Because learning about your brain and sleep can be fun . . .
Am I crazy? Am I insane? It’s a question people can have after they have an experience—or experiences—that defy easy explanation. Skepticism is valued in our society. Being skeptical shows you’re no fool. Knee-jerk skepticism, even cynicism, is easy. Sometimes it takes work and courage to ask questions. You may not like the answer either.…
Sometimes your subconscious practically hits you over the head when it’s trying to communicate. When that happens, dream interpretation can’t get any easier. A dream that’s boring or dull is a little more subtle. If you consult a dream dictionary, you’re actually begging to misunderstand yourself. In the dream, I was sitting around a table…
In our secular society, suggesting that someone use prayer beads (also known as a rosary) to go to sleep is unconventional. It shouldn’t be. It’s a time-honored, effective drug-free way to soothe your mind, relax, and get your mind on the long term. The blessings are a bonus. I once met a man who had…
Vitamin B-6 can help you have more dreams. When you’re learning about nutrition, it’s hard to distinguish one B vitamin from another. That’s probably because of how they’re presented to the learner: all in one group. They all sound alike. They’re distinct, however; biochemically separate. As B vitamins they’re grouped by function. It’s an attempt to…
A number of shabbily dressed peasants were being interrogated by a law enforcement official: “Who did you see?” “I don’t know,” they said. “Say Stevie Nicks,” the official said, apparently feeding them answers. “Okay,” they agreed. “Stevie Nicks.” “Good,” he said. “That will make it better and safer for you.” Then it was the famous singer’s turn. She…
It’s like hanging from monkey bars by your feet for days. Being up all night all the time is all wrong—all of it. The circadian clock is built into our genes. Having a job and working nights is a violation of everything natural. Many otherwise tough people have tried to do it and failed. They…
To nap or not to nap: that is the question. Some people swear by the power of naps, actually calling them “power naps.” They’re powerful, they say, because they feel recharged, refreshed, and rejuvenated after they wake up. Others, not so much. They insist that if you’re struggling through your day after a night of sleeplessness,…
More is not necessarily better when it comes to melatonin. Starting melatonin? Look for low-dose melatonin (1 mg)—it’s not always easy to find. Can’t sleep? Take melatonin, people say. Melatonin can help you if your days and nights are all mixed up for whatever reason. It’s valuable for shift workers who are trying to sleep…
Something of a cross between George Clinton and Snoop Dogg, the lead singer wore dusty overalls and thick work gloves. The backup dancers were also dressed for farm work. No crops were being raised, however. There were no animals getting fed either. Behind them, a barn. A crowd grooved approvingly on a tractor and up in…
Beeeeep! You wake up, muttering a curse. You’re sitting in the driver’s seat. You fell asleep at the traffic light and the driver behind you laid on his horn. A couple of miles ago you finished working 12 hours, right through the night. You’re headed for the early class over at the university. You know…