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In this later stage of life, the [amount of time spent sleeping is associated with cognitive function](https://bigthink.com/health/sleep-cognitive-decline/), as measured by spatial navigation abilities, but this relationship is defined by a U-shaped curve. That is, older people who sleep for 7 hours per night perform best, while those who sleep for just 5 hours performed significantly worse, and those who sleep for 10 hours performed worse still.
Sleep Duration Clearly Divides Adult Lifespan Into 3 Phases
Big Think
There are five major brain-wave types, each correlating to a different state of consciousness. “Delta,” the slowest brain wave (meaning the one with the longest pauses between bursts of electricity), is found between 1 Hz and 3.9 Hz. When someone is in a deep, dreamless sleep, they’re in delta. Next up, between 4 Hz and 7.9 Hz, is “theta,” which correlates to REM sleep, meditation, insight, and (as is often necessary for insight) the processing of novel incoming stimuli. Between 8 Hz and 13.9 Hz hovers “alpha,” the brain’s basic resting state. People in alpha are relaxed, calm, and lucid, but not really thinking. Beta sits between 14 Hz and 30 Hz, and signifies learning and concentration at the low end, fear and stress at the high. Above 30 Hz there’s a fast-moving wave known as “gamma,” which only shows up during “binding,” when different parts of the brain are combining disparate thoughts into a single idea.
The Rise of Superman
Steven Kotler
A recent study by Vlad Chituc, a doctoral student in psychology at Yale, found that people tend to dislike vegans because they give the impression of thinking that they are morally superior. Vegans can defuse this reaction, however, if they say they are avoiding animal products for health reasons rather than ethical ones. So next time the subject comes up with a new acquaintance, try emphasizing this aspect of your diet, at least to begin with.
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