Sleep
Latest about Sleep
![Woman resting in a hammock in a summer garden covering her face with a straw hat.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AmdT9xRAwshBRq7eRvPQRH-320-80.jpg)
'Power naps' improve memory and lower heart disease risk, but long naps can have drawbacks
By Steven Bender published
Short naps at the right time of day can boost focus, help solidify memories and potentially improve heart health.
![A woman lying in bed with covers pulled over her. She holds the back of one hand up to her face as if just waking up, and her expression looks tired](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xUd6cJuneSWz2Jp9fJTY34-320-80.jpg)
Can the menstrual cycle affect people's sleep and dreams?
By Lou Mudge published
Reproductive hormones may interfere with sleep quality and affect dreaming at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
![photo of an older man with white hair and a blue shirt sleeping in bed. his mouth is slightly open and a woman can be seen lying near him covering her ears as if he's snoring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zaPbScZM9DEfWajj5MR45N-320-80.jpg)
Sleep apnea linked to changes in the brain's wiring that may raise risk of dementia, stroke
By Rebecca Sohn published
Sleep apnea and a lack of deep sleep may be linked to abnormalities in the brain's white matter.
![middle age white man lies in bed with a bedside lamp turned on on the table beside him. He's looking at an alarm clock that reads 3:08.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T9oi3Wk2hjq32kTYQC9XJG-320-80.jpg)
Irregular sleep may increase your risk of dying from cancer and heart disease
By Carissa Wong published
Waking and sleeping at inconsistent times may increase the risk of dying from cancer or heart disease death in middle-age and older adults.
![A woman working on her laptop in bed yawns because she is so tired.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8tz2NUih8fRavQdetWyFAG-320-80.jpg)
How long can you go without sleep?
By Donavyn Coffey published
And what can happen to your body if you stay awake way past your bedtime?
![photo of a woman in with long, dark hair lying in bed under a large blanket. She holds both hands over her face as if struggling to sleep](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/knUs84LZ3SNoEpB8eN8yym-320-80.jpg)
Human brain looks years 'older' after just one night without sleep, small study shows
By Rebecca Sohn published
A study suggests that just one night of sleep deprivation may be linked to structural changes in the brain, similar to those seen in aging.
![Mother and daughter snuggling on sofa, child is sleeping on mothers lap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/53D4zB82vvTfEvR7DZvmbJ-320-80.jpg)
What is sleep talking? We look at the science
By Amy Arthur published
Discover the science behind sleep talking, a behavior that over half the general population experiences at some point in their life.
![woman drinking a glass of wine at night as she looks at her smartphone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EMSs9dUQtM7YPTcKH4yPmZ-320-80.jpg)
How does alcohol affect sleep?
By Joanne Lewsley published
A nightcap can often make people feel tired, but how does alcohol affect sleep?
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