Our readers are invited to email us with their questions! Q: How much of my sleep is spent dreaming? (Westly K.) A: Hello Westly! On average, we spend about two hours dreaming each night, or 20% to 25% of a night’s sleep. Some researchers think dreams are merely a byproduct of sleep, but others believe they’re important for mood regulation, problem solving, and stress reduction. Hope this helps! -------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Is driving while sleepy really like driving drunk? (Antoinette B.) A: Hi Antoinette! Drowsiness can be as dangerous as driving drunk; research has indicated that it’s comparable to driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit for intoxication in many states. The problem is greatest among males aged 16 to 29, people who work irregular shifts, and people with untreated sleep apnea. |