People who abuse alcohol and other substances are at high risk for sleep disturbances due to the direct effect of the substance or its withdrawal on their sleep architecture and their sleep-wake cycle or its effect on their behavior and daily functioning, which in turn impacts their daily need for sleep.

Only four of 14 herbal supplements tested provided the amount of valerenic acids shown to be clinically effective

Sleep aids memory. Whether tested in animals or humans, studies have shown that sense memories–such as learning a certain sequence of dance steps–take root more solidly when paired with adequate rest. Now new research shows that so-called declarative memories–such as a sequence of facts–also benefit from slumber, especially when subjects are challenged with subsequent, competing […]

According to the pharmaceutical information and consulting company IMS Health, 43.1 million sleeping-pill prescriptions were dispensed last year, up from 29.2 million in 2001. That doesn’t count over-the-counter sleep aids.