New findings from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that deep-sleep brain waves at night play a role in regulating the body’s sensitivity to insulin, improving sugar control the following day. The combination of two brain waves, sleep spindles and slow waves, increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, leading to lower glucose levels. This discovery could potentially be used as a therapeutic treatment for individuals with high sugar or Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, these deep-sleep brain waves could serve as an indicator of a person’s next-day sugar levels, making them a valuable tool for mapping and predicting sugar control. The research, published in Cell Reports Medicine, reveals a new role for deep-sleep brain waves in managing sugar and complements previous studies that showed their role in learning and memory. The researchers analyzed sleep data from 600 individuals and found that the coupling of deep-sleep brain waves predicted next-day glucose control better than sleep duration or quality.

A major study in Sweden has found a connection between specific gut bacteria and the development of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to heart attacks. The study analyzed gut bacteria and cardiac imaging in nearly 9,000 participants without previously known heart disease. The researchers discovered that certain oral bacteria, particularly from the Streptococcus genus, were associated with an increased occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques in the small arteries of the heart when present in the gut. The study also found that the same bacteria were linked to levels of inflammation markers in the body. The findings highlight the need for further research on the relationship between gut bacteria and cardiovascular health.

A study in Neurology suggests that limited social contact in older people may increase the risk of brain shrinkage and damage in dementia-affected areas. However, the study does not prove causation. It highlights the concern of social isolation among seniors and proposes that supporting social connections could potentially prevent brain atrophy and dementia. The research involved nearly 9,000 participants, revealing lower brain volume and memory-related area volume in those with the least social contact. Factors like age, diabetes, smoking, and exercise were considered, and socially isolated individuals had more white matter lesions. Symptoms of depression partly explained the relationship. Prior studies indicate that exposure to socially stimulating groups might reverse brain volume and cognitive declines in older people. Notably, this study focused on older Japanese individuals, so generalization to other populations requires further research.

A recent study from the University of York has found that quality sleep can help protect against depression and anxiety, particularly during periods of chronic stress like the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from over 600 participants and discovered that high-quality sleep and positive coping strategies, such as reframing negative situations, were associated with better mental health outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing both sleep quality and coping strategies when dealing with prolonged stress. The findings highlight the significant role sleep plays in managing chronic stress and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.