sleep tagged posts

Sleeping mouse (stock image). “What is amazing is finding the same mechanism for sleep-wake cycle control in an insect and a mammal,” said Matthieu Flourakis, the lead author of the study. “Mice are nocturnal, and flies are diurnal, or active during the day, but their sleep-wake cycles are controlled in the same way.” Credit: © Iosif Szasz-Fabian / Fotolia

In studies of fruit flies and mice and the brain circadian neurons governing the daily sleep-wake cycle’s timing, the researchers found that high sodium channel activity in these neurons during the day turn the cells on and ultimately awaken an animal, and high potassium channel activity at night turn them off, allowing the animal to sleep.

“This suggests the underlying mechanism controlling our sleep-wake cycle is ancient,” said Prof...

Researchers looking at blood samples identified two biological markers for the condition, hypersomnia.

Aerobic exercise can help alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness among depressed individuals. Researchers looking at blood samples identified two biological markers for the condition, called hypersomnia, which is characterized by sleeping too much at night as well as excessive daytime sleepiness, in those with Major Depressive Disorder.

“Hypersomnia, as well as insomnia, have been linked in the development, treatment, and recurrence of depression. Sleep disturbances are also some of the most persistent symptoms in depression...

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference has 5 tips to guard your brain against memory loss:

GET BETTER SHUT-EYE
Studies of >6,000 people linked poor sleep quality, especially sleep apnea to mild cognitive impairment >> raises the risk of later Alzheimer’s. Other research showed poor sleep can spur amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. “Sleep disorders are so common, and we think many are quite treatable.”

EXERCISE YOUR GRAY MATTER
Seniors often are advised to work crossword puzzles, take music lessons or learn a new language to keep the brain engaged. The protective effects of learning may start decades earlier in life. In Sweden, researchers at the Karolinska Institute unearthed school report cards and work histories of >7,000 older adults...