Our Sleep Center In the News
As experts in the field of sleep research and treatment of sleep disorders, physicians from the Stanford Sleep Clinic are frequently interviewed for news features and reports. Here is a sampling of recent articles and videos.
- Can a Safer Ambien Make Billions? Merck Aims to Find Out (11/19/12)
The FDA is preparing to review a new type of sleeping pill called suvorexant that aims to reduce side effects such as grogginess.Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine, is quoted in this Forbes article. - Sleep Loss Links to Illness Studied (10/10/12)
This article discusses the health consequences of poor or little sleep. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and medical director of the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, provides comment. - Not Getting Sleepy? (10/03/12)
Research explains why hypnosis doesn't work for all New Stanford research suggests that some people are readily and fully hypnotizable while others are not. - Dr. William C. Dement Has a Cameo in "Sleepwalk With Me" (9/23/12)
This New York Times piece features William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, who has a cameo role in the film “Sleepwalk With Me,” which is currently in theaters. - Dr. William C. Dement Has Dream Job (09/12/12)
William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is featured in this San Francisco Chronicle Q&A. - Apnea Steals Sleep from the Restless (09/05/12)
An estimated quarter of the 3.4 million licensed commercial drivers in the United States have sleep apnea. This piece discusses how transportation workers are plagued by a range of sleep problems linked to work conditions such as long hours, irregular shifts and little opportunity to move around. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and medical director of the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, provides comment in this San Francisco Chronicle story. - Merck Hopes Sleeping Pill Will Prevent Grogginess (08/06/12)
Merck is in final testing for a sleeping pill called suvorexant that aims to reduce side effects such as grogginess. Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this Bloomberg News article. - Merck Sleeping Pill With Fewer Side Effects Seen As Boon (07/20/12)
Merck is in final testing for a sleeping pill called suvorexant that aims to reduce side effects such as grogginess. Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this Washington Post story as well as the San Francisco Chronicle and this Bloomberg News article. - Sleepwalking Study Strides Toward Clarity (06/21/12)
This USA Today story discusses a recent Stanford study on the incidence of sleepwalking in U.S. adults. Lead author Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted. - Much Ado About Summer - Which Kicks Off Wednesday (06/20/12)
Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and medical director of the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, provides comment in this San Jose Mercury News summer solstice piece discussing mood and sleep changes that may occur seasonally. - Stacey Comerford, Kleine-Levin Syndrome: British Teen with 'Sleeping Beauty Syndrome' Sleeps for Two Months (06/18/12)
This Huffington Post article draws from a piece prepared by The Sun featuring a 15-year-old British girl who has Kleine-Levin Syndrome, a condition that causes her to sleep for extended periods of time. Stanford's Center for Narcolepsy is referenced. - Do You Need Less Sleep When You Get Older? (06/14/12)
William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, comments on a study from the University of Surrey in this San Francisco Chronicle article on sleep needs in aging people. - 32 Innovations That Will Change Your Tomorrow (06/01/12)
Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, provides comment in this New York Times Magazine piece about a pill that turns off wakefulness rather than inducing sleep. The drug, which was created by Merck, will likely be reviewed by the FDA later this year. - My Tech: Sleep Better, Play Better (06/12)
Cheri Mah, a researcher in the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory, is quoted in this Golf Digest article about how a good night’s rest may improve a golf player’s handicap. Mah was the first author of a Stanford study that found sleeping longer can improve the physical performance in young athletes. - Sleepwalking More Common than Thought (05/20/12)
This KCENTV.com article discusses Stanford research showing the number of U.S. adults who sleepwalk. Lead author Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted here and in a short piece prepared by Times of Oman. - WFMZ-TV (Philadelphia), (05/18/12)
This segment reported on the Stanford sleepwalking study. - Infographic: Wake Up! The Real Facts on Sleepwalking (05/17/12)
This LiveScience.com article discusses Stanford research showing the number of U.S. adults who sleepwalk. Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is the study’s lead author. - The Science of Sleepwalking (05/16/12)
This blog entry discusses Stanford research showing the number of U.S. adults who sleepwalk. Lead author Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in Surprising Science and in articles from DailyGossip.com, dailyRx.com and PsychCentral.com. - You May be Among the Things That Go Bump in the Night (05/15/12)
A new Stanford study has found that about 3.6 percent of U.S. adults are prone to sleepwalking, and it shows an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Lead author Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this Shots article on the study; stories were also prepared by International Business Times, HealthCheck (startribune.com) and Time Healthland. - Sleepwalking Rates in U.S. Much Higher Than Expected (05/15/12)
This article on FOXNews.com discusses the Stanford study showing the number of U.S. adults who sleepwalk. Lead author Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted. A large number of other media outlets reported on the study, including ABCNews.com, The Body Odd (MSNBC.com), Booster Shots (LATimes.com), CBC News (Canada), the Chart (CNN.com), The Checkup (WashingtonPost.com), Health and Science Today (jsonline.com), HealthDay News, Huffington Post, LiveScience.com, Mail Online (U.K.), MedPage Today, news@JAMA, Reuters Health, UPI, USAToday.com, USNews.com and WebMD.com. - KCBS-AM (05/14/12)
Maurice Ohayon discussed his sleepwalking study during a live radio interview. The study was also reported on by TV and radio stations across the country, including ones in Detroit; Fresno, Calif.; Kansas City, Mo.; Madison, Wis.; New York; Santa Barbara, Calif. and Washington D.C. - Sleepwalking More Prevalent Among U.S. Adults than Previously Suspected (05/12)
A new Stanford study has found that about 3.6 percent of U.S. adults are prone to sleepwalking. The work also shows an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. - Zeo Sleep Manager, SleepTracker Try to Wake You When it's Best (5/12/12)
Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this LA Times article on a new sleep device. - Catching Up on Sleep (04/24/12)
This landmark sleep research of William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is discussed in this article. The piece in the Stanford Daily also mentions the work of Cheri Mah, a researcher in the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory. - Caffeine Rush (04/04/12)
Coffee culture has grown on the Stanford campus as more cafes have opened in recent years, this Stanford Daily article reports. A recent study by Jamie Zeitzer, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science, on coffee's potential to disrupt sleep is cited. - KGO-AM (04/04/12)
During the 7-8 am segment, Allison Siebern, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provided comment on a CDC report showing that one-third of American adults are sleep deprived. - 10 Ways to Sleep Better (04/03/12)
Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, and Stanford sleep specialist Tracy Kuo are among the experts who provide sleep tips in this SFGate.com piece. - Sleepless in Hollywood: A Threat to Health and Safety (03/29/12)
Illuminating safety threats caused by sleep deprivation among film workers in Hollywood, this article in the Huffington Post references the work of William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. - Eyes Wide Shut (03/24/12)
This New Scientist article on narcolepsy features the work of Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Jed Black, consulting associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are also included in the piece. - Doctors Order Good Night’s Sleep (3/23/12)
This article discusses sleep disorders in Chinese people. Christian Guilleminault, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment. - WUAB-TV (Cleveland) (03/08/12)
This segment discussed a recent study about hypnotic drugs prescribed for poor sleep and an association with mortality or cancer. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, who was not involved in the study, was interviewed. - Sleep and Dreams Lecturer Finds Caffeine Disrupts Sleep of “Morning People” (03/06/12)
A new study finds that “morning people” are more likely than “night owls” to awaken during the night after consuming caffeine. Lead researcher Jamie Zeitzer, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in the Stanford Daily. - No Science, Just Expert Guesses on How Much Sleep Kids Need (02/13/12)
This USA Today article discusses how most sleep recommendations for children are generally based on expert observations, not hard science. Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment. - Stanford Summer-Camp Researchers Reunite and Recall a Long, Strange Trip (01/29/12)
Historic sleep-medicine research at Stanford was commemorated on Jan. 28 at the building, now a dormitory, where the research took place. William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is featured in this San Jose Mercury News article. - Landmark Sleep Research Commemorated with Plaque Ceremony and Grateful Dead-style Jam (01/26/12)
A plaque will be unveiled to honor the seminal work of William C. Dement, MD, PhD and Mary Carskadon, PhD. conducted at Stanford on the role of sleep in daytime function. - Ronn Owens Show (KGO-AM) (01/26/12)
Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, will discuss a variety of sleep issues during the second hour of the show.
Older News Stories:
- Insomnia Costs U.S. $63 Billion Annually in Lost Productivity (09/01/11)
A new study from Harvard Medical School has found insomnia costs $63 billion annually in lost productivity. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, provides comment in this CNN article. - The Healthy Skeptic: NightWave Light Pulse Promises Better Sleep (08/29/11)
In this Los Angeles Times article, Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, provides comment on NightWave, a product that promises to put people in a sleepy mood with the help of a pulsating blue light. - A Surge of Sleepiness in China Appears to Have Been Caused by Flu (08/23/11)
The onset of narcolepsy appears to follow seasonal patterns of H1N1 and other upper airway infections, according to a new Stanford study of patients in China. Lead author Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, is quoted here and in articles from AsianScientist.com, The Independent (U.K.) and RedOrbit.com. Juliette Faraco, senior research scientist and co-author of the study, provides comment in a piece on NewScientist.com. - The Curious Link Between H1N1 Flu and Narcolepsy (08/23/11)
The onset of narcolepsy appears to follow seasonal patterns of H1N1 and other upper airway infections, according to a new Stanford study of patients in China. Lead author Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, is quoted in this Time.com article. - Study Draws Connection Between Narcolepsy and Influenza (8/22/11)
The onset of narcolepsy appears to follow seasonal patterns of H1N1 and other upper airway infections, according to a new Stanford study of patients in China. Lead author Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, discusses the new Stanford study that found H1N1 infections and colds could trigger narcolepsy in this article in the Telegraph (U.K.). - Flirting with Insomnia (08/21/11)
This blog entry references a recent piece in which Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, gives tips on how parents can sleep-train themselves and regain some Z's after having kids. - Skip That Nightcap (8/19/11)
Researchers at Stanford’s Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology Laboratory found habitual drinking impedes restorative sleep functions. - More Evidence That Alcohol Hinders Good Sleep (8/16/11)
A recent Japanese study finding habitual drinking impedes restorative sleep functions. Seiji Nishino, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in the following stories: CBS Canada and The West (Australia). - Breathe Deep—Nighttime Oxygen Loss Linked to Dementia (8/15/11)
Sleep apnea may lead to cognitive impairment and even dementia, according to a new study of elderly women from UCSF and California Pacific Medical Center. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, is quoted in this article.) - Sleep Apnea Linked to Memory Loss and Dementia (08/13/11)
Sleep apnea may lead to cognitive impairment and even dementia, according to a new study of elderly women from UCSF and California Pacific Medical Center. Luis de Lecea, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this article. - Researchers Awaken to Kleine-Levin Syndrome (8/12/11)
This San Francisco Chronicle front-page piece discusses Kleine-Levin Syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the need for excessive amounts of sleep. The Stanford Center for Narcolepsy and KLS is referenced as the epicenter of most research on the disease. - Sleep Apnea May Lead to Cognitive Impairment and Even Dementia (08/11/11)
KQED-FM Forum covers a new study of elderly women from UCSF and California Pacific Medical Center. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and medical director of the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, was interviewed during this segment. - Sleep Apnea May Raise Dementia Risk (08/10/11)
Sleep apnea may lead to cognitive impairment and even dementia, according to a new study of elderly women from UCSF and California Pacific Medical Center. Luis de Lecea, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this San Francisco Chronicle article.
- New Parents and Insomnia (08/08/11)
Sleep researchers say parents of a new child can be at risk for long-term insomnia. Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, was interviewed during this segment of the Morning Edition (NPR). - Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatments Get OK to Test (08/05/11)
Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, is quoted in this San Francisco Chronicle piece on new treatments for sleep apnea - Interrupted Sleep Harms Memory (8/4/11)
A recent Stanford study has shown that fragmented sleep can cause memory impairment in mice. Co-lead authors Luis de Lecea, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and H. Craig Heller, professor of biology, are quoted in this article. - Sleep Continuity is Important for Memory Consolidation (07/28/11)
A new Stanford study has shown that fragmented sleep can cause memory impairment in mice. Co-lead author Luis de Lecea, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and first author Asya Rolls, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, are quoted in this article. - Fragmented Sleep May Impair Memory, Learning (07/26/11)
A new Stanford study has shown that fragmented sleep can cause memory impairment in mice. Co-lead authors Luis de Lecea, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and H. Craig Heller, professor of biology, are quoted in this article. de Lecea also provides comment in a MedicalNewsToday.com piece. - Interrupting Sleep Keeps Us From Making Memories (7/25/11)
A Stanford study has shown that fragmented sleep can cause memory impairment in mice. First author Asya Rolls, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is quoted in USA Today and in an article on ScienceNews.org. Co-lead author Luis de Lecea, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted on BBC.com and DiscoverMagazine.com, and co-lead author H. Craig Heller, professor of biology, provides comment in a piece from News@JAMA. - Study Finds Sleep Increases Athletic Performance (7/14/11)
New Stanford research suggests sleeping longer can markedly improve physical performance in young athletes. First author Cheri Mah, a researcher in the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory, and William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor , are quoted in this article and HuffingtonPost.com. - When Wives Can't Sleep, Marriage May Suffer (6/13/11)
This piece discusses a new study from the University of Pittsburgh that found wives with sleeping difficulties sparked significantly more negative marital interactions the next day. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, is quoted. - Podcast (5/11/11)
Nearly one in four Americans has a sleep problem. Insufficient sleep has been linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, depression and obesity. In this 1:2:1 podcast, sleep specialist Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, discusses why a good night's rest can be elusive. Paul Costello, the medical school's chief communications officer, is host. - Talk of the Nation (NPR) (04/26/11)
In recent weeks, more than a few air traffic controllers have been caught napping on the job. Sleep researchers say that humans are not designed to be nocturnal. The work of William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor, was referenced during this segment. - All Things Considered (NPR) (04/19/11)
This segment focused on people who work night shifts and how getting enough sleep before a night shift starts is important for staying up. Maurice Ohayon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, was interviewed. - Patt Morrison/KPCC-FM (Los Angeles)(04/06/11)
This segment discussed a group of people known as the 'sleepless elite' — natural short short sleepers who are night owls and early birds simultaneously. Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, was interviewed. - Napping on Game Day is Prevalent Among NBA Players (03/07/11)
For a great majority of NBA players, setting aside time to sleep is a key part of the pregame ritual. Cheri Mah, a researcher at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory, conducted a study on sleep and performance in sports and is quoted in this New York Times article. - KGO-AM (02/02/11)
During this interview, Rafael Pelayo, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, discussed and took listeners' questions on insomnia, snoring, sleepwalking, sleep apnea, and the effectiveness of sleeping aids, including various medications. - Weird Symptoms, Explained (02/11)
In this article, Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, explains why your body jerks as you fall asleep. - The Hard Science Behind Nodding Off: Sleep Disorders (01/08/11)
This piece on narcolepsy features Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, and discusses his recent findings that suggest it is an auto-immune-mediated disorder. William Dement, the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor, is also referenced here. - Strategizing to Defeat Insomnia (01/02/11)
This piece in the San Jose Mercury News discusses ways to combat insomnia. Allison Siebern, clinical instructor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, and Elena Gonzales, adjunct clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are quoted. - Sleep Disorder a Scientific Eye-Opener (11/18/10)
Sleep disorders may have similar triggers for schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and even depression, according to Emmanuel Mignot, the Craig Reynolds Professor of Sleep Medicine and director of the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. He is in Australia this week as part of a tour of sleep research facilities. - Catching Up On Sleep Science
- Is It Possible: Narcoleptic Bear
- That elusive good night's sleep
- Lack of sleep can increase a young child's obesity risk
- In Young Kids, Lack Of Sleep Linked To Obesity Later
- Snoring Can Indicate Treatable Sleep Condition
- How Body Clock and Sleep Affect Brain Connections Between Bight and Day (10/07/10)
- Number of Synapses Shown to Vary Between Night and Day in Study of Zebrafish (10/06/10)
- 9 Sleep Myths That Make You Tired (10/1/10)