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>>

How insomnia can affect your health care

Jul 10 2015...

Your health care providers may know why you are sick or injured. But do they understand how you feel? It may depend on how well they slept. A new study examined how insomnia affects empathy. It involved 97 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care workers. 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>>

Sleep tips to prepare for daylight saving time

Mar 03 2015...

The spring forward to daylight saving time will happen at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8. This annual event can be a shock to your body. Losing an hour of sleep during the time change can throw off your circadian rhythms. This can make it difficult to get enough sleep during the following workweek.

With some advance preparation, you can minimize the effects of the daylight saving time change. Read on to learn the steps to prevent insomnia after the spring forward. 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>>

Sleepless in America Review

Dec 02 2014...

The new documentary "Sleepless in America" explores sleep loss as a byproduct of modern society. Or more specifically, it reveals the compounding consequences of having a population that simply does not get enough sleep.

The road we are heading down is not pleasant. With drowsy drivers who are every bit as dangerous as drunks to the associated long-term health problems like diabetes and dementia, the long-term cost of sleep loss is excessive.

The documentary is a co-production of National Geographic, the Public Good Projects and the National Institutes of Health. READ MORE>>

Insomnia increases risk of death from accidental injuries

Nov 06 2014...

New research links insomnia to a higher risk of deadly accidents such as falls and car crashes.

The study involved more than 54,000 men and women. They completed a health survey that included questions about their sleep. The study tracked them for an average of about 13 years. READ MORE>>

Insomnia Awareness Day facts and stats

Mar 10 2014...

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has declared that today is Insomnia Awareness Day. Each night millions of people in the U.S. struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. For some this is only a brief problem. But for others, insomnia can become a severe, ongoing struggle.

What should you do if insomnia is having a negative impact on your sleep quality, health or daytime functioning? Contact a local AASM accredited sleep disorders center for help. Don’t let insomnia prevent you from sleeping well and feeling your best. Get help today. READ MORE>>

Time change: raising insomnia awareness on nation’s most sleep deprived day

Mar 06 2014...

The national rate of car accidents, heart attacks and lost workplace productivity may spike Monday, coinciding with the first weekday following the “spring forward” time change. As we enter the final weeks of winter, we look forward to the extra hour of evening sunlight that the return to daylight saving time brings, at the expense of an hour of weekend sleep. “Black Monday” brings a shock to the nation’s circadian system as millions of Americans experience acute insomnia from the time change.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is using this particularly difficult Monday to help raise awareness of insomnia. The AASM is declaring March 10 as Insomnia Awareness Day to remind people with insomnia that help is available at a local AASM accredited sleep center. READ MORE>>