Sleep – The Loh Down On Science

The Twilight Zone

May 4, 2022 Sarah Merrigan

For your consideration: a baffling conundrum – a question without an answer. Next stop . . .The Twilight Zone! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. I’ve been puzzling over this Sudoku for HOURS! Maybe it’s time for . . . a trip to the inner

Worth a Shot

April 21, 2022 Karissa Munoz

Is your sleep quality ON THE ROCKS? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. WINE-ing about not getting a good night’s sleep? Maybe that after-work cocktail is to blame! Dandan Zheng and researchers at Penn State University wondered whether alcohol intake affects sleep. To find out, they

Sound Asleep?

January 4, 2022 Ying Huang

Shh, don’t wake the baby! She’s busy learning… This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. “Mama, dada, MORE!!”… Babies pick up words so quickly! When kids memorize words, specific regions of the brain go into hyper-drive. But where does this speed-learning take place in BABIES’ brains??

Blue Light Battle

October 12, 2021 Paige Halas

Time for bed … but first, just ONE MORE TikTok video! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Blue light naturally comes from the sun. But modern humans have developed EXTRA exposure! Think artificial light sources like LED lights, tablets and cell phone screens! How do

Sleepy Children, Happy Children

July 28, 2021 Jing Zhang

Image of young girl napping on textbooks.

Hey kid, falling asleep at your desk! WAKE UP! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Children have IMMENSE energy one moment. But then, . . . they’re out like a light! But is there something GOOD about that nap? Jianghong Liu from University of Pennsylvania and an international team

Sleep Invaders

June 18, 2021 Kimia Montazeri

Are your dreams out of this world? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Fighting goblins in a big castle? With salad tongs? Was Elton John there, too?! Ahh, what a dream! I’d tell you all about it — if only I could remember! But what

Workout or Pass Out

June 1, 2021 Jing Zhang

Photo of Asian female studying and biting pencil in frustration.

Finals season – time to pull an all-nighter! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, saying…can I just get forty winks first? We know that both sleep and exercise are good for memory. But in which order? Is there a “magic formula” to cram for that

Snoring in the Sty

April 21, 2021 Racine Rangel

Man sleeping and snoring with woman nexo to him with her hands on her ears

This little piggy…went to sleep? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Does your snoring bring the house down – literally?? It could mean you have sleep apnea! That’s when breathing repeatedly starts and stops during rest. But are humans the only ones with this sleep

Dream and Learn

April 12, 2021 Jing Zhang

Whoa, I’m flying! Or…is it just a dream? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Dreams can be so bizarre and fun. One minute you’re back in kindergarten, the next you’re floating in outer space! But WHY do we dream? Enter Erin Wamsley and colleagues from

Coffee or Nap?

March 15, 2021 Jing Zhang

Two cups of coffee on a potable table placed on a bed

Foggy brain? How do YOU recharge your batteries — nap or coffee? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Chug down a grande frappuccino after lunch and whoa, you are rip-roaring and ready to go! But does coffee ACTUALLY help? Sara Mednick and colleagues at the