Knowledge Center

As the summer draws to a drowsy end, here’s a bracing roundup of recent scientific findings about sleep

We’re entering the dog days of August, and sleep is on everyone’s minds — whether it’s a contented siesta on a beachfront sun-lounger, or a nap after a sweaty commute from the office. Luckily, the world’s foremost experts in sleep have been hard at work to better understand our favorite nighttime activity. Here are five noteworthy new findings:

1. “Violent sleepers” are at higher ...

Recent evidence shows that people who thrive at night have higher IQs. Early risers beg to differ

Are you the type who stays up late to finish your work, or do you get up early to make a fresh start on the day? If it’s the former, you may be pleased to learn new research has found that those with higher IQs tend to be nocturnal night-owls. But if it’s the latter, you might have good reason to distrust the claim. ...

German scientists pinpoint a specific gene that may divide early risers from droopy-eyed nappers

Why are some people alert and chipper in the morning while others can barely drag themselves out of bed? New research suggests that genetics may play a role. Specifically, it’s a gene called ABCC9, which scientists have dubbed the “morning person” gene. Here’s what you should know:

How did scientists find this gene?

German scientists studied more than 4,000 people across Europe. The subjects filled out questionnaires on their ...