American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Study shows that insomnia may cause dysfunction in emotional brain circuitry

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study provides neurobiological evidence for dysfunction in the neural circuitry underlying emotion regulation in people with insomnia, which may have implications for the risk relationship between insomnia and depression.

Parent and teacher support protects teens from sleep problems and depression

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that disturbed sleep in adolescents is associated with more symptoms of depression and greater uncertainly about future success. However, perceived support and acceptance from parents and teachers appears to have a protective effect.

Latest sleep research to be presented June 2 – 5 at annual meeting in Baltimore

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Sleep clinicians and scientists from around the world will discuss current practices in sleep medicine and the latest findings in sleep research at SLEEP 2013, the 27th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS), which will be held June 2-5 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

More sleep may decrease the risk of suicide in people with insomnia

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study found a relationship between sleep duration and suicidal thoughts in people with insomnia.

Study links diet with daytime sleepiness and alertness in healthy adults

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that your level of sleepiness or alertness during the day may be related to the type of food that you eat.

Study shows that bedtime regularity predicts CPAP compliance

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that regularity of bedtime prior to initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is an important factor that may influence treatment compliance in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep duration associated with higher colorectal cancer risk

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study is the first to report a significant positive association between long sleep duration and the development of colorectal cancer, especially among individuals who are overweight or snore regularly. The results raise the possibility that obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to cancer risk.

Study shows severity of sleep apnea is influenced by race

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea severity is higher in African-American men in certain age ranges, even after controlling for body mass index (BMI).

Children with sleep apnea have higher risk of behavioral, adaptive and learning problems

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study found that obstructive sleep apnea, a common form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is associated with increased rates of ADHD-like behavioral problems in children as well as other adaptive and learning problems. The five-year study, which appears in the April issue of the journal SLEEP, utilized data from a longitudinal cohort, the Tucson Children's Assessment of Sleep Apnea Study (TuCASA).

Bladder condition may worsen insomnia symptoms in older adults

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that the bladder condition nocturia may worsen the already poor sleep of older adults with insomnia.

Minimize the effect of daylight saving time by adjusting your sleep schedule

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This weekend marks the return of daylight saving time (DST) for most of the United States. To help ensure a smooth transition to the new time, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that you begin to adjust your sleep schedule a few days prior to the beginning of DST.

Adult sleepwalking is serious condition that impacts health-related quality of life

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study found that adult sleepwalking is a potentially serious condition that may induce violent behaviors and affect health-related quality of life.

A little bit of exercise can go a long way to improve sleep and wellness

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

While exercise can be an important contributor to your sleep health, a growing body of research suggests that you don’t need a high intensity, grueling workout to sleep better. Even small amounts of routine physical activity may improve your sleep and overall well-being. This is good news for the many Americans who are failing to exercise regularly. According to the CDC, about 25 percent of U.S. adults report no leisure-time physical activity.

Research notes: 5 surprising facts about exercise and sleep

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Exercise can be an important contributor to your sleep health. Overall, people tend to sleep better when their lifestyle includes some physical activity. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that recent research has revealed some surprising aspects about the relationship between exercise and sleep.

Study of insomnia finds a new predictor for suicidal thoughts

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study confirms a link between insomnia and thoughts of suicide and suggests that this relationship is mediated by dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep as well as nightmares. The study suggests that the targeted assessment and treatment of specific sleep problems may reduce the risk of suicide in people with depressive symptoms.

Active duty military personnel prone to sleep disorders and short sleep duration

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study found a high prevalence of sleep disorders and a startlingly high rate of short sleep duration among active duty military personnel. The study suggests the need for a cultural change toward appropriate sleep practices throughout the military.

AASM response to closing of Sleep HealthCenters facilities in New England and Arizona

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine encourages patients who have been affected by the closing of multiple Sleep HealthCenters facilities in New England and Arizona to contact a local AASM accredited sleep disorders center to make arrangements for the immediate transition of their medical care. An online directory of AASM accredited member centers is available at www.sleepeducation.com, or patients can contact the AASM national office at 630-737-9700 or inquiries@aasmnet.org to get contact information for a local sleep center accredited by the AASM.

AASM statement on new FDA safety announcement for sleeping pills

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM advises all physicians to prescribe sleep medications according to the new dose requirements and offers important safety tips for patients.

AASM statement: CDC data on drowsy driving highlights need to treat sleep illness

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Drivers should seek treatment for suspected sleep apnea to reduce risk of drowsy driving

Treating sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy may improve fetal health

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that treatment of mild sleep-disordered breathing with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in pregnant women with preeclampsia improves fetal activity levels, a marker of fetal well-being.

Top three reasons to make better sleep a priority in the New Year

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

One New Year’s resolution that everyone should keep this year is to make better sleep a priority in the year ahead.

Demand for treatment of sleep illness is up as drowsy Americans seek help for potentially dangerous conditions

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

As more Americans come to grips with the serious nature of their sleep problems, the number of medical facilities treating sleep illness is on the rise.

Study is first to find significant link between sleepiness and vitamin D

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

New research suggests that race plays an important role in the complex relationship between daytime sleepiness and vitamin D levels.

Extended sleep reduces pain sensitivity

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Increasing sleep time improves daytime alertness and reduces pain sensitivity

Time change is opportunity to reset body clock, get more sleep

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Setting clocks back an hour this weekend (2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 4) creates an opportunity for millions of sleep-deprived Americans, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “The time change is more than turning the clock back,” says Dr. Sam Fleishman, a board-certified sleep physician who serves as AASM president. “It’s a once a year opportunity to reset your body clock for an extra hour of sleep every night.” The AASM’s new website – www.sleepeducation.com – explains how to use this opportunity to reset your body clock and find help for many sleep disorders.

Sleep duration affects hunger differently in men and women

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A new study in the November issue of the journal SLEEP suggests that increasing the amount of sleep that adults get could lead to reduced food intake, but the hormonal process differs between men and women.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea improves blood pressure in men

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study is the first to examine effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment on high blood pressure and diabetes control in a real-world setting

Lack of sleep leads to insulin resistance in teens

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that increasing the amount of sleep that teenagers get could improve their insulin resistance and prevent the future onset of diabetes.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine Statement on the Use of Provigil

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Provigil, which comprises the drug modafinil, is a stimulant that originally received FDA approval in 1998. A variation of the medication, marketed as Nuvigil and composed of armodafinil, was approved by the FDA in 2007.

Drowsy driving education offered online for commercial drivers

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Long an advocate of safe transportation through rested and alert commercial operators, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is now offering a free online presentation for truckers describing the signs, causes and effects of driver fatigue and some strategies to manage it.

Sleep deprivation effect on the immune system mirrors physical stress

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study looks at white blood cell counts following 29 hours of continual wakefulness

SAFE-D Teaching Sleep, Alertness and Fatigue Education to Drivers

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Free online presentation introduced at aasmnet.org for peak driving season

Pivotal evidence shows potential for new class of sleep medicines

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A potential new class of sleep medicines that target and block the chemical messengers in the brain that help keep people awake was presented today at SLEEP 2012 with new pivotal efficacy trials.

Research shows how exposure to violence impacts children's sleep

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Victimization, witnessing homicide have greater effects on quality and quantity of sleep.

OSA linked to increased risk for carbohydrate craving among diabetics

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Authors of study encourage physicians to screen diabetics for obstructive sleep apnea

Men using CPAP see improvement in sexual function, satisfaction

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study shows erectile dysfunction common in sleep apnea sufferers under age 60

Studies show sleep times influenced by race, ethnicity and country of origin

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

White, American-born adults sleep longer than blacks, Hispanics, Indians and Asians

Obesity, depression found to be root causes of daytime sleepiness

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Three studies put obesity and depression at the top, higher than not getting enough sleep

Studies show connection between sleepiness and careers of pro athletes

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Sleepier NFL, MLB players get cut or retire early at rates higher than average

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) persisting into teens can impact life skills

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Behaviors, emotions and social interactions affected in study of 10- to 16-year-olds

PAP therapy improves depressive symptoms in patients with OSA

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study sees improvement for all, even those failing to use PAP as prescribed

Under 6 hours of sleep tops risks for stroke in a low-risk population

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Risk greatest for employed middle- to older ages, normal weight and no sleep apnea

Some adults with sleep disturbances are actually afraid of the dark, study says

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Small sample of students showed 46 percent became roused at bedtime because of a dark-phobia

Brain scans show specific neuronal response to junk food when sleep-restricted

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

More food, fat eaten after a period of sleep restriction compared with habitual sleep periods

MRI scans show how sleep loss affects the ability to choose proper foods

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Sleep deprivation impacts higher brain areas making choices, not basic reward centers

Sleep deprivation may lead to higher anxiety levels, fMRI scans show

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Emotional reactivity elevated from sleep loss, particularly in those already anxious

New white paper concludes that sufficient sleep should be a national health priority

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Calling sleep a ‘health imperative,’ authors from leading clinical and scientific sleep societies urge the nation’s health stakeholders to take notice.

Latest sleep research presented in Boston, June 11-13 at annual meeting

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Sleep clinicians and scientists from around the world will be in Boston on June 11 – 13 for SLEEP 2012, the premier event for sleep and circadian science that blends the most current sleep research with the best clinical practices. Embargoed press releases and press credentials available in advance for SLEEP 2012

Longer sleep times may counteract genetic factors related to weight gain

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Toss out another old wives’ tale: Sleeping too much does not make you fat. Quite the opposite, according to a new study examining sleep and body mass index (BMI) in twins, which found that sleeping more than nine hours a night may actually suppress genetic influences on body weight. The study looked at 1,088 pairs of twins and found that sleeping less than seven hours a night was associated with both increased BMI and greater genetic influences on BMI. Previous research has shown that genetic influences include things like glucose metabolism, energy use, fatty acid storage and satiety. In this study, the heritability of BMI was twice as high for the short sleepers than for twins who slept longer than nine hours a night.

Excessive sleepiness may be cause of learning, attention and school problems

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Children who have learning, attention and behavior problems may be suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness, even though clinical tests show them sleeping long enough at night, a new study reports. Penn State researchers studied 508 children and found that those whose parents reported excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) – despite little indication of short sleep from traditional measurements – were more likely to experience learning, attention/hyperactivity and conduct problems than children without EDS.

CDC study forges link between depression and sleep apnea

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Survey finds association between symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and hopelessness

Defying expectations: Americans report sleep improving as they age

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Survey of 150,000 adults shows the fewest complaints come from people in their 80s

AASM in D.C. this week to promote importance of sleep, public safety

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Recent rule changes for pilot and trucker rest breaks seen as an encouraging step forward

Poor sleep linked to increased health, behavior problems in young diabetics

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A new study suggests that young diabetics may be struggling to get a good night’s sleep, resulting in worse control of their blood sugar, poorer school performance and misbehavior.

Poor sleep quality in first, third trimesters linked to preterm births

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A study published in the Nov. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP shows a significant risk for preterm birth in women reporting sleep disruptions during their first and third trimesters. The connection remained even after medical risk factors and income levels were taken into account.

How lonely you are may impact how well you sleep, research shows

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Loneliness is not only heartbreaking, it breaks up a normal night’s sleep, a new study shows. Researchers say compromised sleep may be one pathway by which feelings of loneliness adversely affect our health.

Early to bed and early to rise – study suggests it’s keeping kids leaner

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A study in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP recorded the bedtimes and wake times of 2,200 Australian participants, ages 9 to 16, and compared their weights and uses of free time over four days. Children who went to bed late and got up late were 1.5 times more likely to become obese than those who went to bed early and got up early. Furthermore, late-nighters were almost twice as likely to be physically inactive and 2.9 times more likely to sit in front of the TV and computer or play video games for more hours than guidelines recommend.

Sleep association launches website offering free resources to educators

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

To help teachers communicate the principles of good sleep habits to their students, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has launched a new website that offers free lesson plans and other, age-appropriate resources for instructors in kindergarten through high school. Additional materials on the website include activities, presentations and assessment tools.

Aging eyes linked to sleepless nights, new study shows

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A natural yellowing of the eye lens that absorbs blue light has been linked to sleep disorders in a group of test volunteers, according to a study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. As this type of lens discoloration worsened with age, so did the risk of insomnia.

Insomnia costing U.S. workforce $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity, study shows

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Insomnia is costing the average U.S. worker 11.3 days, or $2,280 in lost productivity every year, according to a study in the September 1 issue of the journal SLEEP. As a nation, the total cost is 252.7 days and $63.2 billion.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine Names Emory Sleep Specialist Nancy Collop, MD, President

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Nancy A. Collop, MD, director of the Emory Sleep Center and professor of Medicine and Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga., became the 26th president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) in June. Her one-year term as president of the board of directors began Monday, June 13, 2011, at SLEEP 2011, the 25th Anniversary Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS) in Minneapolis, Minn.

Extended sleep improves the athletic performance of collegiate basketball players

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP shows that sleep extension is beneficial to athletic performance, reaction time, vigor, fatigue and mood in collegiate basketball players. The study is the first to document sleep extension and the athletic performance of actively competing athletes.

Sleep apnea may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes