Sleep, features and articles | Educational Science

Nov 14, 2022

Can you make up for lost sleep?

When clocks in most states fall back with the end of daylight saving time on the first Sunday of November in the United States, millions of people will enjoy an extra hour of sleep. On any given night, getting one additional hour of sleep can make a big difference in...

Dec 12, 2022

Weighted-blanket use may boost sleep hormone melatonin, small study hints

Using a weighted blanket at bedtime may boost the body's production of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, a small study suggests. However, at this point, it's unclear why the hefty blankets might increase melatonin levels and whether this significantly improves people's sleep quality, the study authors wrote in a report published...

Jan 5, 2023

Is napping good for you? We ask the experts

For some, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a midday nap. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a U.S. nonprofit organization, about one-third of American adults nap daily, while in some countries — such as Spain, Italy, Mexico and Greece — a quick afternoon siesta is a cultural tradition that...

Jan 17, 2023

Does short sleeper syndrome really exist?

For humans, a nightly doze plays an important role in health: It enables people to think clearly, function effectively and provides an opportunity for the brain to wash itself. Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation, yet some people...

Jan 19, 2023

8 common sleep myths debunked

There are a number of sleep myths that are often mistaken for facts — from how long someone should sleep for to whether a nightcap helps people drift off sooner. Far from being harmless, some of the most misleading sleep claims can lead to poor sleep hygiene and habits, resulting...

Jan 19, 2023

What is a circadian rhythm?

A circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle dictated by the body's internal clock, which is controlled by several physiological mechanisms. Most plants and animals have a circadian rhythm, and in humans it affects when people feel sleepy, wake up and want to eat. The National Institutes of Health found that...

Jan 20, 2023

Sleep apnea: Symptoms, causes and treatments

Sleep apnea is a condition in which people experience pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Around 22 million Americans may suffer from sleep apnea, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association, and around 80 percent of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea goes undiagnosed. In fact, people with...

Jan 23, 2023

Hypersomnia: Symptoms, causes and treatments

Sleep is essential for a person’s health, and people who feel tired on occasion often boost their energy levels by taking a nap or ensuring restful shut-eye the next evening. But when sleep doesn't relieve the exhaustion, it could be a sign of hypersomnia. Hypersomnia is a chronic condition characterized...

Jan 25, 2023

Can't sleep? An expert reveals why anxiety may be worse at night

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, from a case of nerves before a big test to embarrassment in an uncomfortable social situation. But once anxiety becomes persistent and recurring, it becomes known as generalized anxiety disorder, and impacts a person’s everyday life. Anxiety can also interfere with sleep....

Jan 26, 2023

Insomnia: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or getting good quality sleep. According to a 2022 review published in the journal Sleep Medicine Clinics, approximately 10 percent of the global adult population suffers from an insomnia disorder, while 20% experiences occasional insomnia symptoms. Insomnia can...

Jan 26, 2023

Brain cells gone haywire during sleep may lead to chronic pain, mouse study suggests

Scientists may finally have an explanation for why poor sleep is tied to chronic pain. A new mouse study suggests that nerve injuries make certain brain cells go haywire during sleep, and this sudden excitement may lead to chronic pain. Conversely, stopping the hyperactivity during sleep can help relieve the...

Feb 2, 2023

How does caffeine affect sleep?

Whether it’s a cup of coffee, tea or an energy drink, many people look for a caffeine fix to kick-start their day. During waking hours, the stimulant can help people feel more alert and boost concentration. But how does caffeine affect sleep? According to a 2013 study in the Journal...

Feb 6, 2023

What is sleep hypnosis and does it really work?

The word hypnosis may conjure up images of a mysterious stranger swinging a pocket watch, but it is a form of psychotherapy that allows for a changed state of awareness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some practitioners use it to treat mental health conditions, sleep issues and pain, or to...

Feb 8, 2023

How does alcohol affect sleep?

Many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a nightcap before bedtime, but how does alcohol affect sleep? Alcohol can help people feel more relaxed and sleepy, but it's also linked to poor sleep quality and duration, according to the Sleep Foundation, a U.S. nonprofit organization. Generally, the...

Feb 17, 2023

What is sleep talking? We look at the science

Nearly everyone has a story about people talking in their sleep. Though it tends to be more common in children, it can happen at any age: A 2010 study in the journal Sleep Medicine suggested that around two-thirds of people have at least one episode of sleep talking in adulthood....