Greetings and welcome to Sugar Cereal! 🥣
We’re a weekly newsletter unpacking all things human behavior. Inside each edition, you’ll get a fun fact that’ll crown you the center of attention at happy hour.
(Oh, and also some practical tips to make your life on this crazy planet a little bit easier. 🌎)
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into our very first issue!
the first-night phenomenon 💤
If you like piña coladas, you might also enjoy the occasional tropical vacay. You know, the kind where there’s a tiny umbrella in every beverage. Pro tip: those bad boys won’t keep you dry when caught in the rain. 🍹
Ever notice your first night’s sleep in a hotel is pretty subpar?
Well, when you’re in a new place, one brain hemisphere stays more vigilant while you snooze. This is what’s known as the “first‑night effect.”
A 2016 Current Biology study found that when we sleep in an unfamiliar setting, one hemisphere (often the left) stays more alert, like a built-in security guard.
The first-night effect makes that side of the brain more responsive to sounds and potential threats, while the other hemisphere tries to rest. By night two, both sides clock back in for full sleep duty. 🫡💤
Gif by laff_tv on Giphy
This evolutionary brain trick is cute, but most of us don’t have to worry about bears or cavemen busting into our suite at the all-inclusive resort.
To beat the first-night effect, try these tips:
Pack a comfort item from home, like a blanket or pillow, to help your brain relax.
Try to stick to your regular bedtime and wake-up routine as much as possible.
Make use of those blackout curtains. Reduce exposure to light and noise that could keep you awake.
And above all else, know that it’s temporary! After the first night, it’s smooth sailing.
Now, which way to those dunes on the cape?! 😎
Like what you see? Don’t miss the next issue! 👇
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