Sleep Science Facts

One reason that kittens sleep so much is because a growth hormone is released only during sleep.

New parents typically lose 400-750 hours of sleep during their baby's first year, with some estimates as low as 350-400 hours per parent. That's roughly equivalent to losing one full night of sleep every week.

Dehydration is a common but often overlooked cause of daytime fatigue, affecting circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain.

Night owls tend to have greater mental stamina later in the day, with studies showing they can maintain focus and cognitive performance for longer periods compared to early risers when tested in evening hours.

When you wake up with a jolt, it's called a hypnic jerk. This usually happens during the lightest stages of sleep, and can occur as a natural reaction when you fall asleep in a car or airplane.

During REM sleep, your brain can be as active as when you're awake, with some regions showing even more intense activity than during waking hours.

Studies show that sleeping in a warmer room makes you more likely to have nightmares, while cooler temperatures promote more restful, dreamless sleep.