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New Study Shows Lack of Sleep Makes it Harder to Lose Body Fat

Dreaming of losing a few pounds? A new study reveals that how much you sleep, may be as important as how much you eat. According to the study being published in the October 5 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, lack of sleep may hinder a dieter's ability to shed excess body fat.

See video from American College of Physicians at: http://inr.synapticdigital.com/Annals_37579

The study highlights the importance of adequate sleep for maintenance of fat-free body mass when dieting to lose weight. Researchers found that dieting adults who slept 8.5 hours a night, lost 56 percent more body fat than those that slept only 5.5 hours. The dieters in the sleep restricted group lost less fat and more lean body mass. They also concluded that even short periods of sleep deprivation can undermine weight loss efforts.

In addition to promoting fat retention, the study also showed that lack of sleep reduces energy levels, stimulates hunger and food intake and increases glucose production in the body.

Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos at http://www.thenewsmarket.com.

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SOURCE Synaptic Digital; American College of Physicians

Sleep and health are closely connected and a new mattress can help with better sleep according to Oklahoma State University sleep experts. McRoskey owner Robin McRoskey Azevedo says that most people begin their search for a new mattress long after it's due. Azevedo adds, "More research is linking good health to getting good rest. We hear of this almost daily from our customers."

OSU research links greater sleep quality and reduced back pain, stiffness and shoulder pain to sleeping on a new mattress as compared to mattresses five years or older. According to OSU lead researcher Bert Jacobson, EdD, timely replacement and mattress quality can have a positive impact on sleep and overall quality of life. Jacobson's latest study appeared in the Journal of Ergonomics and offers fresh analysis of work published by the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2006.

McRoskey Mattress Company has handcrafted mattresses in San Francisco since 1899, and offers these tips to determine if you need to replace your mattress.

TIPS ON EVALUATING YOUR MATTRESS: IS IT TIME FOR A NEW ONE?

• Do you wake up with stiffness or aches?
• Have you had a better night's sleep somewhere other than your own bed?
• Is your mattress overused?
• Does it sag, have an exposed interior or lumps?
• Are you no longer comfortable on your mattress and box spring?

If you answered yes to any of these, it's time to replace your mattress. Before you begin your search for a new mattress, do your homework to know what constitutes a quality mattress.

When testing the mattress, lie down on it for at least 15 minutes.

Comfort is personal. Softness or firmness isn't necessarily better. Choose a mattress that allows your body to relax naturally. Size relates to comfort. Choose a size that fits you and is large enough for movement.

SOURCE McRoskey Mattress Company

Today, Westin Hotels unveils the results of a new global sleep study of more than 12,500 frequent travelers in ten countries - a follow-up to a sleep study the hotel giant conducted a decade ago when it launched its now iconic Heavenly Bed. When Westin debuted its revolutionary all-white bed, it spurred a global hotel bedding war that instantly made Earth tone polyester bedspreads and foam mattresses relics of old. Millions of travelers have benefitted, and today 43% of frequent travelers say the quality of sleep on the road has gotten better, 25% of Road Warriors said they'd pay $100 more for a hotel with a great bed, and more than half would go out of their way to stay in a hotel with their favorite bed.

Forget the Boogie Man; it's Mortgages, Marriage and BlackBerrys That Keep Us Up at Night

While good beds on the road may be easier to find, sleep itself can be elusive and our round-the-clock work life, today's economic woes and good old fashion relationship problems often get in the way of a good night's sleep. To wit:

• 56% of U.S. respondents said that with our 24/7 lifestyles, a good night's sleep is more important than ever, though unfortunately 61% believe that today's technology and constant connectivity impairs sleep. And our beloved BlackBerrys make for dreadful sleep companions.
• 60% said their PDAs have prevented them from getting shut eye.
• 58% of respondents said the biggest worry keeping them up at night is bills and paying the mortgage. Another key culprit that keeps people tossing and turning is problems with their spouse or partner (25%).
  

Honey, I have a headache said HE - the Sex vs. Sleep Gender Debate

In the 10 years since Westin conducted its original sleep study, our desire for sleep has increased, and our sex lives have suffered. Today 51% of frequent travelers in the U.S. prefer a great night's sleep to great sex, compared to just 31% who chose sleep over sex 10 years ago. Contrary to conventional wisdom, its men who are more likely than women to take sleep over sex, with the majority of women saying they prefer sex to snoozing. And Americans are not alone - in nine of 10 countries surveyed, sleep beats sex - only the Canadians prefer seduction vs. slumber.

Other key findings include:

Hotel Beds in a Post-Heavenly Era

• More than half (57%) found that a great hotel bed provides a better sleep experience than at home, and more than one in four strongly agreed that sleeping in a hotel bed while on a business trip is a "luxury" -- a significant change from 10 years ago, when 82% of travelers found something to complain about hotel beds.
• The majority of those surveyed like the hotel mattress (59%) and pillows (54%) better than their bed at home.
  

Sleep Woes Take Their Toll

• 57% of respondents say a bad night's sleep has hurt their business performance.
• The most common side effects of a bad night's sleep? Getting in a fight with a boss or co-worker (29%) or a spouse or partner (25%).
  

A Good Night's Sleep is a Phone Call Away...

There is hope for the weary eyed. As a result of the study findings and Westin's ongoing commitment to wellness, the brand has partnered with the National Sleep Foundation to launch a toll-free sleep hotline. Starting today, the National Sleep Foundation Hotline brought to you by Westin Hotels, (888) TIME-4-SLEEP, will be staffed by sleep professionals during the peak hours when people experience problems sleeping. These medically trained sleep professionals will help callers with common sleep problems and offer advice and healthy tips for getting a good night's sleep. The sleep hotline lines will be open until September 15th, Monday through Friday, 6:00pm to 1:00am Eastern Daylight Time.

Study Methodology

This study is based on a survey conducted by StudyLogic, LLC via telephone through RDD of adults who are executives, professionally employed, and with an average of 2+ business and leisure trips per year. Study results are representative of each country's population of Executives. Twelve countries were surveyed: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emigrates. There were approximately 1,000 people surveyed in each country, with the exception of the United States, which had approximately 1,500 people. Combined percentage breakdowns for all twelve countries based on various categories are available at the end of the report. The survey consisted of thirty-three questions, some of which contained multiple parts. Due to cultural reasons, certain questions were modified or omitted for Japan and the United Arab Emigrates, and any change or omission is indicated in the following report. Interviews were conducted between June 15th and July 15th, 2009. The survey averaged 18 minutes in length and contains a margin of error in the totals of +/-3%.

Source; Westin

Analyses of Efficacy and Absence of Rebound Effect in a Clinical Study of Intermezzo(R) (Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual Tablet 3.5 mg) to Treat Middle-of-the-Night (MOTN) Awakening on an As-Needed Basis

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary products that address important therapeutic needs in the field of neuroscience, announced today the presentation of data from a clinical study of Intermezzo(R) in two posters at the SLEEP 2009 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Seattle, Washington. Intermezzo(R) is a sublingual low dose formulation of zolpidem currently under regulatory review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If approved within the anticipated time frame, Intermezzo(R) will be the first commercially available sleep aid designed specifically for use as-needed in the middle of the night when patients awaken and have difficulty returning to sleep.

The first poster, titled "As-Needed Treatment of Insomnia Following MOTN Awakening: Clinical Efficacy of Low-Dose Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual Tablet," was presented on June 8, 2009 by Thomas Roth, Ph.D., Chief of Sleep Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders and Research Center. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet 3.5 mg (ZST) when taken on an as-needed (prn) basis during a one-month period of time for the treatment of middle-of-the-night (MOTN) awakenings followed by difficulty returning to sleep.

In the study, 295 adults (aged 18 to 64 years) with insomnia characterized by MOTN awakenings and difficulty returning to sleep were randomized to receive four weeks of double-blind treatment with either ZST or placebo. Study medication was to be taken only when needed (prn) at the time of awakening with difficulty returning to sleep. The study included a two-week, single-blinded, placebo screening period. An interactive voice response system (IVRS) was utilized for patient data collection. Results indicated that, compared to placebo, ZST significantly reduced latency to sleep onset after MOTN awakenings and improved sleep quality and next-day alertness ratings throughout the treatment period. Furthermore, ZST improved the post-MOTN sleep maintenance parameters of wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings versus placebo. The 3.5 mg zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet was well tolerated and no safety issues were identified.

The second poster, titled "Absence of Rebound Effects with Low-Dose Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual Tablet 3.5 mg As-Needed Use: Preliminary Analysis," was presented on June 8, 2009 by Russell Rosenberg, Ph.D., Founder and Director of NeuroTrials Research and the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine. This poster presents the results of post hoc analyses to evaluate whether rebound effects occurred in the study described above. Rebound is typically defined as the effect after a medication is discontinued, when the symptoms being treated by that medication return with severity greater than before the medication was first taken. The intent of this analysis was to assess whether ZST taken only when needed (prn) after a middle of the night awakening would result in rebound insomnia on nights when the medication was not taken. The analysis evaluated the sleep characteristics on non-dosing nights and average weekly tablet use.

On nights when medication was not taken, no rebound effects were seen, as determined by total sleep time, sleep latency at the beginning of the night and sleep quality. In the study, 65 percent of the patients did not take medication nightly and there was no evidence of increased utilization of drug over the four week treatment period.

Glenn A. Oclassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcept Pharmaceuticals, commented, "The posters presented by Drs. Roth and Rosenberg reflect the growing awareness among clinicians that middle of the night awakening with difficulty returning to sleep is an important insomnia concern. We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with these highly regarded researchers."

SOURCE Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

There are few things as vital to health and well-being as a good night's sleep. Yet millions of us -- nearly 50 million according to the National Sleep Foundation -- suffer from chronic sleep problems or disorders. Every year, more and more scientific studies are showing correlations between poor or insufficient sleep and disease. Now there is a simple, easy way to quantify and measure sleep problems with patient populations.

The MOS Sleep Scale was originally developed in the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS), a four-year observational study of the health outcomes for chronically ill patients. The MOS Sleep Scale measures six dimensions of sleep, including initiation, maintenance (e.g. staying asleep), quantity, adequacy, somnolence (e.g. drowsiness), and respiratory impairments (e.g. shortness of breath, snoring). Disturbed sleep has a major impact on quality of life and is often a common symptom of many other chronic conditions, such as chronic pain and mood disorders.

"According to a new study by Marketdata, sleep is a $23.7 billion-a-year industry in the United States," reports Jeff Hallowell, Vice President of Business Development at QualityMetric. "Measuring the impact of sleep problems, as well as demonstrating the effectiveness of products developed to alleviate sleep disorders, can be a very valuable tool for pharmaceutical manufacturers, public health officials, and healthcare providers."

QualityMetric distributes translations of two versions of the MOS Sleep Scale: a 12 question version and a six question version. The 12 question version is available in 85 language translations and the six question version is available in 61 language translations. The forms have a standard four-week recall period. The reliability and validity of the MOS Sleep Scale have been evaluated in a number of disease areas, including neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome, overactive bladder, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been evaluated in the general U.S. population. A recent literature search yielded 80 citations in which the MOS Sleep Scale had been used, including 14 clinical trials.

SOURCE QualityMetric Incorporated

New research shows a switch in the bedroom could positively impact sleep quality, and, in turn, may improve quality of life. A recent sleep study released today and conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital by Harvard researchers, examined sleep surface, sleep quality and quantity, and their impact on quality of life and well-being.

Results of the study show that after only six weeks, the majority of participants who switched to a different bed reported a significant improvement in sleep quality, the ability to fall asleep faster and sleep longer, as well as a decrease in back and neck aches and a significant decrease in soreness, stiffness and pain. Study participants also reported that improved quality of sleep led to improvements in their quality of life, such as a decrease in food cravings, a belief that they appeared younger-looking, and a decrease in negative moods.

"During the study, participants switched from their current bed to the SLEEP NUMBER(R) bed, which offers the sleeper the ability to adjust their side of the mattress to the ideal level of comfort, firmness and support for them," explained Pete Bils, senior director of research and sleep innovation for Select Comfort. "These findings add to previous clinical studies conducted at Stanford, Duke and other leading universities. These past studies found participants sleeping on a Sleep Number mattress fell asleep faster, were more rested, experienced relief from back pain, and spent more time in the deeper and more restorative stages of sleep," Bils added.

Participants who were part of a couple also reported that improved quality of sleep led to greater intimacy and expressions of affection with their partner. Specifically, the majority of study participants reported an increase in the stimulating exchange of ideas with their partner. And, nearly half reported increased kissing and laughing as a result of improved sleep quality.

"For anyone with a sleeping partner whose idea of comfort conflicts with theirs, for people who experience pain and soreness when they wake, or for anyone who wants to experience a better night's sleep, the dual-adjustability of a Sleep Number bed provides a potential solution," continued Bils.

Methodology

The in-home sleep study was conducted through Massachusetts General Hospital by Dr. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., director of the program in aesthetics and well-being, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Participants in the study switched from a current mattress to a SLEEP NUMBER(R) bed from Select Comfort Corporation (Nasdaq: SCSS), the nation's leading bed retailer. Eighty-four participants switched from their old mattress to a new Sleep Number bed in the same size as their current mattress. Participants were between the ages of 25-71. The study was commissioned by Select Comfort Corporation.

About the Sleep Number Bed

Unlike traditional mattresses made from metal coils or springs, each Sleep Number mattress gives sleepers total control over their sleep experience because they can adjust their side of the bed to their Sleep Number setting at the touch of a button - going from a soft zero to a firm 100 - to achieve the exact level of comfort, firmness and support that's ideal for them and their body.

SOURCE Select Comfort

Adults who suffer chronic sleep problems may face an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, new research indicates.

In a study to be presented on April 1, 2009 at the World Psychiatric Association international congress "Treatments in Psychiatry," scientists found that the more types of sleep disturbances people had, the more likely they were to have thoughts of killing themselves, engage in planning a suicidal act or make a suicide attempt.

"People with two or more sleep symptoms were 2.6 times more likely to report a suicide attempt than those without any insomnia complaints," said the study's leader, Dr. Marcin Wojnar, a research fellow at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan in the United States and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 877,000 people worldwide die by suicide every year. The UN health agency says surveys indicate that for every death by suicide, anywhere from 10-40 suicide attempts are made.

"Identifying those at high risk of suicide is important for preventing it and these findings indicate that insomnia may be a modifiable risk factor for suicide in the general population," Wojnar said. "This has implications for public health as the presence of sleep problems should alert doctors to assess such patients for a heightened risk of suicide even if they don't have a psychiatric condition. Our findings also raise the possibility that addressing sleep problems could reduce the risk of suicidal behaviours."

Scientists have consistently linked sleep disturbances to an increased risk of suicidal behaviour in people with psychiatric disorders and in adolescents, but it has been unclear whether the association also exists in the general adult population.

In the study, the broadest and most rigorously conducted of its kind, scientists examined the relationship over one year between three characteristics of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep and waking at least two hours earlier than desired) and three suicidal behaviours (suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts) in 5,692 Americans. About 35 percent of those studied reported experiencing at least one type of sleep disturbance in the preceding 12 months.

The most consistent link was seen for early morning awakening, which was related to all suicidal behaviours. People with this problem were twice as likely as those with no sleep problems to have had suicidal thoughts in the preceding 12 months, 2.1 times more likely to have planned suicide and 2.7 times more likely to have tried to kill themselves.

Difficulty falling asleep was a significant predictor of suicidal thoughts and planning. Compared with people who reported no sleep problems, those who had trouble initiating sleep had 1.9 times the risk of suicidal ideas and 2.2 times the risk of planning suicide.

People who had trouble sleeping through the night - waking up nearly every night and taking an hour or more to get back to sleep were twice as likely to have thought of suicide in the last year and were three times more likely to have attempted it than those who had no sleep problems.

The results were adjusted for several factors known to influence suicide, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety disorder and other mood disorders, as well as chronic medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung disease and cancer. They were also adjusted for the influence of sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and marital and financial status.

How sleep disturbance might increase the risk of suicide is still poorly understood, Wojnar said. Scientists have proposed that insufficient sleep may affect cognitive function and lead to poorer judgement, less impulse control and increased hopelessness. A dysfunction involving serotonin a brain chemical involved in mood regulation that plays an important role in sleep, psychiatric disorders and suicide is also suspected.

Further research is needed to determine whether other sleep problems, such as sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing during sleep) and non-restorative sleep, where people feel unrefreshed after an adequate amount of sleep, are also associated with suicidal behaviour, Wojnar added.

The study was funded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the US National Institute of Mental Health.

Source: World Psychiatric Association