NIH-funded study of people with diverse ancestries revealed new genes involved in the disorder and different genes contributing to specific disorder subtypes March 4, 2025 • Research Highlight Bipolar disorder involves fluctuating periods of manic episodes (marked by extremely “up” or irritable moods) and depressive episodes (marked by very “down” moods or lack of pleasure).…
February 25, 2025 • Institute Update Sarah Hollingsworth “Holly” Lisanby, M.D. This spring, Sarah Hollingsworth “Holly” Lisanby, M.D., Director of the Division of Translational Research (DTR), will depart NIMH to join Arizona State University (ASU) as Founding Dean of the new ASU School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering.Upon joining NIMH in 2015, Dr. Lisanby…
Summary: Researchers have developed a machine learning-based algorithm that uses sleep-wake data from smartphones and smart bands to predict mood episodes in individuals with depression and bipolar disorder, enabling early intervention and potential prevention of recurrences through lifestyle adjustments. Key Takeaways: Irregular sleep patterns and lifestyle habits can contribute to mood episodes, but individuals may…
Summary: A new study finds that dream recall is influenced by a person’s attitude toward dreaming, proneness to mind-wandering, and sleep patterns, with factors like lighter sleep, younger age, and seasonal variations playing a role, challenging previous assumptions about the effects of age and sex. Key Takeaways: Three Main Predictors of Dream Recall: Attitude Toward…
Modius Sleep, a US Food and Drug Administration-cleared drug-free insomnia treatment device is now available to veterans through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program. Developed by Neurovalens, Modius Sleep uses noninvasive neurostimulation to target key brain regions responsible for sleep regulation, helping users fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve overall sleep…
What is the cry it out method (extinction sleep training) The Cry-It-Out (CIO) method is a sleep training approach where parents allow their baby to cry for a set period without immediate intervention, with the goal of helping them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. There are two main versions of CIO: Extinction Method…
What is the Ferber Sleep Training Method While my philosophy focuses on gentle sleep coaching methods like the Sleep Lady Shuffle, I understand that many families consider the Ferber Method for sleep training. Below, I’ll outline the facts about the Ferber Method, its steps, and alternatives, while sharing my thoughts to help you make an…
Sleep Training and Sleep Regression Sleep regressions are natural and often coincide with developmental milestones or significant transitions in your baby’s life. Although these phases can temporarily disrupt sleep, gentle sleep training methods can help restore healthy sleep habits. General Sleep Training During Regression Can You Sleep Train a Baby Going Through a Sleep Regression?…
Why Extinction Sleep Training Gets a Bad Name—and How Better Methods Can Work Sleep training is one of the most polarizing topics in parenting. Approaches like unmodified extinction or “Cry It Out” (CIO)—where caregivers leave their child to cry without intervention—are widely criticized for their harshness and emotional toll. For many parents, the idea of…
Cry-It-Out vs. Ferber As a parent, you may have heard of the Cry-It-Out (CIO) and Ferber methods for sleep training. While both are popular, neither reflects the gentle, responsive approach I advocate through the Sleep Lady Shuffle. Let’s break these down so you can decide what works best for your family—and understand why gentler methods…