7 Curious Facts About The World of Sleep

Sleep cycle infographics, vector flat style design illustration. Sleep phases or stages diagram, scheme, education poster template.
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Sleep, an essential and often enjoyed part of our daily routine, still remains a realm of mysteries and unexpected occurrences. We might spend a third of our lives in this state, yet there are so many fascinating facets of sleep that remain unexplored by many. Here’s a dive into seven such interesting factlets:

1. The Extreme Reality TV Test: The British TV series “Shattered” put ten contestants to the test by challenging them to stay awake for seven straight days. The side effects of sleep deprivation took a toll, making contestants irritable and irrational. In a bizarre twist, one contestant even believed he had become the Prime Minister of Australia. The winner managed to stay awake for a staggering 178 hours.

2. Primates vs. Humans: Of all primates, humans spend the least amount of time sleeping. Yet, the sleep we do get is deep and restorative. This is possibly because we sleep on the ground, eliminating the risk of falling from trees, and have established protective measures against predators. These conditions allow us to indulge in deeper, more rejuvenating sleep without needing longer hours.

3. The Desperate Quest for Sleep: One man’s battle with fatal familial insomnia, a condition rendering a person biologically unable to sleep, saw him trying everything from vitamin therapy to anesthesia in a desperate bid for rest. These interventions managed to prolong his life by a year.

4. Medieval Sleep Patterns: Our ancestors in the medieval era had a peculiar sleep pattern. They would enjoy a 4 to 5-hour sleep, be awake and active for a couple of hours, and then drift back to sleep for another 3 to 4 hours. This segmented sleep is believed to have evolved to allow humans to tend to fires, ensuring warmth and safety throughout the night.

5. Drugs and Dreamland: Both alcohol and marijuana have profound effects on our REM sleep, the phase associated with vivid dreams. Chronic alcohol consumption diminishes REM sleep. However, upon withdrawal, there’s a surge in REM sleep leading to intense dreaming. Similarly, marijuana suppresses REM sleep, but cessation can trigger a burst of vivid dreams.

6. Guardian Half: An intriguing phenomenon happens when we sleep in unfamiliar settings. In such scenarios, only one half of our brain delves deep into rest, while the other remains vigilant, as if standing guard.

7. The Sleep-Deprived Worker: A consistent lack of sleep can drastically affect one’s performance, cognitive abilities, and judgment. In fact, if you’re routinely coming to work sleep-deprived, you’re functioning at a level comparable to being intoxicated.

6 Interesting Facts About Greenland

Wintertime with colorful houses in Tasiilaq, East Greenland
Wintertime with colorful houses in Tasiilaq, East Greenland
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Greenland, the world’s largest island, is more than just an icy expanse. Its vast terrain holds stories of rich history, unique geography, and an interplay of cultures. Let’s dive into some lesser-known facets of this enigmatic land:

1. Questionable Medical Practices: In a shocking revelation from the 1960s and 1970s, it was found that the Danish government, in an attempt to control the indigenous birth rate in Greenland, sanctioned the covert implantation of intrauterine devices (IUDs) into thousands of Greenlandic Inuit girls and women without their consent or knowledge.

2. America’s Greenlandic Ambitions: The strategic significance of Greenland hasn’t gone unnoticed by global powers. Notably, the United States attempted to purchase Greenland for $100 million in 1946—a sum equating to approximately $1.5 billion in 2022 after accounting for inflation. Another bid emerged in 2019, but long before these events, the U.S. had made its presence felt. Following Denmark’s fall in WWII, the U.S. occupied Greenland between 1940 and 1945, leading to the establishment of the Thule Air Base.

3. Erik The Red’s Marketing Ploy: In a bid to attract potential settlers, Erik The Red cunningly named the icy land “Greenland”, making it sound more enticing than “Iceland”. His strategy bore fruit when several Icelandic Vikings, escaping a famine, founded settlements in Greenland within a few years.

4. Vikings Versus Inuit: While the Inuit constitute about 90% of Greenland’s present-day population, it’s the Vikings who have the bragging rights of being the early birds. Historical records suggest the Vikings set foot in Greenland at least a century before the Inuit arrived.

5. A Land of Descriptive Names: Greenland’s territories have names that aptly describe their characteristic features. They translate to evocative terms like “much ice”, “center”, “south”, and Qaasuitsup “darkness”.

6. Greenland’s Precious Forest: While Greenland might conjure up images of ice and snow, it is home to a natural forest, albeit a tiny one. Nestled in the Qinngua Valley in southern Greenland, this forest spans just 9 miles. Its existence is a testament to the unique geography of the valley, which shields it sufficiently to foster tree growth despite the overarching sub-Arctic climate.

5 Tidbits about the French Foreign Legion

Kabul, Afghanistan - circa, 2011. Legionnaire of the French Foreign Legion is on duty during a combat mission in Afghanistan.
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Established in the 19th century, The French Foreign Legion stands out for its unique traditions and diverse membership. Let’s delve into some lesser-known aspects of this fascinating group:

1. A New Identity on Entry: Joining the French Foreign Legion isn’t a straightforward affair. Recruits must adopt a pseudonym upon entering. After a year, they can either revert to their original name or, if they have legal entanglements, the Legion assists in formalizing the new identity.

2. A Melting Pot of Warriors: Standing as a beacon of unity in diversity, the French Foreign Legion is distinctive in welcoming members from any nationality. More impressively, a Legionnaire wounded in the line of duty can immediately apply for French citizenship, embodying the principle of “Français par le sang versé” – becoming French through spilled blood.

3. The Lone Female Legionnaire: Susan Travers holds the unique distinction of being the only woman ever to have served in the French Foreign Legion. She chose to share her incredible journey at the age of 91, ensuring her tale was told only after the other actors in her story had departed.

4. Tattoo Regulations: While tattoos are common in military cultures worldwide, the French Foreign Legion is particular about their acceptability. Tattoos deemed “foolish” are grounds for rejection, underlining the Legion’s strict code of conduct and standards.

5. Dress Code with a Statement: The sappers, a subset of the Legion, don an ensemble that is a blend of tradition and utility. Their attire features large beards, protective leather aprons, and ceremonial axes, making them an iconic presence in parades and official ceremonies.

6. Singular Commitment to Service: On embarking on their journey with the French Foreign Legion, every recruit, regardless of marital status, is enlisted as a single individual. The inaugural contract is non-negotiable, binding the recruit for a term of five years. As time progresses and the legionary advances in rank and standing, considerations regarding starting a family become viable. However, the Legion has clear stipulations in place: a legionary can only contemplate marriage once he serves under his true identity and maintains an impeccable record.

The Eccentric World of Marlon Brando: 8 Bizarre Facts You Never Knew

Waxwork of Marlon Brando as Godfather Don Vito Corleone,Marlon Brando waxwork figure - Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
Waxwork of Marlon Brando as Godfather Don Vito Corleone,Marlon Brando waxwork figure – Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
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Marlon Brando, often hailed as one of the most remarkable actors of his time, was an enigma both on and off the screen. His extraordinary talent was matched by an equally fascinating life brimming with peculiar anecdotes and unexpected encounters. Dive into eight of the most unusual facts about this legendary icon.

1. Dogged Compliments: In a candid interview moment, when reminded that many regarded him as the greatest actor of all time, Brando cheekily gestured towards his dog, Tim, claiming him to be the true thespian. According to Brando, Tim was the “greatest actor ever”, mainly because he feigned affection every time he was hungry.

2. Unconventional Beliefs: Brando’s faith in his meditation practices was so steadfast that he once attempted to undergo a circumcision without anesthesia, convinced his pain tolerance was unparalleled. However, he was less than thrilled when regulations mandated anesthesia.

3. Open Secrets: Unfazed by societal expectations, Brando openly discussed his diverse sexual experiences. He once light-heartedly remarked that if someone believed he and Jack Nicholson were lovers, they should continue thinking so, as he found the rumor amusing.

4. AOL Chatroom Rebel: In the era of early internet chatrooms, Brando was known to engage in fiery political debates on AOL. He had a habit of signing off these chats with a rather direct “F**k Off”, which led to multiple suspensions of his account.

5. High School Shenanigans: Brando’s penchant for the dramatic wasn’t limited to the big screen. He was kicked out of high school for pulling a theatrical stunt – driving a motorcycle through the school corridors.

6. Face-Off with the Paparazzi: Not one to be trifled with, Brando once responded to a paparazzi’s intrusion by delivering a punch that broke the man’s jaw and dislodged five of his teeth. Yet, in a testament to Brando’s larger-than-life aura, the same photographer later attempted to snap Brando again, albeit while donning a football helmet for safety.

7. Secretive Snacking: To keep his nocturnal indulgences a secret from his wife, Brando would often hire a studio kid to discreetly toss a bag of burgers over his fence, ensuring his dietary cheats remained undiscovered.

8. Signature Worth More than Gold: Such was the allure of Brando’s autograph that many personal checks penned by him remained uncashed. Many believed that possessing a piece with Brando’s signature was far more valuable than the monetary amount written on the check itself.

From Ancient Rituals to Modern Theaters: The Fascinating Journey of Popcorn

Homemade Rosemary Herb and Cheese Popcorn in a Bowl
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Popcorn has a rich history that spans thousands of years, from ancient civilizations to modern movie theaters. This versatile snack has played roles in ceremonies, economies, and everyday diets across different cultures and eras. Dive in as we explore seven intriguing facts about popcorn that might surprise you!

1. Ancient Popcorn Origins: Popcorn’s history traces back thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries in Peru indicate that people enjoyed this popped treat as far back as 4,700 BC.

2. The Dangers of Artificial Butter: The term “Popcorn Lung” might sound odd, but it’s a real and severe condition. Linked to a chemical in artificial butter flavoring, a microwave popcorn lover was awarded a staggering US$7.27 million in damages in 2012 after contracting this disease.

3. Popcorn for Breakfast: In the 19th century, Americans didn’t just enjoy popcorn at fairs or cinemas. They consumed it with milk and sweeteners, much like a breakfast cereal.

4. The Costly Cinema Snack: Surprisingly, movie theater popcorn costs more per ounce than even the luxurious Fillet Mignon. This massive markup, over 1200% above production costs, is because cinemas earn a minimal percentage from ticket sales, especially during a movie’s initial weeks. The real profits, therefore, come from the concession stands.

5. Popcorn’s Role During Tough Times: During the Great Depression, popcorn’s affordability made it a favorite snack. With sugar rationed during WWII, its consumption in the US tripled. The snack even provided a financial lifeline for many farmers, including the now-famous Redenbacher family.

6. Popcorn in Aztec Culture: The 16th-century Aztecs didn’t just eat popcorn; they celebrated with it. Young women performed popcorn dances, wearing popcorn garlands, and the popped kernels often adorned ceremonial headdresses and statues of their deities.

7. A Lasting Snack: If you’ve ever wondered about the shelf life of those unpopped kernels in your pantry, rest assured, they’re nonperishable. With the right storage conditions, they can last indefinitely, ready to pop whenever you are!

From ancient rituals to cinema snacks and economic lifelines, popcorn’s journey through time is as fascinating as its delightful taste. Whether you love it sweet, salty, or buttered, there’s no denying popcorn’s enduring appeal.