Circadian Blues | National Geographic

A suburban home here looks like cunning predators who will not rest until they have driven sleep into extinction. They have evolved to emit a blue light that is remarkably similar to daylight. Humans, attracted by the light, soon find themselves mesmerized. But the light suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that contributes to their circadian rhythm. They are exhausted but blissfully unaware of their exhaustion, a side effect of sleep deprivation. In this condition, they are more accident-prone, have impaired judgment, and are more irritable.

Sensing danger, the matriarch gathers her mate, and they scurry off to their den. Here, they have artfully shaped their habitat to block out anything that could put their sleep in jeopardy. Soothing colors, warm lighting, and soft bedding create an ideal habitat for sleep. But the predator has entered their den. If it can ensnare the prey, he will rob them of their precious sleep.

In a brilliant maneuver, the female stands her ground, corners the predator, and fends off the attack with a final touch. Sleep has been saved from extinction.