According to a recent study conducted by Dr. Yaremchuk, Dr. George Miguel and their research team from the Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, insomnia can make the emotional and functional effects of tinnitus worse.
A significant association between insomnia and the severity of perceived tinnitus symptoms such as hissing, buzzing, ringing and clicking was shown by the study and the emotional distress from the chronic of tinnitus was reported as being greater by patients with insomnia.
The study found that the greater the degree of insomnia, the more severe the patient's complaints were regarding the tinnitus.
Dr. Yaremchuk notes that a chronic tinnitus patient presents a challenging clinical picture that may include anxiety, depression, annoyance, or self-reported emotional distress. And one of most frequent self-reported complaint of tinnitus patients is 'getting to sleep.'
This study underlines the importance of evaluating and treating insomnia patients with tinnitus as this may result in a reduction in tinnitus symptom severity and improve their quality of life.
Showing posts with label insomnia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insomnia. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
A Hot Summer Can Make It Difficult To Sleep
There has been a heatwave in Britain this summer and this can make it very difficult to sleep leading to many people experiencing insomnia.
I though about writing a post on the best ways to get to sleep when it's hot and humid, but saw a few articles on the web which have already done this.
So here are a few links to some good sleep tips during a heatwave!
BBC - How to sleep well on sticky nights
The Guardian - A sleep expert offers his top tips to sleep when it's hot
The Independant - Their readers tips on how to chill when going to sleep
All have some good tips and ideas which are worth a try. Here's a taster from the sleep expert:
"If you're in the grip of a sweltering insomnia, "run your wrists and hands under the cold tap for a few minutes. Dry your hands and go straight back to bed."
I've not heard of that one before and will definitely be giving it a go...
I though about writing a post on the best ways to get to sleep when it's hot and humid, but saw a few articles on the web which have already done this.
So here are a few links to some good sleep tips during a heatwave!
BBC - How to sleep well on sticky nights
The Guardian - A sleep expert offers his top tips to sleep when it's hot
The Independant - Their readers tips on how to chill when going to sleep
All have some good tips and ideas which are worth a try. Here's a taster from the sleep expert:
"If you're in the grip of a sweltering insomnia, "run your wrists and hands under the cold tap for a few minutes. Dry your hands and go straight back to bed."
I've not heard of that one before and will definitely be giving it a go...
Monday, January 28, 2013
Alcohol Disrupts Sleep
According to Dr Ebrahim, who is the medical director at the London Sleep Centre and co-author of the latest review, published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, alcohol disrupts sleep.
Drinking alcohol before going to bed may help you go to sleep more quickly but it disrupts the sleep cycle and results in less time spent in the rapid eye movemement phase (REM sleep).
This is the phase in which we do our dreaming and so you may not feel as rested after a night's sleep.
Alcohol also results in your sleep being fragmented by interrupting it in the second half of the night and you may wake up dehydrated.
Using alcohol to help you get to sleep quicker may work in the short term but will ultimately result in insomnia if resorted to too often.
Try a mug of hot chocolate instead!
Drinking alcohol before going to bed may help you go to sleep more quickly but it disrupts the sleep cycle and results in less time spent in the rapid eye movemement phase (REM sleep).
This is the phase in which we do our dreaming and so you may not feel as rested after a night's sleep.
Alcohol also results in your sleep being fragmented by interrupting it in the second half of the night and you may wake up dehydrated.
Using alcohol to help you get to sleep quicker may work in the short term but will ultimately result in insomnia if resorted to too often.
Try a mug of hot chocolate instead!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Some Sleep Problems Caused By Fear Of The Dark
Insomniacs could be afraid of the dark and that this was a contributing factor to insomnia that adults found difficult to admit
A pilot study from Ryerson University Sleep & Depression Lab posed the question, "Are people with insomnia afraid of the dark?". They conducted a small study on Toronto college students and found nearly half of the students who were poor sleepers were afraid of the dark.
The study's lead author, Taryn Moss said that the poor sleepers were more easily startled in the dark compared with good sleepers and she said that they were wondering how many people were in fact suffering from an untreated and active phobia of the dark and were not just too tense to go to sleep.
Colleen Carney, the principal investigator said that although current insomnia treatments were very effective, new approaches may be warranted which would include the treatment of this phobia of the dark. She also said that a lot more research was needed, but this finding would help insomnia treatments meet the needs for some poor sleepers that were not previously being met.
A pilot study from Ryerson University Sleep & Depression Lab posed the question, "Are people with insomnia afraid of the dark?". They conducted a small study on Toronto college students and found nearly half of the students who were poor sleepers were afraid of the dark.
The study's lead author, Taryn Moss said that the poor sleepers were more easily startled in the dark compared with good sleepers and she said that they were wondering how many people were in fact suffering from an untreated and active phobia of the dark and were not just too tense to go to sleep.
Colleen Carney, the principal investigator said that although current insomnia treatments were very effective, new approaches may be warranted which would include the treatment of this phobia of the dark. She also said that a lot more research was needed, but this finding would help insomnia treatments meet the needs for some poor sleepers that were not previously being met.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Insomnia Medication May Cause Memory Loss
New research by Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, associate professor of medicine and pharmacy at the University of Montreal in Canada, suggests that the cause of memory loss and concentration in the elderly may be due to the medication.
Widely used medicines such as those used to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies can have a negative impact on memory or concentration in the elderly and are often overlooked as the cause of memory loss.
This research investigated which medications are most likely to affect both memory as well as attention, concentration, and performance of brain functions.
They found that several medications can affects both kinds of brain functioning, but were overlooked as a cause of memory loss, notably benzodiazepines, which are often used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
This research reinforces the American Geriatric Society's recommendation that tricyclic antidepressants, first generation antihistamines and sleeping pills should be avoided in older patients.
However some patients may need to continue their medication despite the risks and should discuss this with their physician.
Widely used medicines such as those used to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies can have a negative impact on memory or concentration in the elderly and are often overlooked as the cause of memory loss.
This research investigated which medications are most likely to affect both memory as well as attention, concentration, and performance of brain functions.
They found that several medications can affects both kinds of brain functioning, but were overlooked as a cause of memory loss, notably benzodiazepines, which are often used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
This research reinforces the American Geriatric Society's recommendation that tricyclic antidepressants, first generation antihistamines and sleeping pills should be avoided in older patients.
However some patients may need to continue their medication despite the risks and should discuss this with their physician.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
You Are More Likely To Have Insomnia If A Family Member Is An Insomniac
You are more likely to have insomnia if a family member is insomniac. This is according to a Study directed by Dr. Charles M. Morin of Université Laval's School of Psychology in Quebec City.
The research team found that the increased risk of insomnia is 67% higher in people from families in which at least one member is an insomniac.
The study involved 3,485 people and the participants were asked to answer questions on their sleep quality and that of their immediate families by telephone and then fill out questionnaire that they mailed in on three separate occasions in the following 12 months.
The analysed data showed that 40% of respondents came from a family that had at least one member who is an insomniac and the risk of suffering from insomnia increased according to the number of family members with insomnia.
Dr Charles Morin said that there is very probably a genetic factor behind the family aggregation observed but that we don't know if the mechanism is a physiological process that interferes with sleep or a predisposition to anxiety.
Certain attitudes towards insomnia by family members about not being able to fall asleep could also be involved and their negative experiences with insomnia could transform situational insomnia into a chronic condition.
He concludes by saying that the study conducted suggests that early psychological treatment could benefit people from families with chronic insomnia sufferers.
The research team found that the increased risk of insomnia is 67% higher in people from families in which at least one member is an insomniac.
The study involved 3,485 people and the participants were asked to answer questions on their sleep quality and that of their immediate families by telephone and then fill out questionnaire that they mailed in on three separate occasions in the following 12 months.
The analysed data showed that 40% of respondents came from a family that had at least one member who is an insomniac and the risk of suffering from insomnia increased according to the number of family members with insomnia.
Dr Charles Morin said that there is very probably a genetic factor behind the family aggregation observed but that we don't know if the mechanism is a physiological process that interferes with sleep or a predisposition to anxiety.
Certain attitudes towards insomnia by family members about not being able to fall asleep could also be involved and their negative experiences with insomnia could transform situational insomnia into a chronic condition.
He concludes by saying that the study conducted suggests that early psychological treatment could benefit people from families with chronic insomnia sufferers.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Does Hayfever cause Insomnia?
Now that the hayfever season is here, many people are experiencing sleep problems and can't fall asleep, and I wondered, does hayfever cause insomnia?
Hayfever and allergies can lead to problems sleeping according to a study conducted by French researchers from Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris. It suggests that hay fever may be associated with impaired sleep quality.
Research in the past has suggested that allergies contribute to snoring and breathing problems during sleep, including sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to become shallow or stop while sleeping. Moreover, the researchers also found that the effects of hay fever on sleep became more apparent as the severity of the condition got worse.
The study concluded doctors should question patients who have hayfever if they are having problems sleeping (and perhaps vice versa, ask those who had sleep disorders whether they had allergies or hayfever), to detect sleep disorders early in these patients and treat them promptly, as treating allergic rhinitis or other nasal symptoms may dramatically improve the quality of sleep and hence the patient's quality of life.
Hayfever and allergies can lead to problems sleeping according to a study conducted by French researchers from Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris. It suggests that hay fever may be associated with impaired sleep quality.
Research in the past has suggested that allergies contribute to snoring and breathing problems during sleep, including sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to become shallow or stop while sleeping. Moreover, the researchers also found that the effects of hay fever on sleep became more apparent as the severity of the condition got worse.
The study concluded doctors should question patients who have hayfever if they are having problems sleeping (and perhaps vice versa, ask those who had sleep disorders whether they had allergies or hayfever), to detect sleep disorders early in these patients and treat them promptly, as treating allergic rhinitis or other nasal symptoms may dramatically improve the quality of sleep and hence the patient's quality of life.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Poor Relationships Linked To Insomnia
A study by Dr Dan Robotham, senior researcher at the Mental Health Foundation showed people with insomnia and who couldn't fall asleep were four times as likely to have relationship problems, three times as likely to feel depressed and three times as likely to suffer from a lack of concentration.
Nearly 6,800 people took part in an online survey, believed to be the largest of its type in the UK.
Dr Robotham is also the lead author of the Great British Sleep Report published by the Mental Health Foundation. He believes people can get stuck in a spiral where poor sleep leads to mental health problems which leads to even worse sleep.
The report suggests a link between insomnia and poor relationships, low energy levels and an inability to concentrate.
It says that lack of sleep needs to be treated as a major health issue and also calls for GPs to have more training to recognise the symptoms.
Poor sleep has already been linked to depression, immune deficiency and heart disease.
Insomnia is thought to affect about 30% of UK adults and as such, Professor Colin Espie, director of the Glasgow University Sleep Centre said, we could no longer just ignore the impact of sleep problems in this country. They are affecting our health, our economy, and our everyday happiness.
Nearly 6,800 people took part in an online survey, believed to be the largest of its type in the UK.
Dr Robotham is also the lead author of the Great British Sleep Report published by the Mental Health Foundation. He believes people can get stuck in a spiral where poor sleep leads to mental health problems which leads to even worse sleep.
The report suggests a link between insomnia and poor relationships, low energy levels and an inability to concentrate.
It says that lack of sleep needs to be treated as a major health issue and also calls for GPs to have more training to recognise the symptoms.
Poor sleep has already been linked to depression, immune deficiency and heart disease.
Insomnia is thought to affect about 30% of UK adults and as such, Professor Colin Espie, director of the Glasgow University Sleep Centre said, we could no longer just ignore the impact of sleep problems in this country. They are affecting our health, our economy, and our everyday happiness.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Insomnia - Credit Worries Disrupting Sleep
According to Channel 4 news a new poll carried out for The Body Shop, has found that about 49% of people are getting a worse night's sleep and suffering from insomnia than this time last year.
About 50% of these were due to money worries and anxiety brought about by the credit crunch.
People were worried about not being able to pay bills, mortgage and rent and also about job security.
The participants top tips for a good night's rest were sex (twice as many men than women said this), hot milky drinks and a hot bath!
About 50% of these were due to money worries and anxiety brought about by the credit crunch.
People were worried about not being able to pay bills, mortgage and rent and also about job security.
The participants top tips for a good night's rest were sex (twice as many men than women said this), hot milky drinks and a hot bath!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Lack of Sleep and Paranoia
A study reported in the journal Schizophrenia Research suggested that sorting out insomnia could reduce the risk of paranoia.
A study of 300 healthy volunteers and 30 psychiatric patients marked by paranoid delusions, showed a clear link between insomnia and paranoid delusions.
It was found that more than 50% of the psychiatric patients, who all experienced feelings of paranoia, suffered from moderate to severe insomnia.
Whereas 70% of ordinary people who scored highly for self-reported symptoms of paranoia also had difficulty sleeping.
The scientists wrote: "higher levels of insomnia were associated with higher levels of persecutory thinking."
The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, suggested that tackling an inability to sleep could reduce the risk of paranoia.
Well I'm not so sure I'd draw the same conclusions.
It could be that paranoia could be scaring people into insomnia...
Any thoughts out there?
A study of 300 healthy volunteers and 30 psychiatric patients marked by paranoid delusions, showed a clear link between insomnia and paranoid delusions.
It was found that more than 50% of the psychiatric patients, who all experienced feelings of paranoia, suffered from moderate to severe insomnia.
Whereas 70% of ordinary people who scored highly for self-reported symptoms of paranoia also had difficulty sleeping.
The scientists wrote: "higher levels of insomnia were associated with higher levels of persecutory thinking."
The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, suggested that tackling an inability to sleep could reduce the risk of paranoia.
Well I'm not so sure I'd draw the same conclusions.
It could be that paranoia could be scaring people into insomnia...
Any thoughts out there?
Friday, April 20, 2007
Nothing works for you? Try Inositol.
Inositol or myo-inositol is a relative of the vitamin B complex family.
It encourages sounder sleep and relaxes nervous tension.
It has been used for various problems besides insomnia, including depression, anxiety, alzheimer's, diabetic neuropathy, obsessive compulsive disorder and even obesity.
Doses are in the region of 500-1500mg in the case of temporary or full blown insomnia, 1-2g for moderate anxiety and more for other conditions.
It is prudent to start with a 500mg dose and see how you react before taking any more.
It encourages sounder sleep and relaxes nervous tension.
It has been used for various problems besides insomnia, including depression, anxiety, alzheimer's, diabetic neuropathy, obsessive compulsive disorder and even obesity.
Doses are in the region of 500-1500mg in the case of temporary or full blown insomnia, 1-2g for moderate anxiety and more for other conditions.
It is prudent to start with a 500mg dose and see how you react before taking any more.
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