A symposium taking place until 10 a.m. and being led by chair Dr. Jerome Siegel is discussing answers to this intriguing question: “Does sleep have a universal vital function across individuals and species?”
The discussion is getting to the heart of theories about why we sleep and about possible functions of sleep. Siegel addressed the topic in the 2003 article “Why we sleep.” He writes that “we have no comparably straightforward explanation for sleep.” But sleep research has led to numerous “reasonable proposals.”
One of the symposium faculty, Dr. Chiara Cirelli, was the co-author of a recent essay on the subject entitled, “Is sleep essential?” They conclude that there is still no consensus for “the elusive phoenix of sleep.”
In April the Sleep Education Blog reported that a group from Spain has proposed a more controversial perspective. In “The trivial function of sleep,” they argue that “sleep does not provide additional advantages over simple rest.”
Showing posts with label symposium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label symposium. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sleep & Hypertension
A symposium taking place until 10 a.m. and being led by chair Dr. Antonio Culebras is focusing on “Sleep and Hypertension.” Topics being discussed include the relationship between sleep, sleep disorders and high blood pressure, as well as how to manage patients with high blood pressure through the identification of these sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders that will be prominent in this discussion include obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements and insomnia. A study in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP reported that the risk of hypertension associated with insomnia and a short sleep duration is comparable to the risk associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Culebras was one co-author of a scientific statement published last summer that focused on the growing evidence linking sleep apnea to cardiovascular disease. The statement reported that about 50 percent of OSA patients are hypertensive, and an estimated 30 percent of hypertensive patients also have OSA, often undiagnosed.
Sleep disorders that will be prominent in this discussion include obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements and insomnia. A study in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP reported that the risk of hypertension associated with insomnia and a short sleep duration is comparable to the risk associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Culebras was one co-author of a scientific statement published last summer that focused on the growing evidence linking sleep apnea to cardiovascular disease. The statement reported that about 50 percent of OSA patients are hypertensive, and an estimated 30 percent of hypertensive patients also have OSA, often undiagnosed.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Sleep
“The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Sleep” is a symposium that is taking place until 10 a.m. Pacific Time. One topic being discussed is the use of meditation and yoga for the treatment of insomnia.
A small pilot study (#0874) presented yesterday reported that Kriya Yoga – a type of meditation that combines different yoga techniques – may be an effective behavioral treatment for chronic primary insomnia.
Another topic being discussed is the efficacy of acupuncture on sleep in depressed pregnant women. In February the Sleep Education Blog reported on a new scientific review of acupuncture use for insomnia. The authors conclude that acupuncture has potential as an insomnia treatment, but there is only limited evidence to support its use. Read the full report.
In 2006 the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, reported that more than 1.6 million American adults use some form of CAM to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping.
A 2007 study of CAM use published in the journal SLEEP reported that large segments of the U.S. population use valerian or melatonin for insomnia, and usage typically falls outside the purview of the health-care system.
A small pilot study (#0874) presented yesterday reported that Kriya Yoga – a type of meditation that combines different yoga techniques – may be an effective behavioral treatment for chronic primary insomnia.
Another topic being discussed is the efficacy of acupuncture on sleep in depressed pregnant women. In February the Sleep Education Blog reported on a new scientific review of acupuncture use for insomnia. The authors conclude that acupuncture has potential as an insomnia treatment, but there is only limited evidence to support its use. Read the full report.
In 2006 the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, reported that more than 1.6 million American adults use some form of CAM to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping.
A 2007 study of CAM use published in the journal SLEEP reported that large segments of the U.S. population use valerian or melatonin for insomnia, and usage typically falls outside the purview of the health-care system.
Using Melatonin to Treat Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
A symposium taking place until 10 a.m. Pacific Time is addressing the clinical use of melatonin. “Melatonin Treatment of Sleep and Circadian Disorders” is focusing on the two therapeutic effects identified for melatonin: using low-dose melatonin for circadian phase shifting, and using high-dose melatonin for acute sleep promotion.
“Practice parameters for the clinical evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders,” published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in a 2007 issue of the journal SLEEP, includes recommendations for using melatonin to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as shift work and jet lag. View the practice parameters online.
“Practice parameters for the clinical evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders,” published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in a 2007 issue of the journal SLEEP, includes recommendations for using melatonin to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as shift work and jet lag. View the practice parameters online.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Ethnicity and Sleep Disorders
A symposium taking place until 12:15 p.m. Pacific Time is focusing on the associations between ethnicity and sleep disorders. Topics of discussion include current research in sleep health disparities and etiological differences in ethnic groups.
A study in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP reported that independent relationships between race and financial strain with sleep were observed despite statistical adjustment for other factors. Sleep was worse in African-American women than Caucasian women; slow wave sleep differences also were observed between Chinese and Caucasian women.
A 2008 study in the journal SLEEP reported that the prevalence of periodic limb movements in sleep was lower in African Americans than in Caucasians.
A 2008 study in the journal Ethnicity & Disease reported that blacks, Hispanics, and Asians were less likely than whites to report frequent sleep insufficiency.
The AASM also reports that in younger age groups, obstructive sleep apnea has been reported to be more prevalent in African Americans compared with Caucasians.
You can download the SLEEP 2009 abstract supplement as an 11 MB file in PDF format.
A study in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP reported that independent relationships between race and financial strain with sleep were observed despite statistical adjustment for other factors. Sleep was worse in African-American women than Caucasian women; slow wave sleep differences also were observed between Chinese and Caucasian women.
A 2008 study in the journal SLEEP reported that the prevalence of periodic limb movements in sleep was lower in African Americans than in Caucasians.
A 2008 study in the journal Ethnicity & Disease reported that blacks, Hispanics, and Asians were less likely than whites to report frequent sleep insufficiency.
The AASM also reports that in younger age groups, obstructive sleep apnea has been reported to be more prevalent in African Americans compared with Caucasians.
You can download the SLEEP 2009 abstract supplement as an 11 MB file in PDF format.
Sleep & Pregnancy
A symposium taking place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific Time is focusing on “Sleep Issues in Pregnancy.” Issues being discussed include alterations in sleep patterns, sleep disturbances and disorders, the impact of sleep problems on maternal-fetal and perinatal outcomes, and management options for sleep problems in pregnancy.
The AASM reports that pregnancy-related sleep disorders can include snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and leg cramps.
Learn more about sleep and pregnancy on SleepEducation.com.
The AASM reports that pregnancy-related sleep disorders can include snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and leg cramps.
Learn more about sleep and pregnancy on SleepEducation.com.
Primary Insomnia Linked to a Neurochemical Abnormality
A study (#0768) being presented this afternoon as an oral presentation demonstrates a specific neurochemical abnormality in adults with primary insomnia, providing greater insight to the limited understanding of the condition’s pathology.
Results indicate that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the most common inhibitory transmitter in the brain, is reduced by nearly 30 percent in individuals with primary insomnia. These findings suggest that primary insomnia is a manifestation of a neurobiological state of hyperarousal. Approximately 25 percent of people suffering from insomnia are considered to have primary insomnia, which is defined as a difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep in the absence of coexisting conditions.
The research team also published their study results in the November 1, 2008, issue of the journal SLEEP. Read the AASM press release.
The principal investigator of the study, Dr. John Winkelman of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass., will chair a related symposium later this morning at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. The symposium, “Neurobiological Correlates of Insomnia,” will explore the neurophysiologic features of insomnia.
You can download the SLEEP 2009 abstract supplement as an 11 MB file in PDF format.
Results indicate that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the most common inhibitory transmitter in the brain, is reduced by nearly 30 percent in individuals with primary insomnia. These findings suggest that primary insomnia is a manifestation of a neurobiological state of hyperarousal. Approximately 25 percent of people suffering from insomnia are considered to have primary insomnia, which is defined as a difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep in the absence of coexisting conditions.
The research team also published their study results in the November 1, 2008, issue of the journal SLEEP. Read the AASM press release.
The principal investigator of the study, Dr. John Winkelman of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass., will chair a related symposium later this morning at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. The symposium, “Neurobiological Correlates of Insomnia,” will explore the neurophysiologic features of insomnia.
You can download the SLEEP 2009 abstract supplement as an 11 MB file in PDF format.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Symposium Examines Causes of Drowsy Driving
A symposium taking place this afternoon at SLEEP 2008 is examining the contributing factors related to drowsy driving. Co-chairs Dr. Naomi Rodgers and Dr. Kenneth Wright Jr., along with a faculty of experts, are presenting the latest information.
According to the U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is a cause of at least 100,000 auto crashes each year. These crashes injure an average of 40,000 people and result in more than 1,550 deaths; the NHTSA suggests that the actual numbers are much higher.
Drowsy-driving crashes tend to occur late at night, are likely to be serious, often involve a single vehicle leaving the roadway, and tend to involve a driver who is alone in the vehicle. In addition to veering off the road, drowsy drivers are likely to wander into another lane or steer into oncoming traffic.
Sleep loss is an obvious factor in drowsy driving. Studies show that sleep deprivation impairs drivers in a manner that is comparable to alcohol, causing lapses in attention and slowing critical reaction times.
Other factors such as late or irregular work shifts, poor sleep habits and untreated sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy can combine to make anyone vulnerable to drowsy driving. Young men in their teens and 20s are more likely to be involved in a drowsy-driving crash.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, tips to avoid drowsy driving include getting a full night of sleep before a long drive and pulling off the road to take a nap if you begin to feel sleepy.
According to the U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is a cause of at least 100,000 auto crashes each year. These crashes injure an average of 40,000 people and result in more than 1,550 deaths; the NHTSA suggests that the actual numbers are much higher.
Drowsy-driving crashes tend to occur late at night, are likely to be serious, often involve a single vehicle leaving the roadway, and tend to involve a driver who is alone in the vehicle. In addition to veering off the road, drowsy drivers are likely to wander into another lane or steer into oncoming traffic.
Sleep loss is an obvious factor in drowsy driving. Studies show that sleep deprivation impairs drivers in a manner that is comparable to alcohol, causing lapses in attention and slowing critical reaction times.
Other factors such as late or irregular work shifts, poor sleep habits and untreated sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy can combine to make anyone vulnerable to drowsy driving. Young men in their teens and 20s are more likely to be involved in a drowsy-driving crash.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, tips to avoid drowsy driving include getting a full night of sleep before a long drive and pulling off the road to take a nap if you begin to feel sleepy.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Day Two of SLEEP 2008 Begins with a Focus on Heart Health
The second day of SLEEP 2008 begins with three symposia, one of which focuses on the impact that sleep-disordered breathing has on heart health. The symposium is entitled, “Sleep Disordered Breathing as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: An Epidemiological Perspective from the Sleep Heart Health Study.”
The ongoing Sleep Heart Health Study, which is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, has contributed significantly to the scientific data showing that sleep-disordered breathing may increase the risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.
According to the NHBI, the study has been renewed several times since it began in 1994, allowing for the collection of more data and follow up. The estimated study completion date is August 2008.
The chair of the symposium is Dr. Stuart Quan of the University of Arizona, one of the principal investigators working on the multi-site study. Dr. Quan is a past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the editor of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
He will be joined by four other experts who will make presentations about the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia and mortality.
The ongoing Sleep Heart Health Study, which is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, has contributed significantly to the scientific data showing that sleep-disordered breathing may increase the risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.
According to the NHBI, the study has been renewed several times since it began in 1994, allowing for the collection of more data and follow up. The estimated study completion date is August 2008.
The chair of the symposium is Dr. Stuart Quan of the University of Arizona, one of the principal investigators working on the multi-site study. Dr. Quan is a past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the editor of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
He will be joined by four other experts who will make presentations about the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia and mortality.
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