bits

• 2011-07-18

  Exploding head syndrome

  Exploding head syndrome is a parasomnia condition that causes the sufferer occasionally to experience a tremendously loud noise as originating from within his or her own head, usually described as the sound of an explosion, roar, gunshot, loud voices or screams, a ringing noise, or the sound of electrical arcing (buzzing). This noise usually occurs within an hour or two of falling asleep, but is not necessarily the result of a dream and can happen while awake as well.

  So that’s what it’s called. Via the always great On the Borderland. 

• 2011-03-12

  Why Sleep Is More Important than Food

  Great performers are an exception. Typically, they sleep significantly more than the rest of us. In Anders Ericcson’s famous study of violinists, the top performers slept an average of 8 ½ hours out of every 24, including a 20 to 30 minute midafternoon nap some 2 hours a day more than the average American. The top violinists also reported that except for practice itself, sleep was second most important factor in improving as violinists.

  I often sleep on sleep. I resolve that I will get in a solid 8 each day this week. Starting … now. G’night! 

• 2011-02-02

  

  “Inemuri,” a soft sleep or sleeping whilst present. It is a socially accepted practice and is respected in Japanese working culture. It is a depiction of dedication.

  From a series of photos by Daniel Gebhart de Koekkoek. /via

• 2009-09-16

  

  To make things worse, our kids always insist on sleeping ON TOP of our blanket, creating a whole new set of problems.

  From Good Night and Tough Luck, Christoph Niemann’s illustrated article about the not so simple art of sleep. My son does the same thing, drives me bananas. [via]

• 2009-05-27

  Where do 777 pilot’s sleep? Right here. Looks more comfy then the captain’s bed I slept it this weekend at our beach house rental. [via]