Large Users Of Zopiclone Assessed As Impaired

Large Users Of Zopiclone Assessed As Impaired
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health shows a positive link between the amount of the hypnotic (sleeping medicine) zopiclone in the blood and the chance of being assessed as impaired in a clinical examination. The study also included drivers who only showed alcohol in their blood test.

Cephalon Announces Positive Results From A Phase Three Study Of NUVIGIL In Jet Lag Disorder
Cephalon, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEPH) announced positive results from a phase three clinical trial of NUVIGIL® (armodafinil) Tablets [C-IV] as a treatment for excessive sleepiness associated with jet lag disorder. Based on these findings, Cephalon® will file a supplemental New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expand the indications for NUVIGIL during the third quarter of this year.

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...

CPAP Therapy Less Likely In Low-Income Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A study in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP demonstrates that low socioeconomic status independently predicts the poor acceptance of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, and patients with higher incomes are more likely to begin treatment. The authors suggest that CPAP support programs should be better tailored to the needs of low-income patients to improve CPAP acceptance and adherence.

Sleeping Away the Common Cold
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...

Relieving Those Restless Legs

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...

Researchers Say Sleep Problems May Raise Suicide Risk
A new US study that found adults with chronic sleep problems may be at higher risk of suicide, even if they have no history of mental health problems. BBC News reported today, 1st April, that the study is to be presented at a World Psychiatric Association meeting. The Association is hosting an international congress titled "Treatments in Psychiatry" this week from 1-4 April in Florence, Italy.

New Survey Highlights The Significant Impact Of The Economic Downturn On Europe's Sleep
Lundbeck announced the results of a new sleep survey of 6,694 Europeans (aged 18+) across seven countries to mark the second annual World Sleep Day, which falls today, 20th March. World Sleep Day is an international event organised by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and is aimed at raising awareness of the burden and impact of sleep disorders. The survey was conducted online by YouGov.

Study Links Increased Risk Of Suicidal Behaviour In Adults To Sleep Problems
Adults who suffer chronic sleep problems may face an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, new research indicates. In a study to be presented on April 1, 2009 at the World Psychiatric Association international congress "Treatments in Psychiatry," scientists found that the more types of sleep disturbances people had, the more likely they were to have thoughts of killing themselves, engage in planning a suicidal act or make a suicide attempt.

The Arousal Process Of Infants May Be Affected By Maternal Smoking, Increasing The Risk For SIDS
A study in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP shows that maternal smoking is associated with an impaired infant arousal process that may increase the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The authors suggest that maternal smoking has replaced stomach sleeping as the greatest modifiable risk factor for SIDS.

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...

Somaxon Provides Update On New Drug Application For Silenor(R) (doxepin) For The Treatment Of Insomnia
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOMX), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the in-licensing, development and commercialization of proprietary branded pharmaceutical products for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the central nervous system therapeutic area, today provided an update on the status of its New Drug Application (NDA) for Silenor® (doxepin) for the treatment of insomnia. Somaxon held a meeting with the Division of Neurology Products of the U.