The Science of Sleep

One Day University

Did you know the best thing you can do for your brain is take a nap? If you ever thought sleep was just downtime between one task and the next, think again. The fact is, your brain pulls an all-nighter when you hit the hay. Many regions of the brain — especially those involved in learning, processing information, and emotion — are actually more active during sleep than when you're awake. These regions work together to sort and process the information you've taken in during the course of the day, helping your brain function better.

Professor Jessica Payne explains the science behind the sleeping brain, and outlines all sorts of practical information on how to control your sleep habits to ensure maximum health and productivity. She is the Nancy O'Neill Collegiate Chair and Professor of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, where she directs the Sleep, Stress, and Memory Lab. Her course, The Sleeping Brain, routinely sports a waitlist because of its immense popularity. She is also a two-time recipient of the Distinction in Teaching Award, and won the Award for Teaching Excellence at Harvard University's Derek Bok Center.

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