We already know from previous research that teens who self-report feeling drowsy mid-afternoon also tend to exhibit more anti-social behavior such as lying, cheating, stealing and fighting. Startling new research now shows that those same teens are 4.5 times more likely to commit violent crimes a decade and a half later. “It’s the first study…
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The urge is strong to binge watch one more Netflix show, read just a few more Facebook posts, or answer a couple more texts. It can keep you from getting into your bed far later than you should. But, do you think that would change if you didn’t have TV a laptop, a smartphone, or…
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It’s well known that humans and other animals are fatigued and sleepy when sick, and it certainly makes sense when you think about why, but new research is telling us how the process works. It turns out a microscopic roundworm is providing an explanation, and it could lead to treatment for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome….
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While SleepBetter is generally against the use of over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, the use of many, including melatonin, is increasing. There’s a new reason we should all be concerned. A new study suggests that the amount of melatonin in dietary supplements could vary widely from what is listed on the label. Results of the Canadian research…
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Naps aren’t just good for keeping preschoolers from getting too cranky in the afternoon, they also help them learn. A new study from the University of Arizona suggests naptime plays an important role in language learning in preschool-age children. Researchers studied verb learning in 3-year-olds and found that those who napped after learning new verbs…
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When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy! He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep. Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org. He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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New research says individuals experiencing insomnia symptoms have a higher risk of developing asthma. Asthma affects approximately 300 million people worldwide, with major risk factors including smoking, obesity and air pollution. More recently, symptoms of depression and anxiety have been associated with a risk of developing asthma in adulthood. Sleep researcher and last author of the…
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Studying mice, scientists at Johns Hopkins have provided still more evidence that a key purpose of sleep is to recalibrate the brain cells responsible for learning and memory, so the animals can “solidify” lessons learned and use them when they awaken. The researchers, all of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, also report they…
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Filling the day with natural light and the night with true darkness for as little as a weekend can have a profound impact on how well we fall asleep and stay asleep, according to new research from the Colorado University. “These studies suggest that our internal clock responds strongly and quite rapidly to the…
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The hype for the big game is rolling at full speed now, as we barrel toward a match-up between Atlanta and New England. We hope the involved NFL players are getting their sleep this week, but the problem for the rest of us will be making sure our Super Bowl Monday isn’t a complete loss…
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