Untreated Sleep Apnea Puts Your Heart at High Risk

MONDAY, Feb. 3, 2020 -- Nearly 30 million Americans have a chronic health problem that more than doubles their risk of death due to heart disease.

The culprit is obstructive sleep apnea, a disease in which the upper airway collapses during sleep, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Many of America's Most Critical Workers Are Short on Their Zzzs

FRIDAY, Jan. 24, 2020 -- More than one-third of working Americans don't get enough sleep, and the problem is greatest among the police, the military, health care workers and truckers, researchers report.

Their analysis of data from more than 150,000 employed adults between 2010 and 2018 also found that the rate of inadequate sleep (7 hours or less) rose from about 31% to nearly 36% during that time.

Using Pot to Help With Sleep? Benefits May Not Last

TUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2020 -- Medical marijuana may not provide long-term relief of sleep issues in people battling chronic pain, a new study finds, mainly because users may develop a tolerance to the drug.

The finding is important "considering the aging of the population, the relatively high prevalence of sleep problems in this population, along with the increasing use of medicinal cannabis," said an Israeli team led by Sharon Sznitman, from the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa.

Many Americans Sleep More in Winter

SATURDAY, Jan. 11, 2020 -- Like the mighty grizzly bear that hibernates in winter, many people spend more time sleeping during this cold, dark season, a new survey reveals.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 34% of Americans say they sleep more in winter, compared with 10% who claim they sleep less during this time of year.

Slimming Down 'Tongue Fat' Might Help Ease Sleep Apnea

FRIDAY, Jan. 10, 2020 -- People with sleep apnea are often told to lose weight to ease their symptoms. Now a new study suggests that shedding fat in a particular trouble spot may be key: the tongue.

If you didn't know the tongue harbors body fat, you're probably not alone.

Could Carb-Heavy Meals Keep You From Good Sleep?

FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 -- Pasta, white bread, sugary candy and baked goods: Americans love them, but could all those "refined" carbohydrates and sugars be keeping people up at night?

About 30% of Americans have insomnia, and a new study finds carb-heavy diets may share part of the blame.