Michael Breus, PhD

Michael Breus, PhD's Blog

  • Challenging conventional wisdom about sleepwalking

    New research about sleepwalking has raised questions about several common beliefs regarding this frequently misunderstood sleep disorder. Researchers at the University of Montreal conducted a comprehensive review of more than 15 years of study on the topic of sleepwalking. Their analysis produced what...Full Post
  • Insomnia may triple risk of heart failure

    There is an abundant—and ever-growing—body of evidence that indicates sleep plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Poor sleep is associated with a range of heart problems, including high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack. Now, new research shows a link between insomnia...Full Post
  • Zolpidem-related ER visits have increased sharply

    There’s more news about complications that can arise from prescription sleep medication: Side effects from a common prescription sleep aid are sending increasing numbers of people to emergency departments.
     
    The number of people seeking emergency medical treatment for the adverse effects of sleep...Full Post
  • ADHD or sleep disorder: are we getting it wrong?

    Millions of children and adults struggle with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), a condition marked by problems with concentration, impulse control, organization, and memory. It can be a frustrating and difficult condition, stigmatizing and often isolating for those...Full Post
  • Low melatonin level means high risk for diabetes?

    Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems in the United States and around the world. According to Centers for Disease Control estimates, 1 in 10 American adults currently has diabetes. And, if the CDC projections are correct, those numbers will double or even triple over the next 40 years....Full Post
  • Have you considered a ‘sleep divorce’?

    I read this news story with great interest, as it covers a topic I get asked about a lot: whether it’s a good idea for couples to sleep apart to improve their individual sleep.
     
    This is an issue that seems to come up with increasing frequency, as more couples appear to be sleeping in separate bedrooms....Full Post
  • Exercise gives a big boost to sleep

    We all know exercise is good for us. Good for our health, good for our waistlines, good for stress and for our clarity of mind. Exercise is also very—very—good for sleep. Research has shown that exercise can improve sleep, including for people with sleep disorders and other sleep-related illnesses...Full Post
  • NHL wakes up to sleep problems

    The professional sports world appears to be continuing to turn more of its attention to what has been a much-overlooked issue: sleep. This time, it’s the National Hockey League that is addressing sleep problems on several fronts. 
     
    In response to reports of widespread use, the NHL and the NHL Player...Full Post
  • Insomnia increases suicide risk

    Insomnia and disturbed sleep are common among people with depression and other mental health problems. Research indicates that people with depression are significantly more likely to experience insomnia symptoms. Insomnia also has been linked to an elevated risk for suicide. A recent study offers...Full Post
  • Lack of sleep disrupts our genes

    Insufficient sleep is related to a range of health problems, from diabetes and cardiovascular disease to depression, poor immune function, and cognitive decline, particularly in later years. For all that we know about the health risks associated with lack of sleep, we actually don’t know a lot about...Full Post