Daytime Napping Tied to Atrial Fibrillation Risk

Daytime Napping Tied to Atrial Fibrillation Risk

Researchers in Spain have found an association between the length of a daytime nap and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). The authors note that previous research has identified a potential relationship between sleep patterns and AF – but not between AF and napping.  The finding was presented by Jesus Diaz-Gutierrez, MD, of Juan Ramon Jimenez University Hospital,…

Nightly OSA Variability Linked to Uncontrolled Hypertension
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Nightly OSA Variability Linked to Uncontrolled Hypertension

Poorly managed sleep apnea can lead to uncontrolled high blood pressure, and those most at risk have wide-ranging variability in their night-to-night OSA severity. This can be overlooked or misdiagnosed during standard clinical testing, a study from Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia warns.   Standard OSA testing generally is done over a single night in a sleep lab. Given the reported…

OSA May Trigger Earlier Cognitive Decline in Men
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OSA May Trigger Earlier Cognitive Decline in Men

A new small study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could cause cognitive decline at an earlier age in men.  “We show poorer executive functioning and visuospatial memory and deficits in vigilance, sustained attention, and psychomotor and impulse control in men with OSA,” said neuropsychiatrist Ivana Rosenzweig from King’s College London. UK. “Most of these deficits had previously been ascribed to comorbidities,” she added. “We also…

Sleep apnea, less deep sleep tied to worse brain health

Sleep apnea, less deep sleep tied to worse brain health

People with sleep apnea who spend less time in deep sleep may be more likely to have brain biomarkers that have been associated with an increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, according to a new study. Although the observational study can’t prove cause and effect, it’s one more reason to get sleep apnea treated while scientists see what else…

New Digital Brain-Heart Map May Lead to Heart, Sleep Apnea Treatments

New Digital Brain-Heart Map May Lead to Heart, Sleep Apnea Treatments

Researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine have created a digital map of the sympathetic nervous system and its connection to the heart. The sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in regulating heart functions through an intricate network of nerves. It can help the body respond to dangerous or stressful situations by speeding up the body’s heart rate to deliver more…

Short Sleep May Double Risk Of Clogged Leg Arteries

Short Sleep May Double Risk Of Clogged Leg Arteries

Sleeping less than five hours a night is associated with a 74% raised risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared with seven to eight hours, according to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal. “Insufficient night-time sleep and daytime napping have previously been associated with a raised risk of coronary artery disease which, like PAD, is…

Shorter Work Week Can Boost Activity, Sleep, Mental Health
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Shorter Work Week Can Boost Activity, Sleep, Mental Health

As a four-day work week is trialed in countries globally, health researchers say they’re “all in” when it comes to a long weekend, especially as research from the University of South Australia shows that the extra time off is good for our health. Assessing changes in daily movements before, during and after holidays, researchers found that people displayed…

Poor Sleep May Double Risk of Asthma

Poor Sleep May Double Risk of Asthma

Poor quality sleep may bolster a person’s genetic susceptibility to asthma, potentially doubling their risk of being diagnosed with the condition, suggests an analysis of UK Biobank data. By contrast, a healthy sleep pattern seems to be linked to a lower risk of asthma, prompting the study authors to suggest that spotting and treating sleep…

A Good Night’s Sleep May Make It Easier To Stick To Exercise And Diet Goals

A Good Night’s Sleep May Make It Easier To Stick To Exercise And Diet Goals

People who reported getting regular, uninterrupted sleep did a better job sticking to their exercise and diet plans while trying to lose weight, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association (AHA)’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2023 in Boston. “Focusing on obtaining good sleep — seven to nine hours…