Why does your mind goes ‘blank’? New brain scans reveal the surprising answer | Live Science
Ever wonder why some nights you wake up refreshed and sharp, while others leave you foggy and cranky — even when you’ve slept the same number of hours? According to a fascinating new study, the way you sleep consistently over time says much more about you than just how rested you feel.
Researchers at Concordia University in Montreal have identified five distinct “sleep profiles” — and each one may affect your brain, emotions, and lifestyle differently. The study, published in PLOS Biology, highlights how your sleep quality, habits, and mental health are deeply connected.
Sleep Is More Than Just Rest
Sleep isn’t just about how many hours you clock in. It’s about the quality and pattern of your rest. As study co-author Valeria Kebets explains, “People should treat their sleep seriously. It affects everything in daily functioning.”
The researchers analyzed sleep data from 770 healthy adults using brain scans and detailed questionnaires. Their goal? To understand how sleep links biological, psychological, and environmental factors — what they call the “sleep-biopsychosocial profile.”
Let’s look at the five profiles they found — and what they might mean for you.
1. The “Poor Sleep and Mental Health” Type
If you struggle to fall asleep, wake up tired, and often feel stressed, anxious, or low — you might fit this profile.
These sleepers tend to experience emotional instability, daytime fatigue, and higher risks of depression and anxiety.
As experts put it: “Bad sleep begets poor mental health — and poor mental health begets bad sleep.”
2. The “Sleep Resilient” Type
This group experiences mental strain — like sadness or ADHD symptoms — but surprisingly, they don’t report poor sleep.
Researchers call it “sleep misperception.” You may feel fine, but your brain might be signaling hidden sleep troubles. Stress or distraction can mask fatigue until it becomes chronic.
3. The “Sleep Aid and Sociability” Type
These are people who rely on sleeping pills or supplements to get rest. The upside? They’re often socially active and emotionally supported by friends. The trade-off? They may struggle with memory recall and recognizing emotions in others — suggesting that chemically induced sleep may lack certain cognitive benefits of natural rest.
4. The “Short Sleep and Low Cognition” Type
If you regularly get fewer than six hours of sleep, beware — your brain may be paying the price.
Researchers found that short sleepers show lower emotional control and weaker problem-solving skills.
In short, cutting sleep hours might make you crankier and less sharp.
5. The “Sleep Disturbance and Mental Health” Type
Frequent awakenings, temperature imbalance, or pain-related sleep disruptions fall here.
This group had higher rates of anxiety, substance use, and cognitive decline. Poor-quality sleep may even alter language processing and memory performance over time.
Why This Matters for You
The takeaway? Your sleep habits form a pattern — a “profile” that tells a story about your physical, emotional, and cognitive health.
Even if you sleep the same hours as someone else, the way you sleep could make all the difference.
Experts like Dr. Phyllis Zee from Northwestern University stress that this multidimensional understanding could help clinicians personalize sleep treatments.
And as Dr. Rafael Pelayo from Stanford adds: “Sleep isn’t just how long you’re in bed — it’s a complex system that affects your entire mind-body balance.”
The Bottom Line
If you’re constantly exhausted or restless, don’t shrug it off. Your body might be signaling deeper issues — but the good news is, help and hope are always available.
Better sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation for your brain, body, and emotional well-being.
So tonight, before you reach for your phone or another late-night show, remember: your next great day starts the night before.
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