Sleepless in America

Healthy rest, problem sleep, and the dreams and nightmares therein.

John Cline, Ph.D., works at the Sleep Disorders Centers of Connecticut and Waterbury Hospital Regional Sleep Lab. He also teaches psychiatry at Yale University. See full bio

April 5, 2009

Sleep and Teenagers

On a recent episode of the MTV series "True Life," a high school student suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome was followed. Read More

March 2, 2009

We recently experienced a very special day - February 12th, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP, and the two hundredth anniversary of both Abraham Lincoln's and Charles Darwin's birthday. Read More

February 12, 2009

Sexsomnia

"Dr. Christian Troy, famous Los Angeles plastic surgeon, had sex with Dr. Liz Cruz, his colleague and ‘outspoken lesbian anesthesiologist' while allegedly asleep." Read More

January 26, 2009

Narcolepsy

Nancy was sleeping again. Her husband and children were ready to go out but she was not. This has been the story of her life. In school she was always falling asleep. Then at night, she had trouble staying asleep. She would sometimes awaken unable to move. Read More

January 5, 2009

Hypnosis for Sleep Walking?

Sleep walking remains a mysterious and challenging sleep disorder that can pose serious danger should the sleep walker fall down a flight of stairs or attempt to engage in complex behaviors such as cooking or driving. Read More

December 6, 2008

Can people drive while asleep?

Yes, but not safely. Read More

November 13, 2008

Maggie's Law

Quiz with bonus essay:

Of the following situations, which poses the greatest danger for a motor vehicle accident (MVA)? Bonus essay: Explain your answer.

A. A 35 year old, 180 lb, man consumes six beers over four hours at a party and drives home.
B. A 27 year old medical intern drives home after working a 36 hour shift in which she got no sleep.
C. Both A and B are equally dangerous.
D. Neither A nor B poses any increased danger of a MVA. Read More

October 27, 2008

Sleeping Alone

Every night millions of people in relationships are sleeping alone. Others are trying to sleep but are unable to do so due to their bed partner and are thinking about moving to a couch or another bedroom. Read More

October 3, 2008

Sleep Apnea

Janet lay awake in bed. She had been unable to sleep, as usual, due to her husband's loud and incessant snoring. Recently she had become alarmed by the increasingly frequent pauses in his breathing. Read More

September 8, 2008

Incubus Attack

Jason struggled to open his eyes as the oppressive pressure on his chest became more severe. He sensed a presence in the room and felt her weight pushing down on him as he struggled to breath. As his eyes opened slightly he saw the shadowy figure above in the dimly lit bedroom. Her presence and a vague sense of dread filled him as he realized that he could not move. Read More

Sleep Basics

For many of us, sleep is the sweet balm that soothes and restores us after a long day of work and play. But for those for whom sleep is elusive or otherwise troubled, the issue is far more fraught. Most people, at some point in their lives, experience difficulty falling asleep.

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