Companion animals such as cats and dogs have a lot in common with their owners, including the need for plenty of high-quality sleep. Understanding healthy pet sleep habits can go a long way toward helping your furry friend enjoy a long, happy life. Not only do pet sleep patterns influence animal health, but when and […]

Oxygen serves as a source of fuel for every cell in your body, powering functions like cell division and metabolism, which makes it essential for survival. Due to increased industrial activity, the air around you can contain particulate matter, a mixture of liquid droplets and solid particles, in addition to oxygen. Breathing in particulate matter, which […]

    A good night’s rest is one of the most important things you can do for your body and mind. Sleep supports improved learning, problem solving and your ability to process and control your emotions. Good sleep habits can also help keep your heart and circulation healthy. And if you’re suffering from chronic sleep […]

For anyone who has trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night, it's important to identify the root cause of the problem. Some sleep issues are caused by medical conditions, while others are associated with heightened levels of stress and anxiety. If neither one applies to you, your sleep problems could be caused by something […]

  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a third of adults 18-60 years of age aren’t getting enough sleep, meaning that they’re sleeping for less than seven hours per night. While work schedules, caffeine and jet lag are common culprits behind sleeplessness, other factors like stress, anxiety and sleep disorders also interfere with […]

What is FAB CBD? Founded in 2017, FAB CBD aims to provide the highest-quality CBD products on the market and a personable service to support a preventative wellness lifestyle. Their products include premium CBD oils, gummies, topical creams, and vape pens. They also offer superfood products and CBD dog treats. Products come from organic industrial […]

An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder caused by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep. While most sleep apnea symptoms go undiagnosed for years, it’s important to take action if you think you may have this disorder, as it can lead to many other health problems.  The warning signs of sleep […]

It is estimated that 50 to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from a sleep disorder, and 10 percent of Americans report chronic insomnia. Given the detrimental effects that insufficient sleep has on your body, mind, and quality of life, it is not surprising that people turn to various substances, including alcohol and drugs, to […]

How do you like to sleep? Are you a bundled-under-covers sleeper or do you prefer to be sprawled out with a fan blowing on you? Everyone has a different opinion on the best temperature for sleep. Let’s take a look at whether there really is a "best temperature" or an unhealthy room temperature for sleeping.  […]

Thirds, graveyard, money shifts — industries such as healthcare, transportation, and securities couldn't function without them. In fact, nearly 15 million people in the United States work full-time night shifts, rotational shifts, and other irregular schedules. Although many people identify as "night owls," that doesn't mean they can easily adjust to a healthy night shift sleep […]

Between wearables, sleep trackers, and other accessories, today's sleep technology can help you fall asleep and stay asleep better than ever. Here is a roundup of our favorite sleep technology devices currently on the market.  Smartphone Apps  If you search for sleep apps on your smartphone, the number of apps that appear can be overwhelming. […]

When we talk about sleep, we aren’t just talking about from the time your head hits your pillow until you get out of bed in the morning. It isn’t the amount of sleep, but the quality that matters. We’ve all heard we’re supposed to be getting around 7-8 hours of sleep per night but some […]

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or even suspect you may have it, you probably know that it’s important to have it treated before it leads to other, more serious health conditions. The good news is that most cases of sleep apnea can be easily treated. The even better news is that many cases […]

Sleep is something we all need. It is vital to our health for a variety of reasons. For instance, when you sleep, you form new pathways in the brain that help you remember information and learn new things. Sleep also allows your body to repair itself. But many people have problems sleeping. In fact, getting […]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This sleep disorder is one that can lead to other serious health concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death if left untreated. This means it is important to get it diagnosed as soon as […]

Many of us do not get the sleep we need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of adults often fall short on getting enough shuteye. The reasons for the lack of sleep are varied. Everything from stress to lifestyle habits to work hours can make getting the recommended seven to […]

Sleep apnea is a common condition that is thought to affect about 22 million Americans.[1] But just because it is so common does not mean it’s normal. You may be wondering, “is sleep apnea dangerous?” Let’s learn more about this sleep disorder and how you can treat it.  What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is […]

Snoring is not only a nuisance, but it can interrupt your sleep or keep your partner awake. Fortunately, there are enough anti-snoring devices on the market so you should be able to find one that works for you. Snoring devices are offered in different forms such as mouth guards, chin straps, bumpers, and pillows. Finding […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, Can lack of sleep contribute to one’s appearance? My 35-year-old daughter sleeps only a few hours per night. She has many facial wrinkles and appears far older than her age. Could the two be linked? Answer: Yes, it is during sleep that we regenerate skin, especially between the hours of 10 p.m. […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I suffer from depression and am always sleepy. My health care provider says it is due to my depression. I live alone but on vacations friends tell me I snore and appear to stop breathing. Could there be a relationship? A: Yes. Although sleepiness can occur in depression, fatigue is much more […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My son is 15 years old. When he was eight he had his tonsils and adenoids removed for sleep apnea. He has gained a lot of weight, is snoring, and tired during the day. He is doing poorly in school. Could his sleep apnea have come back? A: Yes. In fact, several […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I am on three medications for hypertension and my blood pressure still runs high. My cardiologist suggested I get a sleep study. I live alone and don't know if I snore or stop breathing but no one has ever mentioned it. Do you think a sleep study is really necessary? Answer:Yes I […]

One light bulb manufacturer sent shock waves through the lighting industry recently when it announced that it would put this warning on it's light bulbs: Lighting Sciences Group believes that there is now a critical mass of evidence pointing to the dangers of excessive blue light. I applaud them for raising awareness of the issue. It […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, It seems like many of my friends, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. How common is it? Answer: Overall, 25 million Americans have sleep apnea. In fact, a study in 2014 showed that 26% of all adults between 30 and 70 have sleep apnea. Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My husband has epilepsy. He […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, Can sleep apnea cause problems in a child’s ability to focus and concentrate and cause behavioral problems? My granddaughter snores loudly and stops breathing. She has not been diagnosed or treated.and is having a very hard time in school. She is failing everything and is disruptive in class. Answer: It sounds like […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I am 42 years old and get about six hours of sleep a night. I rarely feel like I have had a good night’s sleep. I saw on the Internet where poor sleep might lead to Alzheimer's disease. Is this true? Answer: The jury is still out on this issue. However, several […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My eye doctor told me that my optic nerve is showing signs of lack of oxygen. He said the arteries look normal and sleep apnea could be a cause. I told him I snore and he wants me to get a sleep study Have you heard of this? Sleep Apnea and Optic […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I have severe sleep apnea and have been on CPAP for three months. I don’t feel any better now than I did before. What do you think? ANSWER: First, you need to be sure that your machine is working effectively. Most machines come with a down-loadable smart card. Your physician should be […]

  Limited data from commercial drivers is a major reason for the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's failure to require screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Experts estimate that between 7% and 20% of all large truck crashes are due to drowsy/fatigued driving. Therefore, in the United States, from 2004 to 2013, 3,133 to […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My 24-year-old son was diagnosed with narcolepsy several years ago. Although his major complaint is sleepiness, he has a hard time staying asleep. Isn't this unusual in a disorder that causes sleepiness? ANSWER: No, in fact many narcoleptics, prior to treatment, complain of frequent awakenings and very light sleep. Narcolepsy is a […]

  A research study was conducted on patients with sleep apnea both with and without coronary disease. Prior to therapy with CPAP, N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured. In the group with sleep apnea, the levels were elevated. Elevated NT-proBNP may be a marker of ischemia as well as increased myocardial wall stress. Ventricular […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My dad was diagnosed with narcolepsy. My son is 22 and complains of being tired. I’m wondering if there is a hereditary link in families. ANSWER: Actually, there is but not that strong. The incidence in primary family members is about 1 in 100. Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My dad had a stroke […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My dad has been in and out of atrial fibrillation for several years. His cardiologist wants him to have a procedure called an ablation. He said this could potentially cure his fibrillation and allow him to get off blood thinners. My mom mentioned he snores and now they want him to have […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My wife has sleep apnea. It is severe and she has coronary disease. Our doctor wants her to be treated. She had an oral appliance made but it did not work. She refuses to wear a CPAP mask. I read that a recent study showed marijuana could treat sleep apnea. Is this […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My eight-year-old son was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and our pediatrician recommends an adenotonsillectomy. Our son has problems with behavior and is hyperactive. We were told he has ADHD but our pediatrician says this could be due to sleep apnea. I am afraid of surgery. What do you think? Answer: I […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, A friend told me that untreated sleep apnea could affect growth hormone. Is that true? ANSWER: Yes, a study published recently demonstrated that people with sleep apnea had on average lower levels of growth hormone than those who were normal. In fact, after treatment with CPAP, their growth hormone levels increased significantly. […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My mom recently had a small stroke. She has hypertension and my dad says she snores, but it is not loud. Her neurologist wants her tested for sleep apnea. Is this necessary? Sleep Apnea, Hypertension and Stroke Actually, it is a good idea. Many studies have shown that the incidence of sleep […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I am a night eater. I probably consume over 40% of my calories after dinner. When I cannot sleep, I get on my computer and eat while I am looking at my emails. I have gained over 50 pounds in the last year. Any ideas? ANSWER: Yes. What you are describing sounds […]

ASA is partnering with Women's Health and Thrive Global to learn more about women's biggest sleep issues and ultimately help you get the sleep you deserve. Tell us about the ZZZs you're getting (or not getting), and what's keeping you up at night. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHSleep

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My mom is 72 years old. She is my dad’s caregiver as he has Alzheimer's. She has been taking Ambien for a year and her new doctor thinks it’s inadvisable for her to take it, especially in view of my dad. What do you think? ANSWER: I think you mother has a […]

Babies’ brains do astonishing things during sleep.  New research out of Leipzig at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) found that babies can associate meanings to words between six and eight months of age.  This skill was previously only seen in older children and adults. We associate memory with […]

New research shows that a thorough analysis of blood oxygen levels during sleep in children with habitual snoring could help providers find easier, more inexpensive, and reliable ways to determine if these children would benefit from a diagnosis and treatment plan for obstructive sleep apnea.  They found this analysis was most accurate in children with […]

Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are usually conditions found in adults; however, children are also suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, which may be affecting their overall health and behavior.  Usually, enlarged adenoids and tonsils cause the breathing problems in children because they block the airways; this is called obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB).  The condition has […]

Over the last 20 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  Characteristics of OSA include frequent starts and stops in breathing during sleep.  Nearly 100 million people around the world have this condition, and experts estimate that it goes undiagnosed 80-90% of the time.  […]

In this technological society, most people love the comfort of their screens.  Devices are used at all hours of the day and night.  Who hasn’t crawled into bed with their phone, tablet, or watched a movie on their flat screen before sleep?  However, new research out of the University of Houston College of Optometry showed […]

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that the United States saw nearly 1.2 million violent crimes, including sexual assault, assault, robbery, and homicide.  New research has found that violent crimes change a young person’s sleep patterns on the night of the crime, as well as alter their cortisol (stress hormone) levels the following […]

New online research published early in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society¸ indicates that those with sleep-disordered breathing and a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease are at increased risk of declining cognition than those who do not have the genetic susceptibility. In this study, researchers found that people with the genetic Alzheimer’s indicator, apolipoprotein […]

NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) mission was 45 days long and required a four-man crew to research sleep reduction and how it affects fatigue during long space flights.  By the end of the mission, crew members could barely keep their eyes open.  Mr. James Titus, a HERA crewman, stated that sleep deprivation was incredibly […]

New research has linked Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) with poor sleep, impaired daytime function, and excessive daytime fatigue in pregnant women.  These are all common complaints during pregnancy. In this study, findings indicated that 36% of women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy suffered from RLS, with more than 50% of them having moderate to […]

Patient reporting and reviews are a strong component of medical research.  John Brugger is a sleep apnea patient, and like 20 million other Americans, he had trouble sleeping because of snoring, tossing and turning, and struggling to breathe at night.  The sleep disturbances left him completely exhausted the following day and put him at higher […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, Is there any truth that some essential oils can help you to fall asleep? ANSWER: Yes, most of the concrete work has been done with lavender. Several well-done studies have shown that lavender, whether applied via a diluted spray or a candle or directly on the skin, can help to induce a […]

New research published in the online July issue of Neurology, a prestigious medical journal from the American Academy of Neurology, noted that people with sleep disorders who are otherwise healthy might be more prone to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who do not have any sleep problems.  Researchers identified a connection between biological markers for […]

Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling grouchy and ready for an argument.  New research out of the Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research indicates that this combination of sleep loss and marital arguments can lead to stress-related inflammation, which puts one at higher risk of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and a host of […]

Every parent or guardian has experienced a lack of sleep in their child-rearing journey.  Unfortunately, however, your child’s sleep difficulties may be leading to depression and self-doubt.  You may question your parenting skills, not to mention your ability to solve problems and help yourself and your child.  New research published in a new paper by […]

New research out of Binghamton University in New York found that people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who go to bed later have lower perceived control over their obsessive thoughts. The study was led by Meredith E. Coles, a Professor of Psychology at Binghamton University, along with Jessica Schubert, a former graduate student now attending […]

The American College of Physicians, as well as a few other organizations, recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with regular visits to a clinician as treatment for chronic insomnia.  Interestingly, it was noted that online-based CBT for military personnel is an effective alternative treatment method instead of weekly visits to a therapist’s office.  However, online-based CBT […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My husband started working night shifts last year. He is more irritable and we argue much more since he started the job. He has had a real problem as far as sleep adjusting to his new job. Could there be a relationship to his short temper? ANSWER: Yes, in fact a study […]

For the first time in history, seven risk genes have been linked to insomnia by an international team of scientists.  This ground-breaking research pushes science forward in unraveling the mechanisms in human biology that lead to insomnia.  Insomnia is frequently referred to as a psychological condition, but this new research disproves that concept.  Findings were […]

In prior studies, scientists analyzed different variations of sleep patterns, including data on quality of sleep, sleep and wake times, as well as number of hours slept.  Evidence suggests that there is a link between these concepts and health, performance, and cognitive functioning.  This study and those similar to it have not yet been able […]

There is a higher risk of congenital abnormalities and the need for resuscitation in babies born to mothers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a new study finds. Preliminary results of this research on babies born to mothers with OSA show the following: 3% of newborns were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care […]

New research out of the University of Toronto by Dr. John Peever has attempted to answer one of the greatest questions posed by humanity: How do we dream?  In this research, Dr. Peever found that dreams are created in a specific area of the brain.  People who have difficulty dreaming may have early warning signs […]

It’s no longer a metaphor when someone says that climate change keeps them awake at night.  A new research paper reported that warm nights and sleep environments can lead to poor sleep in humans, especially in the elderly and low-income households.  These findings indicate that the rapidly warming climate, as discussed in debates around the […]

New research, as presented at the 2017 ATS International Conference, found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF or a-fib). Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by symptoms of repeated events of shallow breathing with occasional cessations of breath during sleep.  These events cause decreased blood […]

New research, as presented at the 2017 American Thoracic Society International Conference, found that exposure to increased levels of air pollution over an extended period may be making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Lead author of the study, Martha E. Billings, MD, notes that studies in the past have shown a correlation […]

More than 2000 young British adults were surveyed by scientists from King’s College London.  Findings suggest a link between poor sleep quality and loneliness. The findings were published in the journal, Psychological Medicine, and noted that lonely people were 24% more likely to experience daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating on tasks. King’s College researchers define […]

Earlier this month, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) convened a panel of experts to examine the role of sleep in the lives of collegiate athletes. Deemed the Interassociation Task Force on Sleep and Wellness, the group represented professional organizations related to sleep as well as various medical and athletic organizations from across the country. […]

American Sleep Association (ASA) is proud to support the non-profit organization, Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), and their work in Chennai, India. This year, ASA helped SCAW to distribute bedkits to children in Sri Lanka. Each bedkit contains a mat or mattress, a mosquito net to combat malaria and other mosquito-born diseases, a schoolbag […]

New research out of Cardiff University and King’s College London has found that older adults who were recently prescribed popular the sleep drugs, benzodiazepine or another ‘Z-drug’ are at least two and a half times more likely to suffer a hip fracture within the first two weeks of treatment than people who do not use […]

New research from Baylor University shows that young adults who frequently alternate between skimping on sleep and sleep marathons have worse creativity and attention, especially if they are working on big projects. Study co-author, Michael Scullin, from Baylor Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory, who is also an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience, notes that […]

An early study published this week in Neurology, a journal of the American Academy of Neurology, showed that brain injury patients have fluctuating body temperatures that are directly related to their level of consciousness. Dr. Christine Blume, PhD, from the University of Salzburg in Austria led the study.  She noted that the findings suggest the […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My husband has Type 2 Diabetes. He also has sleep apnea. He was told that treating his sleep apnea might improve his diabetes. He sleeps about seven hours a night, wears the CPAP for the first four to five, and then removes it. His recent blood sugars are not improving. Any thoughts? […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My daughter is pregnant and is having a terrible time falling asleep. She is up until about 2 a.m. most nights and because of work she has to be up by 7 a.m. She is getting a little more than five hours of sleep a night. I am worried that this could […]

A widespread problem people have is insufficient sleep. A new study has been done on men to see if there is a link to a chronic disease risk factor of bone loss and insufficient sleep. Insufficient sleep may be an unrecognized risk factor for bone loss. On Saturday, the results of this study will be […]

New research finds that type 2 diabetics who prefer evening activities and consider themselves night owls are more likely to have symptoms of depression than early birds.  This is true regardless of sleep quality.  These findings will be presented at the 99th annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Orlando, Florida this Saturday. Lead author […]

With millions of people reporting sleep problems, the Sleep Institute of Japan performed research on alternative herbal remedies that have been known to help with sleep.  They found that there is a specific component in Ashwagandha herb leaves that induces sleep. What is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a heavily researched ancient Indian herb that […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, Is there any value to taking magnesium for sleep? I've had trouble falling and staying asleep for several years and friends have told me magnesium helps. Answer: Yes, there is some benefit. Several studies have shown that as we age, our magnesium levels fall. This is in part due to decreased bone […]

A study out of the University of Arizona Psychology Department found that a rough night’s sleep may impair your ability to read the room when it comes to facial expressions. Published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, the research reported that participants who were sleep deprived had a harder time recognizing happy and sad […]

Deep sleep is important for memory consolidation, yet, as human beings enter into middle age, the quantity of deep (or slow wave) sleep they achieve is known to decrease significantly. Researchers believe that this reduction in slow wave sleep is one of the causes of memory loss when we age, and neuroscientists are constantly researching […]

A new study from the University of Chicago compared children between 7 and 11 years old with sleep apnea to children who slept normally.  Findings showed that there were significant decreases in gray matter in various regions in the brains of the sleep apnea children.  Gray matter is responsible for memory, emotions, perception, speech, movement, […]

American Sleep Association is proud to support the non-profit organization, Sweet Sleep. Sweet Sleep began as a response to the need for clean, safe places to sleep for orphaned and abandoned children. What started as one need in one country has turned into more than a decade of ministry in seven countries including the United […]

American Sleep Association is proud to support the non-profit organization, A Bed for Every Child. A Bed for Every Child works to distribute new twin beds to children throughout Massachusetts who do not have one of their own. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless partners with public schools to assist students whose families are at risk […]

Bright Light Therapy for Patients with Parkinson’s and Sleep Disorders  Bright light therapy is a treatment that has been used in patients with disruptions in their circadian rhythms.  This is the internal biological clock that tells the brain and body when it should be awake and when it should sleep.  There are several factors that […]

New research out of the University of York in the United Kingdom and the University of Pennsylvania reported that teens who report midday sleepiness tend to show more anti-social behaviors like fighting, cheating, stealing, and lying.  In fact, more than a decade later, those same tired teens were 4-1/2 times more likely to commit violent […]

The journal, Brain, published new research suggesting that insomnia treatment may not need to include neurofeedback, or training of the brain functions.  Instead, researchers found that patients experienced the same benefits if they just believed they were receiving neurofeedback training. Approximately 10% to 35% of the world’s population suffers from insomnia.  Very few studies have […]

As much as 40% of all adults in the world experience insomnia in the course of the year. In the US alone, sleep sufferers are over 70 million, 60% of which have chronic disorders. These numbers are based on various studies conducted by several experts and research institutions. A common sleep complaint, insomnia is characterized […]

The ideal 7-9 hours of nightly sleep is a recent discovery.  Historical data suggests humans have been struggling to get a good amount of sleep long before the invention of electronic devices.  Broken sleep was normal in industrial times, according to research from Virginia Tech’s sleep historian, Roger Ekirch. Several studies have shown that screen […]

Multiple factors are responsible for driving the complex clinical decision-making process.  Things like peer pressure, psychological and social dynamics, as well as exposure to pharmaceutical advertising play a role in a physician’s choice of medication to use on patients suffering from insomnia. Harvard Medical School conducted new research, which shows a physician’s choice of insomnia […]

A joint research team from Toyohashi University of Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering published findings that showed air conditioning (AC) airflow stimulates the body during sleep, even when the velocity of the air is lower than an insensible level.  The AC may be […]

Many patients in a progressive care unit suffer from difficulty sleeping, as well as pain and anxiety.  In a recent study, researchers found that clinical massage and guided imagery might be a low-cost benefit to treating insomnia, anxiety, and pain in these patients. The progressive care units in hospitals are for patients who are more […]

Ask the Sleep Doctor – Topics: How Common is Sleep Apnea, Alzheimers, Sore Throats, Bruises   Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I'm frequently reading and hearing about sleep apnea. I'm wondering is this a fad or is it really that common? Answer: Great question. Recent epidemiological studies in this country are very impressive. It would appear that […]

Targeted treatment for respiratory conditions, especially sleep apnea, are possible with the discovery of a breathing molecule found in new research out of the University of Warwick. The name of the molecule is Connexin26 (Cx26).  It identifies CO2 levels in the blood and then activates the breathing mechanisms that release it, which means it has […]

Subjective complaints of illness creep up after a prolonged period of sleep loss, and new research points to an explanation of why. Researchers for this study analyzed blood samples of 11 pairs of identical twins.  The different sleep patterns were measured and reviewed, noting that the twin who had more sleep deprivation also had a […]

New research shows that aerobic exercise and yoga do not significantly impact the sleep disturbances objectively reported by midlife women who experience hot flashes. A randomized control trial was used for secondary analysis of this finding.  Researchers found that neither 12 weeks of cardiac exercise nor 12 weeks of yoga showed any statistically significant differences […]

Most patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) also suffer from respiratory and sleep disorders.  DM1 is the most common form of muscular dystrophy found in adults.  Recent research published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases notes that due to the variety of sleep difficulties in DM1 patients, the treatments often do not work on […]

Long workweeks and extended shifts have contributed to a high number of firefighters suffering from acute and chronic sleep deprivation, as well as disrupted circadian rhythms, or sleep-wake cycles.  Previous studies have shown a link between long shifts and risk of burnout, sleepiness, errors, and injuries, especially when compared to shorter shifts in first responders, […]

We all know the dangers of texting and driving or drinking and driving. But did you know driving sleepy also increases your risk of being involved in an accident? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in every 25 adults has fallen asleep at the wheel in the last month. Obviously […]

New research out of Singapore found a link between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and short sleep duration during pregnancy.  For the first time, this study looked at the relationship between GDM and sleep duration in an Asian population across multiple ethnic groups.  Published in the journal, SLEEP, findings suggested that risk of GDM could be […]

Many traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients also experience sleep disturbances, especially with regard to their sleep-wake cycle.  New research reports that these two conditions should be treated simultaneously for optimum recovery.  These findings are published in the online journal, Neurology, from the American Academy of Neurology. One of the lead authors of the study, Nadia […]

For the first time, scientists have found a genetic connection between sleep disturbance and medical disorders like schizophrenia, restless legs syndrome, and obesity. The team of researchers include: Jacqueline Lane, PhD, first author of the study and fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital Richa Saxena, PhD, joint senior author and assistant Anesthesia professor at MGH and […]

A group of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sleep Research Society, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine performed an analysis of scientific literature around high school students’ sleep habits and performance.  They found that the later the high school start time, the better performance […]

There is always a question of whether sleep worsens or improves how we process a traumatic event.  Does it help, or are emotions and memories intensified because of sleep disturbance?  This question is asked frequently to determine how best to treat trauma-related conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Development of treatment courses for PTSD is […]

Not getting enough sleep can leave us feeling tired and irritable the next day, but it can do more to us physically and mentally than we may realize. You have probably at some point heard the phrase “get your beauty sleep,” and this is good advice. Sleep can have an impact on your looks. During […]

New research out of the University of Pittsburgh shows that patients with asthma are highly likely to suffer from insomnia, which puts them at greater risk of decreased asthma control, anxiety, depression, and other health problems or quality of life issues.  The research and findings were published and discussed in the journal, CHEST. Asthma patients […]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) often comes with the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.  Blood clots are common in people who live sedentary lifestyles, are obese, and/or are advanced in age; however, recent research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may also be contributing to blood clots that lead to PE.  VTE is […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My son has been diagnosed with autism. No matter what we do, he is up until the wee hours of the morning. It is not only a problem for him but is very disruptive to the family. I have heard that melatonin might help. What do you think? Answer: Great question. Yes, […]

New Studies Underway to Link Sleep and Chronic Pain As part of a nationwide effort to address the widespread overuse and abuse of opioid pain relievers while simultaneously expanding knowledge on non-drug interventions, Washington State University has decided to lead a study to look at the relationship between chronic pain and sleep. Marian Wilson, lead […]

One to two hours can make a difference when it comes to sleep.  A new study out of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that drivers who get one to two hours less than the recommended seven to eight hours each night double their risk of accident.  About 35% of American drivers get […]

Why do we sleep? Why is it important? Sleep is essential for survival, and many of us could use a little more. While the precise function of sleep is not entirely understood, researchers have several theories why it’s so critical for our well-being. What Happens During Sleep? Every night you leave wakeful consciousness and descend […]

All parents can identify the problems that arise from their child not getting enough sleep the night before; however, there is not a whole lot of information available in medical literature that looks at how sleep deprivation affects children’s brain chemistry and early development. First author of this new study, Salome Kurth, from the University […]

One of the lesser-known adverse side effects of breast cancer is persistent hot flashes, which some studies suggest occur in approximately 30% to 40% of women.  More specifically, nighttime hot flashes are problematic for them because they disrupt sleep. New research has found that electro-acupuncture may be helpful in providing some relief to these hot […]

FOMO, also known as Fear Of Missing Out, is the fear of events happening on social media while you’re not present, which would only appear to be avoidable by a constant connection to such social media– essentially requiring one to be online, all the time. According to Urban Dictionary, it is a “compulsive concern that […]

Most people know that it’s dangerous to get behind the wheel after drinking, but what some people don’t realize that it is just as dangerous to drive while being tired. Studies show people that drive with even just minor sleep deprivation are twice as likely to crash as someone who gets the recommended 7-8 hours […]

It's drilled into our heads, "exercise and eat right." You have probably heard this advice on losing weight. But just as exercise and a good diet are needed for a healthy waistline, sleep may be just as important and too many of us do not get enough. Obesity has become an epidemic in America. According […]

New research has found that even a single episode of sleep apnea interferes with the body’s ability to regulate the blood pressure. Researchers at UBC’s Okanagan campus performed this new study, which found that even just six hours of fluctuating oxygen saturation levels commonly seen in sleep apnea cases seriously impacts and deteriorates a person’s […]

When you sleep, your brain’s electrical waves circle around to either side of your head, making a pattern resembling the twin buns of Princess Leia in ‘Star Wars.’  Salk Institute scientists discovered these oscillations in electrical activity and described them in the journal, eLife.  They believe the waves are responsible for the memory associations that […]

Sleep apnea is a disorder which is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The brief pauses disrupt the quality of sleep, but that’s not all. Sleep apnea can also have serious health consequences including the following complications. Daytime Sleepiness Feeling tired in the a.m. may not seem like a serious problem. After all, many […]

Did you ever notice that when you’re exhausted, small problems can seem ever bigger? That’s because, in addition to having a shorter fuse, lack of sleep can also affect your ability to solve problems. Poor sleep can also lead to a variety of other issues from increasing your risk of accidents to being overweight. It’s […]

Asthma is a lung condition in which bronchi swell and airways become narrow due to inflammation. It creates breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and cough. Asthma affects sufferers of any age and usually begins in childhood. Asthma attacks can occur at any time day or night, after exposure to the […]

If you suffer from breathing problems as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), getting good quality sleep can be difficult. Some COPD patients have insomnia and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leaving them feeling tired and unrested the next day. Sleep issues may even be worse if you have health conditions on […]

A new study out of UC San Francisco looking at over 18,000 American adults has found that those who get five or fewer hours of sleep each night are more likely to take in sugary caffeinated drinks, like energy drinks and soda. It is as yet unclear if sugar drinks lead to insomnia and  sleep […]

Getting enough quality sleep is important for children of all ages. Sleep is needed to grow and develop.  Since sleep recharges our brains, children that get good sleep have increased brain power, higher attention spans, and are more calm and alert during the day than children who do not get enough sleep. Busy lifestyles of […]

Positive Airway Pressure Therapy May Help with Hypertension In October of this year, a new study was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, which reported that sleep apnea therapy with the use of positive airway pressure might positively affect sleep-related functional conditions in people who also have high blood pressure (hypertension). In this […]

Menopause can be grossly uncomfortable for women, with symptoms like insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, and irritability, all of which can lead to further health concerns and decreased quality of life.  Early postmenopausal women often talk to their providers about the efficacy of low-dose estrogen therapy to help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. The Kronos […]

Researchers from Uppsala University published a new study in the journal, Molecular Metabolism, stating that sleep deprivation alters the level of gut bacteria that has previously been linked to dysfunctional metabolic health, including diseases like diabetes and insulin resistance. The changes in the diversity and composition of the bacteria, or gut microbiota, have been directly […]

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated their policy on best sleep practices to avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  The policy titled, SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleep Environment, uses new studies to validate their finding, which is that parents and infants should sleep in […]

As we gain a better understanding of the importance of sleep, it makes sense for us to ensure that our children—who are likely to benefit the most—understand, prioritize, and get the sleep their minds and bodies need. While the critical importance and the need for sleep in children may seem obvious, many of our children […]

A new study out of the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Michigan reported that preschoolers who missed their naps and stayed up later at night were more likely to gain weight due to increased sugar and carbohydrate intake.  A paper on the study was published in the Journal of Sleep Research. In […]

It’s no surprise that your body goes through some changes as you age. But some people may be unaware that your sleep patterns can also change as you grow older. What does not appear to change is how much sleep you need. According to the National Institute of Health, sleep needs do not change later […]

When we think of a full-time job, many of us think of a typical Monday through Friday, 9-5 schedule. But a lot of people don’t have this schedule. Millions of Americans work rotating shifts, evening shifts, and on-call positions. Some common professions with “abnormal” schedules include doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, police, and firefighters. […]

New research has found that: By regulating meal times on days off, long-haul cabin crew members can make jet lag less uncomfortable Generally, long-haul cabin crew avoid jet lag by relying on specific sleep patterns and strategies like avoiding caffeine or sleeping in a completely dark room, but these strategies do not help reset circadian […]

Mild Depression in Women who have Nighttime Hot Flashes The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism published a study that found menopausal women suffer mild symptoms of depression, which are likely triggered by an irregularly high number of hot flashes at night, or at least her perception of hot flashes. According to the […]

We live in a technology obsessed world and having electronics seem almost necessary to live our everyday lives. Cell phones are carried with most of us throughout the day. We read on tablets instead of books. We communicate through social media and email. Even children need computers to do homework. Whether it's a cell phone, […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, Does sleep matter when it comes to weight loss? Answer: Yes, sleep matters. When we do not get enough sleep, we tend to produce excessive amounts of Ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone, and insufficient amounts of Leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone. In addition, those who do not get enough sleep tend to be fatigued […]

It seems to be common knowledge that smoking is bad for health. The thousands of toxic chemicals in cigarettes are known to cause cancer, heart disease, anxiety, and depression, as well as many other health issues. There is another effect of smoking that some may not realize, and that is how smoking cigarettes affects sleep. […]

New research out of the University of Warwick Department of Psychology Sleep and Pain Lab has found that negative thoughts about pain and insomnia affect conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back pain.  Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, can be used to manage and treat this issue. One of the primary authors of the study, Esther […]

Sleep difficulties are a common problem for millions of adults. Even if you can get to sleep, you might have trouble staying asleep. Does this sound familiar? You drift off to dreamland, but find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., or maybe you wake up every few hours throughout the night. Adequate sleep is supposed […]

If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there is a good chance your doctor wants you to wear a CPAP machine. Anybody that has one knows they can be a bit challenging. Some are bulky, and not exactly the most attractive piece of equipment taking up space in the bedroom. It’s easy for […]

The Biological Sleep Clock Differs in Men and Women A new study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), September issue, has found that women are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances than men are. Many women have noticed that their sleep patterns are more commonly disrupted than men’s.  […]

Major depressive disorder is most often treated with antidepressants, but the transition to using them is not always a smooth one. The average time it takes a patient to respond to medication therapy is six weeks.  Remission rates are only about 1/3, so most depressive patients would benefit from an overall better response to the […]

A simulation study presented on 09/07/2016 at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress reported that patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) may pose potential driving risks.  The study was done out of St. James’ University Hospital in Leeds, UK and led by Drs. Akshay Dwarakanath and Mark Elliott. There is a higher risk […]

American Sleep Association (ASA) is proud to support the non-profit organization, Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). This year, ASA helped SCAW to distribute bedkits to children in Sri Lanka. Each bedkit contains a mat or mattress, a mosquito net to combat malaria and other mosquito-born diseases, a schoolbag and school supplies, and clothing/footwear. ASA […]

When you feel stressed, you probably notice one or more of these sensations- tight muscles, a pounding head, racing heart, upset stomach, uncomfortably sweaty palms. When you are calm, perhaps you notice that your muscles are loose, your head is clear, and your stomach is content. Even when you are sleepy, you may feel your […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, Can antidepressants cause insomnia? I was placed on bupropion for depression. Soon after starting the medication I had trouble sleeping. Could that be a cause ? Answer: Yes, it could. We know that many people with depression have trouble sleeping, in most cases the insomnia is due to the depression. However, some antidepressants […]

New research out of the University of Manchester and published in the journal, BMJ Open, has identified the link between suicidal ideation (thoughts and behaviors) and sleep problems. The study was conducted by scientists out of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Manchester, alongside some researchers from the University of Oxford.  There […]

American Sleep Association is proud to partner with Hypersomnolence Australia on IDIOPATHIC HYPERSOMNIA AWARENESS. Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness week – Let’s change the prognosis 5-11 September 2016 Hypersomnolence Australia will launch the fourth annual international Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week in September. This year our focus is on improving quality of life. Idiopathic Hypersomnia is a neurological […]

New findings published in the journal Psychological Science from the Association for Psychological Science notes that sleeping in between study sessions may make recalling what you have studied easier, even up to six months later. Stephanie Mazza, psychological scientist at the University of Lyon, notes that these results show sleeping in between study sessions has […]

Hourly sleep needs depend on the age of the person. Like most things in science, hourly sleep needs follow a Bell Curve that vary by age group.   Sleep Needs by Age Group: Adult: 7 – 9 hours Teenager: 8 – 10 hours Child 6 – 12 years: 9- 12 hours Child 3 – 5 […]

As the days slowly get shorter and the weather begins to change, we are made aware of the fact that summer is coming to an end.  As beach days turn into school days, many families are hit with the realization that summer sleep schedules are not conducive to a well rested family during the school […]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition that affects one out of four Americans between the ages of 30 and 70 years.  Unfortunately, it is frequently the cause of high blood pressure, or hypertension. In the August 2016 issue of the journal, Science Signaling, new findings were published from researchers out of the University […]

New research has emerged that maps the effects the circadian clock has on different regions of the brain.  The new study shows: How the brain can keep up performance throughout the day Why there is so much waxing and waning of symptoms in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases Why it is necessary that we avoid negotiations […]

A new study published in the online source, The FASEB Journal, has found that the body’s biological clock or circadian rhythm creates a protein that can actively repress pro-inflammatory markers and pathways within the extremities or parts of the body during sleep.  The protein is called CRYPTOCHROM and is proven to have anti-inflammatory effects on […]

Recent research has shown that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) disease.  The AHI, or apnea-hypopnea index, is used to measure OSA.  The AHI is technically the number of times the person’s breathing pauses or slows down significantly per hour during sleep.  However, there are other measures […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, How beneficial is weight loss for most overweight people suffering from OSA? Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss Weight loss can be very beneficial. What's more, in some instances it can eliminate obstructive sleep apnea. Examples would be massive weight loss, such as bariatric surgery, can eliminate sleep apnea in 60% of […]

American Sleep Association is proud to announce a new partnership that will bring our resources in front of The Mighty's wide-reaching readership. We will now have a growing home page on The Mighty and appear on many stories on the site. The Mighty is a story-based health community focused on improving the lives of people […]

New research out of the University of California Los Angeles has revealed that menopause and its accompanying symptom insomnia are accelerating the aging process. This was a dual study, with findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Biological Psychiatry this month.  These factors may be increasing the risk of age-related […]

A new study out of Purdue University has found that adults who are achieving weight loss with a high-protein diet are sleeping better. Wayne Campbell, Professor of Nutrition Science, notes that most of the research in this field focuses on how sleep plays a role in weight, but this current research switches the question around […]

The most common responses to how lack of sleep affects emotions are fogginess, irritability, and grumpiness.  There are hundreds of jokes that are rooted in how sleep deprivation can turn a nice kid into something from a bad horror flick, but lack of sleep can actually lead to a great deal of serious health consequences […]

New research has indicated a six-fold increase in the prevalence of a sleep disorder in U.S. veterans over an 11-year period.  Researchers noted that the highest increases in sleep disorder diagnoses were happening in patients with combat experience, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health condition.  Further, PTSD occurrences and prevalence tripled throughout the […]

  Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I am very obese and have severe sleep apnea. I am contemplating bariatric surgery. Can you give me some idea as to whether the surgery might cure my sleep apnea? Answer: That is a great question. Most studies show that about 60% of those who undergo bariatric surgery no longer need […]

After using HIRREM® neurotechnology, Brain State Technologies has reported that young athletes who suffered from symptoms of concussion are showing a number of long-term improvements.  After three months of therapy, the small group of athletes reported continued symptom reduction, with all of them returning to full activities and exercise.  These findings were presented in Chicago […]

New research out of Edinburgh has found that sexual behavior in sleep (SBS) may be linked to underlying psychological and psychiatric conditions that are rooted all the way back to childhood. The findings were presented in Edinburgh this month at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum.  Researchers presented the likely case that SBS […]

There can be a large mental component that prevents people from sleeping well. This may manifest as a racing mind that prevents you from falling asleep at night. It might mean you wake up multiple times per night with no real cause. There are ways you can teach your mind to sleep deeper and to […]

Visit the ASA - Huffington Post Section at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/american-sleep-association/   Through a collaborative agreement, American Sleep Association and The Huffington Post will be working to promote sleep awareness.

What are parasomnias? Parasomnias are common sleep disruptions that can occur when a child is falling asleep or waking up.   Parasomnias occur at the transition of deep sleep and consciousness where a child’s brain can be caught in between the two states, and explains why a child can appear awake but actually be sleeping.  This […]

Women who have been treated for breast cancer often complain of lack of sleep and persistent fatigue, but a new study has found that acupressure helps to reduce that constant feeling of tiredness. Breast cancer treatment comes with the unfortunate long-term symptom of fatigue, with approximately 1/3 of women experiencing moderate to severe symptoms for […]

The journal, Biological Psychiatry, has published a new meta-analysis study that shows inflammatory markers present in those with long sleep duration and sleep disturbance complaints. Dr. John Krystal, Editor of the journal, emphasized the importance of the analysis, which highlighted the fact that both too little and too much sleep has been linked to inflammation, […]

Catathrenia is a parasomnia – abnormal behavior of the nervous system during sleep – and characterized by groaning on exhalation during sleep.  The person will usually take a very deep inhalation, hold their breath for a moment, and then release with a long, sustained, usually high-pitched groan. It is believed that catathrenia occurs most often […]

The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism published a new study that reports men who sleep too few or too many hours may be at higher risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is an epidemic in our American culture, with over 29 million people suffering with the diagnosis, according to the Endocrine Facts and […]

New research from Penn State College of Medicine has reported that it may be possible to prevent childhood obesity by teaching parents special techniques for bedtime routines, along with healthy sleeping habits in their infants.  This comes in light of the strong links between childhood obesity and inadequate sleep. Scientists have been looking for a […]

For the first time, new findings published in the journal Stroke from the American Heart Association, have looked deeper into the link between increased risk of heart/brain disease and fragmented sleep.  Fragmented sleep is defined as having frequent awakenings and interruptions throughout the night.  In this particular study, there was an average of seven arousals […]

A new pilot study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association reported that an adjustable foot wrap is 1.4 times more effective in treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) than traditional pharmaceutical therapy.  Authors at Lake Erie Research Institute in Pennsylvania published this study. Thirty otherwise healthy people with moderate to severe restless leg […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, What time would you recommend night owls get up and go to bed, if they're not stretching the envelope?  Answer: Night owls should go to bed when they are sleepy. Advising a night owl to go to bed at a certain time that conflicts with their inherent circadian rhythms will not work. […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, What do you think about pets in the bedroom and bed? My wife likes to sleep with the dog in the bed. I am having problems with this since I am a very light sleeper and feel this is interfering with my sleep. Answer: That is an excellent and timely question. The […]

Using caffeine no longer improves performance or alertness after three consecutive nights of sleep restriction to 5 hours per night, a new study finds. Relative to the placebo, the results showed that caffeine improved Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) performance during the first two days, but then lost significant improvement in the last three days of […]

Sara C. Mednick, psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, lead a team of sleep researchers to look at the autonomic nervous system (ANS) - the part of the body that is responsible for controlling the unconsciously directed functions such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing – and the role it plays in memory consolidation […]

A new study has found that a particular over-the-counter sleeping aid has helped those who suffer from occasional sleeplessness. The study shows that the medication helps them fall asleep in less than 20 minutes, on average, while simultaneously improving their sleep quality. The first of its kind, this study characterizes the benefits of DPH (diphenhydramine […]

Every person diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experiences it differently. Most experience a difficulty in keeping their sense of self and holding onto their abilities. The researchers at University of Michigan, keeping this aspect of intellectuality in mind, are looking for a new way to improve cognitive functions like attention, mental processing, and memory in MS […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I have Multiple Sclerosis—relapsing-remitting type. My legs begin to ache whenever I get into bed. My only way to get relief is to move them or massage them. My neurologist says this is a manifestation of my MS. If so, why at night and why do I have it every night? My […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, I have an 11-year-old with Down syndrome. She snores and has trouble staying awake. I have told her doctors but they don't seem to think there is a connection. I heard that sleep apnea is more common in Down syndrome. Is that true? Answer: Yes, it is true. In fact, we estimate […]

Dear Dr. Rosenberg, My 67-year-old husband has a terrible time falling and staying asleep. He used to be physically active and slept well. Is there any relationship between exercise and sleep? Answer: Yes, most definitely. In fact, two recent studies completed on older individuals bears this out. In both studies, introducing a moderate exercise program […]

Sleep is an important part of our popular culture. For centuries, people have included references to sleep in music. In order to provide a comprehensive database of 'All Things Sleep', ASA has provided a growing directory of songs about sleep. While most of these songs weren't designed to try to help you fall asleep, they […]

  With nearly one-third of Americans suffering from insomnia, it is not surprising that trouble sleeping is a common medical complaint. In this article, Dr. Matthew Goldenberg discusses the intricacies and new updates to the diagnosis of insomnia. Both physicians and patients can benefit from taking the additional step of accessing the specific aspects of […]

Most people feel groggy after hopping time zones.  This is the body’s response to the temporary mismatch between the new local time and the body’s natural 24-hour circadian rhythm.  This rhythm in mammals is governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) on a hormonal and neuronal level.  The SCN is a small region in the brain […]

Sleep Myths – True or False? Author: Dr. James Maas, PhD  During sleep, your brain rests. F Most people think of sleep as a passive, dormant part of our daily lives. Wakefulness contains only a single brain wave. To be physically, psychologically, and emotionally at your best, you have to experience 5 different types of […]

American Sleep Association is proud to support the non-profit organization, Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). Sleeping Children Around the World has delivered more than 1.4 million bedkits to children around the world who do not have resources that allow for a comfortable and safe sleeping environment. Since 1970, SCAW has raised over $40 million […]

Sleep disorders are more of a problem in professional athletes than many people believe; however, individual counseling, treatment planning, and examination has been shown to help improve their sleep quality.  A new Finnish study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences reported, for the first time, that systematic measures can improve the sleep patterns of […]

Patients with central sleep apnea (CSA) and chronic heart failure (CHF) have a higher risk of being hospitalized and higher mortality rates than people with both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and CSA.  This is true whether or not they get adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) therapy.  These results were determined in a French prospective observational study from […]

  "Scientists from Austria, Finland and Hungary are using laser scanners to study the day-night rhythm of trees. As it turns out, trees go to sleep too. Most living organisms adapt their behavior to the rhythm of day and night. Plants are no exception: flowers open in the morning, some tree leaves close during the […]

A new multicenter prospective study on the relationship between cancer and sleep-disordered breathing has shown that severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), if left untreated, may be linked to more aggressive malignant cutaneous melanoma.  Sleep-disordered breathing is in reference to frequent starts and stops in breathing throughout the night.  This study was presented at the 2016 […]

Over the last several decades, scientists have debated about whether rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is directly linked to the formation of memories.  REM sleep is the phase of the cycle when dreams appear.  It is also the restorative phase of sleep. Researchers from the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and University of Bern published […]

Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Massachusetts Eye and Ear have begun a new FDA-approved clinical trial recently.  Researchers will test and review the use of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator in a group of adolescents with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  A hypoglossal nerve stimulator is currently a technology available to adults who […]

A new study combining mobile apps, big data, and math modeling of sleep patterns around the world has analyzed the roles of biology and society in the setting of sleep schedules. Led by mathematicians out of the University of Michigan, this study utilized a smartphone application at no charge that would reduce jetlag in order […]

Parents of ADHD children have claimed for years that their children have more trouble falling and staying asleep and have poorer quality sleep than other children.  A study out of Aarhus University has found that there is some truth behind this claim. Recent studies have reported that approximately 70% of parents with ADHD children state […]

The SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) makes the body run properly and on time.  It acts as the control center for our genetic clock and the circadian rhythm, which regulates multiple functions including insulin sensitivity, hunger, sleep, body temperature, hormonal levels, cell cycles, etc.  The suprachiasmatic nucleus has been extensively studied, but its neural network has remained […]

As a Pediatric Sleep Specialist, I am often confronted by parents with the question of whether they should sleep train their children. These parents express a strong desire and need for sleep for themselves and their children, but they are confused and overwhelmed as to how to proceed (if, at all). Sleep training, also referred […]

Traveling with kids can be tiring for the whole family.  One major culprit is crossing time zones; it can wreak  havoc not only on sleep routines, but general behavior as well.    As I mentioned in  11 Sleep Tips for Traveling with Children,  you have two options: if you are only crossing one or two time […]

In previous studies, it has been found that sleep deprivation can negatively affect the immune system, metabolism, inflammatory process, and regulation of the hormone that controls appetite.  In a recent study out of the University of Helsinki, scientists have discovered that lack of sleep can also lead to problems with cholesterol metabolism. The purpose of […]

New research has lead scientists to make a strong case for the timing and duration of your sleep, as they believe it is closely linked to heart-healthy behavior. Researchers are stating that those who like to stay up late at night should pay close attention to this new study out of the University of Delaware […]

A new study out of the University of Adelaide has found that men who take in high-fat diets are more likely to report having problems sleeping at night, feeling excessive daytime sleepiness, and are more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. This study, titled the Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress (MAILES) study, […]

The Surrey Sleep Research Center at the University of Surrey has performed a new study that shows shifts in the sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm) has a greater impact on women than it does on men.  This study was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study involved the assessment […]

Sleep makes up about 1/3 of our lives.  Decades of research have concluded that sleep is vital for learning functions and making long-term memories.  However, knowing exactly how long-term memory is formed is not wholly understood.  It remains a primary question in neuroscience New research from neuroscientists out of the University of California Riverside published […]

There are millions of people who have trouble with transitioning from an asleep to an awake state.  Many find it difficult to fall and stay asleep throughout the night, as well as stay awake and alert throughout the day.  The neurobiological mechanics of our sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, has remained largely unknown despite the […]

What exactly is sleep telemedicine? Any health care that takes place between a patient and a clinician who are not in the same physical location could be considered telemedicine.  In a sense, many sleep doctors have been practicing telemedicine for a long time by reading sleep studies remotely through virtual private networks (VPNs). Recently, there […]

The American Sleep Association is proud to announce its partnership with The Huffington Post and Arianna Huffington in their efforts to educate the public about the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation. Almost a decade ago, Huffington suffered a collapse from inadequate sleep. Since then, it has been her mission to share […]

New research from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) suggests that irregular sleep-wake cycles and chronic insomnia may be risk factors of Parkinson’s disease. In this animal model study, circadian rhythm disturbances before the onset of Parkinson’s disease significantly worsened learning and motor deficits brought on by this disease. Led by […]

Published in the online version of the journal, Radiology, new research found brain white matter tract abnormalities in patients suffering from insomnia. These findings were made using a sophisticated MRI technique. Primary insomnia is characterized by an individual’s inability to fall or stay asleep at night for at least one month. This type of insomnia […]

According to research presented at the 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology, there is a relatively new treatment for those who have enlarged prostates that will decrease the number of times they have to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate. The majority of men with enlarged prostates, […]

New research on military veterans has found that concussions related to blast explosives lead to hormonal changes and problems like fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor quality of life. This new research will be presented at the Endocrine Society’s 98th annual meeting to discuss the 41 male veterans that were studied. These participates were deployed […]

Sleep-related treatments to improve mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are in the beginning stages of discovery with a national group of brain injury and sleep specialists. Specific tests to develop these treatments are underway. Created by a sleep specialist out of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, along with the assistance of military and […]

A recently published study alerts commercial truck drivers about the risks of untreated sleep apnea. In a study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Minnesota with Morris, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and colleagues, it was found out that drivers who failed to follow an obstructive sleep apnea treatment […]

Insomnia is recognized as a difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep. This condition affects approximately more than half of Americans. It is considered to be one of the most common sleep problems. It is reported that 30% of the population suffer from insomnia, with one and three people suffering from some type of insomnia […]

New research out of Purdue University has found that people who are losing weight through a high-protein diet are sleeping better too. For the most part, studies in the past have looked at how sleep can affect an individual’s diet and weight; however, this study flipped that question and decided, instead, to look at how […]

A study scheduled to be reviewed at the 65th Annual Scientific Session for the American College of Cardiology reports that long naps and daytime sleepiness put an individual at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a collection of conditions that put an individual at risk for developing heart disease, such […]

    So you have given up caramel mocchacinos, bought a gym membership, and started meditating. But have you thought about adding improving your child’s sleep patterns to your resolutions this year? Maybe you think sleep should just come naturally and is not something you can change. The great news is: That is a myth!   […]

Some studies have suggested that people with diabetes and poor glycemic control may benefit from the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The results of a randomized and controlled trial published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine report that this may not be true. It has been suggested that obstructive […]

Just how much do we really know about the importance of sleep in stroke patients? A team of researchers acknowledged that sleep is rarely considered in institutionalized patients, and in larger stroke-care community centers. The University of Surrey and University of Freiburg both accentuated the significant role of sleep in patients with stroke. The study […]

Don't forget to adjust your clocks by one hour ahead for Daylight Saving Time. Benjamin Franklin implemented Daylight Saving Time in order to maximize natural light availability during an era in which artificial light sources (candles) were less available. The Daylight Saving Time effect is similar to flight travel across time zones. Some people have […]

Getting too much sleep may not be good for you, according to research. A recent study confirms that people sleeping beyond eight hours may have an increased cardiovascular related death rate. According to the lead author, Linn B. Strand, their research, which had 400,000 Taiwanese adult participants, revealed that people who slept more than eight […]

New research out of Australia’s Queensland University of Technology suggests that 1 in 3 children between newborn and five years of age have trouble sleeping, leading to behavioral and emotional problems in the school setting. It was found that children who can ease themselves back to sleep in their earliest years have more productivity and […]

  The story of high-achieving students who pulls all-night study sessions and are continuously sleep deprived is common in pop culture. However, research would suggest that lack of sleep is not recommended -  even for the best of students, as the downsides of this practice can be much more significant than the benefits. In a […]

New research has discovered that a specific type of worm, a nematode worm with the title of Caenorhabditis elegans, may have similar sleeping patterns to humans and other mammals. Like humans, researchers state the nematode worm has a sleep regimen that is vital to their existence. The physical correlation between C. elegans and humans and […]

A recent study confirms that homeschooled teens obtain more sleep than those who attends public and private school. Lisa Meltzer, Ph.D., a sleep psychologist at the National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, the lead author, said the findings are instrumental in finding more evidence on teen’s altered biological clocks and support the claim to start […]

American Sleep Association has launched an initiative to create a repository for sleep-related lectures, handouts, forms and other content for healthcare professionals to share. The primary objective of this project is to facilitate access to quality educational content for healthcare professionals and students. Content could include PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and other sleep content that can […]

A new study brings hope for patients battling with obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes type 2 and poorly controlled blood sugar. The senior author, Francisco Garcia – Rio, MD, professor of medicine at the Autonoma University of Madrid, discovered that the use of continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, improves blood sugar control in patients […]

A recent study confirms that intense nighttime light exposure is not good for your sleep health. Maurice Ohayon, MD, DSC, Ph.D., a Stanford University scientist, said that exposure to intense nighttime light affects sleep duration, which is also linked to sleep disturbance. According to the results, approximately 500,000 urban dwellers were more exposed to nighttime […]

Recent studies have demonstrated that an effect on an individual’s internal clock can increase the risk of ischemic stroke. The objective of a new study was to determine if daylight savings time had an influence on this risk. In order to look at this connection, researchers analyzed decades of stroke data in Finland to identify […]

Fibromyalgia patients may soon find relief from disturbed sleep, pain and fatigue with a sleep related medication. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley uncovered the action of mechanism of sodium oxybate, under the brand name Xyrem. This drug has long been identified to improve sleep in patients with fibromyalgia. In the recent publication from […]

The Kansas State University (KSU) Engineering team recently announced their new research-based project utilizing the latest technology to design a round-the-clock sensor to help track the wellness of children with special needs. The goal of their study is to measure the quality of sleep and daytime well-being, at a low cost by developing a signal […]

In our highly competitive world, getting adequate sleep is becoming a challenge. Sleep deficiency is becoming a common phenomenon affecting almost everyone. Directly, it can alter mood, and when the problem becomes chronic, a long-term mood issue, such as depression may occur. Experts from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Louis Ptáček and Ying-Hui Fu, […]

  In has recently been reported that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia suffered from sleep apnea. With much coverage of his life and death, it is important to recognize the ubiquity of this potentially deadly sleep disorder. Over 5% of the adult population has some degree of obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by repetitive […]

Sleep is viewed by many in the scientific and medical community as a complex but fascinating phenomenon. Many humans and other living creatures undertake this process for most of their lives, but to date there are still elements of the sleep process that are yet to be understood. A group of biologists at Caltech have […]

Highlights from the CDC Survey on Sleep:   Key Findings: Healthy sleep duration was lower among Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (54 percent), non-Hispanic blacks (54 percent), multiracial non-Hispanics (54 percent) and American Indians/Alaska Natives (60 percent) compared with non-Hispanic whites (67 percent), Hispanics (66 percent), and Asians (63 percent). The prevalence of healthy sleep duration varied […]

  Perhaps you have seen the headline by now - 1 in 3 Americans are not getting enough sleep. A new study by the CDC, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report discusses the results of the survey research. What is the importance of the data? What does it mean to you? If you […]

One of the good things about being married is that married people get more sleep at night compared to those who aren’t. According to the latest study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 67% of married people received seven hours of sleep at night, compared to those who were never married, divorced, […]

Business leaders be wary. A recent survey showed that 43% of business leaders do not get enough sleep for at least four nights a week which can hinder leadership role and eventually affect the company’s financial performance. The survey included 180 business leaders and four out of ten leaders, or 43%, had sleep deficiency issues. […]

There was a time when the impact of one disease on another was completely overlooked, but, in recent years, the medical community has started to look at the human body as one whole unit. There is strong evidence that a link between heart disease and sleep disorders exists. This is particularly true when you focus […]

If you suffer from sleep apnea or know someone who does, then you know how it harms a good night’s sleep. For those that are not aware of what sleep apnea is, it’s a disorder that is characterized by pauses in  breathing or instances of decreased breathing during sleep. Pauses in breathing can last for […]

A recent study links sleep deprivation, specifically slow-wave-sleep (SWS) deficit, in male adolescences with a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, increased fat in the abdomen area, and impaired attention, according to Jordan Gaines, a Penn State neuroscience researcher. According to the report, SWS is one of the critical stages of sleep because it […]

There are many benefits that pet owners enjoy and take comfort in. But how about allowing pets in the bedroom to help improve sleep? According to a new study, pets may not be as disruptive as previously believed, and may actually improve sleep. In a new study from the Center for Sleep Medicine at the […]

Short sleepers or those who sleep six hours or less regularly are at risk developing heart disease or death, according to Dr. Michael Grandner, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tuscon. As cited in the U.S. News Health site, the lack […]

Sleep apnea is nothing new. This condition has plagued millions of people. People with this sleep disorder have periodic pauses in breathing during sleep - But there could be new research to help those affected by the disorder. Through a great amount of research, scientists are now learning more and more about the signals that […]

According to new research, patients suffering from both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are far more likely to experience a lower quality of life, more exhaustion and sleepiness throughout the day, and they are less like to have successful responses to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. A case-controlled study was conducted […]

A cure for jet lag? A recent study confirms that exposing people to short flashes of light, during sleep, is more effective than using continuous light, according to research. Continuous lights are used as a therapy to prevent circadian rhythm disruptions. As cited in the Stanford Medicine website, Jamie Zeitzer, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry […]

ASA Issues Position Statement on School Start Times In order to offer a more economical solution to school bus scheduling, and easier after-school activity planning,  many schools across the country have changed middle school and high school start times to earlier hours in the morning. Many schools now start at 07:00 - some even earlier. […]

A recent study confirms that excessive instant messaging or texting can affect sleep and grades among teens. Instant messaging among teens was established as their strong emotional support and an excellent tool to collaborate and connect to group mates for projects and school-related activities. However, excessive texting, according to author Xue Ming, a professor of […]

We’ve all heard the expression “Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” but it is most likely that you don’t go to bed imagining actual, tiny bugs crawling around in your bed. Most of us think of bed bugs as a pest of the past. When we think of bed bugs, we imagine filthy, rundown places. […]

Research Links Extreme Social Media Use With Disrupted Sleep Obsessive social media use on Facebook, Twitter and similar platforms are linked to sleeping disturbance. According to a study conducted by the lead author, Jessica C. Levenson, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at Pitt's Department of Psychiatry, published in Preventive Magazine, young adults who spend more time […]

What medications help people with shift work stay awake? Many people who work shifts frequently complain that they are sleepy at work and have problems with sleeping in-between work shifts. This is an area of great clinical importance because millions of people work varying shifts and lack of sleep can affect performance. So are there […]

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a relatively uncommon sleep disorder in which a person appears to act out dreams. This disorder was first described in 1986. The major abnormal characteristic of RBD is loss of paralysis during sleep. Most vivid dreams occur in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep stage. Motor inhibition loss leads to […]

There are several causes of type 2 diabetes, but now a study reveals that women who have sleep problems may be at an increased risk for this disorder. This latest study done in Boston by Dr Yanping Li has therapeutic implications for healthcare providers. They will need to inquire about sleeping habits of their patients […]

Relationship between Travel Time from Home to a Regional Sleep Apnea Clinic in British Columbia, Canada and the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening sleep disorder in which the airway closes during sleep repeatedly. It is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and deadly heart […]

REM sleep is the stage of sleep when we have our most vivid dreams. Our bodies were ingeniously designed  to have “atonia,” or complete lack of muscle tone, during REM except for the eye muscles and the diaphragm, the muscle that controls breathing. This prevents us from acting out our dreams. When muscles stay inappropriately […]

  It appears that there is a diet for almost every possible medical disorder. So is there a diet for sleep? Over the years, researchers have looked at different diets and how they affect sleep but the data have been puzzling. Now a research study shows that a diet that is low in fiber, high […]

The new and improved American Sleep Association Sleep Professionals and Business Directory is coming soon. This will be a free resource for sleep doctors, sleep dentists, sleep centers, and CPAP DME providers to list their business, info, and contact information. Register as a member for free to list your business and service. Be found by […]

" Scientists have confirmed the role of a set of gene mutations in the development of congenital heart disease and simultaneously discovered a link between them and some neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children. These abnormalities include cognitive, motor, social, and language impairments. “The risk of developing neurodevelopmental disabilities is so high when these particular gene mutations […]

Global narcolepsy therapeutics market is expected to reach over USD 1,996.06 million by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research Inc. Growing prevalence of the target disease is anticipated to be the key driver for narcolepsy therapeutics industry growth. According to the estimates by the Narcolepsy Network, approximately 1 in 2,000 people […]

Test Yourself for Sleep Apnea Although there is no questionnaire that can be used to diagnose or rule out sleep apnea, there are several screening tools that you can use that help to stratify risk for sleep apnea. Each of these screening questionnaires use questions to assess for specific sleep issues. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale […]

The American Sleep Association supports the concept of licensure and relicensure at the state level, as presently provided. The ASA encourages states to engage in reciprocity compacts for physician licensing, especially to permit the use of telemedicine. http://www.licenseportability.org/

Lecture on Sleep Apnea Abimbola Farinde,PhD   Complete Powerpoint Intro Lecture_on_Sleep_Apnea – 28 Pages – Open Here Objectives Ø  Define and understand sleep apnea Ø  Provide assessments and diagnosis for sleep apnea Ø  Discuss the treatment options available for sleep apnea Ø  Discuss a patient case presentation on sleep apnea Background/Origin   Ø  Definition: Ø […]

Question: What is the difference between Home Sleep Test and in lab Sleep Study? Answer: Besides being conducted at home, Home Sleep Test (HST) monitor less biologic channels and are only used for the diagnosis of sleep apnea. In-laboratory sleep studies, or polysomnography (PSG), are used for assessing other sleep disorders. PSG's usually incorporate over […]

Sleep Tip of the Day #48 Weight and Snoring/Sleep Apnea Did you know that if you snore or have sleep apnea, and are overweight/obese, that losing weight might make a significant improvement in your sleep disordered breathing? In a few randomized, controlled studies, overweight subjects with obstructive sleep apnea who lost weight showed an increase […]

Top 10 Sleep Tips - How to sleep better Keep a regular bedtime - go to bed at the same time. More important than #1, wake up at the same time each morning. Don't read in bed or watch T.V. in bed Avoid alcohol and coffee after 4 pm. Get brisk morning exercise No phones […]

What is Respiratory Disturbance Index? RDI? The respiratory disturbance index is the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) + the respiratory effort related arousal (RERA) index. RERA is basically on the spectrum of airflow resistance. Snoring<RERA<Hypopnea<Apnea.      

"Researchers discovered that majority of depression patients suffered from sleep apnea that continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) can treat easily. But some people have stopped using CPAP because of a number of reasons. One of the reasons included claustrophobia feeling, thus researchers have recommended a substitute mouth guard to avoid sleep apnea." as reported in […]

Drug Challenge Drugs for Treating Insomnia Match the brand names in Section I with the generics in Section II   SECTION I ____1. Oleptro (Angelini Labopharm) ____2. Ambien (Sanofi-Aventis) ____3. Rozerem (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) ____4. Levate (Valeant Pharmaceuticals)   ____________________________________________________________   SECTION II 1.zolpidem 5mg 10mg; controlled release: 6.25mg, 12.5mg; sublingual:1.75mg, 3.5mg; solution: 5mg/ actuation A […]

ASA Welcomes Dr. Farinde to the Sleep Team. Abimbola Farinde, PharmD is a healthcare professional who has gained experience in the field and practice of psychopharmacology/mental health, and geriatric pharmacy. She has worked with active duty soldiers with dual diagnoses of a traumatic brain injury and a psychiatric disorder providing medication therapy management and disease […]

"WASHINGTON -- The surgeon general of the United States is worried that we aren't getting enough rest. Dr. Vivek Murthy made the case that the country needs a collective nap during an appearance at the Washington Ideas Festival last week, arguing that work efficiency and lifestyle balance would benefit as a result", writes Sam Stein in […]

Sleep Apnea Awareness Week Coming October 1 Get involved. Volunteer to share your knowledge and experience as a professional or a patient. Contact Us Today!

Analysis has proven that severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been related to sexual dysfunction. A current study from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota printed within the Journal of Sexual Medicine (Vol. 5, No. four, 2008, p. 898) assessed whether or not milder types of sleep disordered respiration (SDB), similar to snoring, can result […]

Another New Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Hits the OSA Market. MicrO2 MicrO2 is a sleep apnea oral appliance by MicroDental Laboratories. MicrO2 is made from control-cured PMMA Poly(methyl methacrylate). It promotes that the dental device is adjustable with a single piece lingual free part with no moving pieces. It is CAD/CAM milled sleep apnea dental […]

Over the past three years, the sleep apnea oral appliance (OA) industry has appreciated significant gains. A few small sleep apnea dental device makers have been acquired. Others have seen year over year increases in unit sales. New startups are trying to take advantage of the demand. ResMed Corporation acquired Narval CC, which was the […]

WCN 2015 The World Congress of Neurology October 31 – November 5, 2015, in Santiago, Chile www.wcn-neurology.com The Chilean Society of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery is pleased to invite you to the World Congress of Neurology on October 31 – November 5, 2015. The meeting will be held in Santiago, one of the most attractive […]