Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2026

Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice
Published on: August 2, 2017
While You Were Sleeping: Public Confidence in Rapid-Onset Hazard Warning Reception During Overnight Hours
Jennifer M First1, Kelsey Ellis2, J Brian Houston3
1Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Objective:
Rapid-onset hazards such as flash floods and tornadoes often provide limited warning lead time. When these events occur overnight, residents may be asleep and less likely to receive warnings, increasing injury and mortality risk. This study examined confidence in receiving overnight flash flood and tornado warnings and factors associated with warning reception confidence.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of 1,008 adults across 12 southeastern U.S. states assessed confidence in receiving overnight flash flood and tornado warnings (12:00-6:00 AM) and factors associated with warning reception confidence.
Results:
Approximately half of respondents reported confidence in their ability to receive overnight flash flood (47.8%) and tornado (51.5%) warnings. Greater confidence was associated with greater warning source reliance, having a nighttime household emergency plan, higher nocturnal hazard risk perception, and greater trust in weather information. Mobile home residents reported lower confidence in receiving overnight tornado warnings than respondents residing in other housing types.
Conclusions:
Many respondents remained uncertain about their ability to receive overnight warnings. Efforts to increase access to multiple warning sources capable of awakening residents, strengthen nighttime household preparedness planning, and improve awareness of nocturnal hazard risks may help improve overnight warning reception and support protective action.
Related Concept Videos
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...