News

Short sleepers and long sleepers

Apr 10 2017...

It’s not uncommon to meet an adult who sleeps less than six hours a night, but it is uncommon to meet one who feels rested after six hours of sleep or less. Contrary to popular belief, there is a small percentage of adults who don’t require the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. Someone like this is called a short sleeper, and they function well during the day even after sleeping less than six hours a night. READ MORE>>

Confessions of a nighttime tooth grinder

Apr 04 2017...

I don’t know how long I’ve been grinding my teeth, but I started speculating there was a problem when I visited my dentist a few years ago regarding a clicking noise in my jaw. My dentist noticed signs of wear on my teeth and suggested I was grinding and clenching my teeth during the night. Tooth grinding is also called sleep related bruxism. READ MORE>>

You can help improve the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea

Jun 08 2015...

By joining MyApnea.org, you can help improve the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and be a part of one of the largest networks of patients ever to advance research on sleep apnea. READ MORE>>

Depression and insomnia are linked to frequent nightmares

Apr 09 2015...

A new study suggests that depression and insomnia are the strongest risk factors for having frequent nightmares.

The study involved 13,922 adults. They ranged in age from 25 to 74 years. All of the study subjects answered a series of questions about their health. READ MORE>>

Treating insomnia in veterans reduces suicidal thoughts

Feb 18 2015...

A new study of veterans suggests that treating insomnia may save lives.

The study involved 405 veterans with insomnia disorder. They received up to six sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. CBT-I helps you change attitudes and habits that keep you from sleeping well. It also helps you learn new strategies to sleep better. READ MORE>>

Sleep medicine in America: Infographic

Nov 25 2014...

Millions of people in the U.S. are struggling to sleep well at night and stay awake during the day. Our nation’s sleep problem is so widespread that the CDC has called insufficient sleep “a public health epidemic.” The need for high quality sleep care has never been greater. The good news is that sleep medicine expertise is available all across America.

About 7,500 doctors in the U.S. are board certified in sleep medicine. There also are more than 2,500 sleep centers that are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Sleep Medicine in America infographic

Larger tongue with more fat may predict sleep apnea risk in obese adults

Sep 30 2014...

A new study of obese adults shows that those who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a significantly larger tongue with a higher amount of fat. OSA is a chronic disease that involves repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep.

“Tongue size is one of the physical features that should be evaluated by a physician when screening obese patients to determine their risk for obstructive sleep apnea,” said Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler. He is president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. READ MORE>>

Sleep disorders often overlooked in people with multiple sclerosis

Sep 18 2014...

Fatigue, or extreme tiredness and exhaustion, is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A new study suggests that fatigue in people with MS may actually be a sign of an undiagnosed sleep disorder.

"Sleep problems may be a hidden epidemic in the MS population, separate from MS fatigue,” lead author Dr. Steven Brass said in a news release. He is co-medical director of the UC Davis Sleep Medicine Laboratory. READ MORE>>

Severity of sleep apnea impacts risk of resistant high blood pressure

Aug 25 2014...

A new study shows a link between severe, untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the risk of high blood pressure even after using medications for high blood pressure. OSA is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep.

The current study included individuals participating in the baseline examination conducted for the Heart Biomarker Evaluation in Apnea Treatment (HeartBEAT) study. READ MORE>>

Marijuana use can affect sleep quality

Jun 11 2014...

A new study suggests that marijuana use is associated with impaired sleep quality.

Results show that any history of cannabis use was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting difficulty falling asleep and struggling to maintain sleep. Participants also reported experiencing non-restorative sleep and feeling daytime sleepiness. READ MORE>>