Why do we sleep? Researchers have a theory

Sleep does more than just ease sleepiness. It also helps restore our brain's operating system to a critical state, researchers propose.

Chris Woolston-Washington U. in St. Louis • futurity
Jan. 9, 2024 • ~7 min

Mice long to cuddle during sleep

Humans aren't the only ones who like to be close during sleep, researchers report. That drive for touch can have its downsides, however.

Jared Wadley-U. Michigan • futurity
Jan. 4, 2024 • ~4 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

Headache or sore all over after bad night’s sleep?

Sleep loss heightens pain; pain can cause sleep loss. But why one begets the other has been largely clouded in uncertainty — until now.

Caitlin McDermott-Murphy • harvard
Nov. 28, 2023 • ~7 min

Most people who use cannabis for sleep ditch sleeping pills

Most people who use cannabis to get a good night's rest report skipping over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills all together.

Will Ferguson-Washington State • futurity
Nov. 16, 2023 • ~6 min

What's your chronotype? Knowing whether you're a night owl or an early bird could help you do better on tests and avoid scams

Synchronizing your daily activities to your circadian rhythm could help you improve your performance on a variety of cognitive tasks − and even influence diagnosis of cognitive disorders.

Cindi May, Professor of Psychology, College of Charleston • conversation
Nov. 6, 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

‘Pink noise’ in deep sleep may benefit heart

Stimulating the brain with gentle sounds during deep sleep significantly enhances heart function, according to a small study in men.

Peter Rüegg-ETH Zurich • futurity
Oct. 6, 2023 • ~6 min

People in Asia get less sleep and it’s lower quality

The sleep of people in Asia is more variable during the work week and they do not extend their sleep as much at the weekend.

National University of Singapore • futurity
Sept. 26, 2023 • ~5 min

Not getting enough sleep? That’s only half the battle.

Researchers find regularity also plays key role in long-term health and daily performance.

Alvin Powell • harvard
Sept. 19, 2023 • ~11 min

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