Investigating insomnia: our research shows how chronic sleep problems can lead to a spiralling decline in mental health

We envisage a future in which sleep is a routine target for reducing or preventing symptoms of mental illness, both in psychiatric settings and people’s homes

Aidan Horner, Associate Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of York • conversation
Feb. 26, 2024 ~26 min

Students could get more sleep and learn better if school started a little later

Most teens aren’t getting enough sleep, leading to poorer academic performance. Early school start times combined with natural changes in hormones and the circadian rhythm could be to blame.

Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Dec. 18, 2023 ~8 min


How much time do kids spend on devices – playing games, watching videos, texting and using the phone?

Up to 50% of US teens feel they are addicted to their devices. But help is out there.

Natalia Szura, Research Assistant in Psychiatry, Wayne State University • conversation
Oct. 23, 2023 ~8 min

Short naps can improve memory, increase productivity, reduce stress and promote a healthier heart

Naps can be rejuvenating and beneficial to attentiveness and overall health, but the length of naps and the time of day are key.

Steven Bender, Clinical Associate Professor, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 28, 2023 ~8 min

Can coffee or a nap make up for sleep deprivation? A psychologist explains why there's no substitute for shut-eye

While a cup of joe or a brief nap during an all-nighter might help you feel a little more alert, it won’t offset cognitive impairments from sleep deprivation when you’re performing complex tasks.

Kimberly Fenn, Professor of Psychology, Michigan State University • conversation
Aug. 17, 2023 ~6 min

Health care workers are frazzled – and poor sleep may turn stress into poor mental health

Disturbed sleep can worsen depressive symptoms of health care workers whose jobs come with high levels of emotional labor and work-family conflict.

Yuan Zhang, Associate Professor of Nursing, UMass Lowell • conversation
March 14, 2023 ~8 min

Weekend ‘catch-up sleep’ might offer a lifeline

The next time you want to hassle your teenager about sleeping in on Saturday, maybe go back to bed instead.

Alvin Powell • harvard
Jan. 6, 2023 ~7 min

School start times and screen time late in the evening exacerbate sleep deprivation in US teenagers

Adolescent biology, early morning classes and too much evening screen time are a few of the key drivers behind teen sleep deprivation.

Horacio de la Iglesia, Professor of Neurobiology, University of Washington • conversation
Sept. 16, 2022 ~8 min


Tiredness can change how generous you are – new research

A new study found the amount of sleep you had last night can even overwhelm people who have a tendency for kindness.

Laura Boubert, Principal Lecturer in Psychology, University of Westminster • conversation
Aug. 23, 2022 ~6 min

11 things you can do to adjust to losing that hour of sleep when daylight saving time starts

Two sleep doctors offer some survival tips to help you adjust to losing that hour of sleep as clocks spring forward into daylight saving time.

Hiren Muzumdar, Director of the Pediatric Sleep Evaluation Center, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
March 11, 2022 ~7 min

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