Top 5 Products and Innovations in Sleep

Since the discovery of rapid eye movement sleep (REM) in 1953, sleep medicine in the United States has made major advances in the past half-century. This growth can be attributed to both the high prevalence of sleep disorders combined with significant scientific progress and understanding. To date, the National Institute of Health (NIH) indicates that doctors have identified more than 70 sleep disorders, most of which can be managed effectively once they are correctly diagnosed. Moreover, because at least 40 million Americans suffer each year from chronic, long-term sleep disorders that can interfere with work, driving and social activities, there is a growing need for products and services to help treat these conditions. While there is no substitute for good sleep hygiene including a quiet, comfortable and dark bedroom free from televisions, cell phones and computers, there are some products and services that are at the forefront in sleep medicine. In this article, we have highlighted some of these products, both old and new, that have, or will, greatly impact on the world of Sleep Health.

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Brain Damage as a Result of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Most people are familiar with some of the symptoms of sleep apnea: daytime fatigue or tiredness, morning headaches, restlessness during the night, and just an overall sense of waking up feeling unrefreshed. What is less known, however, is how sleep apnea—particularly severe sleep apnea that is often accompanied by frequent and significant drops in oxygen levels—may actually affect the brain’s physical structure, thereby changing how effectively it can function. A new study published in the January 2012 edition of the sleep medicine journal SLEEP examines how sleep apnea may affect the brain by comparing neuroimaging of the brain before and after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

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Gene Determines How Much Sleep We Need

While the recommended amount of sleep for adults is eight hours a night, most people are used to functioning on less. Some, however, perform very well during the day with as little as four hours a night. Why this occurs is a question whose answer has remained fairly elusive for researchers. A study done in 2009 found that a rare mutation of the DEC2 gene in mice allowed its carriers to function alertly as needed on about two hours or less sleep per night than those who did not have the mutation. A new study done by German and British researchers might offer some further clues.

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A New Solution for Mid-Night Awakenings?

A new insomnia medication, Intermezzo, has been developed for mid-night insomnia awakenings. Existing medicinal options are typically designed to be administered at the beginning of the night for 6 or more hours of sleep, which can result in a hangover effect if taken less then six hours before morning. But is this medication new or simply a lower dose of existing sleep aids? Keep reading for the full story.

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Missed Naps Could Put Toddlers at Risk for Mood Disorders

Toddlers who miss daytime naps may be at increased risk for mood disorders later in life, a new study indicates. Study found lack of sleep hampers ability to express feelings, increases anxiety, lowers levels of joy and interest, and reduces problem-solving abilities.

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