#SleepResearch

A short daytime nap, especially one that allows a person to reach a deeper stage of sleep known as N2, may considerably boost the likelihood of experiencing creative breakthroughs and “aha” moments, according to a groundbreaking new study published in PLOS Biology. The research offers the first neural clues suggesting why even brief sleep might help the brain connect dots that were previously hidden, with potential implications for Thai students, professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance their problem-solving abilities.

A major new study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital warns that certain common patterns of daytime napping—especially long, irregular, or midday-heavy naps—may signal a higher risk of premature death. This research, considered among the most robust to date on napping and mortality, has sparked fresh debate on whether taking a nap is always the healthy break many believe it to be, raising important questions for millions in Thailand and around the world who routinely indulge in afternoon siestas.

A growing body of research is lending scientific weight to a tradition long observed by artists, inventors, and thinkers worldwide: the creative spark ignited by a nap. Recent studies and expert commentary, as highlighted in reputable outlets such as Psychology Today and ScienceAlert, suggest that even short episodes of daytime sleep can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities in ways both measurable and meaningful for people of all ages.

The significance of this news resonates strongly for Thai readers, reflecting longstanding local practices of midday rest and challenging contemporary perceptions that equate constant alertness with productivity. As Thailand’s economy and education system increasingly prioritise innovation and digital skills, understanding the cognitive benefits of napping could shift attitudes among educators, employers, and families alike.

Scientific curiosity about dreams has captured the human imagination for centuries, yet neuroscientists have only recently started to unravel why some people vividly recall their dreams while others wake up with no memory at all. As reported in May 2025 in a new study published in Communications Psychology, researchers have identified multiple factors—ranging from sleep patterns to personality traits—that influence an individual’s ability to remember dreams, offering fresh insights with both global and Thai relevance (Medscape).

A new review has shed light on why people living with obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs), chronic tic disorders (CTDs), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience pronounced sleep disturbances—as well as how these intertwined problems could one day be better managed. The research, recently published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry and summarised by several neuroscience outlets, finds that disruptions in a crucial brain circuit, the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) pathway, underpin both the psychiatric symptoms and the insomnia, delayed sleep onset, and other sleep issues reported in these populationsNeuroscience News.

A new study has revealed that lucid dreaming is not simply a vivid form of REM sleep, but constitutes an entirely unique state of consciousness—one with neurological hallmarks that set it apart from both waking and ordinary dreaming. This major breakthrough in sleep science, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, offers tantalising implications for understanding the human mind and may one day help people harness more of their cognitive potential—even outside of sleep.

A new wave of parenting discussion has swept through Thailand, mirroring a global debate on the benefits and challenges of co-sleeping with children beyond infancy. Prompted by recent commentary such as “I still co-sleep with my seven-year-old daughter” from The Times, Thai parents and experts are reflecting on both cultural traditions and modern research to navigate what is best for their families.

For generations, co-sleeping—where parents and children share the same bed or bedroom—has been deeply rooted in Thai culture as a way to foster closeness, emotional security, and familial bonds. Many Thai families consider it a practical solution, especially in multi-generational households with limited space, and a way to ensure a child’s safety and comfort during the night. However, as Western parenting philosophies gain influence and research on child development evolves, more Thai parents are questioning when—and if—children should transition to sleeping alone.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled that letting our minds wander during simple tasks can enhance learning, challenging the long-held belief that focused attention is always necessary for effective learning. Conducted by Péter Simor and colleagues at Eötvös Loránd University, the research, published in JNeurosci, examined the impact of spontaneous mind wandering on low-effort learning tasks. It revealed that participants who allowed their minds to drift performed just as well, if not better, than when they were fully focused, highlighting the cognitive benefits of states akin to daydreaming.