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A LINK BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND BAD SLEEP?

Thursday, July 25, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we examine the links between frequent social media usage and nightmares, learn about sharks with cocaine in their systems and why a humpback whale capsized a boat … and find out how athletes competing in the Olympics will deal with record-breaking heat. Also, could this newly discovered 12,000-year-old burial belong to a female ‘shaman’?

A young woman lying in bed with a serious expression while looking up at her phone

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNASTILLS, GETTY IMAGES

Frequent social media users report feelings of victimization, loss of control, helplessness, and conflicts with other users. And those emotions are happening while they’re sleeping. Yes, a new study hints at a link between social media usage and disrupted sleep as well as specific types of nightmares.

These bad dreams reflect the lower peace of mind and increased anxiety that many social media users also experience in their waking hours. Can we escape the posts?

SOCIAL MEDIA NIGHTMARES

Related: Has social media use disrupted your sleep and prompted nightmares? If so, what did you do about it? Let us know!

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A dead brazilian in hand.

PHOTOGRAPH BY VICTOR MORIYAMA, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Sharks found with cocaine in their systems. How did that happen?

Why did a humpback whale capsize a boat? Here’s what really happened.

These ancient cities sunk to the ocean floor. Here’s how they were rediscovered.

These manipulated photos are the original political deepfakes

This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic Related: America is still dealing with the pandemic’s scars, psychologists say

Biodegradable plastic exists—but it’s not cheap

Why do so many virtual assistants have female voices?

Tampons have lead in them—what does it mean for your health?

Exploring America’s most surprising national landmarks

What is cyclic vomiting syndrome?

The best camping cots for a good night's sleep outdoors

WATCH THE TRAILER

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

An athlete cools off with a bag of ice during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NORIKO HAYASHI, BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Will extreme heat affect the Olympics? It won’t just be outdoor sports impacted by the expected record-breaking high temperatures. Organizers in Paris are focused on keeping competitors safe while still facilitating optimal performances.

HEATED OLYMPICS

Related: The river at the heart of the Summer Games
Also: Secret, surprising subterranean Paris

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Skeleton, laying curled up on side, shown from above, partially excavated and surrounded by dirt.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERGUL KODAS

At the dawn of civilization, a woman who may have claimed a connection to animals prowled the upper Tigris. The evidence (pictured, above) for this female “shaman” comes from an unusual burial site—shared with parts of a partridge, a marten and a primitive ox. Here’s what we know.

FEMALE ‘SHAMAN’?

Related: Ancient hallucinogens found in 1,000-year-old shamanic pouch

Today’s soundtrack: Get Some Sleep, Bic Runga

Tomorrow: Don’t miss our Top 10 stories of the week. And sign up here for our weekend Photo of the Week!

Today’s newsletter was curated by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, and Nishita Naga. Thanks for reading!

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