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Tired neurons caught nodding off in sleep-deprived rats

A new study in sleep-deprived rats reveals that even when awake and active, scattered groups of neurons can briefly fall asleep, leading to declines in task performance. This phenomenon is more analogous to local lapses seen in epilepsy and may help explain impaired cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals.

Study suggests that healthy adults may need less sleep as they age

A recent study published in the journal SLEEP found that healthy older adults can expect to have a reduced 'sleep need' and be less sleepy during the day compared to younger adults. Despite decreased total sleep time with age, older adults displayed less subjective and objective daytime sleep propensity.

Lack of deep sleep may increase risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that suppressing slow-wave sleep in healthy young adults significantly decreases their ability to regulate blood-sugar levels. After only three nights of selective slow-wave sleep suppression, subjects became less sensitive to insulin, resulting in reduced tolerance to glucose and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Slow wave activity during sleep is lower in African-Americans than Caucasians

Research suggests that African-Americans experience lower slow wave activity (SWA) during sleep than Caucasians, a finding that may relate to reported poor sleep quality and higher risk of insulin resistance. This difference in SWA could impact physical health, emotional well-being, mental abilities, productivity, and performance.

Study puts us one step closer to understanding the function of sleep

Researchers have discovered a way to induce slow waves typical of deep sleep using transcranial magnetic stimulation, which could lead to treatments for insomnia and improve memory consolidation. The study suggests that artificial slow waves may reduce brain overload and energy consumption during sleep.

New research explores 'early bird' and 'night owl' sleep patterns

A study using three strains of inbred laboratory rats found significant variations in slow wave sleep, activity, and rest periods, suggesting a genetic link to the 'early bird' and 'night owl' phenomenon. The research aims to establish the genomic basis of normal and abnormal variation in sleep patterns.

Brain reverberations during sleep

Researchers recorded neuronal firing patterns in rats during normal sleep-wake cycles and found that neural activity reappeared after novel experiences for up to 48 hours. This reverberation was enhanced during slow-wave sleep and may support a mechanism for recalling and amplifying memories.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Evidence that memories are consolidated during sleep

Researchers used neural recording technology to find 'reverberations' of brain wave patterns after novel experiences, which lingered in areas for up to 48 hours. The study suggests that slow-wave sleep amplifies memory traces and REM sleep triggers gene expression for memory storage.