BOSTONS -- In Friday's medical news, NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported on a new treatment for a serious sleep condition, preschoolers and sleep, and whether or not birth can give you bladder problems.

Birth and Bladder

Does giving birth increase the risk of incontinence later in life? No, according to new research.

A New York researcher compared the medical history of 143 pairs of sisters -- one who had a child with a vaginal delivery and the other who did not have any children. There was no increased risk of bladder control trouble between the sisters.

Plus, 63 percent of the pairs did have similar incontinence status -- some incontinence or none at all, suggesting genetics may play a role in bladder control.

Preschoolers and Sleep

Adults aren't the only ones missing out on sleep -- even preschooler's aren't getting enough, according to a new study.

Researchers at Brown University studied 169 children under the age of 5 and found that children slept a little more than eight hours a night and nine and a half hours total when naps were included.

Experts say preschoolers need 12 to 15 hours of sleep each day to help avoid behavior problems.

New Sleep Problem Treatment

A new technique is providing sound relief for some of the 20 million Americans with sleep apnea -- a condition marked by frequent interruption in sleep and snoring.

The Pillar Procedure involves three tiny inserts, placed in the roof of the patient's mouth.

New research by Loyola University Medical Center shows the implants significantly reduced sleep apnea by 80 percent and completely resolved the condition in 60 percent of those studied.

Insurance does not always cover the procedure. The Lahey Clinic is among those locally that has had success with the technique.