Rob Newsom
Contributing Writer
Biography
Rob Newsom is a health and science writer and mental health counselor with extensive experience communicating complex medical information to general audiences. He spent a decade at the National Cancer Institute, where he helped translate health and medical information for the public.
As a contributing writer for Sleep Foundation, Rob specializes in the connections between sleep and mental health and has written about a wide range of sleep health and sleep science topics.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation can affect your mood, thinking, immune system, and physical health. Learn the short-…
Relaxation Exercises for Sleep
If stress is keeping you awake at night, try these gentle relaxation exercises to calm…
How Sleep Affects Job Performance
Sleep and job performance are closely related. Learn how work stress can make it more…
Can Dogs Have Melatonin?
Is your dog struggling to relax? Learn about the safety of melatonin for dogs, and…
How Does Blue Light From Electronic Devices Affect Sleep?
Is your phone ruining your sleep? Probably. Learn how electronics affect sleep and tips for…
What Causes Night Sweats?
Wondering why you wake up drenched in sweat? Learn what causes night sweats and when…
Nocturnal Asthma
Nocturnal asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath at night. Learn why symptoms…
Orexin (Hypocretin)
Learn what orexins are, how these brain chemicals regulate sleep and wakefulness, and why they…
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
CBT-I is an evidence-based treatment for insomnia that can improve sleep without medication. Learn how…
Back-to-School Sleep Tips
A back-to-school sleep schedule is important for children’s learning success. Learn how to create a…
How to Stay Awake on the Road
Want to learn how to stay awake while driving? We cover the dangers of falling…
Hypersomnia
When excessive daytime tiredness doesn’t have a known cause, it may be idiopathic hypersomnia. Our…
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect the Heart?
Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder that increases the risk of a multitude of…
Aging and Sleep
Getting older can affect the quality and duration of sleep. Learn more about the complex…
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea symptoms include snoring and daytime sleepiness. Learn more about the symptoms of this…
Does Snoring Mean Sleep Apnea?
Concerned about whether snoring is caused by sleep apnea? Learn about the causes of snoring,…
Central Sleep Apnea
In central sleep apnea, a lack of signals from the brain interrupts breathing during sleep.…
How to Not Be Tired
It is natural to feel tired occasionally, especially if you have spent many consecutive hours…
Does Sleeping Make You Taller?
Adult height is determined by a complex combination of factors, most of which are outside…
Music and Sleep
Music is a simple and easy way to improve sleep quality. Our guide explores music's…
Sleep Deprivation and Reaction Time
Losing sleep can increase reaction times, impacting performance, productivity, and safety. Learn how sleep deprivation…
Narcolepsy Symptoms
Our guide to the symptoms of narcolepsy explores the causes and impact of each symptom…
Sleeping in a Tent: Tips and Gear for Comfort
Explore expert tips and essential gear for a comfortable night in a tent, including guidance…
How Do Fish Sleep?
Learn more about the differences between how humans and fish sleep, and find out how…
Sleep Paralysis Demon
Sleep demons are frightening phenomena that are all too real for people who experience sleep…
Sleep and Weight Loss
Losing sleep may counter efforts to lose weight and even lead to weight gain. Learn…
Depression and Sleep
Understanding the link between sleep and depression can help improve your sleep quality and better…
Trauma and Sleep
Sleep issues are common after a traumatic experience. Understanding the links between trauma and sleep…
How Long Does It Take for Caffeine to Wear Off?
Caffeine can energize you, but it can also make it hard to fall asleep. Find…
Nicotine and Sleep
Explore the link between nicotine and sleep, its effects on sleep quality, withdrawal symptoms, and…
The Connection Between Diet, Exercise, and Sleep
Diet, exercise, and sleep all contribute to a healthy life. We explore the relationships between…
UPPP Surgery
Learn about UPPP, the most common surgery for obstructive sleep apnea, including benefits, usages, and…
Co-Sleeping
Learn about co-sleeping, a common yet controversial topic for many parents. Discover the pros and…
Melatonin for Dogs: Dosage, Benefits, and Safety
Curious about whether you can give your dog melatonin? We highlight what you need to…
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition marked by abnormal nighttime breathing. Learn more about the…
How Trauma Affects Dreams
Nightmares and anxiety dreams are common after a traumatic event. Learn more in our guide…
Blue Light: What It Is and How It Affects Sleep
Many people use electronics before bedtime, but this may have a negative effect on sleep.…
Using an Air Purifier for Better Sleep
Air purifiers can reduce indoor pollution and reduce allergens and odors that make it hard…
Sleep Debt: The Hidden Cost of Insufficient Rest
Sleep debt grows when lost sleep accumulates over time. Learn about the effects of sleep…
Sleep and Social Media
Using social media too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. Our guide explores social…
Paradoxical Sleep
Paradoxical sleep is another name for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Learn about this sleep…
How Your Gut Microbiome Influences How and When You Sleep
Shandong University links gut bacteria to sleep quality. Learn how certain microbes can affect sleep…
Our Brains Can Age as Much as Two Years With No Sleep for 24 Hours
New research finds that when young, healthy adults don't sleep for 24 hours or more,…
