Sleep Disorders http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:29:45 +0000 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png Sleep Disorders http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/ Behavioral Health Central - Articles and Resources for the Behavioral Healthcare Industry. Omeros Licenses PDE7 Compounds for Parkinson's Disease Program http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100309213918/Sleep-latest/omeros-licenses-pde7-compounds-for-parkinsons-disease-program.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100309213918/Sleep-latest/omeros-licenses-pde7-compounds-for-parkinsons-disease-program.html?Itemid=

SEATTLE, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Omeros Corporation (Nasdaq: OMER) today announced that it has obtained an exclusive license to compounds from Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd. for use in its PDE7 program, which is focused on the treatment of movement disorders. Omeros has demonstrated a previously unknown link between phosphodiesterase-7 (PDE7) and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Restless Legs Syndrome. The agreement with Asubio gives Omeros an expedited path to the clinic by providing advanced preclinical product candidates that are ready for additional toxicology studies in preparation for a Phase 1 clinical trial.

"We are pleased to have accessed these PDE7 inhibitors. Omeros has already conducted successful preclinical studies with them, and has identified which in-licensed candidate we plan to move forward into clinical trials," stated Gregory Demopulos, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Omeros. "We expect that our first clinical program will target Parkinson's disease and, assuming...]]> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000 Researchers at Emory University, Department of Internal Medicine release new data on ... http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100303212840/Sleep-latest/researchers-at-emory-university-department-of-internal-medicine-release-new-data-on-obstructive-sleep-apnea-therapy.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100303212840/Sleep-latest/researchers-at-emory-university-department-of-internal-medicine-release-new-data-on-obstructive-sleep-apnea-therapy.html?Itemid=

Data detailed in 'Sleep-disordered breathing and heart failure: focus on obstructive sleep apnea and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure' have been presented. "Among patients with heart failure, sleep-disordered breathing is a common problem, with a prevalence ranging from 24% to 76%. Encompassed within the general category of sleep-disordered breathing are 2 types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the oropharyngeal musculature relaxes, causing a collapse of the upper airway, and central sleep apnea occurs when the brain stem fails to stimulate breathing," scientists in the United States report (see also Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapy ).

"This article focuses on the relationship between heart failure and OSA, the treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and the role of CPAP in improving such effects of heart failure as ejection fraction, blood pressure, sympathetic activity, sleepiness, heart rate, and mortality. It is important to distinguish the type of sleep-disordered...]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:21:00 +0000 Studies from University Medical Center describe new findings in obstructive sleep apnea therapy http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100303212841/Sleep-latest/studies-from-university-medical-center-describe-new-findings-in-obstructive-sleep-apnea-therapy.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100303212841/Sleep-latest/studies-from-university-medical-center-describe-new-findings-in-obstructive-sleep-apnea-therapy.html?Itemid=

New research, 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of armodafinil for excessive sleepiness in patients with treated obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid depression,' is the subject of a report. "Treatment of excessive sleepiness in the context of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be particularly difficult in those with depression because depression and/or antidepressant medications may cause sleepiness and fatigue in addition to that due to the OSA. This study evaluating armodafinil, a nonamphetamine wakefulness-promoting medication, is the first trial for treatment of excessive sleepiness in patients with treated OSA and comorbid depression," investigators in the United States report (see also Obstructive Sleep Apnea Therapy ).

"Men and women with OSA diagnosed using International Classification of Sleep Disorders criteria being treated with continuous positive airway pressure and comorbid major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder according to DSM-IV-TR criteria were enrolled into a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study between September 2007 and March 2009 at 60 outpatient...]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:21:00 +0000 Poll Reveals Sleep Differences among Ethnic Groups http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100302211881/Sleep-latest/poll-reveals-sleep-differences-among-ethnic-groups.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100302211881/Sleep-latest/poll-reveals-sleep-differences-among-ethnic-groups.html?Itemid=

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 12:01 A.M. ET, MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010

National Sleep Foundation's Annual Sleep in America Poll Explores Sleep Issues among Asians, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites

The 2010 Sleep in America poll released today by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) reveals significant differences in the sleep habits and attitudes of Asians, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites. It is the first poll to examine sleep among these four ethnic groups.

NSF's Sleep in America poll found that more than three-fourths of respondents from each ethnic group agree that poor sleep is associated with health problems (76-83%). These new findings echo lessons learned by former President Bill Clinton who recently admitted that he has adopted a new lifestyle regimen to sleep seven or more hours on the advice of his doctors.

The poll also shows that all groups report disturbingly similar experiences missing work or family functions because they were too sleepy (19-24%).  Among married...]]> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000 Nap time may boost brain function later in the day, study indicates [BC-HEALTH-NAPS:LA] http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100301211575/Sleep-latest/nap-time-may-boost-brain-function-later-in-the-day-study-indicates-bc-health-napsla.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100301211575/Sleep-latest/nap-time-may-boost-brain-function-later-in-the-day-study-indicates-bc-health-napsla.html?Itemid=

Leonardo da Vinci took them, as did Napoleon Bonaparte, Johannes Brahms and Winston Churchill. You could probably use one right now.

Midday naps have long been touted as a good thing, lowering blood pressure and driving down the risk of heart attack. And if you snooze long enough, researchers have now found, they also permit your memory banks to do their filing, leaving your brain cleared and ready to learn in the latter half of the day.

University of California at Berkeley psychology professor Matthew Walker and colleagues put 39 young adults through a demanding learning task and tested on it at noon. At 2 p.m., they divided the students into two groups and invited half of them to take a siesta for 90 minutes while asking the remainder to stay awake. At 6 p.m., both groups were returned to the day's learning task and tested again.

The siesta group went into...]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:25:00 +0000 DEPRIVED: Doctors work to help those with PTSD get a better night's rest [Albuquerque Journal, N.M.] http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100301211633/Sleep-latest/deprived-doctors-work-to-help-those-with-ptsd-get-a-better-nights-rest-albuquerque-journal-nm.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100301211633/Sleep-latest/deprived-doctors-work-to-help-those-with-ptsd-get-a-better-nights-rest-albuquerque-journal-nm.html?Itemid=

Mar. 1--Susan Smith still feels sleepy most of the time. The South Valley resident naps once or twice a day. She nods off at around 7 p.m. and then wakes up several times in the night.

"I still am sleepy during the day," she says. "I get really drained. I'm like an old lady by the end of the day. But I am a lot better than I was."

Since July 2008 she has used a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure device, or BiPap, that provides a steady air supply at night to control her sleep apnea. She also gets help with nightmares that have plagued her for years.

Smith, 57, suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder following an assault as a young adult. She is one of many people fighting the debilitating symptoms of both PTSD and sleep problems like nightmares and insomnia, according to Dr. Barry Krakow, medical director of Maimonides Sleep...]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:16:00 +0000 In Search of Elusive Shuteye [Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, Wash.] http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100228211351/Sleep-latest/in-search-of-elusive-shuteye-kitsap-sun-bremerton-wash.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100228211351/Sleep-latest/in-search-of-elusive-shuteye-kitsap-sun-bremerton-wash.html?Itemid=

Feb. 28--BREMERTON -- The year she turned 55, Ruth Napier of Bremerton found herself waking up at night, gasping for breath for no apparent reason. She felt depressed and irritable. Her doctor sent her to a psychiatrist who prescribed medication, but her seemingly mysterious malaise just worsened.

"I knew there was something desperately wrong that was bringing the depression on, and no one would listen to me," said Napier, now 69. "I would wake up and feel like I didn't sleep all night."

In her fruitless quest for slumber, she tossed and turned, disturbing her husband's sleep as well. By day, her chronic moodiness clouded their decades-long marriage.

Napier eventually learned that she suffered from sleep apnea, a common yet treatable sleep disorder.

More than 40 million Americans -- one in seven -- don't get a good night's sleep. In an informal poll of Kitsap Sun readers, more than 75 percent said lack...]]> Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:36:00 +0000 Research on obesity published by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, Sleep Disorders Center http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100224210715/Sleep-latest/research-on-obesity-published-by-scientists-at-johns-hopkins-university-sleep-disorders-center.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100224210715/Sleep-latest/research-on-obesity-published-by-scientists-at-johns-hopkins-university-sleep-disorders-center.html?Itemid=

Investigators publish new data in the report 'Obesity and upper airway control during sleep.' According to recent research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, "Mechanisms linking obesity with upper airway dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea are reviewed. Obstructive sleep apnea is due to alterations in upper airway anatomy and neuromuscular control."

"Upper airway structural alterations in obesity are related to adipose deposition around the pharynx, which can increase its collapsibility or critical pressure (P(crit)). In addition, obesity and, particularly, central adiposity lead to reductions in resting lung volume, resulting in loss of caudal traction on upper airway structures and parallel increases in pharyngeal collapsibility. Metabolic and humoral factors that promote central adiposity may contribute to these alterations in upper airway mechanical function and increase sleep apnea susceptibility. In contrast, neural responses to upper airway obstruction can mitigate these mechanical loads and restore pharyngeal patency during sleep. Current evidence suggests...]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000 Behavioral therapy for insomnia effective http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100218204361/Sleep-latest/behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia-effective.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100218204361/Sleep-latest/behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia-effective.html?Itemid=

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia significantly improved sleep for patients with chronic neck or back pain, New York researchers found.

Lead author Carla R. Jungquist of the University of Rochester Medical Center said behavioral intervention can help patients who already are taking medications for pain and might be reluctant or unable to take additional drugs to treat sleep disturbance.

Patients with chronic pain often use sleep as an escape and seek sleep when not sleepy, sleep in places other than the bedroom and watch television.

For the study, a nurse therapist delivered the eight weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy, which included sleep restriction, stimulus control, sleep hygiene and one session devoted to discussion of catastrophic thoughts about the consequences of insomnia.

"This study really shows that this therapy can be delivered successfully and very effectively by advance practice nurses," Jungquist said. "Training nurses in the delivery of this type of therapy will result...]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:53:00 +0000 Sleep HealthCenters to Sponsor North East Sleep Society 2010 http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100217203603/Sleep-latest/sleep-healthcenters-to-sponsor-north-east-sleep-society-2010.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100217203603/Sleep-latest/sleep-healthcenters-to-sponsor-north-east-sleep-society-2010.html?Itemid=

Sleep HealthCenters® will be sponsoring the 2010 North East Sleep Society's (NESS) 24th Annual Conference titled "Promoting WakefulNESS" on March 26th through March 27th at the Marriott Boston-Newton (see also Sleep HealthCenters ).

Speakers at the two-day event will include Murray Johns, MD, creator of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which assesses the daytime sleepiness of patients, and Meir Kryger, MD, Director of Sleep Medicine Research and Education at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, Connecticut. Nancy A. Collop, MD, Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, will present the keynote address, "Challenges to the Current Practice of Sleep Medicine."

"We are looking forward to another successful NESS event," states Lawrence J. Epstein, MD, Program Director for NESS 2010 and Chief Medical Officer for Sleep HealthCenters. "We believe NESS provides a balance of clinical, theoretical, and business information through relevant speakers and presentations making it a worthwhile event for those who want...]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:07:00 +0000 New life sciences in children study findings reported from University of Pennsylvania, Center ... http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100217203604/Sleep-latest/new-life-sciences-in-children-study-findings-reported-from-university-of-pennsylvania-center-for-sleep-and-respiratory-neurobiology.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100217203604/Sleep-latest/new-life-sciences-in-children-study-findings-reported-from-university-of-pennsylvania-center-for-sleep-and-respiratory-neurobiology.html?Itemid=

Fresh data on life sciences are presented in the report 'Sleep behaviors and sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorders.' According to a study from the United States, "(1) Compare sleep behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with sleep behaviors of typically developing (TD) children using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ); (2) compare sleep quality--defined as mean activity, sleep latency, number of awakenings, sleep efficiency and total sleep time--of the cohort of children with ASD and TD, as measured by 10 nights of actigraphy; and (3) estimate the prevalence of sleep disturbances in the ASD and TD cohorts. Descriptive cross-sectional study."

"The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Randomly selected children from the Regional Autism Center. The ASD cohort of 59 children, aged 4 to 10 years, (26 with autism, 21 with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified [PDD-NOS], and 12 with Asperger disorder) were compared with 40 TD...]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:06:00 +0000 Somnus Brings in $15M to Take Sleep Drug Through Phase II http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100211199270/Sleep-latest/somnus-brings-in-15m-to-take-sleep-drug-through-phase-ii.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100211199270/Sleep-latest/somnus-brings-in-15m-to-take-sleep-drug-through-phase-ii.html?Itemid=

Somnus Therapeutics has raised $15 million in a Series A preferred stock financing that will take its insomnia drug through Phase II studies, even as a similar drug for middle-of-the-night awakening has run into some regulatory snags.

Somnus, taking heed of FDA's concerns about the potential risks of sleep medications, has conducted two additional insomnia studies - on top of the two Phase I studies it already completed. Data from the additional studies in elderly patients and in daytime sleepers have been submitted for presentation in June at the SLEEP 2010 meeting in San Antonio. The company plans to disclose Phase II data in peer-reviewed forums in 2011.

Can Bedminster, N.J.-based Somnus' compound, a new formulation of the sedative zaleplon (SKP-1041), suppress the sleep mechanism in the day as well as the night? Would the dosage strength be appropriate in the elderly? Those are some of the questions that the company...]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:01:00 +0000 Graymark Healthcare Announces Management Agreement with Coryell Memorial Healthcare System to ... http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100210197632/Sleep-latest/graymark-healthcare-announces-management-agreement-with-coryell-memorial-healthcare-system-to-run-state-of-the-art-sleep-diagnostic-and-treatment.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100210197632/Sleep-latest/graymark-healthcare-announces-management-agreement-with-coryell-memorial-healthcare-system-to-run-state-of-the-art-sleep-diagnostic-and-treatment.html?Itemid=

Graymark Healthcare Announces Management Agreement with Coryell Memorial Healthcare System to Run State of the Art Sleep Diagnostic and Treatment Center

Graymark Healthcare (NASDAQ:GRMH) announced that through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nocturna Sleep Centers, it has entered into a management agreement with Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, Gatesville, Texas, to provide sleep diagnostic and treatment services to patients in the Memorial Hospital's sleep center. Coryell Memorial Healthcare System is a community owned healthcare organization. Graymark Healthcare provides similar services within 24 company owned and 67 hospital agreements in 10 states in addition to Texas (see also Graymark Healthcare, Inc. ).

"Coryell Memorial Hospital is fully accredited and licensed. The hospital provides quality healthcare with small town hospitality. I am confident the relationship with Nocturna Sleep Centers will add to the comprehensive quality care Coryell Memorial Hospital is known for providing to our special Central Texas community," said David Byrom, CEO of Coryell Memorial Healthcare System.

"Coryell...]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:57:00 +0000 Research from Arizona State University in sleep disorders quality of care provides new insights http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100210197633/Sleep-latest/research-from-arizona-state-university-in-sleep-disorders-quality-of-care-provides-new-insights.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100210197633/Sleep-latest/research-from-arizona-state-university-in-sleep-disorders-quality-of-care-provides-new-insights.html?Itemid=

Investigators publish new data in the report 'Longitudinal evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep symptoms with change in quality of life: the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS).' According to recent research from the United States, "Findings from population studies evaluating the progression and incidence of sleep disordered breathing have shown evidence of a longitudinal increase in the severity of sleep disordered breathing. The present study evaluates the association among changes in sleep disordered breathing, sleep symptoms, and quality of life over time."

"Prospective cohort study. Data were from the Sleep Heart Health Study. Multicenter study. Three thousand seventy-eight subjects aged 40 years and older from the baseline and follow-up examination cycles were included. The primary outcomes were changes in the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scales obtained from the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey. The primary exposure was change in the respiratory disturbance index obtained from unattended...]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:57:00 +0000 Studies from College of Medicine in the area of obstructive sleep apnea therapy described http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100210197634/Sleep-latest/studies-from-college-of-medicine-in-the-area-of-obstructive-sleep-apnea-therapy-described.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100210197634/Sleep-latest/studies-from-college-of-medicine-in-the-area-of-obstructive-sleep-apnea-therapy-described.html?Itemid=

A new study, 'Impulse control disorders with the use of dopaminergic agents in restless legs syndrome: a case-control study,' is now available. In this recent report, researchers in the United States conducted a study "To determine the frequency of impulse control disorders (ICDs) with the use of dopaminergic agents in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Prospective case-control study using a screening questionnaire for ICDs, followed by phone interview to confirm diagnoses for those meeting preset scoring thresholds on the questionnaire."

"Academic, comprehensive sleep medicine center. OR PARTICIPANTS: (1) One hundred patients with RLS treated with dopaminergic agents, (2) 275 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without RLS or exposure to dopaminergic agents; and (3) 52 patients with RLS who were never treated with dopaminergic agents. Subjects with parkinsonism were excluded. Not applicable. Based on the questionnaire, frequencies of ICDs for the RLS treatment group were 10% compulsive shopping, 7% pathologic gambling,...]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:57:00 +0000 Transcept Pharmaceuticals Granted First U.S. Patent Covering Intermezzo(R) Formulation http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100209196226/Sleep-latest/transcept-pharmaceuticals-granted-first-us-patent-covering-intermezzor-formulation.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100209196226/Sleep-latest/transcept-pharmaceuticals-granted-first-us-patent-covering-intermezzor-formulation.html?Itemid=

POINT RICHMOND, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT) today announced that the first patent covering the composition and method of use of Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), the lead Transcept product candidate, has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  Transcept announced the issuance of a Notice of Allowance for claims under the application for this patent, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/060,641, on December 14, 2009. The newly issued patent, U.S. Patent No. 7,658,945, titled "Compositions for Delivering Hypnotic Agents Across the Oral Mucosa and Methods of Use Thereof," will expire no earlier than February 2025.

About Transcept

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary products that address important therapeutic needs in neuroscience. The most advanced Transcept product candidate is Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), for which a New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted to...]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:35:00 +0000 Sleep Expert on "Sleep Talkin' Man:" It Could Happen To Anyone http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100205195052/Sleep-latest/sleep-expert-on-qsleep-talkin-manq-it-could-happen-to-anyone.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100205195052/Sleep-latest/sleep-expert-on-qsleep-talkin-manq-it-could-happen-to-anyone.html?Itemid=

Noted sleep expert and SleepBetter.org contributor comments on nighttime chatterbox who has become an Internet sensation.

(PRWEB) February 5, 2010 -- An English ad-man's overnight verbal outbursts are an Internet phenomenon, but noted sleep expert Michael J. Breus, PhD, a contributor to sleep tips web site SleepBetter.org , says sleep talking is actually quite common and may have a genetic underpinning.

Haven't heard of Adam Lennard yet? He has become a world-wide Internet comedy star because his wife records his sleep talking nightly. She posts his nocturnal comments on her personal blog, called “Sleep Talkin' Man” . Both husband and wife insist Lennard is sound asleep when he makes observations such as the following:

*"You can't be a pirate if you haven't got a beard. I said so. MY boat, MY rules."

 


   • "No dog, no play. It's as simple as that."
   • "I think you should sit down. Surely your ankles can't...]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:40:00 +0000 Chronic insomnia may affect brain http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100201189543/Sleep-latest/chronic-insomnia-may-affect-brain.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100201189543/Sleep-latest/chronic-insomnia-may-affect-brain.html?Itemid=

Dutch researchers suggest chronic insomnia may adversely affect brain microstructure -- smaller volume of gray matter.

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in Amsterdam found insomnia patients had a smaller volume of gray matter in the left orbitofrontal cortex that was strongly correlated with the severity of the patient-reported insomnia.

Ellemarije Altena and Ysbrand van der Werf and colleagues from the research group of Eus van Someren evaluated the brain volumes of people with chronic insomnia who were otherwise psychiatrically healthy and people who were healthy and without sleep problems. The researchers used voxel-based morphometry -- a neuroimaging technique that allows the recognition of brain differences.

The study findings, published in Biological Psychiatry have spurred development of the Netherlands Sleep Registry as well as further investigation into defining the subtypes of insomnia and identifying causal factors, the researchers say.

"The more severe the sleeping problems...]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:17:00 +0000 Graymark Healthcare Announces Management Agreement with Coryell Memorial Healthcare System to ... http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100201189043/Sleep-latest/graymark-healthcare-announces-management-agreement-with-coryell-memorial-healthcare-system-to-run-state-of-the-art-sleep-diagnostic-and-treatment-center.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100201189043/Sleep-latest/graymark-healthcare-announces-management-agreement-with-coryell-memorial-healthcare-system-to-run-state-of-the-art-sleep-diagnostic-and-treatment-center.html?Itemid=

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Graymark Healthcare (Nasdaq: GRMH) today announced that through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nocturna Sleep Centers, it has entered into a management agreement with Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, Gatesville, Texas, to provide sleep diagnostic and treatment services to patients in the Memorial Hospital's sleep center.  Coryell Memorial Healthcare System is a community owned healthcare organization.  Graymark Healthcare provides similar services within 24 company owned and 67 hospital agreements in 10 states in addition to Texas.

"Coryell Memorial Hospital is fully accredited and licensed.  The hospital provides quality healthcare with small town hospitality.  I am confident the relationship with Nocturna Sleep Centers will add to the comprehensive quality care Coryell Memorial Hospital is known for providing to our special Central Texas community," said David Byrom, CEO of Coryell Memorial Healthcare System.

"Coryell Memorial Healthcare System is a progressive healthcare organization. Our partnership with Nocturna Sleep Centers supports our...]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0000 [SDS]-Latest research on obstructive sleep apnea http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100131189044/Sleep-latest/sds-latest-research-on-obstructive-sleep-apnea.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100131189044/Sleep-latest/sds-latest-research-on-obstructive-sleep-apnea.html?Itemid=

Latest research on obstructive sleep apnea

Urine test for pediatrics, plus link to ecstasy

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a technique that is able to determine whether a child has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by screening their urine.

"These findings open up the possibility of developing a relatively simple urine test that could detect OSA in snoring children. This would alleviate the need for costly and inconvenient sleep studies in children who snore, only about 20% to 30% of whom actually have OSA," said lead author David Gozal, MD, professor and chairman of the Pediatrics Department at the University of Chicago. The study results are published in the Dec. 15 issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Gozal and researchers from University of Chicago and the University of Louisville studied 90 children who were referred to the sleep clinic to be evaluated for...]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:01:00 +0000 Cognitive behavioural therapy may help insomniacs with depression http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100130188506/Sleep-latest/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-may-help-insomniacs-with-depression.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100130188506/Sleep-latest/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-may-help-insomniacs-with-depression.html?Itemid=

Washington, Jan 31 (ANI): Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be a remedy for insomniacs with depression, according to a Ryerson University professor.

Insomnia can lead to intense personal suffering. But combine insomnia with anxiety, depression and chronic pain, sleeplessness can become even more troubling.

Dr. Colleen Carney, assistant professor of psychology, and director of Ryerson's Sleep and Mood Disorder Program, said: "When you have another disorder, you face unique barriers that other people do not. For example, a conventional insomnia strategy involves getting out of bed at the same time every day. But someone with depression may wonder, "what if I have nothing to get out of bed for?"

Carney's latest book is Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those With Depression, Anxiety or Chronic Pain.

The only self-help book that focuses on people with insomnia combined with other health conditions, Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep...]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:01:00 +0000 Help your teen keep good 'sleep hygiene' [The Charlotte Observer, N.C.] http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100126184050/Sleep-latest/help-your-teen-keep-good-sleep-hygiene-the-charlotte-observer-nc.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100126184050/Sleep-latest/help-your-teen-keep-good-sleep-hygiene-the-charlotte-observer-nc.html?Itemid=

Jan. 26--Q. My 16-year-old daughter is having a difficult time falling asleep at night. She drifts off around 11 p.m. most nights and has to wake up at 6:30 a.m. She seems exhausted most of the time and sleeps until noon on the weekends. How much sleep does she need, and what can we do to help her "wind down" at night?

Adolescent sleep problems are extremely common because the body's circadian rhythms change. For this reason, teenagers no longer feel tired at 8 or 9 p.m. Combined with early wake-up times for school, late extracurricular activities and increased homework, sleep deprivation becomes an issue. Teenagers need about nine hours of sleep per night, but less than half of them are accomplishing this.

In situations such as yours, the first step is to implement good "sleep hygiene" by:

Avoiding caffeine and nicotine

Ending screen time (TV/computer) after 8 p.m.

Removing TVs, computers and cell...]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:36:00 +0000 Combination Therapy with Shire’s Intuniv Shown Safe for Non-responsive ADHD Patients or Those ... http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100120187285/Sleep-latest/combination-therapy-with-shires-intuniv-shown-safe-for-non-responsive-adhd-patients-or-those-with-sleep-problems.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100120187285/Sleep-latest/combination-therapy-with-shires-intuniv-shown-safe-for-non-responsive-adhd-patients-or-those-with-sleep-problems.html?Itemid= By Robin Jay, BHC Editorial Director

More that 4 million children in the United States – or nearly 8 percent – have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), making it one of the most common psychiatric disorders among our youth. Traditionally, ADHD has been treated with amphetamine or methylphenidate-based stimulants; however, about 30 percent of these children are non-responsive to this sort of treatment – or they find side effects, such as inability to sleep, make the therapy difficult to manage. A solution may be at hand.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved once-daily Intuniv (extended release guanfacine) by Shire, for the treatment of ADHD in children age 6 to 17. The medication is the first non-scheduled alpha-2A receptor antagonist indicated for ADHD that has demonstrated improvement with disruptive symptoms, such as inattention, arguing with adults, hyperactivity, impulsivity and anger. Intuniv has been approved as a mono-therapy for some time. Guanfacine...]]> Robin Jay Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:51:35 +0000 New Opinion on Fibromyalgia: Link Between Fibromyalgia and Sleeplessness http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100120179628/Sleep-latest/new-opinion-on-fibromyalgia-link-between-fibromyalgia-and-sleeplessness.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100120179628/Sleep-latest/new-opinion-on-fibromyalgia-link-between-fibromyalgia-and-sleeplessness.html?Itemid=

Southern California-based company shows Tryptophan can resolve low serotonin levels at the root of sleeplessness.

Escondido, CA (Vocus) January 20, 2010 -- FluidEssentials, Inc., a premier marketer and formulator of natural health supplements, featured in this month’s Fibromyalgia Aware magazine , is exposing the link between Tryptophan, serotonin and sleeplessness in fibromyalgics. Tryptophan in Total Sleep™ naturally resolves low serotonin levels associated with sleeplessness in Fibromyalgia.

Many people think of turkey and Thanksgiving when they think of Tryptophan. But that has limited real information from getting out about the significant role Tryptophan plays in healthy sleep. The real story is that low Tryptophan is a major cause of sleeplessness. In fact, Tryptophan is so important to the brain that it cannot even make serotonin without it. Serotonin is the brain’s natural calming neurotransmitter that promotes healthy sleep patterns, as well as manages anxiety and depression. The problem in Fibromyalgia is Tryptophan and serotonin...]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Why aging prevents sleep from enhancing memory http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20091225162957/Sleep-latest/why-aging-prevents-sleep-from-enhancing-memory.html?Itemid= http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20091225162957/Sleep-latest/why-aging-prevents-sleep-from-enhancing-memory.html?Itemid=

Washington, Dec 26 (ANI): Numerous studies have shown that sleep helps boost memory. However, aging prevents the brain from reaping that benefit. Now, scientists are trying to decode why does that happen.

Psychologist Rebecca Spencer, who is the director of the Cognition and Action Lab in the UMass Amherst department of psychology, says one explanation could be that as people age, they sleep less and some critical stages of sleep are interrupted more frequently.

This suggests that it is not a change in the overall quantity of sleep that reduces the benefits sleep conveys on memory, but rather to the quality of specific sleep stages that makes the difference.

Spencer said...]]> Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000