Pain and Sleep

The sleep surface has gotten surprisingly little research attention over the years. We spend 1/3 of our lives on a mattress (and pillow for most) and it can be a major contributor to how well we sleep over the night and how well we feel physically in the morning.  Anyone who has pushed the life of their mattress too far will be able to attest to waking up more sore than when they went to bed the night before.   ... more ...

Sleeping Pills Linked to Early Death

A new study suggests that the 6% to 10% of Americans who use prescription sleep medications such as zolpidem (Ambien), temazepam (Restoril), eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zaleplon (Sonata) are more likely to develop cancer, and far more likely to die prematurely, than those who take no sleep aids. ... more

Short sleep, mental health problems predict long-term insomnia

Mental health problems and getting less than six hours of sleep play key roles in the persistence of insomnia. A study in the January edition of SLEEP found these risk factors in people experiencing insomnia for at least 7½ years. Smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and sleep apnea did not predict persistent insomnia.  ... more ...

Insufficient Sleep among High School Students Associated with a Variety of Health-Risk Behaviors | National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety

Almost 70 percent of high school students are not getting the recommended hours of sleep on school nights, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published online by Preventive Medicine. Insufficient sleep is associated with a variety of health-risk behaviors, including physical inactivity, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, fighting, and being sexually active. ... more ...