Sleep deprivation can affect visual search performance

This article discusses research showing that the longer you stay awake, the slower you may be at completing tasks requiring vision. The results are particularly important for those occupations such as air traffic controllers, etc. The results showed a slowing down, but the accuracy was apparently the same.

Sleep may improve exposure therapy in phobias

This article discusses research showing that sleep may improve the effect of exposure therapy. This was done in patients who fear spiders. Results showed that fear was reduced when participants were shown videos of spiders and then allowed to sleep. This makes sense, as sleep is thought to be involved in memory and may allow the participants to remember the video better, and become better desensitized to seeing spiders.

Teenagers worry about lost sleep

This article discusses research showing that some teenagers are worried about not getting enough sleep. This is not new, but is of concern. Children and adolescents need sleep to be maximize academic potential and health. At the end of the article, it discusses how increased screen time (such as TV, computer, and smart phone use) contribute to lost sleep.

Neuroscientist advises NASA about importance of proper lighting to sleep

This article features a neuroscientist who is advising NASA about replacing its outdated lighting on spacecraft with high tech adjustable lights. This may improve astronauts sleep quality, since light affects sleep and other aspects of our daily functioning.

Herbal remedies and insomnia

There is a review of the efficacy of herbal remedies in treating insomnia. The aim of the study was to review the published literature on treating insomnia with herbal remedies.

Valerian root was shown to probably be safe, but the studies regarding efficacy were inconclusive. Kava-kava was shown in one study to be effective, but safety concerns including skin reactions, neurological complications, and liver damage have prompted the FDA to issue an advisory statement about its use. Chamomile and St. John's wort have very few articles supporting their use in treating insomnia. Lemon balm, passionflower, and lavender have no published articles on their efficacy in insomnia.

While the temptation to try these herbal remedies is understandable, just because a compound seems "natural" does not mean it is safe and/or effective in managing insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be safe and effective for insomnia, and does not involve ingesting any substances. With CBT, you learn skills that will help you sleep for the rest of your life.

CPAP improves sleepiness in mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea

This article discusses research by Dr. Weaver showing how CPAP benefits patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), not just severe OSA. This has been my clinical experience - I find that the OSA severity does not often match how sleepy patients feel. I've had some patients who barely meet criteria for OSA be extremely sleepy, and improve significantly with regular CPAP use.

Light at night may increase depression

This article discusses research showing a link between nighttime light and depression. Low light levels from night lights and televisions were enough to increase the risk of depression.