Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. Both organic and non-organic insomnia constitute a sleep disorder.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year. Insomnia tends to increase with age and affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Selective Attention Most Impaired During First Night Shift Worked

Our biological propensity for keeping awake during the day
And sleep disturbances in the night, night work is a challenge. Well, the researchers at
Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have found that the attention is especially concerned
during the first night shift. This research is in the
November 28, 2007 issue of PLOS ONE .


"It is important to recognize this first night shift
than most susceptible to impairment of attention, as critical jobs such as medical care

airport Baggage Screening, law enforcement and air traffic controllers are
Routinem�ig done in the night. "Did Nayantara Santhi, a fellow in the department

Sleep Medicine BWH and lead author of the paper . "Furthermore,
Traditional methods such as exposure to bright light and solid sleep schedule
That
reduce attentional control impairment during the night shift are not as effective
During this first night shift." < br>

researchers tested selective attention with visual search tasks in the
participating in a simulation of shift work, the four day shifts followed by

Three night shift. They noted that the attention during the first night shift
Was the most affected, with the participants unable to stay focused on tasks.
They had less time to search for products and treating more
error.


This research was funded by a grant from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
.


Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a 747-bed nonprofit teaching
affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare

System, an integrated health care. BWH is committed
excellence in patient care with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery
. The BWH medical superiority originates from the year 1832, and
today that rich history in clinical care is in connection with its
national leadership in improving the quality and safety of the patients and their
commitment to educating and training the next generation of health care professionals
. Through the investigation and discovery, which at its
Biomedical Research Institute (BRI), BWH is a world leader in the
basic research,
clinical and translational research on human diseases, in which more than < br> 800 physician-investigators and renowned scientists and the biomedical faculty
Supported by more than $ 400M in financing. BWH is also home to the large population
landmark epidemiological studies, including the nurses and doctors
"
Health Studies and the Women's Health Initiative.

http://www.brighamandwomens.org .




, quote: , Santhi N, Horowitz TS, Duffy JF, Czeisler CA (2007) Acute Sleep deprivation and Circadian
tilted connection with the transition to
first night of work impaired visual selective attention. , PLoS ONE , 2 (11):
E1233. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001233

Please click here


, PLoS ONE is the first magazine for primary research from all areas of
science to employ both before and after the publication of peer review to maximize

The impact of each report. PLoS ONE is that the public
The Library of Science (PLoS), the open access publisher whose goal is to
The World of scientific and medical literature a public resource.

http://www.plosone.org


Warranties ,

Press
The following is a selection of the next article in the
PLoS ONE . Communications are authors of the article and / or
your
institutions. Any opinions in these releases or articles
The personal views of contributions that are not necessarily
The
views or policy of PLoS. PLoS expressly disclaims all warranties
And liability in connection with the information contained in the releases and
articles and the use of this information.

Public Library of Science

185 Berry Street, Suite 3100

San Francisco, CA 94107

Friday, November 23, 2007

Debate Over Inclusion Of Sleep Apnea In The Standards For Driving

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disease that not many people know, even though they may suffer. Patients are unable to sleep and breathe at the same time: during sleep (and only during sleep) the throat collapses and in the air can no longer reach the lungs. Breathing stops despite hectic efforts and oxygen drops to� interrupted sleep, the throat appears open with a loud snoring, breathing resumes and sleep will be continued until the next apnea. The average patient is 250 to 400 apneas per night, and is totally unaware that this is happening�


OSA causes snoring and daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, and cardiac and cerebral injuries, it also increases the risk of traffic accidents seven times. Data from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and the United States are agreed: OSA was estimated to be responsible for 5 to 10% of all traffic accidents.

Despite clear evidence of this dangerous effect, and its possible correction with appropriate treatment, only nine European countries include sleep apnea among the diseases to consider at the time the provision of a license. Moreover, there is no clear attitude among the various countries, such as the assessment of the severity of the disease or the effects of treatment, or who is responsible for the decision on the fate of potentially dangerous drivers.

Every effort should be made to the Sleepiness and Obstructive Sleep Apnea on the agenda of the European Transport Workers' Federation authorities. The comitology procedure seems to be a pragmatic and workable way. OSA could in the next amending Appendix III sleepiness during could with information and education campaigns.

On 12 And 13 In October 2007, COST Action B26 hosted a working meeting with international experts to discuss the best way to keep within the OSA health disorder, a serious risk for traffic accidents in the whole of the European Union. The meeting was organized by the Center for Sleep Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Catholic University of Louvain in Brussels.

Following this initiative, a meeting with the High Commission for Transport was held in which COST Action B26 had the opportunity to present their proposals for the future integration of OSA in the framework of the Annex III for the European Driving regulations.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is important not only in itself, if the license arrangements in all European countries, it can also be a marker for the entire range of fatigue and drowsiness while driving. We are convinced that this domain must be brought to the attention of all drivers, private and professionals alike. Are you?

COST

http://www.cost.esf.org

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Postpartum Weight Gain Linked To Lack Of Sleep

Mothers who reported insomnia five hours or less per day, when their babies six months old was a threefold increased risk of significant weight retention (11 pounds or more) on their baby's first birthday than mothers who slept seven hours each day, according to a new study by Kaiser Permanente and the Harvard Medical School / Harvard Pilgrim Health Care



The study, published in the November issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology < / i> is the first to look at the effects of sleep deprivation on weight after the birth. Previous studies have focused on the effect of early postpartum sleep deprivation on mothers' cognitive and emotional health, but never associated weight gain.



"We have known for some time that sleep deprivation is associated with weight gain and obesity in the population, but this study shows that more and enough sleep -- even just two hours more - - can be just as important as a healthy diet and exercise for new mothers to return to their weight before pregnancy, "said Erica P. Gunderson, PhD, an investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland and the head of the study.



The study also found that mothers who slept a few hours a year after the birth, as they have six months after birth had twice the risk of considerable weight. Other studies have shown that prolonged sleep deprivation causes hormonal changes that may stimulate appetite. Short sleep duration was not only associated with obesity in women, but coronary heart disease and diabetes as well as.



"With the results of this study, new mothers must ask:" How can I get more sleep for me and my baby? "Our team is working on new studies to answer this important question," said Matthew W. Gillman, MD, SM, Department of Outpatient Care and Prevention, Harvard Medical School / Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

< br> The study examined 940 women who participated in the Harvard's Project Viva, the observational, longitudinal cohort study of prenatal and postnatal health. The women, whose average age was 33 years old and with a mix of Caucasian, African-Americans and Hispanic, were queried about their sleep habits and weight in the six months to a year after the birth of assessments. Forty-seven percent of the women were mothers, for the first time, 37 percent two children and 16 percent for three or more children.



"A new baby the first year at home is a tough adjustment for everyone. This is the reason why Kaiser Permanente, our care for mothers to care for our babies. We give moms Tools and services to make it easier to juggle everything and get back into shape: an electronic newsletter pregnancy, newborn clubs, online health encyclopedia, online programs, podcasts, videos, weight and training programs, and discounts for gym memberships and Weight Watchers application , "said Tracy Flanagan, MD, Director of Women's Health, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. "But the best advice for all the mothers with babies is to ask for help and get support and take care of you."



----------------------------< Br> article adapted from Medical News today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



The study funded by the National Institutes of Health, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation.



About Kaiser Permanente Division of Research ,



The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, published and distributed and health epidemiological research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and the society as a whole. It tries to make the determinants of illness and well being and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. Currently, the center of the 400-plus staff is working on more than 250 epidemiological and health services research projects.



About Kaiser Permanente ,



Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health. Founded in 1945, is a non-profit, group practice prepayment program with headquarters in Oakland, California Kaiser Permanente serves the health care of more than 8.7 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Today, the non-profit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and for the profit Permanente Medical Groups. Nationwide, Kaiser Permanente includes approximately 156000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 13, 000 physicians from all specialties.



Harvard Medical School ,



Harvard Medical School (http://www.hms.harvard.edu/) has more than 5000 full-time faculty positions, which eight departments based at the School's Boston quadrangle or in one of 47 departments at 18 Harvard teaching hospitals and research institutes. The Harvard hospitals and research institutions include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge Hospital, The CBR Institute for Biomedical Research, Children's Hospital Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Forsyth Institute, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Joslin Diabetes Center, Judge Baker Children's Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, McLean Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston VA Health Care System.



http://www.kaiserpermanente.org/



Source: Danielle Cass


Edelman Public Relations

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Nighttime 'Malfunction' Of Biological Clock Discovered

What do you do when a naturally occurring hormone in your body turns against you? What do you do if the same hormone -- Melatonin -- is a popular supplement you take to help you sleep? A professor at the University of Houston and his team of researchers may have some answers.



Gregg W. Roman, assistant professor in the department of biology and biochemistry at UH, his team describes the findings in a paper titled "Melatonin Suppress night operation Memory Formation in the Zebrafish" published November 16 in Science , in the World Wide leading scientific journal of global news and commentary.



often called "hormone of darkness," Melatonin is a hormone the body produces, which may regulate sleep patterns and wakes up in the people. In almost all organisms tested, this means the natural antioxidants are high during the night and during the day lower. In addition to what the body produces naturally many people also Melatonin supplements to combat Jet Lag, offset seasonal affect disorder and regulate nighttime dementia.



Roman says that melatonin may actually hurt you in the night, to be found in a study of zebrafish (Danio rerio) that directly inhibit melatonin memory formation.



"This work is about the mechanism by which the biological clock controls the formation of new memories," said Roman. "We were interested in the circadian control -- the day the night cycle control -- of learning and memory formation. We have noted, zebra fish are capable of learning very well during its active phase during the day, but to learn a bad at night during sleep or quiet phase. "



The experiments were with zebra fish for several reasons. They are small and breed in large numbers (and therefore less expensive to use), and they are daily values, the same as human activity rhythms. Zebra fish are most active during the day and less active at night, while many other vertebrate animal models, such as rodents, the nightly. Roman reasons, if you are interested in how the biological clock governs cognitive functions in humans, you should create a system that the model is sensitive to the clock the same way people do.



More than two years worth of work, including the discovery that the ability to learn and remember, was one of endogenous (or internal) clock originated in the zebrafish, led Roman and his colleagues on the hypothesis that melatonin may be responsible for poor learning and memory formation in the night. To test whether melatonin has been involved in the inhibition of the night learning and memory formation, which they treated zebra fish during the day, with this hormone, to see how the fish. It is interesting that melatonin not affect learning, but significantly impeded the formation of new memories, the melatonin-treated fish with fish is similar trains during the night in a test for 24 hours memory.



"The next step was signaling inhibits melatonin during the night with a melatonin receptor antagonist and testing for the effects on memory formation," said Roman. "It was huge -- the results were, excuse the expression, like day and night. We saw dramatic improvements in the nightly memory inhibition of melatonin signaling, indicating that the reason the zebrafish was not in the form memories of the night because of the hormone melatonin. "



Continue with the pineal gland, the main source of melatonin in fish and in people, Roman pupils Oliver Rawashdeh removed from the gland the fish and found that they could now memories at a high level during the night. Remove the melatonin-producing gland, the researchers of the hormone to alleviate the negative side effects that may show that more Melatonin inhibits the formation of new memories during the night.



With these findings, Roman hopes to be able to hold and the positive effects of melatonin's antioxidant properties. These benefits include combating free radicals damage to slow some forms of neurodegeneration, like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and stopping of DNA damage, which has the potential to be a preventative against cancer. And since the positive antioxidant effect is directly and independently of receptor signaling, there is hope that removing the melatonin receptor signaling is against this hormone only the negative effects on cognitive functions.



addition, Roman said that the inhibition of melatonin signaling receptor antagonists may help, with a large number of nocturnal cognitive tasks that help people such as students, for the finals, airplane pilots, ER doctors and the night-shift workers. Roman also believes that a natural role of melatonin can be used to facilitate the storage of memories, during the day, and that further studies are necessary to the ultimate role of melatonin, in memory formation.



"The value of melatonin as a supplement is largely due to its antioxidant properties," said Roman. "The use of melatonin receptor antagonists has no influence on this attribute, but it can alleviate a significant adverse effect on cognitive functions at night."



In other words, a "best of both worlds" scenario could lead to the benefits of melatonin's antioxidant benefits, while improving nighttime memory formation, which is now locked .



Roman's team of UH breakthrough for this study include Gregory M. Cahill, a professor of biology and biochemistry, and two of her students and research assistants, Oliver Rawashdeh and Nancy Hernandez's Borsetti .



----------------------------< Br> article adapted from Medical News today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



Source: Roman

Click here for access to the Web Page



About the University of Houston ,



The University of Houston, Texas' premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental institutions. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35000 students.



For more information about UH, visit the University Newsroom.



Source: Lisa Merkl

University of Houston

Monday, November 19, 2007

Natural Insomnia Treatment Secrets

So-nia can be one of the most frustrating. Why? After a consistent lack of sleep, it is hard to stay mentally healthy. They are restless, stressed, depressed, anxious, and sometimes at the end with even more complications as a result.

COACHING
In most cases, insomnia itself is not a passion, but it is the symptom of another medical problem, and should be treated as such. Although there are many drugs over the counter in almost every pharmacy only a quick solution to sleep. Drugs can successfully as insomnia treatment, in the short term, but if for the period over a few days, they can cause side effects that may lead to other health problems.

COACHING
The majority of the over the counter insomnia treatment products are not intended for long-term use, and they can save your daily activities not allow you a full night a restful sleep. Some of the adverse effects of the treatment for sleep disorders include:

COACHING
* dizziness

* Forgetfulnes

* constipation
< br> * Dry mouth

* Dry throat

COACHING
These drugs often not for the insomnia and can cause unwanted side effects when you sleep, because they antihistamines, which are usually used in the treatment of allergies. Yes, these drugs cause drowsiness do, but that's not enough for a full eight to ten hours of sleep each night.

COACHING
Extended use of drugs as the insomnia treatment can lead to the development of drugs tolerance, a gr�ere dose for the same effect, and it can also lead to a dependence the sleep aid. Some sleeping pills can also have a negative drug interactions with other drugs and after long-term use can lead to withdrawal symptoms when their use is over.

COACHING
I hope you get the message. Unless you have severe sleep disorders, have tried to natural methods that are currently not on drugs really help you sleep, no medication for insomnia.

COACHING
Learn natural way to help you improve your quality of sleep

COACHING
stress caused when you sleep loss, the search for ways to deal with the stress is more in the way of treatment for insomnia than sleeping pills. Try to learn breathing exercises, meditation and other mental practices to help reduce stress.

COACHING
Make your sleep environment as dark curtains on the windows, if your schedule for calls to bed before it gets dark. Most insomnia treatment proposals revolve around changes in lifestyle, such as:

* Avoid alcohol

* Avoid caffeine

* Avoid foods and beverages to can that digestive disorders

COACHING
What is Sleepwalk Reversal?

COACHING
addition, some people suffer from a sleep-to reverse, especially if they are traveling or have a shift other than traditional day. In some cases, resetting the internal circadian clock by working all day in bright lights and go to bed in the darkness, the insomnia treatment was necessary to return to a regelm�igen sleep schedule.

COACHING
If you suffer from insomnia, my fist proposal is to ask themselves what they cause depression, anxiety, stress? Then try much with the problems in order to deal with the insomnia. Not easy to sleep disorders medicine, as they only mask the problem, and in many cases it is worse.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Nighttime 'Malfunction' Of Biological Clock Discovered

What do you do when a naturally occurring hormone in your body turns against you? What do you do if the same hormone -- Melatonin -- is a popular supplement you take to help you sleep? A professor at the University of Houston and his team of researchers may have some answers.



Gregg W. Roman, assistant professor in the department of biology and biochemistry at UH, his team describes the findings in a paper titled "Melatonin Suppress night operation Memory Formation in the Zebrafish" published November 16 in Science , in the World Wide leading scientific journal of global news and commentary.



often called "hormone of darkness," Melatonin is a hormone the body produces, which may regulate sleep patterns and wakes up in the people. In almost all organisms tested, this means the natural antioxidants are high during the night and during the day lower. In addition to what the body produces naturally many people also Melatonin supplements to combat Jet Lag, offset seasonal affect disorder and regulate nighttime dementia.



Roman says that melatonin may actually hurt you in the night, to be found in a study of zebrafish (Danio rerio) that directly inhibit melatonin memory formation.



"This work is about the mechanism by which the biological clock controls the formation of new memories," said Roman. "We were interested in the circadian control -- the day the night cycle control -- of learning and memory formation. We have noted, zebra fish are capable of learning very well during its active phase during the day, but to learn a bad at night during sleep or quiet phase. "



The experiments were with zebra fish for several reasons. They are small and breed in large numbers (and therefore less expensive to use), and they are daily values, the same as human activity rhythms. Zebra fish are most active during the day and less active at night, while many other vertebrate animal models, such as rodents, the nightly. Roman reasons, if you are interested in how the biological clock governs cognitive functions in humans, you should create a system that the model is sensitive to the clock the same way people do.



More than two years worth of work, including the discovery that the ability to learn and remember, was one of endogenous (or internal) clock originated in the zebrafish, led Roman and his colleagues on the hypothesis that melatonin may be responsible for poor learning and memory formation in the night. To test whether melatonin has been involved in the inhibition of the night learning and memory formation, which they treated zebra fish during the day, with this hormone, to see how the fish. It is interesting that melatonin not affect learning, but significantly impeded the formation of new memories, the melatonin-treated fish with fish is similar trains during the night in a test for 24 hours memory.



"The next step was signaling inhibits melatonin during the night with a melatonin receptor antagonist and testing for the effects on memory formation," said Roman. "It was huge -- the results were, excuse the expression, like day and night. We saw dramatic improvements in the nightly memory inhibition of melatonin signaling, indicating that the reason the zebrafish was not in the form memories of the night because of the hormone melatonin. "



Continue with the pineal gland, the main source of melatonin in fish and in people, Roman pupils Oliver Rawashdeh removed from the gland the fish and found that they could now memories at a high level during the night. Remove the melatonin-producing gland, the researchers of the hormone to alleviate the negative side effects that may show that more Melatonin inhibits the formation of new memories during the night.



With these findings, Roman hopes to be able to hold and the positive effects of melatonin's antioxidant properties. These benefits include combating free radicals damage to slow some forms of neurodegeneration, like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and stopping of DNA damage, which has the potential to be a preventative against cancer. And since the positive antioxidant effect is directly and independently of receptor signaling, there is hope that removing the melatonin receptor signaling is against this hormone only the negative effects on cognitive functions.



addition, Roman said that the inhibition of melatonin signaling receptor antagonists may help, with a large number of nocturnal cognitive tasks that help people such as students, for the finals, airplane pilots, ER doctors and the night-shift workers. Roman also believes that a natural role of melatonin can be used to facilitate the storage of memories, during the day, and that further studies are necessary to the ultimate role of melatonin, in memory formation.



"The value of melatonin as a supplement is largely due to its antioxidant properties," said Roman. "The use of melatonin receptor antagonists has no influence on this attribute, but it can alleviate a significant adverse effect on cognitive functions at night."



In other words, a "best of both worlds" scenario could lead to the benefits of melatonin's antioxidant benefits, while improving nighttime memory formation, which is now locked .



Roman's team of UH breakthrough for this study include Gregory M. Cahill, a professor of biology and biochemistry, and two of her students and research assistants, Oliver Rawashdeh and Nancy Hernandez's Borsetti .



----------------------------< Br> article adapted from Medical News today from the original press release. ,
----------------------------



Source: Roman

Click here for access to the Web Page



About the University of Houston ,



The University of Houston, Texas' premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental institutions. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35000 students.



For more information about UH, visit the University Newsroom.



Source: Lisa Merkl

University of Houston

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Causes of Insomnia

A lack of B vitamins and magnesium means that the liver is less productive to the reduction o-estrogen and an excess begins to build, which annoys the brain chemicals, as the cause of PMS symptoms of anxiety, irritability and insomnia . It will alleviate tension in the spine and neck and help to relieve headaches, insomnia, pain in the lower back and sciatica. Many chronic insomnia sufferers have reported benefits from homeopathy, but you need a full evaluation by a trained therapist, you can not buy these funds in the counter.

Some this depressing withdrawal symptoms can occur are: anger, anxiety, intestinal changes , lack of concentration, emotional disorders, depression, coordination difficulties, dizziness, light sensitivity, head pressure, muscle and joint pain, numbness, paranoia, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, and feelings of unreality or dissociation. Short-term symptoms of insomnia are bearable, though frustrating, but night after night for months or years, the most serious problems of insomnia can accumulate and cause serious health problems. If you do so, you may suffer from insomnia.

An infomercial for an alternative treatment insomnia beckons you. People with sleep disorders should be given the chance to not sleep all in the day. Home Remedies For over thousands of years, many popular remedies were used to cure insomnia.

Calcium deficiency can lead to insomnia, the metabolic disorder tetany, severe premenstrual cramps and miscarriages, high blood pressure, type of kidney stones, calcium deficiency periodontal disease can also be a primary cause of the skeletal disorders, including osteomalacia, rickets and bone) malformations. Nicotine is a central nervous system stimulant can cause insomnia. If you have never had insomnia, this scenario is guaranteed to cause it.

Today, in America, families suffer a laundry list of complaints: from insomnia, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, obesity, lack of essential vitamins and minerals, back, joint pain and migraine. Herbal medicines may help treat a wide range of conditions and can be regarded as anything from a natural weight loss, for the treatment of insomnia. Insomnia - Lysine acts as a natural sedative and may be just enough to help induce sleep.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

AASM: How You Eat This Thanksgiving May Affect The Quality Of Your Sleep

Thanksgiving is a day in which people usually sleepiness after indulging themselves with a heavy meal. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), in order to help ensure a good night's sleep on Thanksgiving, remain active in the afternoon and avoid eating a big meal too close to bedtime.

Donna Arand, PhD, clinical director of the Kettering Sleep Disorders Center in Dayton, Ohio, and research assistant professor at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, says that the drowsiness feeling that it so often among the people on Thanksgiving is probably due to the fact that the traditional Thanksgiving dinner in tryptophan, which has been known to promote sleepiness.


"Turkey is particularly high in tryptophan, while other milk and dairy products also contain tryptophan, "says Dr. Arand." L - tryptophan is an amino acid in the body for the production of serotonin, a brain chemical in the REM sleep. Research has shown that an increase in the L - tryptophan produced sedation and can shorten sleep latency. So the feeling sleepy after a Thanksgiving dinner is probably the result of increased L - tryptophan. "


Ralph Downey III, PhD, director of the sleep medicine at the Sleep Disorders Center in Loma Linda University (ETA) Medical Center in Loma Linda, California, an associate professor of medicine, pediatrics and neurology an ETA, and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, says that tryptophan can play a role in the feeling of sleepiness after a heavy Thanksgiving meal, it is also likely to be the sleep debt that the person has over a given period of time.


"Thanksgiving and sleepiness go together like turkey and pumpkin pie chart. Sleepiness that we experience may be partly to the food, but probably due to the fact that we are relaxing with family and friends or at the traditional parades and football games, "says Dr. Downey." We feel sleepy or nap, because we are in a relaxed condition. When we finally relax, our brain is primed for the sleep from the days when it was still not as many. It is probably much less tryptophan in the turkey, as it is sleep debt built up in your brain, a sleepy Thanksgiving holiday. "


On average, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested.


The AASM offers the following tips on how to create a good sleep:


-you do not go to bed hungry, but do not eat a large meal before bedtime either.

- Avoid alcohol, food or drinks, caffeine, and the medicine, has a stimulant before bedtime.

-Follow a consistent bedtime routine.

-creation of a relaxed setting before bedtime.

-Get a complete sleep every night.

- Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime.

-Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little cool.

Get in the same time every morning.


SleepEducation.com, a Web site created by the AASM, provides information about the various sleep disorders, the forms of treatment available, recent news on the subject of sleep , insomnia studies, which have been conducted and a list of sleep.


AASM is a professional membership organization dedicated to the promotion of sleep medicine and sleep disturbances connected with the research.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Milnacipran Demonstrated Significant Improvement In Pain And The Core Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Data Show

Total daily doses of milnacipran 100
and 200 mg Mg showed a statistically significant and clinically
Meaningful improvements in the two central pain and other symptoms
With fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), based on the Phase III data
This week at the 2007 American College of Rheumatology meeting in Boston, MA
. The therapeutic effect of milnacipran among responders in a six-month study were
lasting up to a year in a double-blind study extension.

Although widespread chronic pain is the defining feature of the FMS,
you typically occurs, as part of a broader range of symptoms, including
fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced physical function . Milnacipran is the first
studied fibromyalgia treatment whose effectiveness has been rated
use of a composite approach requires responders,
One patient by patient basis over several simultaneous improvements FMS
domains. As such, composite responder analysis
represent a stricter assessment of the therapeutic effect as the evaluation of individual
symptoms.


order as a responder for the compound "pain of fibromyalgia"
endpoint, each patient had to demonstrate and simultaneously
clinically sensible improvements in two validated measures: pain and the overall impression of
disease. In addition to these criteria,
response of the composite "treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome"
endpoint also had to show improvement in a third validated measure:
The physical function. The results of two Phase III studies showed that
milnacipran demonstrated improvement in comparison with placebo in the treatment of both
the pain of fibromyalgia, and the broader syndrome of fibromyalgia.
In addition, data from a six-month extension study showed that the therapeutic effect of
milnacipran were lasting up to one year
therapy.


"Because patients with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms
The overlap with other conditions, diagnosis and treatment may
complicated. Currently, many physicians are with several
drugs to treat various symptoms of fibromyalgia, "said Daniel J. Clauw, MD, lead investigator
, chronic pain and fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan
. "There is a real unmet need for a therapy that will not only relieve pain
, but deals with the functional and physical aspects of the disease,
can have a significant impact on the patients quality of life."


, Study Methodology ,



In two double-blind, placebo-controlled, approval of the Phase III study
study (Study million-MD-02 and studying FMS - 031) with two parallel,
primary efficacy assessments consisted of compound responder analysis for the treatment of
Both fibromyalgia syndrome and the pain of fibromyalgia. Composite
pain response was defined as persons who have both an gr�ere or
amounting to 30% reduction in pain compared to baseline as measured by a visual analog scale
daily on an electronic patient record of experience diary
rated and who regard themselves as "very much improved" or "much improved" on
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Composite response to meet the criteria and pain Composite
As proof of at least a 6-improving their SF-36 physical component summary
(SF-36 PCS) points.


Study million-MD-02, 1196 patients were randomized to receive either
milnacipran 100 mg / day (n = 399): 200 mg / day ( n = 396) or placebo (n = 401) on
a period of three months, 67.7% of which the process is completed.


study FMS - 031, 888 patients were randomized to receive either
milnacipran 100 mg / day (n = 224): 200 mg / day (n = 441 ) or placebo (n = 223)
six months, 63.6% of which were completed three months of treatment, and 57.6%
from which the full six months double-blind treatment. Were
results for all patients on the three and six months visited.


patients receiving the full six months of treatment in study
FMS - 031 were allowed to settle in a multicenter, dose-blinded, extension
study to evaluate the durability of response up to a year. Overall
Of 449 patients were either 200 mg / day (n = 209) or
Again randomized to 100 mg / day (n = 48) or 200 mg / day (n = 192) for an additional
six months. Evaluations of the effectiveness of change in pain, as measured using a paper
visual analog scale, and multi-symptomatic improvement,
Measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and PGIC.


, Data Highlights ,



results below are based on observed cases the only
Auswertbare patients who responded to the landmark visit. The study million-MD-02,
There were 713 evaluable patients for fibromyalgia syndrome and pain
analysis (n = 236 to 100 mg n = 215 for 200 mg and n = 262 for placebo).


The study FMS - 031, in the three-month visit, there were 549 evaluable patients for the
syndrome (n = 134 to 100 mg n = 259 for 200 mg and
N = 156 for placebo), and 553 evaluable patients for the pain (n = 135
For 100 mg n = 260 for 200 mg and n = 158 for placebo). In the six months
visit, there were 488 evaluable patients for fibromyalgia syndrome
(N = 120 to 100 mg n = 229 for 200 mg and n = 139 for placebo), and
491 evaluable patients for the fibromyalgia pain (n = 121 for 100
Mg n = 230 for 200 mg and n = 140 for placebo).


, Composite responder for fibromyalgia syndrome (pain, PGIC, and
SF-36 PCS) ,
< br> -- A statistically significant number of patients treated with milnacipran
During the study million-MD-02 meets the criteria Composite syndrome Responder
(25% and 26% for the milnacipran 100 mg and 200 mg groups,
) compared to placebo-treated patients (13%).

-- A statistically significant number of patients treated with milnacipran
During the study, FMS - 031 also with the composite syndrome responder criteria
On three months (33% and 33% for the milnacipran 100 mg and 200 mg groups
) compared to placebo-treated patients (17%).
Statistically significant differences table were also observed in the six months
visitors: 33% and 32% of patients met criteria for the responder
milnacipran 100 mg and 200 mg groups, as compared to 19% of
patients in the placebo group.


, Composite responder for fibromyalgia pain (pain and PGIC) ,


-- A statistically a significant number of patients treated with milnacipran
During the study million-MD-02 met the compound pain responder criteria (39%
And 46% in the milnacipran 100 mg and 200 mg groups)
Compared with the placebo-treated patients (25%).

-- A statistically significant number of patients treated with milnacipran
During the study, FMS - 031 also with the pain Composite responder criteria on
Three months (45% and 45% in the milnacipran 100 mg and 200 mg groups,
) compared to placebo-treated patients (27%).
Statistically significant differences table were also observed in the six months
visitors: 44% and 45% of patients with pain Composite Responder
criteria for milnacipran 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively
compared to 28% of patients in the placebo group.


, tolerability ,



milnacipran was generally well tolerated, with the
majority of adverse events (AEs) reported mild to moderate in nature.

-- The most common treatment emergent AEs in the
placebo-controlled clinical trials included nausea (37% versus 20% placebo), headache (18
% vs. 14% placebo), constipation (16% vs. 4% placebo), hot flashes (12% vs. 2%
placebo), hyperhidrosis (9% vs. 2% placebo), vomiting (7% vs
2%), palpitations (7% vs. 2%), heart rate increase (6% vs 1% placebo),
dry mouth (5% versus 2%) and hypertension (5% versus 2%).


-- milnacipran not cause weight gain.


, development plans ,



On 28 September 2005, Forest and Cypress reported that the provisional
top line results from study FMS - 031 not reach statistical significance
. Subsequently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed
your guidelines for the approval of FMS therapies and agreed to the new
companies to evaluate the data on the basis of an updated analysis approach,
, Die a change of LOCF (last observation carried forward),
BOCF (baseline observation carried forward) analysis, as well as other
changes in the use of primary endpoints for the evaluation of effectiveness. By
Revised analysis, a daily dose of 200 mg milnacipran produced statistically
signifiers differences compared to placebo both for the
fibromyalgia syndrome and fibromyalgia pain of the composite endpoints. Even
compared to placebo, a daily dose of 100 mg milnacipran a statistically
signifiers difference in the composite end point fibromyalgia syndrome and
wrong direction significance for the pain of fibromyalgia
composite end point (P =. 056). These data are used as part of the New Drug Application (NDA)
for milnacipran for the treatment of FMS, scheduled for submission to
end of the year 2007.


About Milnacipran ,



Milnacipran is a unique dual reuptake inhibitors, preferably
blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine with a higher potency than serotonin,
two neurotransmitters known to play an essential role in regulating pain
And mood. It was developed for the treatment of depression in more than 32
countries with the real world commercial experience outside the United States
spans more than 10 years and 20 million patient months. Milnacipran is
developed for fibromyalgia in the United States market jointly by Forest
And its licensor, Cypress Biosciences, Inc.
milnacipran was originally developed and sold outside the United States by Pierre Fabre Medicament.


About Fibromyalgia ,



FMS is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by
widespread pain and stiffness throughout the body, accompanied by severe fatigue, insomnia and mood
symptoms. According to the American College of Rheumatology
, FMS is estimated that more than six million people in the
United States of America. FMS is most often diagnosed in the primary care setting and the
also is the second most commonly diagnosed condition in rheumatology clinics
in the United States after osteoarthritis. Despite the
High prevalence and severity of this syndrome, there are limited treatment options
specifically for FMS in the United States or elsewhere,
And the addressable patient group is not yet well established.


About Cypress ,



Cypress has committed itself as an innovator and market leader in the provision of
products for the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. As part
your business development strategy, the company evaluates a number of
proof of concept stage opportunities that leverage their rededication
experience and innovative approach to clinical testing and regulatory
strategy, and the intention to do this on an ongoing basis.
The company continues to evaluate several other potential
strategic transactions, including the potential acquisition of products, product candidates
, technologies and businesses.


For more information about Cypress, please visit Cypress' website
http://www.cypressbio.com.



This press release, as well as Cypress' SEC filings and Website
http://www.cypressbio.com, forward-looking statements in the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995, including statements about the potential of milnacipran for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome
, and our planned NDA filing for milnacipran. Actual results may
differentiate much of which as a result of a number of factors,
Including those in Cypress' Annual Report on Form 10-K, the most recent
quarterly report on Form 10 - Q and any subsequent SEC filings and
Including, but not limited to, the detailed analysis of the process
results may not be favorable or can lead to different results, the FDA
may not accept our first Phase III the clinical study as one of the two turning
attempts for NDA approval, on further reflection, that we may
Determine, not the submission of a NDA about the end of the year 2007 and even if we do, < br> submit the NDA, that they should not be accepted or not by the FDA,
fact that we may not be able to protect our patent portfolio milnacipran and
that milnacipran may never be approved as a drug by the FDA .


About Forest Laboratories and its products ,



Forest Laboratories (http://www.frx.com), a US-based pharmaceutical company
for the identification, development and delivery of products, which
a positive difference in the lives of people. Forest Laboratories' growing product
Includes Lexapro (R) (escitalopram oxalate), an SSRI
for adults for the initial and maintenance treatment of
depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder; Namenda (R) (memantine HCl ), a
N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist for the
treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia, and Campral (R)
(Acamprosate Calcium), in combination with psychosocial support
For the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence
who are abstinent at treatment initiation.
Addition to our growing product line, Forest also promotes cooperation Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
products Benicar (R) (olmesartan medoxomil), an angiotensin receptor blocker
, Benicar HCT (R) (olmesartan medoxomil, hydrochlorothiazide ), a
angiotensin receptor blocker and diuretic combination product, and
AZOR (TM) (amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil)
calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blocker combination product, all for the treatment of
high blood pressure.


Azor is a registered trademark of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Benicar and Benicar HCT
Are registered trademark of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., and Campral is a registered
trademark of Merck sas, Sante, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany.


With the exception of the historical information contained herein, this release contains forward-looking
"in
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include series
risks and uncertainties, including the difficulty of predicting FDA
approvals, the acceptance and demand for new pharmaceutical products, which
impact of competitive products and pricing, the timely development and introduction
new products, and the risk factors from time to time
The Forest Laboratories SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report
On the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and on Form 10-Q for
the period ended June 30, 2007.


Forest Laboratories, Inc.

http://www.frx.com

Friday, November 9, 2007

The Million Dollar Insomnia Secret: Being Physically and Mentally Relaxed

Hut may sound a little extreme, but if you think insomnia really costing you valuable time and money. If you do not allow for the health problem to go until the end of shelling out big money to the sands of time and set the wrong right. It is too late. You need to get a commitment to you that you have something on your nightly unrest.



sleep is the best thing for you, and may rank higher than diet and exercise, because it is the foundation on which you have a healthier lifestyle. There is no smoke and mirrors here, no tricks and no expensive tricks to try. Save a bundle of money by just to calm himself, and a pattern you to ensure that you always have the same amount of rest each night.



It is not necessary to fight with restlessness, and then to the local pharmacy to buy the product to product, claims to give you instant somnolence. Your insomnia begin and end with you, and your commitment to the sleep a priority in your life.



Before you with all the supposed panacea insomnia products, the first time for you. Try to understand exactly why you have problems sleeping, and go from there. The sooner you recognize the problem, the better chance you have to solve it quickly and without spending a fortune. Chances are that your insomnia sometimes from the stress in your life, the cause tense and worried, why your mind and body worst enemies when it comes to putting head to pillow.



Find a few things that you at ease, or relieve tension. Many hobbies can help relieve stress, because it provides an outlet for all your frustrations. Many people like boxing, as a punching bag helps you to let your anger. Or you could something like golf because it is in a quiet environment. These are things that can work, which could cause physical problems that your insomnia.



As for the mental strain, it could be responsible you read an interesting novel. Or perhaps aroma therapy is the key to calming your mind. The bottom line is a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere for your eyes to stress. The ultimate aim of the course is to make your restlessness, so that you sleep through the whole night, for eight hours straight.



The above measures and techniques are wonderful, because they are not against the bank when it comes to elimination of insomnia. Sleep is essential for your health, but also all the same, you are not out of money. In a position to make your head on the pillow should not cost much, but you will need to support the efforts in overcoming your sleep problems.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Practice Parameters Offer Recommendations For The Evaluation And Treatment Of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Practice parameters in the 1 November issue of the journal SLEEP , is a guide for the assessment and proper treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs). The standards have a positive effect on the professional conduct, patient outcomes and possibly health care costs.


The AASM the standards for practice, practice, the parameters, in order content experts in CRSDs to review and grade evidence in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on the assessment and treatment of CRSDs.


highlights are the following recommendations for the assessment and treatment of CRSDs:


standards (generally accepted patient care strategies, reflects a high degree of clinical safety ):


- Polysomnography rules from another primary sleep disorders in patients with symptoms, based on a CRSD and other primary sleep disorders, but not for the diagnosis of CRSDs.


-Planned asleep before or during the night shift, as well as temporary light exposure in the work environment and ease restrictions in the morning, all the attention and improve the performance of the night shift workers.


- Melatonin administered at the appropriate time, reduces the symptoms of jet lag and improves sleep following travel across several time zones.


Guidelines (patient-care strategies, to a moderate degree of clinical safety):


- The use of a sleep log or diary evaluated patients with suspected CRSD .


- Actigraphy assists in the evaluation of patients with suspected CRSDs. In addition actigraphy is useful as a result of a measure in assessing the response to treatment of CRSDs.


-day melatonin promotes sleep at night shift workers. Modafinil improves attention during the night shift for shift work sleep disorder.


-morning light exposure in the treatment of delayed sleep phase disorder.


options (patient-care strategies, the clinical application uncertain):


-for a shift of work sleep disorder, caffeine improves his attention during the night shift.


- When time at the place of destination is expected to be brief, hold home-based sleep hours, as the adoption of objective sleep hours can reduce sleepiness and Jet Lag symptoms. In addition, the combination of morning exposure to bright light and the shift in sleep schedule an hour earlier each day for three days before the trip to East May fewer symptoms of jet Lag.


ads Sleep Admission of planning, timed exposure to light, or timed Melatonin administration serve as a therapy for patients with advanced sleep phase disorder.


- Chrono Therapy can be helpful for a delayed sleep phase disorder, and ordnungsgem� controlled Melatonin administration.


-Sleep protocols are useful for evaluating patients with a free-running circadian rhythm sleep disorders (FRD).


- Circadian Phase markers are useful to determine circadian phase and confirm the diagnosis of FRD sighted and unsighted in patients. In addition prescribed sleep / wake planning as a method for improving the circadian rhythms can be useful for the treatment of the FRD sighted people. More circadian phase shifting timed out or timed light melatonin application that can be used in the treatment of FRD sighted and blind people.


-daytime light exposure can improve circadian rest-activity rhythms and consolidation of sleep and wake in nursing home residents with dementia and unregelm�igen sleep disorder.


Rochester, Minn., one of the members. "This practice parameter reflect the state of knowledge at the time of development and will be reviewed, updated and revised as new information becomes available."


more information on treatments for sleep disorders by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) here.


Those who believe they have sleep disorders should be aware of the fact that many treatment options available. The AASM accredited Full Service Center sleep and sleep disorders associated with breathing disorder laboratories, the diagnosis, treatment, management and long-term care solutions. To AASM accredited institution sleep, please visit http://www.SleepCenters.org.


, SLEEP is the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, a joint venture of the AASM and the Sleep Research Society.


SleepEducation.com, a Web site created by the AASM, provides information about the various sleep disorders, the forms of treatment available, recent news on the subject of sleep, sleep disorders studies, which have been conducted and a list sleep. http://www.aasmnet.org

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Snoring Men Transform Into Sleeping Beauties After Surgery

Millions of men, from the sleep apnea suffer May sacrificing sleep well because they do not know where the treatment is not realize relief is available, or are too embarrassed to. However, comfort can be as close as their local plastic surgeons. Plastic surgeons at the forefront of the identification and treatment of sleep apnea will discuss the latest surgical advances today at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) Plastic Surgery 2007 conference in Baltimore.

"Men over the age of 40 are the most common sleep apnea patients because of their heavier build and shorter necks; However, women, children and overweight people are not immune, "said Stephen Schendel, MD, ASPS member surgeon and lecture organizer. "Many people are very embarrassed to get help for sleep apnea though it can lead to serious health problems."

sleep apnea is a temporary inability to breathe during sleep, which can occur dozens; Sometimes hundreds of times per night. Even if someone does not know they have the condition, it can greatly affect the quality of sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea is as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than 12 million Americans.

"Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, mood swings, impotence and headache," said Andrew Wexler, MD, ASMS President. "The condition can also lead to serious accidents and car accidents, because sufferers are sleepy and fall asleep."

sleep apnea can occur when soft tissue of the nose and mouth relax, which restrict the airflow. Plastic surgeons open the airways by removing excess tissue in the nose. The tongue is also shortened and moved further to prevent it once in the throat during sleep. The disease is also in patients with less pronounced facial features, such as a small chin, because they are often smaller airways. Plastic surgeons move the upper and lower jaw forward, creating a gr�eren airways for these patients. Obesity is also the airways; However, the best treatment for these patients is weight loss.

non-surgical options may not be as effective or as long-term operation. The most common non-surgical treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which some equate to sleep with a scuba mask on, it is often during the night and forces the user to sleep on his back. Radiation therapy is another option, which m�igem success; Can it only suitable for people with mild conditions and requires multiple treatments.

"Dealing with sleep apnea is one of the less talked about how plastic surgeons are helping to restore the health and the proper function for the patient," said Richard D'Amico, MD, ASPS president. "After all, quality of sleep is an integral part of how we work."

Visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org for referrals to ASPS member surgeons and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.


of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the gr�te organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the society as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 90% of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

 
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