9 articles with this tag
Neuroscience and psychology are shedding light on why we dream, what dreams mean, and how they influence our waking lives. This article explores the science of dreams, traces their historical significance, highlights a recent breakthrough from 2023, and concludes with evidence-based facts about this enigmatic phenomenon.
This article synthesizes recent scientific studies on sleep published by reputable institutions between June 2024 and June 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for stakeholders seeking actionable insights. The findings span neurobiological mechanisms, clinical implications, aging, and psychosocial factors, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of sleep research.
Mouth taping has captured attention as a trendy sleep hack, with claims of better sleep, reduced snoring, and improved health. While some small studies suggest it may help with mild sleep apnea and snoring, the overall scientific evidence is limited, and many claims—especially those on social media—lack support. Nasal breathing is indeed better than mouth breathing during sleep, offering benefits like improved oxygenation, better sleep quality, and enhanced oral health. However, mouth taping is not a universal solution and carries risks, particularly for those with nasal congestion or medical conditions.
Social jetlag is the discrepancy between your biological clock, which dictates when you naturally want to sleep and wake, and your social clock, driven by obligations like early work meetings or school bells. It’s most noticeable when your sleep schedule shifts between weekdays and weekends. For instance, if you’re up at 6 a.m. during the week but sleep until 9 a.m. on Saturdays, that three-hour difference creates social jetlag. This misalignment tricks your body into feeling like it’s in a different time zone, even though you haven’t traveled.
Sleep paralysis is when you’re awake but can’t move or speak, typically as you’re falling asleep or waking up. It happens when your brain and body are out of sync during the transition between sleep and wakefulness, often linked to REM sleep, where your muscles are naturally paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams. Episodes are brief, lasting from seconds to a few minutes, and while scary, they’re not physically harmful.
The circadian rhythm helps your body stay in sync with the environment, optimizing energy and health. When disrupted—by irregular schedules, travel, or artificial light—it can cause sleep issues, fatigue, and even health problems like obesity or mood disorders.
Sleep is a universal need, but how we sleep can depend on where we live. A fascinating study, published as "Country differences in nocturnal sleep variability" (Study Source), explored how sleep patterns vary across 35 countries. By analyzing over 50 million nights of sleep data from more than 220,000 people using Oura Ring wearable devices, researchers uncovered how culture, lifestyle, and location shape our sleep. This article breaks down the study’s purpose, methods, findings, and implications in a way that’s easy to understand, offering insights into the global diversity of sleep.
The eye mask represents a non-pharmacological method for improving specific aspects of cognitive function through better sleep. Unlike many "cognitive enhancers" or supplements, it has no side effects, requires no prescription, and is accessible to almost everyone.
Caffeine is a part of most people’s daily rituals—whether it’s your morning latte or an afternoon energy drink. We all know it helps us stay alert. But what if your favorite stimulant is doing much more than just keeping you awake?