Chitose Suzuki/ Boston Herald
+Supplements | August 2, 2011

FDA Deems Lazy Larry Brownies Unsafe

By Meredith Melnick

Back in May, a “relaxation brownie” called Lazy Cakes caused a stir, when several politicians and public-health experts expressed concern about its safety. On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a letter to the maker of the baked good, deeming the product — which contains the sleep-inducing compound melatonin — unsafe and warning that it could be seized.

+Depression | May 23, 2011

Could a Body-Clock Drug Help Ease Depression?

By Amie Ninh
Stockbyte via Getty Images

Sad mood and sleep problems often go together — sleep disturbances like insomnia or, conversely, sleeping too much are common symptoms or warning signs of depression. Now, some doctors say that drugs that help regulate sleep may also help improve people’s moods.

+Supplements | May 16, 2011

Lazy Cakes: A Sleepytime Snack Elicits Public-Health Outrage

By Meredith Melnick
Chitose Suzuki/ Boston Herald

Public health officials and politicians are debating the safety of a new snack on the market — sold as Lazy Cakes, Kush Cakes and Lulla Pies. They’re brownies laced with the sleep aid melatonin.

Family Matters
+Parenting | March 25, 2011

Children Sleep Right Through Fire Alarms, Study Shows

By Bonnie Rochman
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Recently, the super-sensitive smoke alarm near our kitchen started squalling in response to a charred bit of something overcooking in a saucepan. I cringed because my 6-year-old was asleep. A champion snoozer, she never flinched. And now, new research scarily shows she’s no exception.

Family Matters
+Sleep | November 29, 2010

Post-Thanksgiving Travel? Blame Jet Lag for Your Memory Loss

By Bonnie Rochman
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Jet lag causes memory and learning problems, according to new research, so please excuse any typos or nonsensical sentence constructions in the following article: I am writing it after flying cross-country for Thanksgiving and a day before my return flight.

+Sleep | September 2, 2010

Lack of Sleep Linked With Depression, Weight Gain and Even Death

By Meredith Melnick
Image Source/Getty

A collection of studies published Wednesday in the journal Sleep tackled some important questions: What are the health effects of not getting enough sleep? How does sleep deprivation affect teens? Does insomnia have long-term consequences?