Learn More About Sleep Research Studies

What Are Sleep Research Studies?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 33.3% of American adults struggle to receive adequate sleep and rest at night. Sleep research studies explore the effect of sleep deprivation on human health and wellness. Additionally, investigations emphasize the impact of chronic sleep disorders on other medical conditions.

Sleep Medicine and research involving it are considered a recently recognized specialty of science and medicine. The first issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine was published in 2005 and traces the emergence of sleep research studies to the 1970s and 80s when the classification of human sleep was a new phenomenon.

Since then, these studies have advanced into exploring the physiological function of sleep, circadian (sleep-wake) biology, and sleep disorders. They emphasize the importance of optimal sleep. According to most organizations, seven or more hours of sleep should suffice for adults aged 18 to 60. In addition to researching the impact of sleep deprivation, the studies test the effectiveness of mindful habits and medical interventions that can improve quality of sleep.

Why Is Sleep Being Studied in Research Studies?

Sleep research studies have multiplied since the 2000s and so have the publication of peer reviewed accredited sleep journals. Recent studies prove the suspected connection between sleep deprivation and a diverse range of illnesses caused in the aftermath of an irregular sleep cycle.

These studies identify the effects of insomnia and sleeping disorders on hormone regulation, metabolic reactions, physical health, and gene expression.

Modern sleep medicine and research around it examines how unhealthy sleeping habits increase health concerns for other chronic disorders and illnesses.

These include, but are not limited to the following health issues :

• Impaired cognitive function and mental health issues
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Mood disorders
• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Neurodegeneration and dementia

Sleep research studies are important in making breakthroughs in healthcare and medicine. It allows professionals to fill knowledge gaps by identifying primacy causes of recurring illnesses associated with sleep deprivation. Through careful study, specialists receive the information and data required to develop effective treatments and cures to mitigate health risks in individuals susceptible to fall ill.

Additionally, research and development centers promote the enhancement of quality of life for people living with sleep orders or related illnesses.

What Are Some Treatments Available for Sleep Disorders?

Studies have helped specialists develop a diverse range of treatments for sleep deprivation and other sleep disorders. Since the type, frequency of symptoms and underlying causes of health issues may vary, so do the treatments proposed based on individual diagnosis.

Some common treatments for sleep disorders include:

Light Therapy. Phototherapy promotes healthy regulation of melatonin production in the body to resent disrupted circadian rhythms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). It involves various medical interventions that enable individuals with sleep disorders (such as insomnia) to adopt healthy sleeping habits. CBT includes sleep education, stimulus control, meditation therapy for relaxation and cognitive therapy to identify and resolve the root cause of sleep deprivation.

Orofacial Therapy (for patients living with sleep apnea). It consists of facial exercises that strengthen muscles present in the oral cavity and improve the tongue’s position to prevent airways from being blocked during sleep.

FDA Approved Medication to help improve sleep quality. These include medicines such as ambien, butisol, rozerem, and over the counter sleep aids like benadryl.

Aside from this, some sleep research studies are in the early stages of exploring the benefits of dietary supplements (such as amino acids, melatonin and Vitamin D) and natural sleep aids.

What Are Some of the Breakthrough Research Studies Involving Sleep?

Sleep research studies can be subdivided into different categories. Some focus on causes, symptoms, and treatments for sleep disorders. While other scientific investigations probe the consequences of sleep deprivation on our health and wellness.

Each study aims to promote quality of life by making discoveries that could help healthcare professionals to develop effective interventions to promote regulated circadian cycles and behavioral sleep patterns to help people sleep better.

There have been numerous breakthroughs in the study of sleep medicine and disorders. The recent ones are highlighted below:

2018: Clinical Trial for Melatonin Supplementation to Treat Delayed Sleep Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD). Natural melatonin secreted by the pineal gland encourages sleep during night time. However, patients with DSWPD are unable to produce adequate amounts of melatonin causing a delayed sleep wake cycle. The randomized clinical trial tested the drug efficacy of melatonin supplements (0.5 mg) with behavioral sleep wake routine to promote sleep quality in clinically diagnosed DSWPD patients. Initial tests show noteworthy improvement in daytime function, cognitive activity, reduction in symptoms, and regulation of sleep.Consequently, the study, while small, proposes the significance of melatonin supplements in sleep medicine.

2020: Reinventing Polysomnography in the Age of Precision Medicine uses sleep research studies to propose a new era of sleep medicine. Researchers conducted an in depth analysis of the utilization of polysomnography using conventional and modern practices. Studies conclude that precision sleep medicine could enhance diagnosis and make relevant data accessible to healthcare professionals. Consequently, allowing practitioners to develop personalized and effective treatment plans.

2020:Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy in Relation to Metabolic Dysregulation studies the influence of CPAP therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients on the metabolic abnormalities and accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Investigation explores how sleep apnea can alter gene expression leading to more fat deposits and possible metabolic health problems. Identifying the response molecular mechanisms and metabolic comorbidities have on CPAP therapy can help researchers develop interventions that effectively treat both disorders.

2021:Patient Experiences with Telehealth in Sleep Medicine: A Qualitative Evaluation assesses the benefits of telehealth in sleep care post pandemic. The study identifies advantages of online treatment supporting patient security and privacy, accessibility, and availability of personalized care. In addition to benefits, it also identifies unmet needs. Future researchers in sleep medicine can use the qualitative review as a foundational framework to improve patient healthcare in a virtual setting.

2021: Individual Differences in Light Sensitivity Affect Sleep and Circadian Rhythm was published in the Sleep Journal. The preliminary study focuses on how varying amounts of artificial light exposure can impact human sleep and natural circadian rhythm. The sleep research studies were conducted in a lab and through field studies that identified connection between individual hallmarks such as age, genetics, sex, and lifesttyle habits with evening/night light usage. Current research favors personalized lighting solutions to create an optimal sleep pattern in individuals based on their unique needs.

2021: Sleep and its Regulation: An Emerging Pathogenic and Treatment Frontier in Alzheimer’s Disease was conducted by reputable researchers from Harvard Medical School, University of British Columbia, and University of California. The study probes the effectiveness of using sleep medicine and intervention to reduce risk of cognitive degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease patients. The breakthrough can help healthcare professionals to create diagnostic tools and treatment plans that identify at risk AD patients who suffer from sleep disturbances. Enhancing sleep patterns to indirectly mitigate brain impairment caused by aging could be revolutionary, improving quality of life for people dealing with early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

2021: Sleep and Diet: Mounting Evidence of a Cyclical Relationship published by Annual Review Nutrition explores the benefits of a whole diet on sleep. Nutrient rich meals made from fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, and natural melatonin sources could have a positive impact on sleep patterns. The study could help people living with sleep disorders to make lifestyle changes to prevent adverse effects of irregular sleep.

2022: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is headed by medical faculties in Yale University. The randomized controlled trial used 175 research participants to study the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Sleep Education and Self Management Techniques amongst adults. Current trials reveal that behavioral therapy sustained significant improvement in sleep, reducing insomnia, daytime drowsiness, and enhancing physical function. In contrast, self management strategies while beneficial still missed the mark. Such sleep research studies place emphasis on the importance of clinical care for people dealing with insomnia.

Who Are The Key Opinion Leaders/Researchers/Institutions On Sleep Research Studies?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) was established in 1975 and has since garnered the status of being the United States’ official society dedicated to the subspeciality of sleep medicine. It promotes education and research on sleep disorders and related medical practices and treatments. In addition to advocating sleep health, the organization has the authority to provide accreditation to sleep research and medicine facilities across the country.

The Sleep Research Society (SRS) started in 1961 to promote the scientific study of sleep and circadian rhythms. The organization trains and educates a future generation of sleep researchers. It also works in collaboration with AASM to organize an annual SLEEP meeting that invites notable researchers and medical professionals who study all areas of sleep; disorders, health, and medication.

National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR) is located at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and is a subdivision of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It promotes sleep health by facilitating scientific study and research of sleep disorders, developing training and health education programs, and funding technology innovation to regulate circadian biology. Moreover, it collaborates with other federal agencies to support advancements in research and development related to sleep studies and healthcare.

Dr. Charlene Gamaldo leads the advisory board at the Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep situated at Howard County General Hospital as their Medical Director. Her research investigates sleep disturbances and their impact on neurological illnesses. Dr. Gamaldo actively pursues sleep research studies that explore the relationship between chronic sleep deprivation and co-morbid health issues.

Dr. Henry Yaggi is the Director of the Yale Program in Sleep Medicine and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Yale University. He has earned accreditations from the medical board in researching sleep medicine, critical care, pulmonary medicine, and internal medicine. Dr. Yaggi’s expertise facilitates him in his work as the Principal Investigator at the National VA Clinical Epidemiology Research Center. His sleep research studies include sleep apnea, the clinical epidemiology of sleep disorders that affect breathing, and the relationship between sleep and cardiovascular health. Dr. Yaggi has explored inpatient and at-home sleep treatment strategies throughout his research to assess the effectiveness of different forms of healthcare accessible to patients.