BBC Knowledge April 2017

(Jeff_L) #1
Typically when we’re reading, we do it
in a comfortable position – sitting or lying
down – in a quiet place, and often at
the end of the day or after more energetic
activities, all of which contributes to
a state of relaxation and sleepiness.
Also, an absorbing text will take your
focus away from the outside world
and from anxieties that might otherwise
keep us alert, such as worries about
tomorrow’s exam or dentist appointment.
Alternatively, if you find what you’re
reading boring, the effort to keep going
can be tiring, in which case you’ll likely
begin to daydream, which can also
bring sleep closer. CJ

Why does


reading


make


you sleepy?


Why do


dogs like


rolling in


fox poo?


“Come and
have a go!
It smells lovely!”

One theory is that it’s a hunting
behaviour that evolved as a way
to mask the dog’s own scent to
make it easier to stalk prey. It’s odd
that a dog would choose the poo
of another predator though. It may
be that, for most dogs, fox poo is
the only really stinky poo they have
access to. Cows and horses are
kept away in their own fields
and cats bury their poo neatly. LV

20 April 2017

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14 April 2017

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