{
  "id": 3546936,
  "title": "Why don’t we sneeze when we are asleep?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/why-dont-we-sneeze-when-we-are-asleep",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-26T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2585878-why-dont-we-sneeze-when-we-are-asleep/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Many people wonder why they never sneeze while asleep, despite the fact that a sneeze can be triggered by various irritants. While the majority of us remain unaware of such occurrences, some individuals do experience sneezing episodes during their sleep. According to Sydney resident Herman D Hondt, he occasionally sneezes while asleep, but the act instantly wakes him up. This happens roughly once a week, about 10 to 15 minutes after he falls asleep, and he quickly blows his nose and returns to sleep.\n\nCarol Stevenson from London shared a similar experience with her feline companion. She noted that her cat often sneezes without waking up, which led her to believe that humans may also sneeze asleep without being conscious of it. However, Stevenson emphasized that not everyone is aware of these moments, as they do not always result in waking up.",
  "summary": "Our readers don’t agree with this statement, and even broaden out their evidence base to their furry companions",
  "key_points": [
    "Some individuals sneeze while asleep, waking themselves up.",
    "Occurs about once a week, 10 to 15 minutes after falling asleep.",
    "Cat owner Carol Stevenson observed her cat sneezing asleep without waking up."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}