Category: Medical News Updates

Daytime sleepiness is very common in the elderly with prevalence rates of up to 50 percent. Caused by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a disruption of normal breathing during sleep, these cause recurrent awakenings and subsequent excessive daytime sleepiness. Now a researcher stresses that it is time for physicians to consider the association between these sleep conditions and cognitive impairment in the elderly. Source

The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for obstructive sleep apnea in asymptomatic adults (including adults with unrecognized symptoms), the US Preventive Services Task Force has concluded. Source

Unbalanced signaling by two molecules that regulate breathing leads to sleep apnea in mice and rats. Injection of a substance that reduces production of one of those signals can prevent apneas. This approach may help people suffering from multiple forms of sleep-disordered breathing. Source

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult muscular dystrophy, and many patients with DM1 suffer from various sleep and respiratory disorders. In a new study, researchers found that because there is wide range of sleep problems, treatments do not fit a “one size fits all” model. Source

A single bout of sleep apnea impacts the human body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, say researchers. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The condition can result in frequent periods of decreased oxygen levels in the body, known as intermittent hypoxia. Source

Individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) often have sleep-related disorders such as insomnia, circadian-rhythm sleep disorders, breathing-related sleep disorders, movement disorders, and parasomnias such as sleep-related eating disorder, sleepwalking, nightmares, sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behavior disorder. A new review examines the various aspects of insomnia associated with AD. Source

Suppressing hydrogen sulfide production in the carotid body may block the hypertension associated with sleep apnea. Source

A new analysis has been published that reveals the staggering cost of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. The new work summarizes the results of an online survey completed by patients currently being treated for obstructive sleep apnea. Source

There is growing evidence that sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea are related to stroke risk and recovery from stroke, according to a recent literature review. Source

Approximately one quarter of pregnant women may suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the recurrent cessation or limitation of normal breathing during sleep, new research suggests. In addition to being the cause of daytime fatigue, the consequences of untreated OSA include but are not limited to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and heart disease. Source