Sleep Disorders in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The study looked at several possible risk factors from early childhood including picky eating in early childhood, sleep problems, internalizing problems, shyness, and emotionality. Interestingly, the only risk factor that was associated with the development of eating problems in adolescent was early childhood sleep problems. Although this does not mean that sleep problems cause eating disorders, it may mean that there is some type of psychological or biological problem that results in both sleep problems in early childhood and eating problems in adolescence. However, given that this is the only study to show a such a correlation, the results must be duplicated before anyone begins to worry about a sleepless two-year-old developing an eating disorder at age 16. Interestingly, picky eating in early childhood was not correlated with the development of eating disorders late in life (much to the relief of toddler parents everywhere). If you have a child with an eating disorder, did they suffer from sleep problems as a toddler?
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A 1/3 misdiagnosis rate is enough of a reason to look more closely for sleep disorders. In those who didn’t have primary sleep disorders, just under 90% met the criteria for at least one measurable sleep problem. Researchers identified four different groups based on sleep abnormalities. They were: Group 1: Slower to get to sleep, delayed Rapid Eye Movement (REM), lower percentages of stage 2 and REM sleep; Group 2: More frequent awakenings; Group 3: Longer total sleep time, less delayed REM sleep, higher percentage of REM sleep, lower percentage of wake time; Group 4: Shortest total sleep time, highest percentage of wake time after sleep onset. Researchers concluded that doctors need to routinely screen for sleep disorders when considering an ME/CFS diagnosis, and that they should use sleep studies to identify sleep problems and tailor treatments to the specific groups. What kind of sleep problems do you have? Do you think one of the above groups describes you?
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2013/07/19/sleep-disorders-in-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-2.htm
Sleep Boosts Memory for Parkinson’s Patients, Study Suggests
It also found that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can harm working memory. The boost in working memory was linked to the amount of slow-wave sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep, said the researchers, from Emory University in Atlanta. Previous studies have found that slow-wave sleep is important for the ability of brain cells to reorganize and make new connections. “It was known already that sleep is beneficial for memory, but here we’ve been able to analyze what aspects of sleep are required for the improvements in working memory performance,” study first author and postdoctoral fellow Michael Scullin said in a university news release. The findings highlight the need to treat sleep disorders in Parkinson’s patients, and suggest that it may be possible to improve working memory in Parkinson’s patients through training, the researchers said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=161801
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