What makes a person an early riser or a night owl? Chronotype is influenced by differences in circadian rhythm, which refers to the fundamental 24-hour physiological cycle essential for various molecular and behavioral processes. It helps regulate sleep patterns. The timing of circadian rhythms varies across individuals and is influenced by both environmental and genetic […]

Introduction Sleep is a critical component of optimal health. A healthy sleep comprises various aspects, including adequate duration, good quality, and the absence of sleep disorders. Inadequate sleep at night is generally associated with: - Daytime sleepiness - Daytime fatigue - Depressed mood - Poor functioning - Other health issues Sleep duration refers to the […]

Introduction: What Is Snoring? Snoring is the loud or harsh sound from the nose or mouth that occurs when breathing is partially obstructed. The sound is produced when the soft palate and other soft tissues (such as uvula, tonsils, nasal turbinates, and others) in the upper airway vibrate. Affecting nearly 90 million Americans, it can […]

What is Insomnia? Insomnia (also known as sleeplessness) is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, resulting in tired or unrefreshing sleep. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), insomnia is the most common sleeping disorder. Approximately 30% to 40% of adults in the […]

Caffeine and Sleep Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, which is widely used for its psychoactive effects. It is commonly used to alleviate behavioral, cognitive, and emotional deficits caused by sleep deprivation. Regardless of its beneficial effects, caffeine may have adverse sleep-related consequences that might lead to sleep disruption and insomnia symptoms. This is […]

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common, serious, and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder. It is characterized by frequent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep. This results in intermittent hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in the blood) and arousal. Here, the throat muscles relax at irregular intervals […]

What is Excessive daytime sleepiness? Excessive daytime sleepiness (also known as hypersomnia) refers to the inability to stay awake and alert during the normal waking hours that results in unexpected lapses of sleep or drowsiness. It can even occur after long stretches of sleep. There are two types of hypersomnia; primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia […]

What is Narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is characterized by five symptoms: 1. Excessive daytime sleepiness 2. Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness that occurs without any 'warning') 3. Sleep paralysis (a state of awareness with an inability to speak or move - usually occurs during waking up or falling asleep) 4. Hypnagogic hallucinations (vivid […]

Why Does Sleep Efficiency Matter? Sleep efficiency refers to the percentage of time a person sleeps to the amount of time a person spends in bed. It is calculated by the ratio of the total time spent asleep (TST) in a night compared to the total amount of time spent in bed. An efficient sleep […]

Sleep Latency: How Long Does It Take You to Fall Asleep? Sleep latency (also known as sleep onset latency) refers to the amount of time it takes for a person to fall asleep. Usually, normal sleep latency is 5-15 minutes. If sleep latency is less than five minutes, it may suggest some level of excessive […]