Research Methodology

1. Topic selection

We only cover topics where three things are true: (a) real readers are searching for practical answers, (b) there is credible sleep-science literature to draw on, and (c) we can add something beyond what the top existing pages already say — usually a calculator, a checklist, a diagram, or a specific "here's what to do tonight" framing.

We do not write pages just to target a keyword, and we do not spin variants of the same guide to inflate page counts.

2. Source tiers

Every factual claim on a guide is traced to a source. We rank sources in three tiers and always prefer the highest available:

Content farms, unattributed listicles, forum posts, product-marketing pages, and AI-generated summaries are not acceptable sources and are not cited.

3. Evidence grading

Not all evidence is equal, and we try to signal that in the writing itself:

• Strong: multiple randomized trials or a Cochrane / AASM consensus statement. Written plainly ("research shows…").
• Moderate: several observational studies pointing the same way. Written with mild hedging ("studies consistently suggest…").
• Emerging: a few small or preliminary studies. Written with clear hedging ("early evidence hints, but this is not settled").
• Anecdotal or mechanistic: plausible from biology but not directly demonstrated in humans. Framed as opinion or context, not fact.

4. Handling conflicting studies

When studies disagree, we don't cherry-pick. We look at sample size, study design, funding source, and whether a meta-analysis or systematic review already exists. If a claim is genuinely contested, we say so in the article and link both sides. The word "controversial" earns its place.

5. What we won't claim

Some things are outside the boundary of what a general-audience sleep site should ever state. We won't:

• Diagnose sleep disorders — that's a clinician's job.
• Recommend prescription dosages, supplement dosing, or drug interactions.
• Guarantee outcomes ("this will cure insomnia").
• Cite a single small study as "science says."
• Publish product endorsements that aren't clearly disclosed.

6. Fact-check before publish

Before any guide goes live, it passes through a manual checklist:

• Every numerical claim (minutes, percentages, hours, dosages) is checked against its cited source.
• Every outbound link is opened and confirmed to still resolve to the claim we're citing.
• Any absolute language ("always", "never", "everyone") is challenged and usually softened.
• Author byline and last-reviewed date are updated.

7. Ongoing review cadence

Guides are reviewed on a rolling 12-month basis, and immediately when a Tier 1 source updates its guidance or a reader flags something. Our full correction policy — including how to submit one — lives on the Corrections Policy page.

8. Calculator methodology

The math powering our sleep, nap, and sleep-debt calculators is documented in full on the Calculator Methodology page — including the sleep-cycle assumptions, age-group profiles, and known limitations. If a calculator produces a number, we want you to be able to audit how we got there.