Why Do We Sleep?

New York Public Radio recently aired an utterly fascinating show about sleep on their Radio Lab program. Listen online or download the MP3. (Okay, it aired in May, but I just heard about it!)

The show has three segments--the dangers of sleep (some animals can rest only half their brain, a survival technique humans have lost), sleep deprivation, and dreams. -- Hear about how dolphins remember to breathe and ducks watch for preditors with their ability to leave half their brain "on." Also, the connection between sleep and both learning and problem-solving.

Use the keywords and/or names of researchers interviewed on the show to learn more. The NYPR page for the sleep episode also provides names and links to more information.

What to explore these topics? For some basic information, try ProQuest Research. For more advanced information, search PsycINFO or Medline.

Keywords (danger): uni-hemisphere sleep, adaptive sleep behavior, predation risk, sleep, dolphins, ducks, parasomnia (human sleep disorder)

Keywords (sleep deprivation): protein folding, learning AND sleep

Keywords (dreaming): benzine molecule, learning AND sleep, replay, tetris, synaptic brain chatter

According to NYPR, "Radio Lab is an investigation of an unusual sort. Each episode is a kind of sonic joyride through a different universe of ideas, often slamming on the brakes for closer inspection." Explore other Radio Lab episodes.