Sleep

A lengthy trial robbing adults of 90 minutes of sleep a night has uncovered the effect even this small amount of lost shut-eye has on the waistline after little more than a month. It also increased the risk factors for chronic disease.

A new study has uncovered evidence of “synaptic down-selection” as we sleep, suggesting our nightly shut-eye is a perfect opportunity to prune back any neurological hedges that went wild during the day.

A medication commonly given as an off-label treatment for sleep problems may be more risky than thought – and although it's prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia, as it often is, we lack the science data needed for safe and informed use.

Sleep loss is one of the most challenging symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. New research has now likened poor sleep to a canary in a coal mine, an early symptom of neurodegeneration that could serve as a biomarker to identify the disease.

Researchers have shown they can achieve some control over what people are dreaming, bringing a theme that has been frequently explored in the sci-fi and horror genres off the screen and into the lab. Puzzle-solving was at the heart of the research.

A new study reveals jellyfish not only sleep but do so for the same portion of their day as humans, spending about one-third of the day sleeping. The findings also suggest that sleep evolved way before the brain to help maintain cells under stress.

In the first study of its kind, neuroscientists have shown the real-world benefits that sunlight gives the brain, beyond laboratory experiments, linking brighter and more regular daytime light to better alertness and faster attention in everyday life.

Rising outdoor temperatures not only make nights uncomfortable but also deteriorate the quality of our sleep, according to a recent USC study. Researchers looked at the effects of heat on several aspects of sleep, and the results are sobering.

A massive global study has turned up some grim news: That 87% of us are not routinely getting quality sleep and meeting physical activity levels needed for long-term health. And, scientists discover, one is more influential than the other.

Sleep isn't just rest, it's a crucial biological process. New MIT research has revealed why sleep deprivation causes attention slips. It found brain fluid surges usually reserved for sleep time occur during waking hours, throwing one's ability to focus

After examining 13 million hours of light exposure data, researchers found that experiencing bright light during the dark hours can significantly increase the risk of heart failure and heart attack. The effect was most notable in younger adults.

For the first time, researchers have shown that tackling obstructive sleep apnea’s two root causes at once, using both oxygen and a jaw-forwarding device, can dramatically cut breathing interruptions during sleep.