Challenging conventional wisdom about sleepwalking
New research about sleepwalking has raised questions about several common beliefs regarding this frequently misunderstood sleep disorder. Researchers at the University of Montreal conducted a comprehensive review of more than 15 years of study on the topic of sleepwalking. Their…
Insomnia may triple risk of heart failure
There is an abundant—and ever-growing—body of evidence that indicates sleep plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Poor sleep is associated with a range of heart problems, including high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack. Now, new research…
Zolpidem-related ER visits have increased sharply
There’s more news about complications that can arise from prescription sleep medication: Side effects from a common prescription sleep aid are sending increasing numbers of people to emergency departments. The number of people seeking emergency medical treatment for the adverse…
ADHD or sleep disorder: are we getting it wrong?
Millions of children and adults struggle with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), a condition marked by problems with concentration, impulse control, organization, and memory. It can be a frustrating and difficult condition, stigmatizing and often isolating for those…
Have you considered a ‘sleep divorce’?
I read this news story with great interest, as it covers a topic I get asked about a lot: whether it’s a good idea for couples to sleep apart to improve their individual sleep. This is an issue that seems…
Exercise gives a big boost to sleep
We all know exercise is good for us. Good for our health, good for our waistlines, good for stress and for our clarity of mind. Exercise is also very—very—good for sleep. Research has shown that exercise can improve sleep, including…
NHL wakes up to sleep problems
The professional sports world appears to be continuing to turn more of its attention to what has been a much-overlooked issue: sleep. This time, it’s the National Hockey League that is addressing sleep problems on several fronts. In response to…
Insomnia increases suicide risk
Insomnia and disturbed sleep are common among people with depression and other mental health problems. Research indicates that people with depression are significantly more likely to experience insomnia symptoms. Insomnia also has been linked to an elevated risk for suicide….
Insomnia increases suicide risk
Insomnia and disturbed sleep are common among people with depression and other mental health problems. Research indicates that people with depression are significantly more likely to experience insomnia symptoms. Insomnia also has been linked to an elevated risk for suicide….
Exercise and CBT can help chronic fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disorder that has long been surrounded by questions and unknowns. CFS is a painful and debilitating illness and the cause is unclear. There is no test to diagnose the condition. CFS is also a chronic…
Less sleep means more calories
Moderation and variety are two important keys to eating well for health. Eating a wide range of foods in moderate amounts are hallmarks of a diet in balance, and great ways to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Sleep…
Soldiers short on sleep
Of all the dangers faced by soldiers, sleep is not likely to top many people’s lists. But soldiers, like the rest of us, face risks to health and safety from poor and insufficient sleep. And new research indicates they may…
Snoring may be a warning of serious health risk
All too often, snoring is regarded as a nuisance rather than a real health problem. People who snore—and the partners who must listen to their snoring at night—usually have no problem acknowledging that snoring is disruptive and uncomfortable. But most…
Sleep – The key to a long term, loving relationship?
It is one of the most common struggles that couples face: over the life of a relationship, partners can lose a sense of appreciation for one another. Holding on to a sense of gratitude for each other is one of…
The risks of sleep-disordered breathing in children
Does your child snore? Does he breathe through his mouth when he sleeps? Do you ever notice pauses in your child’s breathing while she’s asleep? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be suffering from…
Dust Mites send 200,000 people a year to ER
Did you know….. WebMD reports that “each year, dust mites cause about 200,000 people with asthma to go to the emergency room.” Why is this important for us to know? Because the biggest haven of dust mites in a person’s life is their bedding. Mattresses, box springs, and especially pillows, harbor millions (even billions) of [...]
Alcohol likely to keep you awake, not help you sleep, when drinking before bedtime
Do you have a drink or two in the evening as a way to relax and help you to fall asleep? If so, you’ve got plenty of company. Alcohol is among the most common “sleep aids” that people employ to…
Vitamin D deficiency and daytime sleepiness: skin pigmentation is a complicated factor
Vitamin D has received a great deal of attention recently. Vitamin D has long been recognized as primarily a regulator of calcium and phosphorus, helping to protect bone density. In recent years, however, our understanding of the functions of Vitamin…
Can’t Sleep? Drug free alternatives that really help
Insomnia is a widespread sleep problem among adults. Nearly 40% of men and women in the U.S. experience some symptoms of insomnia in a given year, and as many as 15% of adults struggle with chronic insomnia. Relaxation techniques are…
FDA recommends lower doses of popular sleep medications
Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration issued an announcement that could affect millions of Americans who take some of the most common medications for sleep. The FDA said it will require drug makers who produce sleep medications containing zolpidem to…
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: how does it affect sleep?
For people with chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep problems are common. Sleep disorders, disruptive and non-refreshing sleep are some of the most frequent complaints from people suffering from chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating medical condition. It’s also a…