Sleepless in America

Sleep

Good Sleep Is Needed More Than Ever in Stressful Times

John Cline Ph.D. on March 31, 2020

We are dealing with a situation that has not previously occurred in our lifetimes. We need to be resilient in the face of rapid change and intense stress. Good sleep can help.

We are dealing with a situation that has not previously occurred in our lifetimes. We need to be resilient in the face of rapid change and intense stress. Good sleep can help.

Sleep

Sleep in the Time of Pandemic

John Cline Ph.D. on March 17, 2020

In stressful times such as this, it is important to not neglect sleep. It may even help keep our immune systems healthy.

In stressful times such as this, it is important to not neglect sleep. It may even help keep our immune systems healthy.

Sleep

Can Getting Too Little Sleep Hurt Your Heart?

John Cline Ph.D. on December 31, 2019

For the first time, a recent study provided strong empirical evidence that getting too little sleep is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation.

For the first time, a recent study provided strong empirical evidence that getting too little sleep is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation.

Circadian Rhythm

Blue Light: Friend or Foe?

John Cline Ph.D. on December 30, 2019

Blue light is biologically active and directly affects the circadian rhythm. Whether this is healthy or harmful depends on the timing.

Blue light is biologically active and directly affects the circadian rhythm. Whether this is healthy or harmful depends on the timing.

Sleep

I Just Watched a Whole Season of Breaking Bad and It Is 3 AM

John Cline Ph.D. on December 30, 2019

Binge-watching television programs is a new form of entertainment consumption that has implications for insomnia, sleep quality, and daytime fatigue.

Binge-watching television programs is a new form of entertainment consumption that has implications for insomnia, sleep quality, and daytime fatigue.

Sleep

Could There Be a Genetic Reason for the Need to Sleep?

John Cline Ph.D. on September 30, 2019

Research indicates that the purpose of sleep may lie at the cellular level. Decreased activity of DNA in sleep may allow for needed repairs to chromosomes damaged in wakefulness.

Research indicates that the purpose of sleep may lie at the cellular level. Decreased activity of DNA in sleep may allow for needed repairs to chromosomes damaged in wakefulness.

Sleep

First Responders and Sleep

John Cline Ph.D. on September 29, 2019

Sleep problems limit the effectiveness of first responders and increase the danger of their work. A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure first responders get adequate sleep.

Sleep problems limit the effectiveness of first responders and increase the danger of their work. A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure first responders get adequate sleep.

Sleep

Hitler, Meth, and the War: Sleepless on the Western Front

John Cline Ph.D. on September 29, 2019

During World War II waring nations often used powerful stimulants to decrease the need for sleep and improve mental effectiveness. Unfortunately, there were long range costs.

During World War II waring nations often used powerful stimulants to decrease the need for sleep and improve mental effectiveness. Unfortunately, there were long range costs.

The use of advanced imaging techniques has led to increased understanding of the brain mechanisms responsible for sleep and dreams.

Dreaming

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

John Cline Ph.D. on June 30, 2019

Dreams have presented an enigma throughout human history but new research is illuminating the sources and reasons for their existence.

Dreams have presented an enigma throughout human history but new research is illuminating the sources and reasons for their existence.

Dreaming

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

John Cline Ph.D. on June 28, 2019

It is midsummer, a time often associated with dreams of future love. But what are dreams and where do they come from? Science has found it difficult to answer these questions.

It is midsummer, a time often associated with dreams of future love. But what are dreams and where do they come from? Science has found it difficult to answer these questions.

Sleep

Sleep Hallucinations: Could This Be Psychosis?

John Cline Ph.D. on March 31, 2019

Careful evaluation is needed when patients hear, see, or feel things that are not there. Sleep-related hallucinations are usually benign but could indicate a serious disorder.

Careful evaluation is needed when patients hear, see, or feel things that are not there. Sleep-related hallucinations are usually benign but could indicate a serious disorder.

Sleep

New Findings on Sleep and Brain Health

John Cline Ph.D. on March 31, 2019

New research shows that sleep deprivation increases the production and spread of proteins associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

New research shows that sleep deprivation increases the production and spread of proteins associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Sleep

Weighted Blankets Can Help with Insomnia

John Cline Ph.D. on March 26, 2019

Recent research shows that weighted blankets can help some people fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.

Recent research shows that weighted blankets can help some people fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.

Sleep

Caffeine Naps?

John Cline Ph.D. on December 31, 2018

Can we increase the effectiveness of naps? A cup of coffee before a brief nap can improve alertness more than the coffee or nap alone.

Can we increase the effectiveness of naps? A cup of coffee before a brief nap can improve alertness more than the coffee or nap alone.

Sleep

Treating Nightmare Disorder

John Cline Ph.D. on December 31, 2018

Psychological and behavioral therapies and medication are used to treat nightmares. The most effective treatments help to change the content and emotional tone of nightmares.

Psychological and behavioral therapies and medication are used to treat nightmares. The most effective treatments help to change the content and emotional tone of nightmares.

Sleep

When Nightmares Disturb More Than Sleep

John Cline Ph.D. on December 30, 2018

Nightmare disorder occurs when nightmares are intense, frequent, deeply disturbing, and cause difficulty with daytime functioning.

Nightmare disorder occurs when nightmares are intense, frequent, deeply disturbing, and cause difficulty with daytime functioning.

Sleep

Do You Sleep to a Binaural Beat?

John Cline Ph.D. on September 30, 2018

Slightly different frequencies can be delivered to each ear resulting in a binaural beat. These beats can be given at the frequency of known brain wave bands and may help us relax.

Slightly different frequencies can be delivered to each ear resulting in a binaural beat. These beats can be given at the frequency of known brain wave bands and may help us relax.

Misophonia

Understanding Misophonia

John Cline Ph.D. on September 30, 2018

Misophonia is a disorder of extreme emotional responses to innocuous sounds like slurping or lip-smacking. Treatments are being developed.

Misophonia is a disorder of extreme emotional responses to innocuous sounds like slurping or lip-smacking. Treatments are being developed.

ASMR

What Is ASMR and Why Are People Watching These Videos?

John Cline Ph.D. on September 26, 2018

ASMR is a sensory experience some people have; it's evoked by certain mundane sounds and sights. Some find it calming and say it helps them sleep.

ASMR is a sensory experience some people have; it's evoked by certain mundane sounds and sights. Some find it calming and say it helps them sleep.