I was interviewd yesterday by Web MD (http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20100902/insomnia-death-risk) about an important, a new study published in the journal Sleep, chronic insomnia in men with objectively measured short sleep duration is associated with a risk of death that is four times higher than men who do not suffer from chronic insomnia with objective short sleep duration. Symptoms of [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Insomnia’
How Your Brain Determins if you are a Heavy or Light Sleeper
I was recently quoted by USA Today in an article that discusses how the amount of sleep spindles you produce each night determines if you will be a light or heavy sleeper. According to a study published in Current Biology, sleep spindles, or bursts of brain activity protect your brain from noise disruptions while you [...]
Drinking Cherry Juice May Improve Insomnia in Older Adults
A new study shows that drinking cherry juice is a natural way to ease insomnia symptoms in older adults, according to the National Sleep Foundation. 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 [...]
Alcohol Use Tied to Sleep Problems in Teens
A new study published in the journal Alcoholism focused on sleep behaviors and alcohol use in teenagers. Findings show that many children develop sleep problems during or before puberty, and in an attempt to self-medicate, some begin to use alcohol, which can lead to alcohol abuse. The study included 236 girls and 195 boys between [...]
Is it true that 90% of people with “insomnia” have sleep apnea.
This is the question asked me in the comment section (#33) of my piece in the New York Times All Nighters Series. Although it is quite common for people to complain of insomnia and then on further investigation to be found to have sleep apnea, I think that 90% is a bit high. This is [...]
All Nighters: New York Times online series
Please see my piece in NYT and check out the other articles as well for many interesting perspectives on insomnia and sleeplessness. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/category/all-nighters/
Weight Gain and Obesity are Linked to Sleep Apnea and to Poor Sleep
Please see these two articles from the Weight Watchers website that discuss the possible causal connection between inadequate sleep, whether insufficient in duration or quality, and weight gain. http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=69971&sc=3053 http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=58391&sc=3405 Laboratory research, much of which was done at University of Chicago, points to the explanation for this. When your sleep is disrupted or restricted, then your [...]
President Obama Needs Medication to Combat Jet Lag Syndrome
I was interviewed by The Daily Beast (see link below) to comment on which medications the President might be taking to deal with his, at times, grueling travel schedule. The article discusses the use of wake-promoting agents such as Provigil and Nuvigil which can be used responsibly and effectively by patients who are carefully screened [...]
Natural Sleep Aids
I was interviewed by Web MD for this piece on natural sleep remedies. This will give useful information to those who struggle with insomnia and especially those who wish to avoid prescription hypnotics and sedatives. We need more research into the effectiveness of these herbal and natural sleep aids, but most can’t hurt you if [...]
Fighting Off Sleepiness: Myths and Facts
I was interviewed by Web MD for this article on how to evaluate if your sleepiness is a sign of a serious disorder. If it is not, there are lots of good tips and strategies for how to have more energy during the day. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/myths-facts?src=RSS_PUBLIC