Our eyes are usually closed when we sleep. However, a great deal of activity takes place under our closed eyelids: a team of researchers led by senior researchers Caroline Lustenberger, Sarah Meissner and Nicole Wenderoth from the Neuronal Movement Control Laboratory at ETH Zurich has observed that the size of the pupil fluctuates constantly during […]
Blue Light: The Health Benefits and Risks
Blue-enriched light can improve the sleep quality and daytime activity of older adults living at home, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. Researchers found that this type of light therapy led to more daytime activity, earlier bedtimes, more regular sleep patterns and improved sleep quality, offering a promising non-pharmacological approach to […]
REM Sleep Influences Our Eating Behavior
Although we know which brain regions are activated during REM sleep, little is still known about the purpose of this activity. Researchers at the University of Bern and the Insel Hospital have discovered that the activation of neurons in the hypothalamus during REM sleep regulates eating behavior: when this activity is suppressed in mice, appetite […]
The Biological Clock Plays a Crucial Role in the Eating Habits of Teenagers Later in the Day
The causes of obesity are complex and influenced by many factors. While research has shown links between sleep, eating habits and weight gain, scientists are still unsure about the role of the circadian system – the biological clock – in shaping eating habits. However, a new study from researchers at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical […]
How Night Shift Work Can Increase the Risk of Diabetes and Obesity
Just a few days of night shift work is enough to throw off the protein rhythms associated with blood sugar regulation, energy metabolism and inflammatory responses. These processes can influence the development of chronic metabolic diseases. The results of a study led by scientists from Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provide […]
