SPOTLIGHT: CRIB DEATH (SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME)

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and that means making sure our youngest and most vulnerable people are sleeping without risk of suffocation or a mysterious case of Sudden Infant Dealth Syndrome (SIDS).

This week, we spotlight recent news about SIDS with content spanning the last six months.

• Nationwide reports on local efforts to prevent SIDS
• Tips for safe sleeping for infants
• SIDS research (including melatonin studies, genetics, vaccines, and inner ear problems)
• Swaddling, co-sleeping, and suffocation risks
• Outreach from bereaved parents
• Parents' rights to SIDS education
• SIDS and day care environments
• What exactly is SIDS?
• Products to help prevent SIDS
• SIDS myths and misconceptions

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also referred to in some cases as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID or SUDI), cot death, or crib death, takes the lives of 3,500 infants under age 1 years in the United States. 

This is an absolutely heartbreaking essay written by a mother who lost her baby to SIDS: please steel yourself and go read it to be reminded of the blessings that we all have when our children sleep through the night safely and wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 

The mysterious nature of SIDS makes these deaths exponentially tragic because there's still so much we don't know about this disorder, which can still occur even in babies who are not co-sleeping or asleep on their tummies.

To read this week's curation:

CLICK HERE

This Week in Sleep News, April 8 -14 HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from...

This Week in Sleep News, April 8 - April 14 (click link to access entire curation)

• Bright Schools Competition™ names 50 middle-school teams as national finalists in competition exploring light and sleep and how this relationship affects student health and performance.
• Casper hosts first ever Sleep Symposium, featuring Arianna Huffington and others, in NYC.
• Wake Up Narcolepsy surpassed $50,000 fundraising goal, hopes to reach $60,ooo by Sunday, in time for the Boston Marathon. #TEAMWUN
• South Korean insomnia drug market grows due to demand
• Dentists may be the best people to identify and help you deal with sleep apnea
• Commercial drivers hide their sleep disorders while still posing major risks along American roads
• Should you stay in bed if you can't sleep? Good question.
• One insomniac artist decided not to, and made a dress out of prescription labels for Ambien.
• If we let our teens sleep in, less people will die. True story.
• Bin Laden's assassin came home with PTSD and no decent way to treat it, so it's no surprise he's got a DUI on his record.
• Did you know... Insomniac brains are wired differently
• Our seniors need their sleep; if they're sleepy during the day, it's a tip off that they aren't getting good sleep at night
• South African leader probably needs to get rid of sleep debt to be effective, says specialist
• Obesity is caused by sleep deprivation, which is now America's #1 health crisis; want to lose weight? Get some sleep!
• Paraplegic victim of drowsy driver asks judge to show mercy on offender
• Is a breathable mattress going to be the cure for SIDS?
• Narcoleptic teacher uses sleep disorder as excuse to harrass kids, gets "sacked"
• Surgical installation of a neurostimulation device may be the only way some people will be able to sleep if they have severe OSA and can't tolerate CPAP
• Truck drivers hate their CPAP machines, but they still need them to keep their jobs and avoid drowsy driving negligence on the road
• Take your pick: if you have the two most common sleep disorders--sleep apnea or insomnia--you are going to have increased risk for workplace injury
• Optometrists join dentists and EENT specialists in calling out evidence of sleep disorders that other doctors may be missing
• Opioid users, you are messing with your brain's sleep regulation system every time you pop an oxy
• Six sleep obstacles for people with neurological disorders are given a closer look
• No, sleepy nun, that Ambien you took that led to your DUI and forgotten trip to NJ is nothing to smile about
• Magnesium is a sleep helper: just make sure you take it properly
• Why do we admire people like James Franco who are in such public denial about their sleep disorders?
• Do you have crazy dreams when you take melatonin? 

And much more, now at our This Week in Sleep News dedicated site! Click the link below:

This Week in Sleep News, April 8 - April 14

In Sleep News This Week, Feb 12 - 18

 SPECIAL || Recalls, special announcements, breaking news, events

For Philadelphia-area parents: Radnor Township School District will hold a seminar that is open to the community and moderated by the League of Women Voters titled “Sleep and the Adolescent Brain” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sun Feb. 21 at the Radnor Middle School auditorium. Speakers include Dr. Judith Owens, director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital and a nationally renowned pediatric sleep expert; Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard, lead psychologist at the Anxiety Behaviors Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and James Scanlon, superintendent of West Chester Area School District, who has been vocal on the issue of student sleep. More info here. Registration for the seminar is not required but encouraged. 

Sleeping Well Again sessions coming to Vancouver, WA. Sleep specialists from Adventist Health are offering free coaching services on Thurs Feb 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Adventist Medical Center, Education Center B, 10123 S.E. Market Street. Specialists Rocky Garrison and Dr. Vanessa Peterson will help people develop personalized sleep plans and discuss the relationship between quality sleep and heart health. While the session is free, seating is limited. To reserve a spot, call 503-256-4000 or email ahnw@nw.org. 

“Live Life Fully Charged” seminar in Lafayette, LA on Thurs Feb 25. Dr. Tony Soileau, dentist and Clinical Director of Smiles by Soileau and Louisiana Sleep Solutions, offers a free sleep apnea seminar at two separate times: 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., at his office located at 420 Settlers Trace Blvd. He will discuss the effects of sleep apnea on both the body and mind, and how these symptoms can be treated. Attendees of the presentation will receive a $500 discount on sleep apnea treatments. Spots are limited to 15 seats and reservations are being handled through Dr. Soileau’s office. To reserve, call 337.234.3551 or send an email to: tony@smilesbysoileau.com. More info

 CURATOR'S CHOICE  indicates recommended reading and includes editorial comments and opinions from the SHC curator. 

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 TOP TEN || Sleep news picks this week — newest to oldest — Curator's Choice

1. FEB 18 || COSMOPOLITAN
Consider This Your Official Warning to Not Sleep With Your Phone in Your Bed
From the curator: Actually, this is not the first warning, but I'm posting this anyway because y'all gotta stop doing this. 
Public Health & Safety

2. FEB 17 || NEW JERSEY 101.5 [NJ]
NJ man pleads guilty to giving Ambien to kids during ‘sleepover’
From the curator: What's wrong with people? 
National

3. FEB 17 || TECH INSIDER
A sleep scientist says there’s one major problem with sleep tracking apps
From the curator: This is what I have been saying all along. Until you can show it's actually measuring sleep (which these apps cannot do), there's no point to any of them.

Technology

4. FEB 15 || DAILY TELEGRAPH [AUSTRALIA]

Burwood Council investigates mystery low frequency noise bringing misery to sleep-deprived residents
From the curator: This happened in Seattle; the sound was first thought to come from a Midshipman Fish. How weird is that? 
World

5. FEB 14 || NEWS.com.au [AUSTRALIA]
Sydney woman spends thousands of dollars online shopping while she’s in a deep sleep
From the curator: You really can do just about anything in your sleep.
World

6. FEB 14 || PHILLY.com
Can't use CPAP? Try these apnea remedies
From the curator: It's helpful to know your options. 
Therapies

7. FEB 13 || THE DAILY BEAST

Restorative yoga is like adult nap time
From the curator: I can personally vouch for this one. I almost always fall asleep!

Therapies

8. FEB 12 || ANDALUSIA STAR NEWS
Mom testifies about drowsy driving
From the curator: Getting more legislation enacted to prevent drowsy driving requires grassroots efforts like this one.

Advocacy

9. FEB 12 || HEALTH NEWS DIGEST
Safe Infant Sleep Tips For Grandparents
From the curator: Gammy and Grampa may be great people, but they may not understand some critical ideas about how to put baby down for a nap. 

Family

10. FEB 12 || POLICE ONE

10 ways police officers can get better sleep
From the curator: One of our most sleep-deprived populations.

Public Health & Safety

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 WORLD  || International sleep news

FEB 12 || ITV NEWS [UK]
Northumberland teenagers part of pioneering sleep study

FEB 14 || COVENTRY TELEGRAPH [UK]
Offers of help flood in for homeless war veteran forced to sleep in his car

FEB 15 || DAILY MAIL [UK]
Probe launched into claims NHS 111 helpline staff 'fell asleep while on duty'

FEB 15 || SCOOP.co.nz [NEW ZEALAND]
New study reveals a third of Kiwis are sleep deprived

FEB 17 || ALL AFRICA [SOUTH AFRICA]
South Africa: What to Do If Your Child Wets the Bed

FEB 17 || GUAM DAILY POST [GUAM]
Want a better life? Get better sleep: New center works to give Guamanians some healthy shut-eye

FEB 17 || THE HERALD [IRELAND]
Dublin port neighbours in court case over 'nightmare' noise pollution from cranes

FEB 17 || THE MIRROR [UK]
Teenager's misery as rare condition means she collapses every time she LAUGHS

FEB 17 || NEW ZEALAND HERALD [NEW ZEALAND]
Guards fall asleep during escape

FEB 18 || BRENTWOOD GAZETTE [UK]
Lorry driver killed in A12 crash may have 'fallen asleep' at the wheel

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 NATIONAL  || Sleep news across the U.S.

FEB 12 || THE FARMINGTON VOICE [MI]
Sweet Dreamzzz brings sleep program to Southfield

FEB 12 || OSWEGO PATCH [IL]
Driver Falls Asleep at Wheel, Crashes into Semi: Police

FEB 12 || SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS [CA]
San Jose bus crash: NTSB report says Greyhound driver was clean, leaves fatigue theory in play

FEB 12 || WKBW NEWS [NY]
Ken-Ton students to have longer school day next year

 CURATOR'S CHOICE 
FEB 15 || SLEEP REVIEW [AZ]
At Sabino Recovery, Sleep Clinic Plays Central Role in Holistic Approach to Healing Addiction, Trauma
From the curator: Seems like a perfect approach for both; quality sleep can help reset the body and restore the brain in so many ways.

FEB 16 || FLORIDA TODAY [FL]
Cocoa-area residents want gun range quiet after dark (with video)

FEB 17 || KNOP NEWS 2 [NE]
NPHS to change school start for the 2015-2016 school year

FEB 18 || NPR [SD]
Want To Get A Great Night's Sleep? Head To South Dakota

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 PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY || Community health: epidemiology, transportation, industry, education

FEB 12 || SLEEP RESOLUTIONS
In case you're wondering, "Why Am I Sleepy All the Time?"

FEB 15 || SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
Lack of sleep costly, dangerous in workplace

FEB 16 || SOUND SLEEP HEALTH
What is the best sleep study for my problem?

FEB 17 || THE SLEEP HUNTER
UNM hospital room lighting

FEB 17 || SOUND SLEEP HEALTH
The Sleep Medicine Team: Physicians, Technologists, Educators, Dentists

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 BUSINESS & WORKPLACE  || Workplace safety, corporate news, the business of sleep, sleep health industry and regulations, legal issues

FEB 12 || ABA JOURNAL
Pepper Hamilton and project lawyer resolve ADA suit over sleep disorder

FEB 15 || G CAPTAIN
Splitting Sleep Can Be Beneficial For Towing Vessel Crew Members

FEB 16 || HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
There’s a Proven Link Between Effective Leadership and Getting Enough Sleep

FEB 17 || NASDAQ GLOBE NEWSWIRE
3B Medical Selects Vodafone to Deliver Sleep Data Wirelessly: Vodafone’s Internet of Things (IOT) Technology Gives Health Care Providers Access to Critical Sleep Data and Compliance Information (press release)

FEB 17 || SEATTLE TIMES
Google, other companies wake up to benefits of napping at work

FEB 17 || SLEEP REVIEW
FMCSA, FRA Notice of Intent for Rule-making Clears Office of Management and Budget (Evaluation of Safety-Sensitive Personnel for Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea)

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 THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP  || Scientific research and sleep medicine

FEB 12 || MEDICAL XPRESS
Sleep apnea takes a toll on brain function

FEB 12 || SLEEP REVIEW
Enzyme Could Offer New Treatment Hope for Central Sleep Apnea Patients

FEB 12 || SLEEP REVIEW
In Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sufferers, Researchers Find Changes in 2 Key Brain Chemicals

FEB 13 || MEDICAL DAILY
Sleep Apnea May Reduce Levels Of Brain Chemicals Associated With Waking Behaviors And Mood

FEB 14 || THE MIRROR
Losing sleep is bad for you because it switches on genes that damage us

FEB 15 || FORBES
The Chemical Rollercoaster Sleep Apnea Triggers In Your Brain

FEB 15 || NORTHWEST ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE
Sleep study involves measuring gadgets

FEB 16 || DOVEPRESS
Preliminary report of improved sleep quality in patients with dry eye disease after initiation of topical therapy (must download PDF to access)

FEB 16 || DOVEPRESS
Review: Traumatic brain injury-induced sleep disorders (must download PDF to access)

FEB 16 || PSYPOST
Trouble sleeping associated with behavioral problems in children with autism

FEB 17 || AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
Study of firefighters finds potential pathway between insomnia and depression: Sleep disturbances may impair the ability to access and leverage emotion regulation strategies effectively

FEB 17 || ARIZONA WILDCATS
Athey, Grandner Awarded NCAA Innovations in Research Grant

 CURATOR'S CHOICE 
FEB 17 || THE BLAZE
Researchers have discovered "efficient sleeper" gene that enables certain people to function with less sleep
From the curator: This doesn't mean you can stop trying to get your 8 hours a night. Just because there's a gene doesn't mean you have it. 

FEB 17 || THE DAILY COURIER
Snoring a nuisance to others, but accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate more serious problem

FEB 17 || SCIENCE CODEX
Caltech biologists identify gene that helps regulate sleep

FEB 18 || HUFFINGTON POST SLEEP + WELLNESS
7 Amazing Things You Probably Didn't Know About REM Sleep

FEB 18 || SOUND SLEEP HEALTH
Central Sleep Apnea: Causes, Diagnosis, and Therapies

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 TECHNOLOGY  || Devices (including PAP and sleep dentistry) — tools for diagnosing and treating sleep health issues

FEB 14 || MOBI HEALTH NEWS
Small study finds text, email intervention reduces labor for CPAP coaching

 CURATOR'S CHOICE 
FEB 17 || SLEEP REVIEW
Solving a Hairy Predicament for Men with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
From the curator: Facial hair and PAP therapies are not great bedfellows. But let's face it, that mask has to seal well or gentlemen, you are out of luck.

FEB 18 || SLEEP RESOLUTIONS
Different Types of CPAP masks: Nasal CPAP, nasal pillows, and full face CPAP masks

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 DRUGS  || Over the counter drugs, prescription medications, illicit substances, nutraceuticals

 CURATOR'S CHOICE FEB 17 || UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA NEWS
Prescription sleep medicine linked to motor vehicle collisions in older adults and women
Zolpidem (Ambien)
From the curator: A few years ago the dosages were adjusted for women from 10mg to 5mg. If you are female and still taking 10mg, please discuss this with your doctor. Elderly patients are pose much greater risks for becoming bad fall candidates while taking Ambien. Users, beware.

FEB 18 || TECH INSIDER
Sleep scientist on a popular sleep supplement: 'I don't even know what's in most of those pills'

Melatonin

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 PROCEDURES  || Inpatient, outpatient, and surgery-related discussion

 CURATOR'S CHOICE 
FEB 16 || SLEEP REVIEW
Which Patients Are Good Candidates for Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation?
Neurostimulation Implant Procedure
From the curator: For people in need of a CPAP alternative, this could be it.

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 THERAPIES  ||Cognitive behavioral therapy, chronotherapy, phototherapy, alternative therapy, complementary therapy, functional medicine 

FEB 12 || HEALTH CMI
Acupuncture Rivals Antidepressants For Insomnia And Depression
Alternative Therapies

FEB 12 || MEDIUM
KOKOON: Mindfulness and sleep
Complementary Therapies

FEB 12 || SLEEP REVIEW
Advanced Brain Technologies Partners with Pathways for Veterans to Provide Insomnia Relief
Music Therapy

FEB 17 || SLEEP REVIEW
Online Insomnia Treatment SHUTi Also Reduces Depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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 CULTURE  || Cultural and artistic expressions and discussions about sleep

FEB 15 || THE LOCAL
Did Dante's narcolepsy inspire The Divine Comedy?
Literature

FEB 15 || POPSUGAR
34 Real Thoughts Every Sleep-Deprived Mom Can Relate to, as Told by Amy Poehler
Celebrities

FEB 17 || HEALTH AIM
Deadpool Star Ryan Reynolds Suffers From Sleep Deprived Hallucinations, What is the Cause?
Celebrities

FEB 17 || UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
How to sleep like a pro (athlete)
Sports

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 LIFESTYLE & HYGIENE  || Helps for patients and clues for sleep self-improvement

FEB 12 || THE BLAZE
These Are the ‘Scientifically Proven Consequences of Hitting the Snooze Button’

FEB 12 || NEWSWIRE
Your Phone May be Ruining Your Sleep

FEB 12 || PALATINATE
Are you sleep deprived?

FEB 12 || SLEEP RESOLUTIONS
In case you're wondering, "Why Am I Sleepy All the Time?"

FEB 13 || MEDIUM
KOKOON: For the love of sleep music

FEB 17 || BUSTLE
5 Psychological Tricks For When You Can't Sleep

FEB 17 || HEALTH AIM
Drinking before sleep: What is does to your body

FEB 17 || HUFFPOST COLLEGE
These Students Put Their All-Nighters On Display. Here's Why That's A Problem

FEB 18 || HUFFINGTON POST AUSTRALIA
Can You Ever Have Too Much Sleep? And Is It Damaging Your Health?

FEB 18 || SLEEP JUNKIES
10 science-based reasons for becoming a nap junkie

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 FAMILY  || Sleep health through the lifespan: pediatrics, womens health, family health, mens health, parenting, eldercare

FEB 13 || PENN STATE NEWS
Loss of sleep during adolescence may be a diabetes danger
Teens

FEB 15 || HUFFINGTON POST SLEEP + WELLNESS
This Top School Joined The Fight Against Teen Sleep Deprivation
Teens

FEB 16 || HUFFINGTON POST AUSTRALIA
Do Women Or Men Require More Sleep Each Night?
Men & Women

FEB 17 || STARTS AT 60
Ageing and sleep: Advice on sleeping well
Seniors

FEB 18 || CBS NEWS
Americans are sleep deprived. Could getting married help?

Married Life

FEB 18 || HEALTH 24
Why do children wet their beds?
Kids

FEB 18 || THE SLEEP COUNCIL
Set Good Sleep Habits For Children NOW!

Kids

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 MULTIMEDIA  || Sleep health education and issues captured in graphics, photos, audio, film

FEB 12 || THE STIR
13 Hilarious Stories From Sleep-Deprived Moms
Slideshow

FEB 13 || JULIE FLYGARE
Nap Shame. I’ve got it. Do you? 
Audio Clip

FEB 14 || INSTIKS
8 Sleeping Positions & Their Effects On Health
Graphics Gallery

FEB 16 || THE DAILY GOOD
New Video Exposes the Dangers of Sleep Deprivation
Video

FEB 16 || MD
Q&A With Hormoz Ashtyani From Hackensack University Medical Center: Sleep Disorders A Public Health Issue As Well As Medical Concern
Video

FEB 16 || WTVM
SEGMENT: Health with Paul -- Grinding your teeth in sleep
Video

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 FIRST PERSON  || Personal essays and commentaries, opinion pieces, editorials, letters to the editor, columnists, advocacy

FEB 12 || HUFFINGTON POST SLEEP + WELLNESS
Sharon Peaslee: "Sleep if fundamental to education reform" 
Advocacy

FEB 12 || HUFFINGTON POST SLEEP + WELLNESS
Sydney Jean Gottfried: "I Tried To Prioritize Sleep And Failed. Here's Why I'm Better For It" 
Personal Commentary

FEB 12 || MY JOURNAL COURIER
Editorial: "Drowsy driving is a dangerous epidemic today" 
Editorial

FEB 14 || ELEPHANT JOURNAL
Erin McMorrow: "Why Sleep Deprivation is So. Not. Sexy. (& Ten Ways to Tell if You Need More Sleep)" 
Advocacy

FEB 14 || FORBES
Lynda Shaw: "The secret of a good night's sleep"
Personal Commentary

FEB 14 || STUFF.co.nz
Aimie Cronin: "A lifetime of sleepless nights" 
Personal Commentary

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 DREAM LIFE  || The art and science of dreaming

FEB 12 || VAN WINKLE'S
9 Fascinating Facts About the Science of Dreaming

FEB 16 || THE JAPAN NEWS
TROUBLESHOOTER / Nightmares make me afraid of falling asleep (advice column)

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The next news curation will be published on Friday February 26 2016

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