Sleeping pills do not always work for insomnia

This article discusses a survey done in the UK showing that 4 out of 10 people said sleeping pills do not help their insomnia.

Crying to sleep safe for babies emotional health in the long term

This article discusses research showing that modern day approaches to helping your infant to sleep on their own, do not cause long lasting emotional or physical problems. The methods monitored were controlled comforting, where the parent(s) gradually lengthen the time interval to respond to baby's crying, and camping out in the bedroom.

Insomnia may be genetic

This article discusses how sleep research is beginning to demonstrate a genetic component to some insomnia. This really isn't brand new, as we always knew that only some people are prone to insomnia. However, it may one day help in treating this disorder. And it give some hope to insomnia suffers by quoting Dr. Espie, an insomnia expert across the pond. He mentions that psychological treatment for insomnia, even "genetic" insomnia is effective - I agree. If you're struggling with insomnia, find a sleep clinic that does cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Sleepwalking can continue into adulthood

Many children sleepwalk and in most cases, this is normal and they will outgrow this. This article discusses how sleepwalking can continue into adulthood, and is more common than we used to think.

Acupuncture may increase deep sleep

This article discusses research showing that acupuncture may increase deep sleep. I have heard from some patients and friends anecdotally, acupuncture has helped their insomnia.

Obstructive sleep apnea increases cardiovascular mortality in the elderly

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been shown to increase risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and CPAP has been shown to reduce that risk. Studies have focused mainly on younger or middle age patients. This study discusses research showing similar results in elderly patients.

Nighttime eating and restless legs syndrome

Over the past few years, nighttime eating has been studied more. We are only beginning to understand this problem. It's been in the news some since there have been cases of patients eating in their sleep while taking certain sleep aids. There is a good article in the August edition of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine that reviews nighttime eating and its association to restless legs syndrome RLS).

In summary, the study authors explain that nighttime eating is common among RLS patients. In some cases, sleep aids contributed to the nighttime eating. Medications used to treat RLS may improve the nighttime eating as well. Finally, in patients with insomnia but without RLS typically do not have nighttime eating while taking sleep aids. Therefore, the authors concluded that there is something about RLS that triggers the nighttime eating in patients taking sleep aids.