Sleep hits pothole on lonely street

Lonely people often get a lousy night’s sleep, according to a new study. Lack of high-quality slumber among the lonesome may contribute to their elevated physical illness and death rates, say psychologist John T. Cacioppo of the University of Chicago and his coworkers.

Data for the study came from 33 male and 21 female college students who spent a night in a sleep laboratory wearing a cap fitted with sensors that measure eyelid movements, head rolls, and brain waves.