In an article in news.sky.com scientists claim to have created a machine that can give you an 8 hour sleep in just 3 hours. Using a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation the scientists can induce slow waves like the ones your brain gives off when you are in your deepest sleep.
It's kind of like sticking a frozen pizza in the microwave and having a tasty treat in a matter of minutes. Only instead of a frozen pizza, it's your brain!"The TMS device sends harmless magnetic signals through the scalp and skull and into the brain where it activates electrical impulses."
So is this a good idea? Or a bad idea? Let's weigh the pros and cons together.
Pro: No more sleepless nights.
Con: No more "sleepless night" excuses.
Pro: Great for making sure your buddy doesn't wake up before you finish drawing on his face.
Con: I'm usually that buddy.
Pro: More time to get stuff done.
Con: More time to feel bad about how much you haven't done.
Whenever technology like this is invented, I always like to figure out how it could be used to fight crime. For instance, if we could refine this technology and turn the TMS device into a ray gun, the police could knock out criminals in a safe manner. Or create a giant TMS turret gun that could be used for riot control. Of course, were these items to fall into the wrong hands, it could be devastating!
