Sleep

You might not need eight hours of rest

With so much to do heading into the busy holiday season, is anyone really getting enough sleep? Most sleep experts advise that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night for good health and emotional well-being,…

What to know about melatonin use and heart failure

Long-term use of melatonin supplements may be linked with a higher risk of heart failure, according to new research — but does that mean people taking it as a sleep aid should stop using it now? In a…

Clocks ‘fell back’ this weekend, but you didn’t prepare. Here’s what to do now

No, I did not prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time this past weekend, when most US states set clocks back an hour. Sunrise and sunset now come an hour earlier, despite my protestations. Experts advised planning for this change two weeks ago by shifting your sleeping schedule a bit each night. That did…

Are you getting enough sleep? Probably not.

Health ‘Harvard Thinking:’ Are you getting enough sleep? Probably not. Illustrations by Liz Zonarich/Harvard Staff Samantha Laine Perfas Harvard Staff Writer November 5, 2025 long read In podcast, experts discuss how to tap into powerful but often neglected key to health and well-being From medications to supplements to meditation apps, the market is flooded with…

Alzheimer’s risk rises when amount of deep sleep falls, study suggests

Summary Insufficient deep sleep in slow-wave and REM stages may accelerate brain deterioration linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The brain’s inferior parietal region shrinks with inadequate deep sleep, according to a new study. During deep sleep, the brain removes toxins while REM sleep processes emotions and consolidates memories. Adults should spend 20% to 25% of sleep…

Don’t let politics ruin your sleep. Use these expert tips instead

Summary Political and societal upheavals can disrupt sleep and trigger insomnia in vulnerable individuals, according to sleep experts. Chronic insomnia may lead to serious health complications including heart attacks and stroke. Doomscrolling, caffeine consumption and anxiety about sleep can create vicious cycles that perpetuate sleep problems. Try setting a news curfew and avoiding substances like…

Your boozy nightcap is disrupting your sleep. Try these tips instead

Do you find yourself reaching for an alcoholic drink to unwind and drift off to sleep? Whether it’s an old-fashioned, a hot toddy or even an espresso martini, many people have a favorite evening beverage that signals the end of a long day. But what’s the history behind this nightly ritual? The tradition of enjoying…