A Blog Around The Clock

Daytime Nap Can Benefit A Person's Memory Performance:

A brief bout of non-REM sleep (45 minutes) obtained during a daytime nap clearly benefits a person's declarative memory performance, according to a new study.

People Had More Intense Dreams After Sept. 11, 2001, Sleep Research Shows:

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changed our lives in a number of different ways, not only socially and politically, but also in the way in which we dream, according to a new study.

Election 2008: Sleep Deprivation A Tough Opponent For Presidential Candidates:

The field of presidential contenders dwindled Wednesday when former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) dropped out of the race. As Super Tuesday approaches, however, the Democratic and Republican frontrunners will continue to face a formidable challenge from sleep deprivation.

Brain Region That Can Be Stimulated To Reduce The Cognitive Deficits Of Sleep Deprivation Identified:

A Columbia University Medical Center research team has uncovered how stimulation of a particular brain region can help stave off the deficits in working memory, associated with an extended sleep deprivation.

Periodic Leg Movements Predict Total Sleep Time In Older People With Cognitive Impairment, Sleep Disturbance:

A higher periodic leg movement index (PLMI) predicted less sleep at night in older people with cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance, according to a new study.

Respiratory Disturbances During Sleep Increase Significantly With Age:

The frequency of respiratory disturbances increases dramatically with age, even in healthy individuals without symptoms or signs of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, according to a new study. An increase in the prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome with age has been well documented. This study focused on breathing irregularities during sleep in 163 people who are currently completely healthy, as assessed by passing numerous physical and clinical health tests. The results showed that, in this group of currently completely healthy individuals, irregularities in breathing during sleep are remarkably common, particularly in older individuals.

Four Days Of REM Sleep Deprivation Affects Forebrain, Long-term Memory In Rats:

Four days' exposure to a REM sleep deprivation procedure reduces cell proliferation in the part of the forebrain that contributes to long-term memory of rats, according to a new study.

Changes In Narcoleptics' Skin, Core Body Temperatures Affect Their Vigilance And Sleepiness:

In healthy people, both sleepiness and vigilance show a relationship with core body temperature and skin temperature. When core body temperature is high during the daytime, skin temperature is low, which translates into optimal vigilance. Conversely, when core body temperature is low at night time, skin temperature is high, which correlates to optimal sleep. Among those suffering from narcolepsy, however, direct manipulations of their skin and core body temperatures affect their vigilance and sleepiness, according to a new study.