SLEEP 2023 highlights: Daytime sleepiness tied to worse memory, melatonin use in kids and more

The SLEEP annual meeting featured important updates and research in sleep medicine from experts in the field.

In one presentation, researchers reported greater daytime sleepiness scores were linked to worse sleep-dependent memory consolidation in women. In another, study results showed that alcohol consumed within 1 hour of bedtime had a negative effect on psychomotor vigilance performance the next day.

To learn more about these presentations and others, check out Healio’s coverage from Indianapolis of some of the top stories from SLEEP 2023.

Sleep duration in youths

Higher impulsivity and shorter sleep duration were predictive for increased mature-rated movies and video game consumption in early adolescents, according to a presentation.

Participants tracked their weighted weekly sleep duration by wearing Fitbit watches for at least 7 days to track. Shorter sleep duration was predictive of more mature video gaming (P = .006) and R-rated movie watching (P < .001) after 1 year, and higher impulsivity was predictive of more R-rated movie watching (P < .001). Read more.

Daytime sleepiness in women associated with worse memory

Women with higher sleepiness scores were associated with worse sleep-dependent memory consolidation, according to a presentation.

Researchers looked at the association between sleep-dependent memory consolidation and daytime sleepiness by sex in cognitive older adults. Individuals were screened with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and those who were eligible came back for an overnight visit to be assessed for obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-dependent memory consolidation. Read more.

Increased education, clearer guidelines needed on melatonin use in children

Melatonin use in children who do not need it can have adverse effects. Melatonin use in children doubled between 2004 and 2011 with a 15-fold increase in use among girls and 20-fold increase among boys. Judith Owens, MD, MPH, is concerned that clinical practice guidelines for melatonin are not definitive enough. Read more.

VIDEO: Dopamine no longer first-line treatment for restless legs syndrome

First-line treatments for restless leg syndrome now include iron, alpha₂-delta agents or long-acting opioids, but due to high incidence of augmentation, dopamine agonists are not first-line therapy. Watch here.

Exposure to near-infrared light before bed linked to better sleep, daytime function

According to Kathryn E.R. Kennedy, BS, transdermal exposure to near-infrared light before bed from a wearable device was linked to improved sleep and next-day functionality when compared with sham.

“This novel phototherapy device — while still being explored and in need of further research — appeared to be generally well-tolerated by a small group of participants,” Kennedy said in a related release. Read more.

Alcohol consumption before sleep negatively affects next-day performance

Consuming alcohol one hour before sleep showed a negative effect on psychomotor vigilance performance the following day. Participants took a test via psychomotor vigilance performance battery at home 3 to 4.5 hours after waking and 7.5 to 9 hours after waking and some effects were apparent for up to 7 hours after waking. Read more.

Sex before bed has more positive impact on sleep vs. medication in adults with insomnia

After surveying 53 adults with insomnia, researchers reported that 75% reported better sleep after having sex before bedtime and 64% reported medication had a similar or worse effect of sleep when compared with sex. Researchers believe more research is needed on the effect of sex and orgasm on sleep quality, as the effects of sex may worsen sleep for some. Read more.