Alcoholism's effect on sleep persists during long periods of sobriety Oct 1, 2009
Spectral analysis revealed that alcoholics had significantly reduced levels of slow wave activity during NREM sleep but not during REM sleep, showing that the reduction in slow wave activity in alcoholism is sleep-state specific. Colrain said that there is a substantial body of literature describing the functional correlates of the structural damage produced by long-term alcohol abuse. (EurekAlert!)
Walking while asleep Jul 22, 2009
It usually occurs in the first or second sleep cycle during the deeper stages of NREM sleep ... Somnambulism has to be distinguished from night terrors (or sleep terrors) which are similar to somnambulism in that they occur in the first or second sleep cycle during the deeper stages of NREM sleep ... They occur in the first or second sleep cycle during the deeper stages of NREM sleep. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Can one do without sleep? (1) Mar 30, 2009
Although there is still much to be learned about what happens as we sleep, during NREM sleep we know growth hormones are released, which stimulate tissue growth and muscle repair. There are also increased blood levels of substances that activate the immune system, raising the possibility that sleep helps to defend the body against infection. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Should court ruling end autism debate? Feb 13, 2009
BTW, the theoretical reason why back sleep prevents SIDS is because back sleep (aka supine sleep) does not allow an infant to get Deep Sleep (Stage 3/4 NREM sleep) which is when Babies primarily die of SIDS. Stage 3/4 NREM sleep is also when much of a babies plasticity and memory consolidation takes place. This interference with Slow Wave Sleep (SWS) may be the reason why so many infants today have social skills delays and motor skills delays. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
