THE SLEEP REPORT
The What's What and Who's Who of Sleep MAY 2025 Edition
WORKOUTS VS. WIND-DOWN: THE SLEEPY SIDE OF SWEAT
Think a hardcore HIIT session at 9 PM is helping you "burn off the day"? Think again. New research from Nature Communications says that late-night high-intensity workouts might be sabotaging your sleep gains. Participants who got their sweat on too close to bedtime had a harder time falling asleep, stayed asleep for less time, and reported lower quality ZZZs. Turns out, your body needs time to cool down—literally and figuratively—before it can slip into slumber mode. So if you're itching to move after work, opt for something lighter like a walk, yoga, or a kitchen dance party (scientifically unproven, but spiritually effective). Save the sprints for earlier in the day, and let your nights be all about the wind-down.
DIGITAL DETOX = HAPPIER HUMAN
A study from the University of Texas at Austin published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology delivered a wake-up call with a delightful twist: simply stepping away from your smartphone—just for a couple of weeks—can make you happier. Participants who took a break from mobile internet felt more connected (ironically), more focused, less anxious, and yes, they even slept better. This isn't your typical "go touch grass" advice. It's science-backed proof that logging off is less about punishment and more about presence. Try a nightly screen curfew or a weekend mini-detox. Your brain will thank you. Your eyes will thank you. Your plants might even get watered. And who knows—you might rediscover the underrated joy of boredom.
BAD SLEEP, WORSE MEMORIES
Here's one for the overthinkers (we see you): according to recent findings, poor sleep might be the reason your brain can't let go of those cringey moments from middle school—or last Tuesday. When we don't get enough quality sleep, our brains have a harder time filtering out negative memories, making us more likely to stew on the bad stuff. It's like your brain's bouncer took the night off, and suddenly all the troublemakers are hanging out in the VIP section. The fix? More restorative sleep = more emotional resilience. So next time your brain wants to replay that awkward thing you said three years ago, just say, "Not tonight, I'm well rested."
THE YOUTH ELIXIR IS… SLEEP?
Feeling older than your age lately? It might not be your knees—it might be your sleep. A fascinating study from Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that people who consistently got poor sleep actually felt older. Not just tired. Older. What's more: those who reported better sleep had a lower "subjective age" (translation: they felt sprightlier, regardless of how many candles were on the cake). So no, you don't need another eye cream—you need a bedtime routine. Good sleep is the new Botox. Let's age backwards, shall we?
☕ NIGHTCAP RECAP
Between digital overload, late-night workouts, and memory misfires, it's easy to forget that sleep isn't just downtime—it's prime time for brain and body repair. Luckily, all signs point to the same thing: the simplest, cheapest, most effective upgrade in your health and happiness is… sleep. Here at Loftie, we're working to make that as effortless (and phone-free) as possible—with circadian-friendly lights, calming soundscapes, and tech that respects your REM cycles. Until next month, may your memories be filtered, your phone be face down, and your brain's bouncer stay on duty.
Sleep well,
Matt Hassett
Founder & CEO, Loftie
The Sleep Report is published monthly by Loftie. For more information on sleep science and helpful products, visit byloftie.com.
Great insights!! Any tips for how to minimize dreaming at night? My dreams make me feel like I was awake in another dimension all night, so I wake up tired!