It’s not just beauty rest — sleep duration and quality are some of the most powerful indicators of metabolic health. And a new study may have pinpointed exactly how much sleep it takes to keep Type 2 diabetes at bay. Research has long linked sleep duration and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Now, experts … Read more
Modern science is just catching up to what folk and traditional healers have known since Homeric times. While lab-developed pharmaceuticals can help manage anxiety, you might also want to check your local botanical garden. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, valerian root has a long-established history as a sedative, with records of its use … Read more
Getting to sleep often takes longer than a beat. With 1 in 3 adults struggling to snooze, it’s no wonder many will try anything to get the recommended seven to nine hours or fall asleep fast. Binaural beats could be the solution to nabbing a full night’s rest — and they don’t rely on counting … Read more
Failure to get a proper night’s rest could send you to the big sleep faster. In a new study published this week, researchers from Oregon Health & Science University found that, far more than diet, exercise or loneliness, sleep quality stood out as a primary predictor of life expectancy, second only to smoking. “I didn’t … Read more
The way we lay down in bed could pose health risks beyond just a sore back, according to experts. Your go-to posture can cause pain, reflux, snoring and even nerve symptoms that show up the next morning. “What we care about is if someone is comfortable in their sleep position. Often times we sleep in … Read more
Exhausted trying to get better sleep? You’re not alone if you experience chronic insomnia — about 12% of adults have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or returning to sleep after waking up at night. While many try cutting down on caffeine or working out to fall asleep, new research has found that one specific activity … Read more
Parkinson’s disease — which causes poor balance and stiff movement — affects an estimated 1 million Americans. That number is expected to rise by 20% in the next few years. While there’s no sure-fire way to prevent the neurodegenerative disorder, new research has found that a condition that affects millions could increase the chances of … Read more
Talk about brain drain. We know that a bad night’s sleep can leave us groggy, grumpy and unable to focus, which can affect our judgment and productivity. It turns out that restlessness fueled by a few poor habits can also accelerate brain aging by several months, new research reports. A new study suggests that five … Read more
A new study reveals that the foundation of solid sleep may rest on four core habits. Over 31 days, roughly 39,000 healthy adults participated in what a team of international researchers dubbed the “Core Four Challenge.” The objective of the study was to determine the combined impact of four circadian-aligning behaviors on sleep quality and … Read more
Is melatonin making you murky in the morning? Our bodies naturally produce the hormone melatonin to help regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is also a popular supplement meant to address sleep woes like insomnia and jet lag. Dr. Andrea Matsumura, aka Sleep Goddess MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician and menopause expert, said timing, proper dosing and … Read more
The Sleep Sprinter, the 3 a.m. Doomscroller, the Human Snooze Button — we’re all familiar with these archetypes of sleep deprivation. You probably already know that inadequate sleep can raise your risk of chronic health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, but how can it affect your personality? A team of … Read more
Is late-night tossing and turning stealing your shut-eye? You’re not alone. Nearly one in five US adults struggle to stay asleep until sunrise — turning the dream of 8 hours of uninterrupted rest into a nightmare. “Waking up in the middle of the night can be annoying, but this is not necessarily abnormal,” Dr. Dennis … Read more
Don’t sleep on this troubling sign that may increase your risk of dementia. Age, genetics, high blood pressure, unmanaged Type 2 diabetes, smoking and untreated hearing loss are among the major risk factors for dementia, a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily tasks. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic wanted … Read more
Roughly 39 million Americans suffer from a condition that can mean major health problems down the line — but many have no idea they’ve got it. Despite the soaring numbers, experts say 85% to 90% don’t realize it’s an issue, and one population in particular is dangerously underdiagnosed. A doctor broke down the basics of the … Read more
Your waistline isn’t the only part of your body that could be putting your health at risk. A growing body of research suggests that neck size may also serve as an early warning sign, indicating a higher likelihood of developing serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes and sleep disorders. Even more surprising: A thick neck … Read more
Desperate for sleep? You’re not alone. The sleep supplement market is booming, with an estimated $7.6 billion in revenue last year — and it’s only growing larger. But even with countless options on the market — including a few by celebrity brands, include Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme Sleep and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Knock Me Out chews … Read more
Forget muffin tops and thunder thighs — weight gain starts somewhere you wouldn’t expect. “When you have too many calories and you overflow your fuel tank, the first fat that grows is inside your body, you can’t see it,” Dr. William Li, a physician and food scientist, said on a recent episode of “The Mel … Read more
When the party keeps going all night long, your breathing might not. New research has uncovered a bizarre new sleep disorder dubbed “social apnea” — and your weekend habits may be to blame. Scientists from Australia’s Flinders University found the mysterious trend hits younger adults hardest, with those under 60 more than three times as … Read more
Shell shock! Nearly 54 million US adults are believed to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when muscles in your throat relax and repeatedly block your airway, causing you to stop breathing as you sleep. Besides disrupted sleep and snoring, OSA can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, … Read more
Americans, by and large, are starved for sleep. While seven to nine hours of sleep a night is generally recommended, a survey by US News revealed 58% of us sleep six to seven hours a night, while one in five is only clocking four to five hours of shut-eye. To close that yawning gap, one woman is sharing her … Read more