Sleep

Sleep

Sleep

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. Other parasomnias—such as sleep apnea, night terrors, narcolepsy, and sleep paralysis—are surprisingly common. The good news is that treatment of sleep disorders is progressing rapidly, with new advances appearing every month.

The Land of Nod

The Land of Nod

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

New research into who needs sleep most, and why.

By Art Markman Ph.D.

How Insomnia Influences Your Emotions

Insufficient sleep may contribute to the onset of emotional difficulties.

By Michael J Breus Ph.D.

This May Be the Way to Get More Sleep

The powerful connection between anxiety and insomnia, and how to overcome it.

By Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D.

When Is Insomnia Not Insomnia?

Some sleep routines may not be common. That doesn't mean they're a problem.

By Matthew J Wolf-Meyer Ph.D.

3 Habits That Could Be Wrecking Your Sleep

2. That glass of wine only seems like it's helping you to unwind.

By Linda Wasmer Andrews

SEE ALSO

Recent Posts on Sleep

California Governor Vetoes Later School Start Times

By Joseph A. Buckhalt Ph.D. on September 22, 2018 in Child Sleep, From ZZZ's to A's

The California bill to start middle and high schools later was recently vetoed by the governor. What happens now?

Video Games, School Success, and Your Child

By Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on September 21, 2018 in Media Spotlight

Some studies suggest intensive video gaming can have a negative effect on grades, but others have found the exact opposite.

Despite What You May Think... CBD Is Not Weed

By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 20, 2018 in Sleep Newzzz

I want to jump in and address a topic that seems to be causing some confusion: if you use the supplement CBD, you are not consuming “pot.”  Read on to learn why!

Does Your Mood Fall Before the Leaves Do?

By Judith J. Wurtman Ph.D. on September 20, 2018 in The Antidepressant Diet

Seasonal affective disorder often sneaks up on us. Then it sinks in: You are not alone in this.

Awesome Insights About Learning from Brain-Savvy Teens

By Judy Willis M.D., M.Ed. on September 20, 2018 in Radical Teaching

When children are taught that their minds literally change to become better at what they persistently work at, they are motivated knowing that their effort truly does pay dividends

Understanding the Metaphors in Your Dreams

By Kelly Bulkeley Ph.D, on September 13, 2018 in Dreaming in the Digital Age

Sometimes the strangest images in your dreams turn out to be amazingly creative metaphors, helping you understand the most important emotional experiences of your life.

Is Magnolia Bark the Missing Link For Your Sleep and Health?

By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 13, 2018 in Sleep Newzzz

If you’re not yet familiar with magnolia bark, you’re not alone. My patients are often unaware of this potent-with-health-benefits plant supplement.

How to Get Bad Sleep Back on Track

By Seth J. Gillihan Ph.D. on September 12, 2018 in Think, Act, Be

Your response to a few nights of bad sleep can determine whether your insomnia goes away or lasts for years.

Fathers Are Doing More Childcare Than Ever Before

By Michael Ungar Ph.D. on September 11, 2018 in Nurturing Resilience

When fathers take paternity leave, there's more gender equality. But with equality has also come pressure on men to meet expectations at home and on the job.

Menopause and Sleep Concerns? These Supplements Can Help

By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 10, 2018 in Sleep Newzzz

Last week, I talked about my favorite supplements to improve sleep—and the surprising ways they can also help women in menopause with other symptoms. Read on to learn a few more!

Never Hit the Snooze Button

By Fredric Neuman M.D. on September 10, 2018 in Fighting Fear

Two important reasons never to use the snooze alarm, and a discussion of different kinds of insomnia.

The False Heroism of Sleep Deprivation

By Kelly Bulkeley Ph.D, on September 05, 2018 in Dreaming in the Digital Age

News flash for Elon Musk: Sleep deprivation destroys the uniquely human abilities to be creative, innovative, adaptive, flexible, and capable of learning.

The Secret to Getting A’s? Getting More Z’s

By Ross E O'Hara, Ph.D. on September 05, 2018 in Nudging Ahead

Many college students are not getting enough sleep to be at their best. These evidence-based strategies can help them sleep better.

California Dreaming: Starting the School Day Later

By Joseph A. Buckhalt Ph.D. on September 03, 2018 in Child Sleep, From ZZZ's to A's

School Start Time movement wins a big one!

The A-Z of Strange and Bizarre Addictions, Part 3

By Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on September 03, 2018 in In Excess

A brief look at some of the strange, bizarre and non-traditional addictions that have been written about in the academic literature.

What Do Happy Teens Do?

By Jean M Twenge Ph.D. on August 31, 2018 in Our Changing Culture

How do happy teens spend their time?

The Myth of the Good Night's Sleep

By Mitchell M. Handelsman Ph.D. on August 31, 2018 in The Ethical Professor

Most of us have probably heard, or said, some variation of this:  “I’m going to do the right thing because I’ll sleep better at night.” That may not be true!

How to Deal with Anxiety Without Turning to Drugs

By Adi Jaffe Ph.D. on August 31, 2018 in All About Addiction

Roughly 40 percent of those who come for help with addictions say they struggle with anxiety. Everyone else tells them they first have to quit. But what about the anxiety?

Sleep: Essential to Intelligence, Health, and Happiness

By Dona Matthews Ph.D. on August 30, 2018 in Going Beyond Intelligence

Sleep is when your child’s body and brain repair damage from today and get ready for a happy, energetic, productive tomorrow. You can help ensure your kids get the sleep they need.

Should You Talk About Dreams at Work?

By Kelly Bulkeley Ph.D, on August 29, 2018 in Dreaming in the Digital Age

People who work closely together often dream of their jobs and each other. These dreams can be a powerful source of creative insight.

Can’t Sleep? Here’s the First Thing You Should Try

By Susan Biali M.D. on August 28, 2018 in Prescriptions for Life

Do you struggle with sleeplessness or poor quality sleep? Try this simple tool to figure out what might be wrong, and how to fix it.

What Is the Optimal Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Heart?

By Seth J. Gillihan Ph.D. on August 24, 2018 in Think, Act, Be

It's well known that too little sleep is bad for our health. A recent large study revealed that too much sleep may not be good for us, either.

Staying Healthy Doesn’t Need to Feel Like a Punishment

By Marika Lindholm Ph.D. on August 22, 2018 in More Than Women’s Work

Skip the extreme diets and the punishing workouts by following these tips for a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

The Connection Between Sex and Sleep

By Katherine Schreiber and Heather Hausenblas Ph.D. on August 22, 2018 in The Truth About Exercise Addiction

The connection between sex and sleep goes much deeper than the fact that both are typically done in bed.

Maintaining a Healthy Perspective

By Robert Wicks Psy.D. on August 21, 2018 in The Resilient Life

Here's how to practice self-care and maintain a healthy perspective in a troubled world.

Harmful effects of excessive screen time

Screen Time: The Impact on Kids and Parenting

By Azmaira H. Maker Ph.D. on August 19, 2018 in Helping Kids Cope

Are your kids spending excessive time on electronics? Tips and tools for parents.

Does Our Fear of Sleep Mirror Our Fear of Death?

By Kathleen Frazier on August 19, 2018 in From Sleepwalker to Sound Sleeper

Many writers and artists have ruminated about the connections between nightly sleep and our final sleep.

Sleep and Apathy

By Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on August 18, 2018 in Dream Catcher

Being tired is different from being apathetic, and sleep deprivation can induce both.

Honoring Your Big Dreams

By Kelly Bulkeley Ph.D, on August 17, 2018 in Dreaming in the Digital Age

The best thing you can do to understand your dreams and energize your dreaming imagination is simply this: honor your big dreams.

Do Weighted Blankets Really Ease Sleeplessness?

By Linda Wasmer Andrews on August 17, 2018 in Minding the Body

A growing number of insomnia sufferers are looking for a better night’s sleep under a weighted blanket. Here’s what is known—and what isn’t—about how these blankets may help.

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