Dreams are a universal phenomenon that everyone experiences. They can be interpretations of our daily lives, predictions of the future, connections to our spiritual selves, or simply strange and bizarre events. Scientists are still trying to understand why we dream and how it affects our wellbeing. This article will explore theories on the science of …
Overview of Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on the Brain Sleep deprivation, or lack of consistent sleep, can be detrimental to a person’s cognitive performance. The amount of sleep a person needs can vary, however most adults require seven to nine hours a night. The effects of sleep deprivation on the brain can be acute, …
Understanding Sleep Inertia: Why You Feel So Groggy in the Morning Have you ever opened your eyes in the morning, only to feel incredibly groggy and uncoordinated for the first few hours of the day? This drowsy state is called sleep inertia, which is a physiological condition caused by quickly waking up from a deep …
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REM Sleep vs. Non-REM Sleep: What’s the Difference? Getting good sleep is incredibly important for our overall health and well-being. When most of us think of sleep, we usually think of two stages: REM sleep and non-REM sleep. But what’s the difference between these two stages? REM or Rapid Eye Movement sleep and Non-REM (or …
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The Science Behind Why We Yawn Yawning is an automatic yet mystifying behavior that has puzzled generations of researchers. Although the exact purpose of a yawn remains a mystery, recent research has shed light on some of yawning’s physiological functions, explaining why it may be an involuntary reflex that serves an important role in our …
Overview of the Role of the Pineal Gland in Sleep The pineal gland is a small gland located within the human brain. It plays a key role in regulating and maintaining sleep cycles, and its health and functioning should be of great concern for those interested in getting a good night’s sleep. The pineal gland …
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Sleep is an essential part of life: every day, we dedicate approximately one-third of our lives to it. Throughout a typical night’s rest, our brains and bodies transition between two distinct states of sleep: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Both states are important to overall health and wellness, but …
The Connection Between Sleep and Memory: An Overview Sleep and memory are related; your sleep has a significant impact on your ability to remember information, learn skills, and consolidate new memories. As we age, our sleep behavior changes, making it more difficult for us to process, remember, and recall the information that we encounter on …
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The study of genetics has long sought to uncover the source of one’s physical and mental characteristics, such as behavior and sleep patterns. It is no surprise that the research has revealed a direct link between genetics and sleep patterns. Our genes are important in influencing a person’s natural sleep cycle. For example, one’s genetic …
Can We Catch Up On Sleep? Exploring Sleep Debt We all know the importance of sleep; it gives our bodies time to re-energize and heal. But with so many of us struggling to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes adequate rest, the concept of ‘sleep debt’ can come into play. How can we understand …
Lucid dreaming, sometimes called conscious dreaming, describes the experience of becoming aware that you are dreaming while still dreaming. During lucid dreaming, dreamers often experience vivid and conscious control over their dreamworlds, allowing them to explore, observe, and interact with the environment they create. Even more intriguing is the fact that lucid dreams may allow …
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The importance of sleep in cognitive function is undeniable. Its role in helping the brain to recall information, form and create memories, problem solve, and learn has been widely researched and documented. Recent evidence suggests that sleep plays an even greater role in cognitive function, acting as an essential catalyst for the brain’s creative processes …
The Link Between Genetics and Sleep Patterns From the basics of counting sheep to understanding the science behind restful nights, sleep has been a point of study for millennia. More recently, technological advances and cutting-edge medical research have illuminated the many factors that determine a person’s sleeping pattern. Genetics plays a significant role in the …
What is Sleepwalking? Sleepwalking is a disorder that can cause people to get up and move about in their sleep. It is characterized by excessive, regular, zombie-like walking during deep sleep, severe disorientation and a lack of recollection following the incident. Sleepwalking can be described as automatic, involuntary, and ritualistic. People who experience sleepwalking often …
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The Stages of Sleep: A Detailed Overview We spend up to a third of our life asleep, yet the process of sleeping and all its intricacies are still unknown. For centuries, the stages of sleep have puzzled scientists and continue to hold secrets. Sleep is an enigmatic process that can vary with age, culture, and …
Understanding the Biological Clock and Its Role in Sleep The biological clock is an important concept in understanding how our body functions especially regarding its sleep cycle. It is the body’s natural circadian rhythm; the internal clock that regulates various functions in our body including sleep. It is regulated by shifts in light and darkness, …
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Understanding the Link Between Sleep and Memory Sleep is essential for a number of reasons, and the link between sleep and memory has been studied extensively. Research has shown that not only does sleep contribute to memory consolidation, but it can also affect the transferral of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Adequate sleep …
The Connection Between Genetics and Sleep Sleep is a basic need for humans and other animals. It is essential for regulating our bodies and maintaining overall health. Genetics play an essential role in how much and how well individuals sleep, as their genes can influence a range of sleep traits, including duration, timing, and the …
Sleep plays a major role in learning. From acquiring new skills and knowledge to being able to properly apply what we know, rest is essential to our cognitive functioning. Studies suggest that sleep helps the brain to process and store information to be retrieved later. Quality sleep is a fundamental part of learning. Sleep deprivation …
Sleep and hormones are deeply intertwined aspects of the human body’s daily function. Sleep is an important part of the body’s process of regulating hormone production. Lack of sleep has been linked to a variety of hormonal imbalances, such as increased stress, suppression of the immune system, and reduced metabolic regulation. Proper sleep is linked …