Sleep and Dreams

Imagine being trapped in a cave or being completely blind. Would you know when to sleep and wake? And how would that throw off your body clock?

By Jennifer Walker-Journey

You've probably had a scary dream where you fell off a cliff, were naked in public or were chased by a monster. What causes these nightmares and can you lessen their occurrence?

By Alia Hoyt

The forcible daylight saving time body clock shift we undergo as the time changes and we spring forward has some serious repercussions. Here are some ways to make the change easier.

By Deepa Burman & Hiren Muzumdar

Getting enough sleep and finding the healthiest position to sleep in go hand in hand. So, side, back, stomach? Which is the healthiest way to sleep?

By Laurie L. Dove

Four weeks and 4,000 miles is a long time to get by on catnaps during a solo sailing race. So, researchers set out to find whether there was a sleep strategy that worked best.

By Nathan Chandler

Sleeping with a weighted blanket is said to help alleviate stress and anxiety by creating a "snuggle effect." But does science back this up?

By Nathan Chandler & Kate Kershner

Or what about half open? It's more common than you might think.

By Alia Hoyt

A new study determined it takes a split second for our brains to replay and store certain memories when we sleep.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

Americans are deprived of sleep. And it's becoming a public health crisis. Could the military really help out?

By Cherise Threewitt

When your quality of sleep degrades, your whole life — from work to family — begins to fray at the edges. Do you know some of the basics of getting better sleep?

By Nathan Chandler

If you sleep with someone who snores, you may've read that you should wake them up and have them turn on their side to stop the problem. But does it work?

By Dave Roos

Wearing socks to bed may not look sexy, but it can be a lifesaver at helping you fall asleep faster.

By Dave Roos

A new study just found the sleeping disorder could make you gain weight. Awesome.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? We'll give you the most common reasons why you're tired and how to fix them.

By Dave Roos

Experts have long advised people to get up at the same time each day for better sleep long-term. But a new study is great news for people who like to sleep in on their days off.

By Alia Hoyt

Most sleep experts recommend a nap of 20 to 30 minutes in the afternoon, but some say that longer naps bring about significant improvement in creative problem-solving.

By Dave Roos

Not getting enough quality sleep can take a serious toll on your mental and physical well-being. It can also shorten your life.

By Carrie Tatro

Are you one of those people who can't fall asleep without the sound of a fan? The reason may have something to do with your "sleep spindles."

By Alia Hoyt

Even if the film is full of blasting bombs and flashing lights, it might not be enough to stop some folks from nodding off.

By Dave Roos

A new study links sleeping in on the weekends with an increased likelihood of heart disease.

By Dave Roos

They're not hallucinations, but they're not just regular nightmares, either.

By Oisin Curran

Don't worry, you'll grow out of it – unless you're among the tiny percent of adults who still experience horrific sleep visions. Learn all about night terrors at HowStuffWorks.

By Oisin Curran

Arianna Huffington's new book on sleep got us thinking about how to get better zzzs. Could lowering the thermostat work for you, too?

By Kathryn Whitbourne

If you're aware you're dreaming and you face certain death, does the real you die when the dream you does? It's a mind-bending question.

By Laurie L. Dove

Are you up with the birds or burning the midnight oil? Or somewhere in between? The reason why you love getting up early, or hate it, has a lot to do with genetics.

By Alia Hoyt