The idea that you can gradually train your body to function optimally on less sleep has become a badge of honor in our productivity-obsessed culture, but this belief is based on a fundamental ...

Sleep Cycles: One rapid eye movement (REM) stage and three non-REM stages that altogether last about 90 to 120 minutes Benefits: Physical and mental recuperation and memory consolidation Disorders: ...

How does your brain know when it's time to sleep? There are two main factors: Hours Awake. The longer you've been awake, the stronger your drive for sleep. Circadian Rhythm. Your body operates on a ...

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American We all know we should get more sleep, we're ...