Lack of Sleep May Cause Thinking Declines in Hispanics

THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 -- If you're Hispanic and missing out on needed sleep, a new study suggests that could make you more prone to memory problems and possibly Alzheimer's disease.

"This finding is particularly important because Hispanics have a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer's disease compared with non-Hispanic whites," said study leader Dr. Alberto Ramos. He is a sleep expert and associate professor of neurology at the University of Miami.

For Insomniacs, Sleep Aids Can Ease a Troubled Mind

THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2019 -- People with severe insomnia may find that a sedative helps them sleep and banishes thoughts of suicide, a new study suggests.

"If you have a patient who complains that their sleep has taken a turn for the worse, then there is reason to open the door to a question about suicide," said corresponding author Dr. W. Vaughn McCall. He's chairman of the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

Occasional Naps Do a Heart Good, Swiss Study Finds

MONDAY, Sept. 9, 2019 -- Could grabbing a nap once or twice a week help you live longer?

A new study reports the occasional nap appears to cut in half people's risk of heart attack, strokes and heart disease, compared with folks who never nap.

Too Much Napping May Signal Alzheimer's

MONDAY, Aug. 12, 2019 -- If you often find yourself dosing off during the day, new research suggests it might be an early warning sign that you have Alzheimer's disease.

Areas of the brain that keep you awake during the day are damaged in the early stages of the memory-robbing disease, which is why people with Alzheimer's may nap excessively long before they start to struggle with forgetting things, the study authors said.