Some of us like sleeping with the TV on, others want it off – and it can cause problems for a couple that can’t agree on which way to go.

But a new study shows that those who prefer it off just might be in the right.

They scanned the brains of those in the study while they slept with the TV on and found that hearing unfamiliar voices, like those on TV, can trigger a micro-arousal, where you almost wake up. And if it happens too much during the night, it’ll leave you groggy.

The study found that familiar voices – like those of the people you live with, don’t have the same effect.

Scientists think that it’s the brain’s way of protecting us at night while we’re asleep – an unfamiliar sound could mean there’s a threat.

So, if you do like to fall asleep with the TV on, make sure you use the sleep timer – so you’ll be more rested.

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You already know exercise is good for you – and high-intensity interval training is even better. Simply put, you do more in less time for a better workout.

But what about when it comes to walking? After all, it’s the most common form of exercise – how can you be doing more with a daily stroll?

Well, the first thing is to change it from being leisurely walk in the park and picking up the pace! Just a 7-minute brisk walk can reduce your death risk by one-third compared to a 12-minute casual walk. Another study shows that brisk, half-hour walks promote healthy blood flow to your brain and boost memory function – literally you’ll walk away smarter.

But how do you know if you’re walking fast enough to make a difference? Take note of your breathing – if it’s heavy and talking is difficult, that’s where you want to be so your walk can make a difference.

So, slip on those walking shoes, get outside, and pick up the pace!

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After the last two years, now more than ever, workers are taking more mental health days – it’s a sick day because you’re stressed or overworked, rather than traditionally ill.

Taking them when you need them is the best course of action…but if you can plan, Wednesdays might be the one day to avoid when taking a day off for mental health.

You might think Wednesdays are good because they split the work week right in the middle, but your stress may remain – instead of relaxing that you’ve got the day off, you’ll be thinking about how you’ve got to go back the very next day, and it won’t feel like a day off.

Plus, you may get unwanted questions when you’re back – coworkers, or the boss, may notice and ask questions.

The best course for your mental health day is taking a Monday or a Friday, and you’ll get a three-day weekend to truly relax.

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You’ve known it and I’ve known it, and everyone has known it – but now science has proven it. A new study shows that being “hangry” is a real thing.

The word is a combination of hungry and angry – and the study shows that not eating really does make us mad.

If we’re craving food, we’re a full 1/3 angrier, irritable, and take less pleasure in whatever we happen to be doing. But what set this study apart was it wasn’t in the lab – it was all done in the real world.

However, once you eat, you don’t immediately get happier – feeling hangry can affect your overall mood for a day, and even leave you in a rut for days afterwards.

So, if you’re feeling hangry, make sure you eat something – and avoid your coworkers for a while.

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If you find it too difficult to exercise during the week, just make sure you don’t relax during the weekend. If you go really hard with your workout on Saturday and Sunday, then Monday through Friday will be covered.

A new study looked at “weekend warriors” – and found that whether you spread exercise across five days or two days doesn’t matter, as long as you get in 150 minutes per week will help with fat loss and keep you in shape.

However, there is one catch – you may need to be more strenuous with your workouts than if it was during the week. A brisk walk won’t cut it – in order to create the balance, weekend workouts need to be of a higher intensity.

So, don’t stress about missing a workout today, as long as you step it up on Saturday!

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