in initiating and maintaining sleep over a five-year period was significantly associated with poorer mental quality of life, and increasing daytime sleepiness symptoms were associated with both poorer physical and mental quality of life. More at...

Scientists have discovered the first gene involved in regulating the optimal length of human sleep, offering a window into a key aspect of slumber, an enigmatic phenomenon that is critical to human physical and mental health. The team, reporting in the Aug. More at...

Similarities in brain activity during lucid dreaming and psychosis suggest that dream therapy may be useful in psychiatric treatment, a European Science Foundation (ESF) workshop has found. This is strengthened by the potential evolutionary relationship between dreams and psychosis. Lucid dreaming - when you are aware you are dreaming - is a hybrid state between sleeping and being awake. More at...

"Where care lodges, sleep will never lie," says Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet. Today, millions of Americans can attest to his insight. According to a poll from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 27 percent of Americans say personal finances, the economy or unemployment concerns are keeping them awake at night. "Stress and anxiety can definitely impact sleep," says Sunil Mathews, M.D., medical director of the Sleep Center at Baylor Medical Center at Irving. More at...

Adults who struggle with CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be considered candidates for reconstructive surgery on the upper airway, because it holds the same quality-of-life (QOL) benefits but with more permanence. This thesis is in new research published in the August 2009 edition of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. More at...

A study, "Sibling risk of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy," in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP indicates that children have an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if they have at least one sibling who has been diagnosed with the sleep disorder. More at...

Every hour of the day children are inactive adds three minutes to the time it takes them to fall asleep, finds research published ahead of print in Archives of Disease in Childhood. Children who fall asleep faster also sleep for longer, the study shows, even though one is not the direct consequence of the other. Research indicates that around 16% of parents of school aged children say that their child finds it difficult to get to sleep. More at...

The Associated Press is reporting that the nation's largest private employer, Wal-Mart, has announced that it supports an employer health insurance mandate. More at...

Gloomy Days Dim Cognitive Powers of the Depressed

Title: Gloomy Days Dim Cognitive Powers of the Depressed
Category: Health News
Created: 7/29/2009 7:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/29/2009 Read more ...

Read more ...

Title: Slim Risks From Weight Loss Surgery
Category: Health News
Created: 7/30/2009
Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2009 Read more ...

Title: Screen Time Boosts Kids' Blood Pressure
Category: Health News
Created: 8/4/2009
Last Editorial Review: 8/4/2009 Read more ...

Read more ...

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Melatonin: Miracle or Mistake?

Melatonin: Miracle or Mistake?

Significant Sleep Deprivation And Stress Among College Students, USA
Stress about school and life keeps 68 percent of students awake at night - 20 percent of them at least once a week. Stress affects the quality of their sleep far more than alcohol, caffeine or late-night electronics use, a new study shows. Not only that, more than 60 percent of college students have disturbed sleep-wake patterns and many take drugs and alcohol regularly to help them do one or the other.

Physical Activity In Children Improves Their Sleeping Patterns
A research published ahead of print in the Archives of Disease in Childhood reports that every hour of the day children are inactive adds three minutes to the time it takes them to fall asleep. The study indicates that children who fall asleep faster also sleep for longer. Although, it appears one is not the direct consequence of the other.

Diabetes Risk May Be Increased By Insufficient Sleep
Short sleep times, experienced by many individuals in Westernized societies, may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and reduced glucose tolerance, which in turn may increase the long-term risk of diabetes, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).

Risk For Depression May Be Indicated By Sleep Patterns In Children And Teenagers
Sleep patterns can help predict which adolescents might be at greatest risk for developing depression, a researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center has found in a five-year study. Sleep is a biological factor known to be associated with adult depression. Depressed adults experience rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep earlier in the sleep cycle than people who are not depressed.

The Sounds and Sleeplessness in the ICU (Part I)

In Postpartum Women, Poor Sleep Is Independently Associated With Depression
A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP suggests that postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression.

Fido or Tabby Got Your Sleep?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mattress Money Stasher Throws Out a Million!

Mattress Money Stasher Throws Out a Million!

Secondary Causes of Insomnia
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...

Tips for Sleepless Mariah Carey

Trouble Keeping Up with Your CPAP?

Better Marriage, Better Sleep

Sleep Paralysis Gets Screentime – But Not as a Horror Flick

In Parkinson's Fly Model, Dementia Induced And Blocked

In Parkinson's Fly Model, Dementia Induced And Blocked
Parkinson's disease is well-known for impairing movement and causing tremors, but many patients also develop other serious problems, including sleep disturbances and significant losses in cognitive function known as dementia. Now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have modeled Parkinson's-associated dementia for the first time.

Sleep disorder may lead to bad behavior in asthmatic kids
Kids with asthma who have sleep disordered breathing (SDB) at night may exhibit behavior problems, a new study has found.

Diabetes Risk May Be Increased By Insufficient Sleep
Short sleep times, experienced by many individuals in Westernized societies, may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and reduced glucose tolerance, which in turn may increase the long-term risk of diabetes, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).

Internet-based therapy may treat insomnia
A new software that uses quizzes, stories, and games may help people who suffer from insomnia, experts say.

Biomarker Of Breathing Control Abnormality Associated With Hypertension And Stroke
A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP identified a distinct ECG-derived spectrographic phenotype, designated as narrow-band elevated low frequency coupling (e-LFCNB), that is associated with prevalent hypertension, stroke, greater severity of sleep disordered breathing and sleep fragmentation in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Results indicate that the odds ratio for prevalent stroke was 1.65 [CI: 1.

Sleep Duration Associated With Variations In Levels Of Inflammatory Markers In Women
A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP demonstrates that levels of inflammatory markers varied significantly with self-reported sleep duration in women but not men. The study found that both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels varied with sleep duration in women following multiple adjustments for a number of confounding factors.

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...

Doctors judge patients by their looks, studies show
Several studies have found that doctors treat patients differently depending on their race and body weight.

Monday, August 10, 2009

A Link Between The Circadian Rhythm And Salt Balance

A Link Between The Circadian Rhythm And Salt Balance
New research, conducted by Charles Wingo and his colleagues, at the University of Florida, Gainsville, suggests a link between the circadian rhythm and control of sodium (salt) levels in mice. The hormone aldosterone regulates levels of sodium in the blood and thereby helps control blood pressure.

In Postpartum Women, Poor Sleep Is Independently Associated With Depression
A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP suggests that postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression.

Children With Sickle Cell Disease Need A Good Night's Sleep
Children with sickle cell disease tend to have interrupted sleep many times during the night leaving them tired and irritable during the day. It may be because the oxygen levels in their blood are reduced or they tend to have enlarged adenoids and tonsils, which can interfere with breathing at night.

Memory, Brain Function, and REM Sleep: Are They Related?
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...

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...

Why Little Kids Need Big Sleep

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Floral Scent Soothes Stress

Title: Floral Scent Soothes Stress
Category: Health News
Created: 7/27/2009
Last Editorial Review: 7/27/2009 More at...

Title: Sleepwalking
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 9/28/2004
Last Editorial Review: 8/4/2009 More at...

More at...

More at...

More at...

Lack of Sleep Can Lead to Suicide

Contemplating suicide just because you can't sleep may seem a bit drastic, and this would be true if the insomnia only lasted for a night or two or even several nights. But if it goes on for night after night, week after week, month after.... Well, you get the depressing picture.   There are several types of insomnia, and each one can be broken down into dozens of variations. The three basic types are: Transient Insomnia - This usually... Complete news at...

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and along with the obesity comes other problems --- heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Another problem, long thought to be a disorder of older, overweight males, is sleep apnea.   A study published in the June issue of the journal sleep reveals that obese children are as much at risk of developing sleep apnea as obese adults. The risk factor is based on waist circumference and BMI... Complete news at...

I suffer from nocturia. It's believed that over two-thirds of people over 55 may also struggle with nocturia. They just aren't able to put a name to it.   What is nocturia? Nocturia isn't actually a sleep disorder. A better description would be a sleep related problem. In simple words, nocturia is the need to get up to go to the bathroom to urinate several times a night. Having this happen once or twice a night is actually normal, but... 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...

Sleep disorders of all kinds affect millions of people every day. However, facts concerning sleep and the disorders associated with sleep are not widely known to the public. The sad aspect to this subject, is that many doctors are not versed in sleep disorders as well. Much of the research that one may encounter has been compiled due to personal experiences or through a personal search for knowledge. If you feel that you cannot go through a day... Complete news at...

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Yawn Alert For Weary Drivers

Yawn Alert For Weary Drivers
We've all experienced it after long hours driving, the eyelids getting heavy, a deep yawn, neck muscles relaxing, the urge to sleep, the head nodding down... But, you're hands are still on the wheel and you only just stopped yourself nodding off in time to avoid the oncoming traffic.

Lack Of Sleep Could Be More Dangerous For Women Than Men
Women who get less than the recommended eight hours sleep a night are at higher risk of heart disease and heart-related problems than men with the same sleeping patterns. Research by the University of Warwick and University College London has found that levels of inflammatory markers vary significantly with sleep duration in women, but not men.

Back To School Stories: Sleep To STDs, Phobias To Rx Meds
Starting or returning to school can stir up a bevy of emotions with a range of effects, from bothersome to debilitating. Knowing a little bit about a few of these problems helps parents and children manage and overcome them. School phobia extreme anxiety from going to school or even talking about it. Causes could range from being bullied to grieving for a lost pet.

Sleeplessness Rising In A Falling Economy
"Where care lodges, sleep will never lie," says Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet. Today, millions of Americans can attest to his insight. According to a poll from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 27 percent of Americans say personal finances, the economy or unemployment concerns are keeping them awake at night. "Stress and anxiety can definitely impact sleep," says Sunil Mathews, M.D., medical director of the Sleep Center at Baylor Medical Center at Irving.

Potential Prenatal Origins For Poor Sleep In Children
A study, "Prenatal Origins of Poor Sleep in Children," in the Aug.1 issue of the journal SLEEP found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy and small body size at birth predict poorer sleep and higher risk of sleep disturbances in 8-year-old children born at term. Findings are clinically significant, as poor sleep and sleep disturbances in children are associated with obesity, depressive symptoms, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and poor neurobehavioral functioning.

Every Daytime Sedentary Hour Adds Three Minutes To Time Children Take To Fall Asleep
Every hour of the day children are inactive adds three minutes to the time it takes them to fall asleep, finds research published ahead of print in Archives of Disease in Childhood. Children who fall asleep faster also sleep for longer, the study shows, even though one is not the direct consequence of the other. Research indicates that around 16% of parents of school aged children say that their child finds it difficult to get to sleep.

Internet-Based Intervention May Improve Insomnia
An online insomnia intervention based on established face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy techniques appears to improve patients' sleep, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. About one-third of adults report symptoms of insomnia and approximately 10 percent meet diagnostic criteria for an insomnia disorder, according to background information in the article.

Mattress Money Stasher Throws Out a Million!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Surgeon General choice will put primary care at the forefront

Surgeon General choice will put primary care at the forefront
Dr. Regina Benjamin, President Obama's choice for Surgeon General, puts the face of primary care at the forefront of the Obama administration's healthcare reform efforts, experts say.

Internet-based therapy may treat insomnia
A new software that uses quizzes, stories, and games may help people who suffer from insomnia, experts say.

Diprivan not a treatment for sleep disorders: experts
According to a nurse employed by Michael Jackson, the pop singer had repeatedly asked her to give him the powerful IV anesthetic Diprivan to treat his insomnia, even though the drug is not approved for this use.

Sleep Deprivation 101: What You Should Know
In my previous blogs I have written about the importance of good sleep, but I don’t think we ever really explained the significance of sleep deprivation and the effects on society and the individual. I thought that it would be a good idea to go over some significant facts and figures to convince you of the importance of getting a good restful sleep and of the need to address sleep problems with your doctor.What is sleep deprivation?It is...

The Holy Grail of Biological Questions: Why Do We Sleep?
In this blog, I am going to deal with a question that has stumped some of the most talented researchers in the world.  That should hopefully get your attention- this vexing question seems simple, but represents the “holy grail” of biology.  The question: why do we sleep?  Consider this- we spend approximately one-third of lives doing it and scientists are still not quit sure why.  (Much of this and future blogs on...

Reid: No healthcare vote until after August recess
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says there will be no vote on healthcare reform before Congress takes its August break, a move that would go against President Obama's announced timetable for its vote.

Drugmakers pour $40 million into healthcare reform debate
Statistics show that the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), a lobbying group that represents 32 brandname drug companies, and its member companies have spent $40 million lobbying Congress as the lawmakers work to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system.