The study analyzed 12 years worth of data on over 14,000 Canadians that were obtained through Canada’s National Population Health Survey between the years of 1994 and 2007. Subjects ranged in age between 18 and 102 years. .

After accounting for social demographics, health status and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of mortality, researchers involved in the study determined that the consumption of sleeping pills for the treatment of insomnia or anti-anxiety medications was associated with a 36 percent increase in the risk of death.

Scientists believe that the association between consumption of sleeping and anti-anxiety medication could be caused by several factors, including delayed reaction time and decreased coordination, which could result in more falls and accidents.

People experiencing ongoing insomnia symptoms (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up early) should speak with their doctor or a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the best method of treatment.

Sleep experts typically recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to ease symptoms before prescribing medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a non-pharmacological way to obtain long- lasting relief for insomnia. Because of potential side effects and addictive properties, sleep medications are typically only used to relieve symptoms for a short period of time.  Patients often resist CBT because they think it won’t work but many research studies and my own clinical experience show that it is the best long term treatment for insomnia.

My goal for this blog is to explain some of the biggest problems and issues concerning sleep, and offer advice to help readers get better rest.  I will also keep readers up to date on the latest research and the newest treatments.

Although I will cover a variety of subjects, insomnia will be a topic I discuss frequently, as it is a difficult condition to manage and there are so many useful tips that I can’t discuss them all in one blog.

My first post focused on the importance of understanding how light affects the brain and helps control the sleep/wake cycle.

Many people don’t understand the importance of limiting their exposure to light before bedtime.  Light is the strongest cue that will alert you; unfortunately, when people can’t sleep they tend to watch TV, use a computer or read a book, all of these activities can stimulate your brain and keep you awake.

Many people experience occasional sleepless nights. Insomnia symptoms (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early) can be caused by stress, illness or anxiety. Symptoms of insomnia can often be eliminated naturally. Simple lifestyle changes such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each night, keeping your bedroom cool and dark and abstaining from drinking alcohol before bed may help you obtain better sleep.

If your troubles persist for longer than a month, however, it is best to consult a sleep physician to determine the best type of treatment.  Many people wait for for years before seeking professional help and, by that time, they will often have developed bad habits that exacerbate the insomnia problem.

During my lecture I will discuss the association of sleep disorders with impaired glucose tolerance, changes in appetite hormones, diabetes and weight gain/obesity.  There is a growing body of literature that shows a strong  association between short sleep durations and weight gain/obesity.

Research shows that sleep deprivation increases your risk for weight gain and obesity. The Huffington Posts reportsthat sleep restriction has been shown to increase levels of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry while also slowing your metabolism. A new area of research focuses on how specific sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Restless Leg syndrome may lead to weight gain, either through the short sleep mechanism or other physiologic pathways.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine claims that at least 40 million Americans have chronic sleep problems, and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleep disturbances. As many as 47 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that are shown to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke and is usually associated with overweight/obesity.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a study published in the International Journal Obesity found that middle-aged women who suffer from sleep disorders are more likely to have problems with their weight than their peers who get eight hours of sleep per night. Results were unique, in that they demonstrated that sleep problems precede weight gain.

A study published in the May 2010 edition of the journal Sleep found that people who fail to get an adequate amount of sleep (less than six hours per night) tended to weigh more and exercise less. This group was also more likely to prefer fatty foods, snack frequently and eat out more often.

It is important to recognize the relationship between sleep and weight gain, in order to address the epidemic of obesity. Many people do not realize that sleep is as important to good health as exercise and diet. By obtaining seven to eight hours of sleep per night, you are helping your body stay strong, both mentally and physically.

Soy contains isoflavones (estrogen-like compounds), which may be beneficial for postmenopausal women who are struggling to get the sleep they need.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, biological changes in women who are approaching menopause often cause sleep problems.  I see many such women in my sleep clinic.  Women often experience a decline in sleep quality and increase in sleep disturbances as they go through menopause.  For most of these women, the sleep problems persist long after menopause.  Sleep Apneaalso becomes more common when women approach menopause and worsens as they continue tp age.

Participants of the study were divided into two groups; 38 postmenopausal women with insomnia were given 80 milligrams of isoflavones while the other 38 received a placebo for four months. All of the study participants underwent polysomnography.

Results of the study show that sleep efficiency in women who received isoflavone increased from 78 percent at the beginning of the study to 84 percent at the end. Ninety percent of women in this group reported moderate to intense insomnia issues at the beginning of the study; only 37 percent reported similar problems after four months of treatment.

Many people are under the misconception that poor sleep is a part of normal aging. Although sleep patterns change as we age, older adults still require seven to eight hours of sleep each night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, many older adults show an increase in the amount of time needed to fall asleep, a decline in deep, slow wave sleep and an increase in sleep fragmentation (waking up during the night). Physical and mental illnesses, as well the medications used to treat them can also disrupt the sleep of older adults.

Due to the fact that the cause of postmenopausal insomnia is not known, researchers involved in the study say that consuming soy may not help every woman. If you are experiencing symptoms of insomnia for an extended amount of time (longer than three months) you should consult a sleep expert to determine if you have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.  Also, there have been some reports of increase in breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence with women consuming soy. Therefore, it is best to discuss with your doctor before using  a lot of soy product.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that currently, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States last year. Approximately 1,910 new cases are expected in men. The ACS also reports that an estimated 40,610 breast cancer deaths are expected in 2009 (40,170 women, 440 men).

Cancer treatment can be difficult for a patient both on physical and mental levels. While a person suffering from breast cancer experiences the physical pain of treatment, they often also experience, fatigue, anxiety, anger, depression and insomnia.

Dr. Michael J. Breus reported to the Huffington Post that as many as one-third of all cancer patients develop sleep problems during treatment that then can persist for years afterwards- even after the cancer has gone into remission.

Dr. Sonia Ancoli-Israel, PhD, professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego told the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that the relationship between sleep, fatigue, mood and cancer is complex; however, research shows that sleep is a vital element to a patient’s full recovery.

Physicians treating breast cancer patients should raise awareness of the importance of sleep, because getting a good night’s sleep not only contributes to physical recovery but may also improve quality of life.

Ancoli-Israel says that women suffering from breast cancer should focus on creating and maintaining good sleep hygiene. A few examples of healthy sleep habits include:

• Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day
• Exercise regularly no matter how fatigued you feel even if only for a few minutes
• Nap only in the afternoon and for no more than 30 minutes
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening
• Make time during the day to focus on sources of anxiety rather than waiting and letting thoughts overwhelm you when you get into bed.

Most importantly, seek the help of a sleep physician if you continue to have trouble sleeping or feel unusually tired in the daytime.  Don’t suffer with these problems because you think it is just part of dealing with the cancer.  A sleep doctor may have some very helpful remedies.

Because cherries contain melatonin, consistently consuming tart cherries may help regulate the body’s natural sleep cycle and increase sleep efficiency.  Although drinking cherry juice is not as effective as prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, it may increase the body’s natural supply of melatonin.

Fifteen people were included in the study, and they drank eight ounces of a tart cherry juice drink in the morning and evening for two weeks. Participants experienced significant reductions in insomnia severity. Compared to when they were not drinking the juice.

Insomnia symptoms include difficulty falling or staying asleep, un-refreshing sleep or waking up too early. These problems can be caused by anxiety, a change of routine or travel. Often, neither the patient nor the physician can pinpoint exactly what instigated the insomnia.

If you are having difficulty sleeping, making small changes in your sleep habits may help. Going to bed and waking up every day at the same time, avoiding exercise and alcohol before bed and cooling the temperature in your bedroom may improve the quality of your sleep.

If  the sleep problem persists for more than six weeks, you should visit a sleep specialist, who will be able to provide you with the best treatment options. The doctor may prescribe sleep aids, or may advise that you partake in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Untreated insomnia is associated with decreased attention and awareness and increased risk for weight gain, extreme mood changes, and even increased mortality risks over the long run.

Insomnia can be challenging to both the patient and the physician, but if they work together with a creative approach, then the patient usually can make great improvements.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-03-04/the-white-house-mystery-drug/

For good information about medications, I suggest Web MD.  Here are the links for the medications mentioned.

1. Provigil: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-16964-Provigil.aspx?drugid=16964&drugname=Provigil

2. Nuvigil: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-152275-Nuvigil+Oral.aspx?drugid=152275&drugname=Nuvigil+Oral&source=1

3. Ambien: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9690-Ambien+Oral.aspx?drugid=9690&drugname=Ambien+Oral

4. Lunesta: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-92350-LUNESTA+Oral.aspx?drugid=92350&drugname=LUNESTA+Oral

5. Sonata: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-17532-Sonata+Oral.aspx?drugid=17532&drugname=Sonata+Oral&source=1

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/sleep-supplements-herbs?page=2

http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/03/sleep-disorder-medication-lifestyle-health-sleep-insomnia.html

This is an anesthetic and sedative medication that is only administered  IV (intra-venous) in a hospital setting (for example, it is used in the operating room during surgery and in the ICU when a patient on a ventilator needs sedation). It is fast acting and the effect is short-lived and therefore it is administered as a continuous IV drip. The patient should have cardiac and respiratory monitoring at all times as there is a warning that respiratory depression of apnea (no breathing) can occur.

This is not a medication that should ever be used in the home. If a person has serious insomnia refractory to conventional sleep aids, there are other oral medications that some physicians might turn to, but the use of propofol for this purpose is completely inappropriate because of the danger involved.

Use of Propofol (also known as Diprivan) in the home has no place in treatment of insomnia or any other sleep disorder. It can, in fact, lead to fatal respiratory depression or fatal sleep apnea