Life-hacking the brain: better living through Science!

A simple little trick has the potential to improve the lot of both parents and inveterate party-goers. Just don't tell the European Medicines AgencyThere is something that we all need. You can't touch it, you can't really see it, but you certainly know its effects and feel its loss. In fact, while many despise it and wish they didn't need it, it is cherished most by those who don't have enough.I am of course talking about sleep. With a 3 month-old human child in my home I can testify to the effectiveness of sleep deprivation torture. With a chronic sleep deficit you end up doing very strange (and stupid things)—such as putting socks in the fridge and eggs in the tumble dryer. Lack of sleep (and a surfeit of alcohol) is a problem for many people especially at this time of year, as office parties are seldom held on sensible days (such as Friday nights). I am sure that all of us who work with other people are familiar with the sight of lifeless ghouls stumbling into the office or lab the morning after a particularly joyful Christmas party.(There is a bit of a tradition associated with this morning-after effect. What you do is slump at your desk with your head in your hands and mutter the ancient prayer "Oh God never again", and then, as memory returns, the exultation "I did what?!". For bonus cultural points you can try spotting those who didn't actually make it home—they may have bought new clothes from the M&S around the corner, but the shoes are usually a dead giveaway).S...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: theguardian.com Blogposts Science Source Type: news