Adolescents need adequate sleep to achieve their potential in school, but also to maintain their physical health and body weight, new research demonstrates. A study examining teens who sleep fewer than 8 hours per night has found a higher risk of weight gain and obesity, which are associated with serious health issues. Sleeping less than… [Continue Reading]
Teens Getting More Sleep Have Higher Academic Achievement
October 26, 2011 By 1 Comment
Sleep has a big impact on academic achievement in teens, a new study has found. Adolescents getting an adequate amount of sleep (6-10 hours per night) score significantly higher in mathematics and in physical education. The work suggests that these two subjects are particularly affected by teens being well-rested. Adolescents sleeping more hours score higher… [Continue Reading]
Night Owls Have Higher Risk of Obesity
September 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Even if they get the same amount of sleep overall, night owls are more likely than early risers to suffer from obesity, researchers have shown. Perhaps due to differences in activity during the day versus the evening, the results suggest that those preferring to stay up at night make an extra effort to maintain a… [Continue Reading]
Proper Sleep Reduces Risk of Diabetes in Obese Teenagers
September 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Obesity is strongly linked to diabetes, but a good night’s sleep reduces the risk, researchers have found. In a recently published study, scientists found that an adequate amount of sleep changed their glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Obese teenagers who don’t get the proper amount of sleep may have disruptions in insulin secretion and blood… [Continue Reading]
Nearly Half of Population Has Sleep Problems
September 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Surveys indicate that nearly half the population may have a sleep disorder, researchers report. 40% of people indicated they had experienced insomnia, and most people, rather than talk to their doctors, choose to self-medicate with over the counter or herbal remedies, for which researchers urge caution. Sleep disorders affect 40% of adult Canadians according to… [Continue Reading]
Class of Sleep Disorders May Be Linked to Future Neurodegenerative Diseases
August 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The symptoms of a REM sleep disorder, where patients move and shout during dreams, may predict neurodegenerative diseases in the future, researchers suggest. A decrease in dopamine signaling in the brain might link the two classes of disease, and could help doctors determine who is most at risk from Parkinson’s and other degenerative diseases. Patients… [Continue Reading]
Extending Sleep Boosts Atheletic Performance
July 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In a study of basketball players, researchers have now shown that athletic performance significantly improves with 1-2 hours of extra sleep per night. Increased sleep was linked to improvements on a number of different measurements, including accuracy and mental health. The work suggests that a full night’s sleep could make a big difference in training…. [Continue Reading]
Anticholinergic Medication Linked to Higher Risk of Death
June 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
New questions are being asked about the safety of a group of commonly prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. A new study shows that use of anticholinergic medications is linked to a higher risk of mental impairment and death. A large, long-term study confirms that medications with anticholinergic activity, which include many drugs frequently taken by older… [Continue Reading]
Not Getting Enough Sleep Reduces Testerosterone Levels in Men
June 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Adequate testosterone levels are necessary for men’s health and well-being, being required for a normal mood, energy level, sex drive, muscle and bone health, and mental focus. New research suggests that a lack of sleep can have a major impact on the hormone’s levels. Cutting back on sleep drastically reduces a healthy young man’s testosterone… [Continue Reading]
Inadequate Sleep in Children Linked to High Body Mass Index
June 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
That children get an adequate amount of sleep may not just be essential for attention and learning, but also for proper weight regulation, new research suggests. The study found that children getting less sleep had a significantly higher likelihood of being overweight. Young children who do not get enough sleep are at increased risk of… [Continue Reading]