Neuroscientist Says Your Brain Needs One Thing Before You Can Sleep

Millions of Americans struggle to get a good night’s sleep, but according to a cognitive neuroscientist who recently spoke with Newsweek, the problem may run deeper than a poor bedtime routine.

The brain‘s ability to sleep is closely tied to whether it feels safe enough to switch off, with unresolved stress and anxiety potentially keeping people trapped in a state of heightened alertness.

Cognitive neuroscientist Yousuf Aslam told Newsweek that sleep regulation involves a “complex interplay” between neuroscience, psychology, neurochemicals, and physiological processes. While biological mechanisms help regulate sleep, he said emotional factors can be just as important.