Specific sleep problems among babies and very young children can be linked to mental disorders in adolescents, a new study has found. Source
Online program improves insomnia in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Researchers show that an online program developed specifically for AYA cancer survivors can significantly alleviate insomnia and improve overall quality of life. Source
Poor sleep significantly linked with teenage depression
Teenagers who experience very poor sleep may be more likely to experience poor mental health in later life, as depressed teens in study slept 30 minutes less per night than other groups. Source
New insights into Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers looking at mouse models found impaired functional interactions between the hippocampus and the parietal cortex during the memory replay period, which may yield new insights into Alzheimer’s Disease. Source
Disrupted circadian rhythms linked to later Parkinson’s diagnoses
Older men who have a weak or irregular circadian rhythm guiding their daily cycles of rest and activity are more likely to later develop Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study. Source
Research delves into causes of nightmares that shadow female survivors of sexual trauma
A new study attempts to shed light on triggers of post-trauma nightmare occurrences — a topic that has received scant study. Source
How COVID-19 lockdown has altered sleep in the US and Europe
Two new studies show that relaxed school and work schedules and more time spent at home has led people to sleep more on average with less ‘social jetlag’ as indicated by a reduced shift in sleep timing and duration on work days versus free days. But, at the same time, one of the studies also finds that the pandemic has taken a toll when it comes to self-reported sleep quality. Source
Disrupted sleep increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by promoting inflammation
Sleep disruption has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, but the mechanism has been unclear. A new study reveals that fragmented sleep exacerbates atherosclerosis and may raise the risk of stroke via an effect on inflammatory pathways. Source
Sleep, death and … the gut?
A new study finds a causal link between sleep deprivation and death. In sleep-deprived fruit flies, death is preceded by the accumulation of molecules known as reactive oxidative species in the gut. When fruit flies were given antioxidant compounds that neutralize ROS, sleep-deprived flies remained active and had normal lifespans. The findings may one day inform new approaches to counteract the harmful effects of insufficient sleep in humans. Source
How do we disconnect from the environment during sleep and under anesthesia?
A series of new studies finds, among other important discoveries, that noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter secreted in response to stress, lies at the heart of our ability to ”shut off” our sensory responses and sleep soundly. Source