FeaturedNeuroscience·September 26, 2024·3 min readPoor Sleep in Pregnancy Linked to Developmental RisksNew research suggests that pregnant women who get less than seven hours of sleep per night may have a higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays. The study, involving over 7,000 mother-child pairs, found that children of mothers with short sleep duration (SSD) were more likely to experience delays in cognitive, behavioral, and motor skills.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 23, 2024·4 min readMelatonin Receptor is Key to REM Sleep and MemoryScientists have identified the melatonin MT1 receptor as a key regulator of REM sleep, crucial for memory, dreaming, and emotional regulation. This discovery may pave the way for targeted treatments for sleep disorders and conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia, which are linked to REM disruptions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 23, 2024·6 min read“Sleeping on It” Helps With Rational Decision MakingA new study reveals that while snap judgments heavily influence decisions made immediately, "sleeping on it" helps people make more rational choices. Researchers found that participants who made instant decisions about valuable items overestimated their worth based on first impressions.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscience·September 12, 2024·5 min readManipulating Brain Waves During Sleep With SoundSound stimulation can manipulate brain waves during REM sleep, a stage crucial for memory and cognition. Using advanced technology, researchers were able to increase the frequency of brain oscillations that slow down in dementia patients, potentially improving memory functions. The non-invasive technique could pave the way for innovative treatments for dementia by targeting brain activity during sleep. This approach offers hope for enhancing memory and cognition with minimal disruption to patients' lives.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 5, 2024·4 min readLong-Term Cannabis Use Linked to Sleep and Memory IssuesLong-term cannabis users experience more sleep problems, which are associated with poorer visuospatial memory performance. Researchers compared 141 regular cannabis users to 87 non-users and found that chronic cannabis use may worsen both sleep and memory, despite its common use as a sleep aid.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 5, 2024·3 min readGroup Sleeping: How Social Sleep Affects Rest PatternsA new paper argues that group living significantly affects how animals sleep, with behaviors like synchronized REM sleep in mice and sleep suppression in bumblebees. Most sleep studies focus on individual animals in lab settings, missing the social context of sleep in the wild.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 16, 2024·4 min readSleep Resets Neurons to Keep Learning PossibleSummary: During sleep, the brain resets memory by silencing specific neurons in the hippocampus, allowing for continuous learning without overloading....Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 6, 2024·5 min readLoneliness Linked to NightmaresResearch reveals that loneliness is linked to an increased frequency and intensity of nightmares, highlighting the connection between social isolation and sleep disturbances. The study suggests that stress, rumination, and hyperarousal contribute to these effects, indicating that loneliness affects mental and physical well-being. This research supports the evolutionary theory that a sense of belonging is crucial for human survival. Addressing loneliness may potentially improve sleep quality and overall health.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·July 22, 2024·4 min readDaily Naps and Brain Training Reduce Dementia RiskExercising our brains with daily habits like naps and memory workouts, instead of relying on smartphones, can reduce the risk of age-related dementia. A new study highlights the superiority of human intelligence over AI. The study emphasizes nurturing our brain's potential for healthy aging. It also offers practical tips for boosting brain power and maintaining real intelligence.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 17, 2024·6 min readNighttime Exercise Breaks May Extend Sleep by 27 MinutesA new suggests that three-minute resistance exercise breaks every 30 minutes in the evening can extend sleep duration by an average of 27 minutes. This practice doesn't disrupt sleep quality and could reduce cardiometabolic disease risk. Participants engaged in simple exercises like chair squats and calf raises. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in real-life settings.Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscience·July 16, 2024·10 min readBrain Areas Take Micro-Naps While the Rest Stays AwakeNew research shows sleep can be detected by brain activity patterns just milliseconds long. This study found small brain regions can momentarily "flicker" awake or asleep, challenging traditional views on sleep and wake states.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 16, 2024·3 min readSleep Patterns Linked to Cognitive Health in WomenThe REFRESH-NOW study investigates the impact of sleep duration and irregularity on cognitive health in women aged 55 and older. Using activity trackers and a smartphone app, researchers aim to understand how sleep disturbances contribute to dementia development.Read More
