Mortality related to actigraphic long and short sleep.

Background: The folk belief that we should sleep 8 h seems to be incorrect. Numerous studies have shown that self-reported sleep longer than 7.5 h or shorter than 6.

Self-reported sleep latency in postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to access how self-reported sleep latency (SRSL) was affected by sleep habits, mood, and circadian rhythm in postmenopausal women. Subjects (n=384, 67.9+/-7.

Ethnicity, sleep, mood, and illumination in postmenopausal women.

Background: This study examined how ethnic differences in sleep and depression were related to environmental illumination and circadian rhythms.

Methods: In an ancillary study to the Women's Health Initiative, 459 postmenopausal women were recorded for one week in their homes, using wrist monitors. Sleep and illumination experience were estimated.

Melatonin excretion with affect disorders over age 60.

Numerous studies have reported low melatonin secretion in depression, but other studies have suggested no deficit or an increase. Alterations of circadian phase or duration of melatonin secretion have also been described. Since melatonin secretion decreases as we age, it seemed interesting to examine melatonin and depression in an aging sample.

Depression and endogenous melatonin in postmenopausal women.

Background: Previous reports on melatonin secretion in depression are numerous but conflicting. There are very few studies relating the duration of the nocturnal melatonin peak to depression, and the results of those studies have been equivocal.

Methods: We studied mood disorders and urinary melatonin excretion in 382 postmenopausal women.

Effect of light treatment on sleep and circadian rhythms in demented nursing home patients.

Objectives: To determine whether fragmented sleep in nursing home patients would improve with increased exposure to bright light.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Two San Diego-area nursing homes.

Mortality associated with sleep duration and insomnia.

Background: Patients often complain about insufficient sleep or chronic insomnia in the belief that they need 8 hours of sleep. Treatment strategies may be guided by what sleep durations predict optimal survival and whether insomnia might signal mortality risks.

Methods: In 1982, the Cancer Prevention Study II of the American Cancer Society asked participants about their sleep duration and frequency of insomnia.

Exercise and Survival in the Very Old.

Risk factors that are strongly associated with cardiovascular events in middle age are less predictive in the elderly. These reduced associations are most evident after about age 75 years. Exercise has been associated with survival in middle-aged men; data are sparse on its relation to survival in the very old.