Sleep

A Sleep Storyteller Reveals Her Secrets for Drifting Off Naturally

Inside the art of the bedtime story

By Phoebe Smith August 6, 2020

Individual Circadian Clocks Might Be the Next Frontier of Personalized Medicine

We used to think everyone needed eight hours of sleep. Not so, according to new science

By Mandy Oaklander August 6, 2020

‘A Rinsing of the Brain.’ New Research Shows How Sleep Could Ward Off Alzheimer's Disease

New research on its physiology shows why we need to take slumber seriously

By Alice Park August 6, 2020

Scientists Are Learning to Read—and Change—Your Nightmares

Dark images from the screening room of your brain

By Jeffrey Kluger August 6, 2020

Forget What You Think You Know About Blue Light and Sleep

It's become a virtually unchallenged piece of conventional wisdom that exposure to blue light—the type emitted by electronic device screens—is bad for sleep. That thinking has spurred a mini-industry of innovations meant to stop those...

By Jamie Ducharme January 10, 2020

The Sleep Habits That Can Improve Your Grades, According to a New Study

Here's how sleep influences grades

By Jamie Ducharme October 2, 2019

Go Ahead, Take a Nap. A New Study Says They May Be Good for Your Heart

Sweet dreams

By Jamie Ducharme September 9, 2019

The Science Behind Fever Dreams

Nearly everyone has experienced a fever and its attendant symptoms—from fatigue and body aches to hot flashes and chills. You may also have noticed strange or unusually vivid dreams while trying to sleep off an...

By Markham Heid June 11, 2019

Why Not Everyone Should Sleep with a White Noise Machine

Sleep sound machines—producing white, pink, or brown noise—can be indispensable for some. But the science shows they aren't for everyone.

By Markham Heid June 4, 2019

A Wake-Up Call On Smart Beds And Sleep Apps That Collect Your Data

Your bed could be watching you. OK, so not with a camera. At least not yet. But if you have any of a variety of “smart beds,” mattress pads or sleep apps, it knows when...

By Julie Appleby / Kaiser Health News May 29, 2019

Can You Really Catch Up on Lost Sleep? Here's What the Science Says

Plus, the best way to stay well-rested

By Jamie Ducharme March 4, 2019

Is Snoring Dangerous? Here's When to Worry

Winston Churchill was a notorious snorer. So, allegedly, was Queen Victoria. They have plenty of company. Roughly 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women snore every night or almost every night, according to...

By Markham Heid January 4, 2019

Here's Why You Shouldn't Take a Sleeping Pill Every Night

Tens of millions of Americans struggle to sleep at night, and many of them turn to sleeping pills for relief. Prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids are especially popular among older adults. A recent study published...

By Markham Heid October 9, 2018

The Scientific Secrets to Preventing Jet Lag

Traveling abroad can be exhilarating. But sometimes it’s easy to discount the crippling jet leg that can set in after traversing multiple time zones—leaving you exhausted, disoriented and possibly causing you to miss out on...

By Melissa Locker September 18, 2018

How Sleep Affects Your Relationships, According to Science

In a properly functioning body, sleep helps the brain process your emotions and memories from the day. You wake up well-rested with enough mental space to both create and log new memories and work through...

By Cassie Shortsleeve August 3, 2018

Do You Really Need Less Sleep As You Age?

Sleep needs vary widely, but they don’t drop much as you get older

By Markham Heid July 12, 2018

Can You Catch Up on Lost Sleep On the Weekends? Here’s What Experts Think

A new study tackled that question

By Jamie Ducharme May 24, 2018

13 Ways Being a Night Owl Could Hurt Your Health

Why experts say it's better to go to sleep earlier in the night — plus tips for a healthier bedtime routine

By Amanda MacMillan / Health.com May 15, 2018

How Being a Night Owl Endangers Your Health

Night owls may have a 10% higher risk of early death

By Alexandra Sifferlin April 12, 2018

You Asked: Why Do I Sweat When I Sleep?

Blame your sheets. Or your mattress. Or your meds.

By Markham Heid March 21, 2018

What 7 Sleep Experts Do When They Can’t Fall Asleep

Try these expert-approved tips the next time you're tossing and turning

By Sarah Klein / Health.com March 20, 2018

What Losing An Hour of Sleep Does to Your Body

It does more than just make you feel tired

By Jamie Ducharme March 9, 2018

The Reason You Should Sleep in Total Darkness

Invest in some blackout curtains

By Jamie Ducharme March 7, 2018

People Are Sleeping in 20-Minute Bursts To Boost Productivity. But Is It Safe?

Everything you need to know about the unorthodox sleep habit.

By Jamie Ducharme January 30, 2018

9 Things to Do When You Can’t Sleep Because Your Mind Is Racing

Here's how to quiet your busy brain–and finally get some rest

By Amanda MacMillan / Health January 23, 2018

Getting More Sleep May Help You Eat Less Sugar

Sleeping at least seven hours a night may help people eat less sugar, according to a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research also found that getting more shuteye was an...

By Amanda MacMillan January 12, 2018

Do This One Simple Thing to Fall Asleep Faster

It may seem counterintuitive, but one study shows it really works.

By Amanda MacMillan January 12, 2018

Working the Night Shift Could Raise Your Cancer Risk

Working the night shift is linked to a number of health issues, from heart disease to obesity to sleep disorders—and even cancer. Now, in a new report, researchers in China have found that women who...

By Alice Park January 8, 2018

This Food May Help You Sleep Better

Your brain may see a boost, too

By Jamie Ducharme December 22, 2017

Farming Is the Next Frontier in Luxury Retail

These are today's best ideas

By The Aspen Institute December 21, 2017

Stop Reading Lists of Things Successful People Do

These are today's best ideas

By The Aspen Institute December 19, 2017

Here's What Your Recurring Nightmares Actually Mean

Everyone has a bad dream once in a while. But having the same one over and over may signal that something specific is missing in your daily life, new research suggests. Men and women in...

By Amanda MacMillan December 15, 2017

This Is Why You Twitch Right Before You Go To Sleep

Here’s what you need to know about hypnic or hypnagogic jerks, which strike as a sufferer falls into a deep sleep

By Kate Samuelson December 4, 2017

What Are the Worst Financial Decisions You Can Make? Here’s What People Are Saying

Do not try these things with your money

By Ashley Hoffman October 26, 2017

Today’s Journalism Still Inspires Future Generations

These are today's best ideas

By The Aspen Institute October 6, 2017

Yoga Improves Sleep in People Being Treated For Cancer

People receiving chemotherapy are often plagued by insomnia at night and excessive drowsiness during the day. But a new study in the journal Cancer suggests that yoga can help. Breast cancer patients in the study...

By Amanda MacMillan September 20, 2017

Moving When You’re Young Might Strengthen Your Adult Brain

These are today's best ideas

By The Aspen Institute September 12, 2017

What Your Dreams Actually Mean, According to Science

Why do you dream about flying or losing all your teeth?

By Jeffrey Kluger September 12, 2017

Sleeping With Your Dog Has Health Benefits

Good news, dog lovers: Letting your four-legged friend into the bedroom does not worsen your sleep, according to a new Mayo Clinic study—and it may actually help you rest easier. But before you cuddle up...

By Amanda MacMillan September 11, 2017

Binge Watchers Have a 98% Greater Risk of Sleep Problems

We're looking at you, Netflix

By Amanda MacMillan / Health.com August 18, 2017

What It's Like to Have Exploding Head Syndrome

If you've ever heard a sudden loud noise in your sleep, which turns out to be imaginary, you're not losing the plot

By Kate Samuelson July 24, 2017

Your Significant Other Could Be Making Your Sleep Worse

A new study finds that the majority of bed partners encouraged behavior that could exacerbate their partner's sleeping woes.

By Amanda MacMillan / Real Simple June 14, 2017

Why Sleeping In May Be Dangerous

Social jet lag—when you stay up late and sleep in—may contribute to bad moods, fatigue, and heart disease

By Amanda MacMillan / Real Simple June 8, 2017

This Is When Babies Should Start Sleeping On Their Own

A new study calls into question current guidelines about when parents should let infants start sleeping on their own

By Alice Park June 5, 2017

How to Recover When You’re Sleep Deprived

No, caffeine isn't the answer

By Stacey Colino / Real Simple May 23, 2017

This Week in Health: Sleep Better, Cure Hiccups and Beware of Ticks

This week's health stories brought good news for people who have trouble sleeping. It's possible to get better rest by using these 6 natural remedies—without ever popping a sleeping pill. Here’s what else caught our...

By Mandy Oaklander May 4, 2017

5 Steps to Take to Become a Morning Person

Sleeping Well Can Keep Your Heart Healthy

Why You're Grinding Your Teeth—And How to Stop

Why Sleeping In On School Days May Be Good for Teen Health