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Hypnosis extends restorative slow-wave sleep

Researchers found that highly suggestible women experienced a significant increase in slow-wave sleep after listening to hypnosis, resulting in improved sleep quality. The study suggests that hypnosis could be a promising alternative to sleep-inducing drugs with no adverse side effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 2, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2007

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 20, 2004