Why Sleep Matters
Benefits of Sleep
Why Sleep Matters (6:13)
Sleep researchers are discovering how sleep is vital for learning and memory, and how lack of sleep impacts our health, safety, and longevity. watch video
Sleep, Learning and Memory
Sleep, Learning, and Memory (1:52)
Dr. Robert Stickgold discusses how sleep plays a role in memory, both before and after a new learning situation. watch video
Persistent Effect of Sleep on Learning (0:43)
Dr. Robert Stickgold describes studies that show the importance of sleep in memory consolidation after learning a new task. watch video
Consequences of Sleep Deficiency
Sleep and Disease Risk
Sleep and Health (0:36)
Dr. Orfeu Buxton describes how animal and human studies suggest that adequate sleep is crucial for a long and healthy life. watch video
Sleep Deprivation and Cardiovascular Risk (0:31)
Dr. Janet Mullington discusses how studies suggest a link between sleep deprivation and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. watch video
Sleep, Performance and Public Safety
Sleep Loss & Perception of Performance (1:06)
Dr. Robert Stickgold discusses a study that suggests a link between sleep loss and increased impairment in judgment. watch video
Drowsy Driving (0:42)
Dr. Charles Czeisler discusses the link between motor vehicle accidents and tired drivers. watch video
Factors That Affect Performance (1:43)
Dr. Charles Czeisler describes four factors that affect alertness and performance. watch video
Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Sleep
Milestones in Sleep
Discovery of Brain Activity During Sleep (0:55)
Dr. Robert Stickgold describes the discovery of electrical brain activity during sleep, a milestone in sleep research in the 1950s. watch video
Invention of the Light Bulb (1:15)
Dr. Dennis Dean discusses how the light bulb has exposed the human system to light at times that would normally be dark, and the impact this has had on how long people sleep. watch video
Discovery of Sleep Inertia (1:06)
Dr. Charles Czeisler describes the discovery of the phenomenon of sleep inertia by the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s. watch video
The Science of Sleep
What is Sleep?
The Characteristics of Sleep
Brain Activity During REM Sleep (0:29)
Dr. Steven Shea describes the brain’s activity during REM sleep. watch video
Changes in the Body During Sleep (0:43)
Dr. Thomas Scammell describes the changes that the body goes through during a typical night of sleep. watch video
Sleep and Dreams (1:11)
Dr. Robert Stickgold describes the physiological underpinnings for why we might dream about the things we do. watch video
Natural Patterns of Sleep
REM and NREM Sleep (1:21)
Dr. Thomas Scammell describes the different stages of sleep and their characteristics. watch video
Sleep Patterns Across the Night (0:46)
Dr. Thomas Scammell describes the cycles of REM and NREM sleep that occur throughout the night. watch video
How is Sleep Regulated?
Under the Brain's Control
The Brain and Sleep (2:04)
Dr. Thomas Scammell discusses how structures and chemicals in the brain are responsible for producing both wakefulness and sleep. watch video
The Drive to Sleep and Our Internal Clock
The Biological Clock and Sleep Homeostat (1:25)
Dr. Charles Czeisler describes the interaction between the internal biological clock and the sleep homeostat. watch video
External Factors that Influence Sleep
Smoking and Sleep (0:56)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein describes how nicotine in cigarettes can prevent or disrupt sleep. watch video
Caffeine and Sleep (0:43)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein describes how caffeine works to promote alertness, but can also inhibit restful sleep. watch video
Alcohol and Sleep (0:26)
Dr. Stephen Amira describes how alcohol consumption can lead to disrupted sleep. watch video
Genetics, Aging and Sleep
Sleep and Aging
Sleep Changes in Children (1:05)
Dr. Richard Ferber describes the typical changes in sleep from early childhood through adolescence. watch video
Sleep Problems in Older Adults (1:17)
Dr. Jean Duffy describes some of the underlying causes of sleep problems in older adults. watch video
Profiles of Changes with Age
Kirsten’s Story: Developing Sleep Routines in Children (4:49)
Balancing the demands of work and parenthood, Kirsten explores how developing sleep routines in her children can help ensure a lifetime of healthy sleep habits. watch video
Matt’s Story: Rethinking School Start Times (4:12)
Because their body rhythms drift in a later direction, many teens struggle to wake up for school. Matt decides that it is time to address this problem at his school. watch video
Sleep Strategies Later in Life (4:22)
Sleep problems are not inevitable as we age, though individuals need to pay attention to healthy sleep habits. watch video
Genetics of Sleep
Larks, Owls, and Genetics (1:19)
Dr. Anne-Marie Chang describes how certain genes can affect whether an individual feels more alert and active in the morning or in the evening. watch video
Getting the Sleep You Need
Overcoming Factors that Interfere with Sleep
Ways to Ensure Good Sleep (0:55)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein describes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure good sleep. watch video
Behavioral Sleep Consultation
The Problem (1:27)
Margaret describes her lifelong struggle with insomnia. watch video
The Consultation (4:18)
Margaret meets with Dr. Stephen Amira, a behavioral sleep specialist, to identify the possible causes of her insomnia. watch video
The Strategies (3:14)
Dr. Amira presents Margaret with a program of strategies designed to help her get better sleep. watch video
The Results (2:10)
Margaret talks about the challenges and successes she has had after six weeks of implementing the behavioral sleep strategies. watch video
Twelve Simple Tips to Improve Your Sleep
Caffeine and Sleep (0:43)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein describes how caffeine works to promote alertness, but can also inhibit restful sleep. watch video
Maintaining a Consistent Wake Time (1:13)
Dr. Stephen Amira describes the importance of waking up at the same time each day. watch video
To Nap or Not? (0:35)
Dr. Stephen Amira discusses the benefits of short naps. watch video
Jet Lag and Shift Work
Jet Lag and How to Mitigate its Effects (1:11)
Dr. Dennis Dean describes how jet lag affects the body and suggests ways to minimize the negative effects. watch video
Shift Work and Sleep Problems (1:14)
Dr. Charles Czeisler describes some of the sleep problems that are typical to shift workers. watch video
The Social Challenges of Daytime Sleep (0:44)
Dr. Dennis Dean describes how social factors and family obligations make sleeping during the day difficult for those working at night. watch video
Advice for Shift Workers (1:29)
Dr. Charles Czeisler suggests some healthy sleep strategies for night shift workers. watch video
When to Seek Treatment
What to Expect from a Sleep Evaluation (1:39)
Dr. Lawrence Epstein discusses what to expect from a sleep evaluation and sleep study. watch video
An Overview of Sleep Disorders
Discussing Sleep With Your Doctor (0:42)
Dr. Larry Epstein describes the types of questions that doctors should be asking patients about their sleep. watch video