Brian Fagan, University of California, Santa Barbara
Today’s beds are thought of as bastions of privacy. But not long ago, they were the perches from which kings ruled and places where travelers hunkered down with complete strangers.
Our body knows how it is moving and where it is because of a sense called proprioception, a ‘sixth sense’ that helps your body know where it is in the world. And it works even while you’re asleep.
Adults are not the only people in the US who have problems with sleep – babies and children suffer from loss of sleep, too. Two pediatric sleep experts explain how you can help your little ones.
You are tired. Would nine more minutes really hurt? Is hitting the snooze button a good idea? Should you just get out of bed? Or is snoozing a sign of a more serious medical issue?
Scott Winter, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University dan Stephen Rice, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Pilots are often overtired, making them prone to errors. Some countries let them sleep on the job – under strict rules. Pilots love the idea, but consumers are wary, for now.
Many adolescents have trouble sleeping - but limiting screen use is not the solution. When used correctly, bedtime use of devices can be beneficial to mental health, without harming sleep quality.
When teenagers sleep for less than eight hours a night, they are at increased risk of suicide, being overweight, high rates of injury, poor sustained attention and low school grades.
Washington, California and Florida are mulling a permanent switch to DST. Proponents say that doing so could improve health, save energy and prevent crime.
Calvin Coolidge, during one stretch of his presidency, was getting 15 hours of shut-eye each day, while William Howard Taft was known for nodding off during public events.