Sleep Science

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Why and how we sleep is what sleep science is all about. A good way to figure out why we sleep is looking at what would happen if we would stop sleeping. Not getting enough sleep would have serious consequences on our brains’ ability to function. Even more than the usual grumpiness, grogginess, irritability, and forgetfulness after pulling an all-nighter. With continuous lack of sleep, language, memory, and even sense of time start to be severely affected. In contrast, as little as seventeen hours of continued wakefulness leads to a decrease in performance comparable to an alcohol level of 0.05%. In addition, Sleep science shows that sleep-deprived humans also have trouble responding to rapidly changing situations and making rational judgments. Consequently, the reason we sleep is that our body and mind need it to function properly.

Always sleeping through your alarm? What it means to be a heavy sleeper and what you can do about it

If not even a bang could disturb your slumber, you may be a heavy sleeper. Find out why and what you can do about it.

Jan 24, 2023 Sleep Science Monica Garcia

Visual representing beauty sleep scene with a sleepy man

Is beauty sleep real? How lack of sleep can affect your appearance – and social life

We take a closer look at the face of sleep deprivation and what you can do to get enough ‘beauty sleep’ to look and feel your best.

Dec 29, 2022 Sleep Science Susanne Lindberg Mikkelsen

visual showing melatonin jars and planes (representing jet lag)

Melatonin series (4): Sleep Cycle’s 3-Step melatonin plan for jet lag

For this fourth and final part in our series, our Head of Sleep Science Mike Gradisar will walk us through how melatonin can be used to lessen the impact of jet lag, and take you – literally – along for his recent ride from Australia to Sweden.

Oct 27, 2022 Sleep Science Dr. Michael Gradisar

visual of a man that can't sleep because of high levels of cortisol

Cortisol and Sleep – Your top questions answered to help you achieve healthy stress hormone levels

Cortisol (aka the stress hormone) is vital for our health and necessary for our daily performance. But what is it and how does it affect sleep? We answer your most frequently asked questions about how cortisol interferes with sleep and explore ways to stimulate healthy cortisol levels

Oct 20, 2022 Sleep Science Susanne Lindberg Mikkelsen

visual representing the 2 phases of bipolar disorder

The two-way relationship between sleep and bipolar disorder

We take a closer look at the role of sleep (or lack of it) in the different phases of bipolar disorder.

Oct 6, 2022 Sleep Science Anju Khanna Saggi

visual of a cup of coffee reflecting a sleepy woman

Why caffeine also makes you sleepy

We all know that caffeine is a stimulant that we’ve come to rely on for a little boost. So why is it that your double shot espresso sometimes has no effect and in some cases, even makes you feel sleepy?

Sep 29, 2022 Sleep Science Susanne Lindberg Mikkelsen

Melatonin series (3): Magnesium vs Melatonin: Which one works best for sleep?

Our Head of sleep Science pits melatonin against another popular supplement that is used for sleep – magnesium. Which one is better for sleep? Figure it out here.

Sep 22, 2022 Sleep Science Dr. Michael Gradisar

Food coma: What’s the deal with that sleepy feeling after eating?

There’s no debate that the post-lunch dip is a very real condition experienced by many of us. But why does it happen and how can we prevent it?

Sep 1, 2022 Sleep Science Anju Khanna Saggi

visual of a women thinking about the uses of melatonin besides sleep

Melatonin series (2): What can melatonin be used for (besides sleep)?

In this 2nd blog, our Head of Sleep Science, Prof Mike Gradisar, will demonstrate how melatonin can be used for an array of different issues – that are not sleep related!

Aug 11, 2022 Sleep Science Dr. Michael Gradisar

visual showing the link between sleep and immune system

Sleep & The Immune System

From removing waste products in our cells to creating new collagen in our skin, sleep helps keep our body fit and ready to take on another day. However, recent evidence has highlighted another area where getting a good night’s kip can benefit us greatly: our immune system.

Jul 21, 2022 Sleep Science Sophie Bishop

Melatonin series (1) – Melatonin in numbers: dosage, frequency and (almost) everything you need to know

Welcome to our first blog of a four-part series on melatonin and sleep. In this series, our Head of Sleep Science, Dr. Michael Gradisar, provides some answers to a host of common questions about using melatonin for sleep. Confused by all the conflicting information on the internet about melatonin? Then, read on!

Jul 14, 2022 Sleep Science Dr. Michael Gradisar

visual representing the 2 main chronotypes - owl and lark

What is your sleep chronotype?

Are you a night owl or a morning lark? Answer the questions throughout the flowchart to find out.

May 26, 2022 Sleep Quizzes, Sleep Science Anju Khanna Saggi

Sleep & Dreams: FAQ – We answer all the questions you’ve ever dreamt of

Dreams are something we have in common with all humans and animals, even though they can be elusive to grasp or remember once we’re awake. We took the challenge to shortlist your most frequently asked dream-related questions.

May 12, 2022 Sleep Science Anju Khanna Saggi

visual representing the polyphasic sleep schedule

The polyphasic sleep schedule dilemma

Polyphasic sleep might work for self-employed people or those who enjoy a more flexible lifestyle but from a practical perspective, can your schedule accommodate it?

May 10, 2022 Sleep Science Neil Clark