Sleep and Dreams

Fall asleep, stay asleep and find out why it's important to sleep. You can also learn why some people take walks or eat while they sleep.

Topics to Explore

How Fatal Familial Insomnia Works

Why are some people early birds and others are night owls?

10 Tips for Better Sleep

Does sleep deprivation lead to risky decisions?

Learn More

Do Weighted Blankets Help With Sleep?

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 Jun 17, 2019 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Can You Fall Asleep With Your Eyes Open?

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

By Alia Hoyt Dec 18, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

How Sleep Consolidates Our Memories

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

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 11, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Can Military Meditation Techniques Help You Fall Asleep Fast?

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

By Cherise Threewitt Oct 10, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

The Better Sleep Quiz

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 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Does Sleeping On Your Side Stop Snoring?

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 Sep 13, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Why Socks Help You Sleep Better

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

By Dave Roos Sep 4, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

More Bad News for People With Insomnia

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

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Aug 22, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Why Are You So Tired? 5 Most Common Sleep Mistakes

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 Jul 18, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Yes, You Can Catch Up On Your Sleep!

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 Jun 1, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Pulling Off the Perfect Power Nap

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 May 16, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Being a Night Owl Can Shorten Your Life

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 Apr 20, 2018 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Why Some People Can't Sleep Without a Fan

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 Nov 7, 2017 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Why Do People Fall Asleep in Movie Theaters?

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 Jul 25, 2017 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Social Jet Lag May Be Bad for Your Heart

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

By Dave Roos Jun 19, 2017 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Sleeping Just a Few Hours Sounds Great, But Could It Work?

Imagine how much more you could get accomplished if you didn’t waste all that time sleeping, and just napped in short bursts through the day. Is that feasible?

By Jonathan Strickland Jan 20, 2017 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

How Fever Dreams Work

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

By Oisin Curran Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

How Night Terrors Work

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 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

First Night in a New Place? One Brain Half Will Stay Up and Keep Watch

Researchers have discovered that the human brain essentially sleeps with one eye open during the first night in a new spot.

By Robert Lamb May 11, 2016 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

One Simple Way to Get More Sleep: Lower the Thermostat

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 Apr 28, 2016 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Could This Snore-canceling Device Save Your Relationship?

A new product uses sound waves to block the noise created by snorers. But does it really work?

By Nichole Bazemore Mar 29, 2016 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

The Nightmare Is Over: Researchers Discover the Switch for REM Sleep

Scientists have found a way to send mice tumbling into REM sleep almost instantly. And that could have big implications for sleep research.

By John Donovan Oct 23, 2015 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics

Can lucid dreams kill you?

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 Sleep & Dreams / Dreams

Why are some people early birds and others are night owls?

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 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Basics