10 FUN & INTERESTING FACTS about sleep

The fascinating world of sleep

In the quiet hours of the night, as the world slips into a hush, each of us embarks on a remarkable journey — the journey of restorative sleep. 

At Mudita, we are captivated by this nightly odyssey, a phenomenon so common, yet so enigmatic. 

Mudita Harmony2

Despite spending nearly a third of our lives sleeping, sleep remains a profound mystery, a puzzle partially solved with pieces still scattered in the realm of the unknown. 

Yes. There’s a lot we know about sleep, and so much we still don’t know. 

Sleep, a universal experience, is as vital as it is mysterious. It's a time when our bodies rest, but our brains are often on an intricate voyage, weaving dreams and consolidating memories. 

From the peculiar "first-night effect" experienced in new environments to the vivid tapestries of dreams that color our subconscious, sleep holds a plethora of secrets waiting to be unraveled.

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most fascinating aspects of sleep — facts which may surprise and intrigue you. These insights offer a glimpse into the complex tapestry of sleep, revealing its impact on our daily lives, its evolutionary significance, and the myriad ways it continues to perplex and amaze scientists and dreamers alike.

Let’s get into it! 

1. Sleep problems associated with the "first-night effect": Many people experience sleep problems their first night in a new place, and studies have shown that one hemisphere of the brain stays more alert when sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, a possible throwback to our more vulnerable days in the wild.^[1]

2. Hallucinations upon falling asleep or waking: Known as hypnagogic (as you fall asleep) and hypnopompic (as you wake up) hallucinations, these vivid and often strange sensory experiences are common and can include seeing shapes, patterns, or figures; hearing voices or noises; and sensing something on or near you.^[2]

3. Dream incorporation: It's common for external stimuli to become part of our dreams. For example, a sound in the real world, such as music or a person talking, can be woven into the dream narrative seamlessly.^[3]

4. Memory and sleep: Sleep plays a significant role in memory consolidation. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information from the day for long-term storage. Lack of sleep can severely impair this function, leading to poor memory recall.^[4]

5. Energy conservation: While sleeping, the metabolism slows down by about 15%, and body temperature drops. This state of "energy conservation" likely has evolutionary roots, where less energy use at night would have been advantageous.^[5]

6. Genetic influence on sleep duration: Some people have a genetic mutation that allows them to feel fully rested on significantly less sleep than the average person. These "short sleepers" are rare, with sleep requirements significantly below the 7-9 hours most adults need.^[6]

7. Whales and dolphins sleep with one eye open: They are conscious breathers, needing to be awake to breathe. To avoid drowning, only one half of their brain sleeps at a time, and they keep one eye open to stay alert.^[7]

8. Not Everyone Dreams in Color: It's reported that most people dream in color, but around 12% of individuals claim to only dream in black and white. This phenomenon is more common in people older than 55 years. Younger individuals, particularly those below 25, rarely report dreaming in black and white​. Historical data from the 1940s and 1950s in the United States showed that a much higher percentage, about 70.7%, of people reported dreaming in black and white. This was likely influenced by the prevalence of black-and-white media at the time, such as television and film​. ^[8][9]

9. The Internet Can Disrupt Your Sleep: Ok, this may not be anything new, but it's worth repeating that the use of social media can negatively impact sleep by increasing anxiety and depression, disrupting melatonin levels due to blue light exposure, stimulating the brain, and creating irregular sleep patterns. Scrolling through social media on electronic devices before bedtime or at night can cause problems such as trouble falling asleep, disrupted sleep, and more time spent sleeping during the day. Studies have linked social media use to poor sleep quality, insomnia, and short sleep, which is defined as sleeping less than seven hours a night. There is also a trend where people turn to social media to help them sleep, but its overall effect on sleep health is still a subject of research and debate​. 

READ: Screen Time & Sleep: How Digital Devices Affect Sleep

10. The Role of Dreams in Problem Solving: Some researchers believe that dreaming can be a form of problem-solving, where the brain tries to work through unresolved issues or creative challenges. Famous examples include the periodic table being conceptualized in a dream by Dmitri Mendeleev and Elias Howe getting the idea for the sewing machine needle from a dream.^[10]

Embracing the Power of Sleep with Mudita

As we draw the curtains on our fun and interesting exploration of facts about sleep, one thing becomes crystal clear: sleep is not just a necessity; it's a gift. A gift that rejuvenates, inspires, and transforms. 

At Mudita, our passion for health and overall well-being is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that embracing the power of a good night's rest is the first step towards a more mindful, joyful, and balanced life.

Our journey through the wondrous world of sleep has uncovered many secrets, from the quirky "first-night effect" to the vivid dreams that color our nights. These insights not only enrich our understanding, but also remind us of the simple joys and profound impact of restful sleep.

Now, we invite you to experience the magic of waking up refreshed and revitalized with Mudita's mindful alarm clocks. Whether it's the soothing simplicity of Mudita Bell, the harmonious balance of Mudita Harmony, or the enhanced features of Mudita Harmony 2, each is designed to transform your waking moments into an experience of serene mindfulness.

Mudita Harmony 2 & the original Mudita Harmony in Pebble Grey

With Mudita Bell or Mudita Harmony, you're not just setting an alarm; you're setting the tone for your day. 

Our alarm clocks are crafted to gently awaken you, ensuring that your first moments are as peaceful as your sleep. By starting your day with Mudita, you're choosing to honor your sleep, respect your mornings, and embrace each day with renewed energy and positivity.

So, why wait to experience the best sleep of your life? 

Let Mudita guide you into a world where each night is a journey to tranquility, and every morning is a fresh start filled with possibility.

Mudita Harmony 2 Relaxation Library

f you’d like to read more about improving your sleep hygiene, please check out our Sleep Better page or read some additional articles connected to the subject on our blog:

• E Ink and The Eyestrain Debate

• How to Create an OFFLINE Bedtime Routine

• Why you shouldn't sleep with your phone under the pillow

• 5 reasons to switch to an alarm clock

Also consider joining our Mudita Community on our forum.