Sleep Disorder News and Research

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A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning. A test commonly ordered for some sleep disorders is the polysomnogram.

Comprehensive BMJ review identifies most effective bipolar disorder treatments

The most comprehensive review to date has identified the most effective bipolar disorder treatments across different age groups and mood phases. It was published today in The BMJ.

11 Aug 2026

Hypothyroidism linked to higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea

According to a study conducted in Brazil by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) with participants from the São Paulo Epidemiological Sleep Study (EPISONO 2018), people with hypothyroidism experience a higher frequency and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

5 Aug 2026

Research reveals hidden sleep crisis among workers in mid-later life

Sleep disturbances are far more common among workers in mid-later life than previously believed, according to a study that links work-related stress to a range of wellbeing issues.

28 Jul 2026

Sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction share a stronger link than expected

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 observational studies found that greater obstructive sleep apnea severity was associated with poorer erectile function, with higher AHI linked to lower IIEF scores and higher minimum oxygen saturation linked to higher IIEF scores. The authors caution that the evidence remains observational, heterogeneous, and low certainty, so the findings support targeted screening rather than proving causality.

8 Jul 2026

Study links COVID-19 to higher sleep apnea risk years after infection

Researchers analyzed more than 910,000 adults and found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a higher adjusted risk of new-onset obstructive sleep apnea up to 4.5 years later. The association appeared in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients, supporting targeted screening in higher-risk post-COVID groups while highlighting the need for objective sleep testing.

24 Jun 2026

Trauma-linked sleep problems affect nearly 7% of Icelandic women

A nationwide Icelandic study found that 6.9% of women aged 18-69 reported trauma-associated sleep disturbances in the past month. These symptoms were most common after sexual or physical violence, recent or repeated trauma, and were strongly linked to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and general sleep problems.

22 Jun 2026

Microbially modified bile acids influence sleep apnea outcomes

Studies in mice reveal a new target for potentially treating and preventing life-threatening cardiovascular complications in the millions of patients with sleep apnea worldwide.

7 Jun 2026

Review explores complex associations between sleep apnea and lung cancer

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, which may contribute to lung cancer development and progression.

29 May 2026

Japanese study evaluates sleep architecture and safety of common insomnia drugs

OSA is a common sleep disorder characterized by oxygen desaturation due to repeated airway collapse during sleep.

12 Mar 2026

ADHD prescriptions surged during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study reveals COVID-19 reshaped stimulant prescribing patterns in Ontario, highlighting increased ADHD diagnoses and concerns over treatment appropriateness.

11 Mar 2026

New study uncovers link between pediatric OSA and higher risk of viral infections

A five-year study has revealed that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19, regardless of their age or weight.

17 Feb 2026

Tirzepatide shows dual benefits in sleep apnea trial improving metabolism and reducing inflammation

Tirzepatide significantly improved cardiometabolic risk markers in adults with obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 trials. Mediation analyses suggest both weight loss and reduced sleep-disordered breathing contributed to improvements in inflammation, insulin resistance, lipids, and blood pressure.

9 Feb 2026

Extra sleep after the autumn clock change linked to reduced demand for NHS health services

The week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric conditions in England, finds a study in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

18 Dec 2025

Study examines fairness of oxygen desaturation thresholds in sleep apnea diagnosis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in the U.S. affecting tens of millions, with estimates ranging from 25 to more than 80 million adults.

17 Dec 2025

Restless legs syndrome linked to higher Parkinson’s disease risk

The study shows restless legs syndrome is associated with higher Parkinson's disease incidence, raising questions about treatment impacts on symptoms.

5 Dec 2025

Untreated restless legs syndrome may increase Parkinson's disease risk

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological sleep disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often worsening at night.

2 Dec 2025

Treating sleep apnea can lower Parkinson’s disease risk

Researchers report that obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease however, this risk can be attenuated by positive airway pressure.

1 Dec 2025

New review illuminates the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation

A comprehensive review published today in Brain Medicine illuminates the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, establishing the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a critical pathway in understanding and potentially treating sleep disorders.

4 Nov 2025

Women with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder show lesser brain atrophy than men

A large international study involving nearly 700 participants reveals that women with a precursor condition to Parkinson's disease show significantly less brain atrophy—decreased cortical thickness in the brain—than men, despite similar clinical severity.

21 Oct 2025

New mothers more likely to experience severe pain and sleep problems after C-section

New mothers are more likely to experience severe pain that disrupts sleep and activities of daily living, as well as develop sleep disorders, if they give birth by cesarean delivery (C-section), suggests research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2025 annual meeting.

12 Oct 2025