Richard E. Cytowic M.D.

Standard Time Returns: 4 Ways to Reset Your Circadian Clock

No drug can shift the circadian phase to a new time zone the way that simply going to bed does.

No drug can shift the circadian phase to a new time zone the way that simply going to bed does.

Why We Feel Post-Pandemic Burnout and Exhaustion

Do less. Take a walk. Look up at trees. Soak in the silence. The energy bandwidth the brain has to work with is limited.

Do less. Take a walk. Look up at trees. Soak in the silence. The energy bandwidth the brain has to work with is limited.

Social Media Mixed With Isolation Is a Recipe for Discontent

For the outraged, people who disagree with a point of view are not merely wrong or have a different perspective: social media allows them to be dismissed as asinine, stupid, idiots, and evil.

For the outraged, people who disagree with a point of view are not merely wrong or have a different perspective: social media allows them to be dismissed as asinine, stupid, idiots, and evil.

Post–Pandemic Mindset II: Anxiety and Digital Distractions

Months of screens & enforced social isolation were enough to turn even the most outgoing moody, withdrawn, and reclusive. Extended screen reliance left many bored & burned out.

Months of screens & enforced social isolation were enough to turn even the most outgoing moody, withdrawn, and reclusive. Extended screen reliance left many bored & burned out.

Post–Pandemic Mindset I: Loneliness and Digital Distractions

The pandemic accelerated ill effects of digital distractions and left us starved for physical connections. It gave us a presentiment of future trends unless we change our habits.

The pandemic accelerated ill effects of digital distractions and left us starved for physical connections. It gave us a presentiment of future trends unless we change our habits.

The Brood X Cicadas: Invasion or Blessing?

The periodic insects are an ecological charm and nothing to fear. Some find them cute; some even tasty. You too can see them as an awesome spectacle of nature rather than ugly pests.

The periodic insects are an ecological charm and nothing to fear. Some find them cute; some even tasty. You too can see them as an awesome spectacle of nature rather than ugly pests.

How Should We Fix the Daylight Savings Disruption?

The “Sunshine Protection Act” proposed by senators gets it backwards. Permanent Standard Time, not Daylight Savings, is most in sync with the planet and human biology.

The “Sunshine Protection Act” proposed by senators gets it backwards. Permanent Standard Time, not Daylight Savings, is most in sync with the planet and human biology.

Repurposed Weight-Loss Drug Called a “Game Changer”

Over 90 percent of diabetics are overweight, and 45 percent of Americans are trying to lose weight at any given time. An old drug now promises to aid significant weight loss.

Over 90 percent of diabetics are overweight, and 45 percent of Americans are trying to lose weight at any given time. An old drug now promises to aid significant weight loss.

Why Dream—and What Are They For? Poets Answer Scientists

Do dreams consolidate memories, regulate our moods, or perhaps reveal something hidden about the dreamer? Here is what some famous thinkers and an expert oneirologist have to say.

Do dreams consolidate memories, regulate our moods, or perhaps reveal something hidden about the dreamer? Here is what some famous thinkers and an expert oneirologist have to say.

A Link Between Screen Exposure and Autism-Like Symptoms

Compelling theoretical reasons suggest a causal link between heavy screen exposure in early life and the development of autistic-like symptoms later on. More research is needed.

Compelling theoretical reasons suggest a causal link between heavy screen exposure in early life and the development of autistic-like symptoms later on. More research is needed.