What sleep problems may mean for the brain, why past you can feel far away, and how often marathon runners slow down: three short reads.
SleepReview of studies
1Sleep disorders were linked to differences in brain structure
The problem. Millions of people live with sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep). It is still unclear how poor sleep and the brain affect each other.
What they found. Researchers combined results from 57 brain imaging studies in adults. People with sleep disorders tended to have a smaller thalamus. This part of the brain helps with attention and decision-making. Another brain area also showed changes.
Try this. Notice how you think and feel after a good or poor night, and write one line about it.
How sure is this? This review pools 57 studies. It shows a link only. It cannot say whether poor sleep changes the brain or the other way round.
Source: ScienceDaily1
Build a calmer evening routine →
MindObservational study
2People feel closer to their future self than their past self
The problem. Many of us find it hard to learn from our own past. How connected we feel to the person we used to be may play a part.
What they found. Researchers ran 12 online studies in nine countries, including the US. People thought back or ahead 5 or 10 years and rated how connected they felt to that self. They felt closer to their future self. The reason: they expect to change less in future than they already have.
Try this. Think of one thing you did well five years ago and write down what it taught you.
How sure is this? These were online self-ratings of feeling connected, not real choices. The page does not say how many people took part.
Source: Psychology Today2
Notice how you are doing →
RunObservational study
3About 6 in 10 New York Marathon finishers slowed sharply
The problem. Keeping an even pace over a long race is hard. Many runners slow down badly in the second half, but few people have measured how often this happens.
What they found. Marathon Handbook looked at about 61,000 finishers of the 2026 New York City Marathon. By its own measure, 60% slowed sharply after halfway and stayed slower. Those who slowed typically lost about 19 minutes by the finish. About 8% ran the second half faster.
Try this. Move at an easy pace for 10 minutes today, perhaps a walk, and notice how steady it feels.
How sure is this? This is one outlet's look at one race, using its own meaning of slowing down. It shows patterns, not causes.
Source: Marathon Handbook3
Start a walking or running routine →
Sleep, our past selves and long races have something in common: they all go better with a little patience. Today's you deserves some too.
