Sleep Archive

Insomnia affects approximately 10% of adults in the United States, and it is common with mental illness. Insomnia is unlikely to get better on its own if not actively treated. Many people are interested in treatment options that do not involve prescription medications, and a study from Sweden investigated the effectiveness of a weighted blanket on insomnia symptoms for people with insomnia and mental health problems.

Exposure to blue light during the daytime is desirable: it helps synchronize the body's circadian clock and helps people stay alert. But stimulation from certain wavelengths of blue light in the hours leading up to bedtime can interfere with sleep. Glasses that block stimulating blue light, whether prescription or not, are being touted as helping with sleep, but the evidence is questionable.

According to a new study, many people who have survived cancer treatment experience poor sleep long after treatment has ended. These people also reported emotional distress, financial hardship, and concern that their cancer might return. Many sleep disorders can be treated successfully, but an accurate diagnosis is essential to choosing the correct treatment.

Attacking visceral fat found deep inside the abdomen, around the organs, is the best way to reduce waist size. Doing more aerobic and resistance exercise, limiting sugary foods and beverages, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help.

Many conditions, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, pain, and stress, can disrupt your rest. Managing these factors and practicing good sleep habits can help you get a better night's rest.

A study published online April 20, 2021, by the journal Nature Communications suggests thatgetting too little sleep in midlife increases the risk for dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed the sleep data of 8,000 middle-aged adults who were followed for 25 years. People who slept six hours per night at age 50 were 22% more likely to develop dementia, compared with people who slept seven hours. People who slept six hours per night at age 60 were 37% more likely to develop dementia, compared with people who slept seven hours. The study was observational and can't prove causation.