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summer and winter time: what's in a name?

Last weekend we shifted again from summer time to winter time. I actually prefer this specific transition, because we gain an extra hour. It is also the time of the year were the ongoing discussion about a permanent time (summer or winter) lights up and keeps the media busy. It might even be the last time! When I listen to the people around me (the non-sleep sleep scientists), I notice that most of them don’t have a clue what the core of this discussion is actually about and what the concrete consequences would be for their daily life if we would choose a permanent winter or summer time.

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23 August 2019

Back to school without difficulties: 4 tips to avoid sleep and fatigue complaints when going back to school.

Many families struggle with those first weeks of school, when children experience difficulties with falling asleep and/or getting up in the morning. Mood swings are all over the place, especially during breakfast, and fatigue is taking over. The combination of sleep shortage, mainly due to a delayed sleep phase rhythm, an increased cognitive activity during the day, more rules and ‘have to’s’, result in a highly flammable cocktail. So, have a look at the following tips and maybe this year the transition can be a bit more smoother and peaceful.

6 practice points to improve performance during stress

Many people see stress as something they should avoid, as a phenomenon that can even make us sick. However, stress also fuels our performance engine and makes it possible to achieve our goals. How do we combine those two perspectives? When is stress your ally and how do you keep it that way? We provide you with 6 practice points to improve performance during stressful times.

5 reasons why more sleep is the best new year resolution!

Many people see the new year as an excellent opportunity to start over. New resolutions or goals are set. Quit smoking, les sugar and sweets, less alcohol, more physical activities, eating healthier,... Name it! However, there is 1 important resolution that is rarely seen, but that can be considered a the number 1 resolution of 2019: More or better sleep! A good night sleep makes it easier to continue and consolidate new habits by improving willpower and self control. I give you 5 reasons why investing in sleep is the way to go!

How to get through those darker months of the year without sleep or fatigue complaints

During those darker months of the year, we can feel more tired and experience a disruption of our sleep. The main reason for this is the lack of stimulation of our circadian clock. The decrease in exposure to sunlight is one of the biggest culprits. All the more reason to pay attention to our sleep habits and to make sure we are exposed to light during the day. We have gathered some guidelines that will make it easier to get up in the morning and feeling more refreshed during the day.

Insomnia: a sleep or wake disorder?

When we experience a difficulty falling alseep, waking up frequently, or feeling unrefreshed in the morning, we automatically asume there is something wrong with our sleep. That our sleep is actually the problem that needs to be fixed. But is this the correct assumption?