#Cultureandhealth

A large international study maps how the brain switches from dream to day, revealing a precise sequence that shapes morning alertness. Using high-density EEG across more than 1,000 awakenings, researchers from neuroscience institutes in Europe show how waking begins in the frontal cortex and moves backward toward visual and sensory regions. For Thai readers, the finding offers a clearer picture of why some mornings feel energetic while others are foggy.

A new scholarly perspective from a Harvard professor challenges a deeply ingrained health narrative: humans may be evolutionarily suited to rest as much as move. The discussion invites readers to rethink how we live, work, and exercise in modern society, moving away from the blanket idea that prolonged sitting is simply a modern evil.

Sedentary behavior has dominated global health debates for years, with studies linking long hours of sitting to heart disease, diabetes, and higher mortality risk. In Thailand, rising urbanization and screen-based work have spurred nationwide campaigns encouraging frequent movement. The new evolutionary viewpoint adds nuance, suggesting that our ancestors may have balanced activity and rest in ways that differ from today’s office-driven lifestyle.

A fresh wave of scientific findings highlights music therapy as a versatile, low-cost approach to support people with Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, chronic pain, Parkinson’s, and seizure disorders. A study featured in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners shows that both active music making and passive listening can improve quality of life and daily functioning. Neuroscience News summarizes the evidence, emphasizing music’s profound impact on the brain and its potential as an accessible adjunct to conventional treatments.