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
As many travelers return from trips with souvenirs of their adventures, some also bring back an unwelcome case of jet lag. Jet lag is a sleep disorder caused by traveling across different time zones in both international and domestic travel. Flying can take a toll on the body, including dehydration, leg swelling, and jet lag in many … Read more
It’s not such a fairy tale. With stress, smartphones, and bad nighttime habits, many of us are struggling to get the recommended six to nine hours of sleep each night. However, a rare condition causes some to doze for nearly an entire day for days on end. A rare condition called “sleeping beauty syndrome” causes some to … Read more
You’re trying to catch ZZZ’s, but, really, they’re running circles around you. Luckily, new research highlights four exercises that can significantly ease insomnia and improve sleep quality — no gym membership required. Among them: An ancient Chinese practice that’s just as much a workout for your brain as it is for your body. Research shows … Read more
The benefits of napping are well-established: the afternoon delight of a siesta may preserve the health of our brains as we age, and napping has been shown to boost creativity, improve parenting, and increase joy. Experts have even coined a word to describe the bliss state reached after a brief doze: nappiness. But your mid-day resting habits can also predict how … Read more
Two in five Americans are “bad” at mornings, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed 38% agreed with this sentiment — and respondents get out of bed later than planned an average of eight times per month. For one in 10 respondents, this happens more than 20 times per month. When … Read more
If your alarm clock feels more like a suggestion than a wake-up call, you’re not alone. A recent study found that more than half of adults are habitual snoozers, hitting the button an average of 2.5 times to sneak in an extra 11 minutes of sleep. But that extra shut-eye does more than just cut … Read more
Baby got bac! We all know that kissing and other close contact can transmit infections like the common cold, mononucleosis and herpes. A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing, too. A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing. … Read more