Monday, September 30, 2024

Will turkey and milk actually help you sleep?

While You Were Sleeping

Issue 70 | September 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered if you really eat spiders in your sleep? Or if moon phases actually affect your sleep?

There are many common beliefs about sleep, including crazy sleep myths.

This week, we're exploring whether there's any truth behind them!

For instance...Can you really learn a language while sleeping?

While you might instinctively think the answer is no that you can't learn a language while sleeping, recent studies suggest otherwise!

Sleep is vital for memory consolidation, with REM sleep playing a key role in this process.

Imagine this: listening to recordings of new word meanings while you snooze could actually lead to learning that you can demonstrate when you're awake.

It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's backed by science!

Learn More

Sleep Quiz

Which stage of sleep is most associated with memory consolidation?

A. Light sleep
B. Deep sleep
C. REM sleep
D. NREM sleep

Scroll to the bottom for the answer!

Debunking the Turkey and Milk Myth

Many believe that eating turkey or drinking milk before bed will help them fall asleep due to the tryptophan content.

There isn't nearly enough tryptophan in these foods to make a difference. You'd need to drink gallons of milk or eat pounds of turkey for it to work.

If you struggle to fall asleep, what you really need are melatonin supplements with GABA.

Melatonin regulates your sleep-wake cycle, while GABA calms the nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

This powerful combination helps you achieve a deeper, more restful sleep.

Check out the Sleep is the Foundation Sleep Support supplements with melatonin, GABA, and theanine for a better night's rest.

Explore Melatonin Supplements

Sleep Tip of the Week

Create a bedtime ritual that signals to your body it's time to wind down. This could include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation exercises. Consistency is key to establishing a healthy sleep routine.

Processing Traumatic Memories During Sleep Leads to Changes in the Brain

A groundbreaking study in Current Biology reveals that reactivating therapeutically-altered memories during sleep boosts brain activity for memory processing, reducing PTSD symptoms.

Patients who heard sounds during sleep had higher brain wave activity linked to memory consolidation compared to those who didn't.

More research is needed, but the study hopes this work can inspire future research to explore the beneficial effects of this memory-enhancement technique, called targeted memory reactivation (TMR), in treating other conditions.

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Quiz Answer

The correct answer is C. REM sleep is most associated with memory consolidation.

This stage of sleep helps process and store information from the day, making it crucial for learning and memory.

Logan Foley | Editorial Director

If only I had listened to Telemundo every night, maybe high school Spanish class would have been a breeze! I guess we'll never know!

Sleep Foundation, A Sleep Doctor Company
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Sleep Doctor (collectively Sleep Foundation, SleepFoundation.org, SleepApnea.org, and SleepDoctor.com) is not affiliated with the National Sleep Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.

Sleep Doctor and its brands provide comprehensive health information to help people cultivate better sleep. Sleep Doctor does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options.

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