Waking at night could be red flag of Liam Gallagher health issue
Over half of us admit to regularly waking up in the middle of the night before struggling to fall back asleep. Now Brits are being warned it could be a sign you have a health condition that has affected Liam Gallagher and Rachel Stevens.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by sleep technology company Simba, revealed that nearly a third grapple with the issue almost every single night – with women being more affected than men. Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of the Sleep Charity, suggested that this common sleep habit could indicate a more serious health condition. She explained: "Waking up too early can point to an under or over active thyroid."
Celebs like Liam Gallagher, Rachel Stevens and supermodel Gigi Hadid have all spoken out about their thyroid problems. Missy Elliott has opened up about her fight with Graves' disease, which leads to hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid condition.
In 2022, Oasis legend Liam revealed his struggle with arthritis was down to a persistent thyroid problem known as Hashimoto's disease. That autoimmune condition of the thyroid gland sees the body's immune system start attacking it. If left untreated, it can cause the vocal cords to swell, leading to a hoarse voice.
The thyroid, a small yet potent "butterfly-shaped" gland nestled in your neck, produces thyroid hormones - T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These hormones help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it can become underactive - known as Hypothyroidism, or overactive - known as Hyperthyroidism.
Both Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism can impact sleep, but in different ways, reports Surrey Live. If you're struggling to fall or stay asleep, hyperthyroidism is usually the main culprit. On the other hand, if you're constantly feeling knackered, hypothyroidism is generally the prime suspect. Simba's research discovered that 18% feel worn out all the time. Thyroid hormones are crucial in maintaining our body clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle.
Incorrect hormone levels can throw this rhythm off kilter, leading to early morning awakenings. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is more likely to cause you to stir during the night.
This is because an excess of thyroid hormones can rev up your metabolism and stimulate your nervous system, leading to symptoms like anxiety, rapid heart rate, and restlessness. This can spike cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which may cause you to wake up earlier than usual, particularly in the morning.
These factors can disrupt your sleep cycle, causing you to wake up frequently or too early in the morning. Artis clarifies, "Cortisol plays a role in waking you up in the morning, but if your thyroid is overactive, the stress response can become imbalanced, causing you to wake up too early and feel restless."
In the UK, one in 20 people suffer from a thyroid problem, states research by the University of Aberdeen. According to the NHS, it's most prevalent among people aged 20 to 40. Women are at a tenfold greater risk of encountering thyroid issues compared to men, which underscores the necessity of early detection and intervention.
Lisa explained: "What distinguishes waking early from thyroid issues from occasional bouts of early morning waking is the presence of other symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, and feeling excessively cold or overheating. Other symptoms can include irregular periods, brain fog, muscle aches, dry skin, and changes in appetite.
"Thyroid symptoms usually develop slowly and gradually, and can be quite vague, often overlapping with other conditions, which can make it difficult to diagnose. A simple blood test can easily detect thyroid issues, so if you're experiencing these signs, it's worth consulting a doctor to rule out an under or over active thyroid.
NHS symptoms of underactive thyroid
The NHS website says common symptoms include:
constipation
putting on weight
irregular or heavy periods if you have them
feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
a croaky (hoarse) voice
dry skin, dry hair or hair loss
low mood or depression
difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
feeling cold more than usual
Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, the NHS warns.
NHS symptoms of overactive thyroid
According to the NHS website, these are some of the symptoms to look for:
hyperactivity – you may find it hard to stay still and have a lot of nervous energy
persistent thirst
feeling tired all the time
muscle weakness
diarrhoea
needing to pee more often than usual
sensitivity to heat
itchiness
nervousness, anxiety and irritability
mood swings
loss of interest in sex
difficulty sleeping
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a bedding expert - you've been washing your sheets wrong your entire life'
According to a bedding expert, here are the mistakes to avoid when it comes to washing your bed sheets to ensure long-lasting linen and to keep your home clean Many Brits may be washing their sheets completely wrong – and reducing the bedding 's lifespan, according to bedding experts. Your bed may not be as clean as you think. A mere 28 per cent of Brits change their sheets once a week, while 35 per cent wash them once every two weeks, according to YouGov research. However, people are being urged to clean their bedding on a weekly basis as dust mites, dead skin and sweat build up quickly, which can turn your bed into a potential health hazard as you sleep. James Pilling, bedding expert and interior designer from My Furniture, explains why washing your bedding weekly is important. He says: "You might not realise it, but many people are washing their sheets all wrong. One of the biggest mistakes is not washing them often enough. "We spend roughly eight hours a night in bed, so over a week, that's a lot of time lying on the same fabric. If you wouldn't wear the same clothes for seven days straight, the same principle applies to your bedding." He adds: "The golden rule is to wash your bedding weekly and avoid using a tumble dryer, which could damage the fabric." But what other washing faux pas might you be making? James reveals four other mistakes to avoid in order to keep your sheets in optimal condition. Washing with hot water James explains: "Hot washes are one of the quickest ways to ruin bed linen. High temperatures break down cotton or silk fibres, leaving them brittle." He continues: "In fact, the fluff you see in the lint trap is actually part of your bedding. An eco cycle with warm water is far gentler on the fabric, as well as more eco-friendly." Adding clothing and bedding in the same wash James says: "Never wash your sheets with clothes that have zips, buttons or other fastenings as they can snag or tear the fabric. Bedding should be washed in a separate load." Using harsh cleaning chemicals James explains that the cleaning products you use make a big difference. He says: "Sheets usually need freshening up from sweat and skin cells. But too many harsh chemicals can do more harm than good, so stick to plant-based detergents and avoid fabric softener altogether. He adds: "For an even gentler option, wash your sheets with a cup of borax or sodium bicarbonate instead, as it's better for both your bedding and your washing machine." Using radiators to dry bedding James warns: "Heat can seriously damage the fabric of your bedding. The best way to dry sheets is outside in the fresh air. This includes winter. As long as it's not raining, you can usually get them dry, and your linen will remain intact."
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Deadly chikungunya virus warning for Brit tourists as health experts 'worried' over surge in cases
The UKHSA has warned of record chikungunya cases in Brits returning from abroad. Find out where outbreaks are, how to protect yourself, and what vaccines are available. British holidaymakers are being urged to take extra precautions abroad after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a sharp rise in a dangerous mosquito-borne disease. New figures show that between January and June 2025, 73 cases of travel-associated chikungunya were recorded in England - almost three times the number in the same period last year (27 cases) and the highest on record for that timeframe. Most patients had recently returned from Sri Lanka, India or Mauritius, where outbreaks are currently under way. All cases were in England, with the majority reported in London. While the mosquitoes that spread chikungunya are not present in the UK - meaning there is no risk of local transmission - health officials say the rise is a clear warning to travellers. What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by two species of mosquito found mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. The illness usually begins with a sudden fever, often accompanied by severe joint pain. Other symptoms can include headaches, muscle aches, skin rashes and sensitivity to light. Most people recover in one to two weeks, but the joint pain can persist for months or even years. Up to 12 percent of patients still have symptoms three years later. Serious complications are rare, but in very young children, the elderly, or people with other medical conditions, the disease can be fatal. Get health warnings straight to your WhatsApp! As the world grapples with the threats of Covid-19, mpox and more, the Mirror has launched its very own Health & Wellbeing WhatsApp community where you'll get health warnings and news straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: 'Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we're seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK. 'While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes. Thankfully symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer. 'It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling. Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk. 'Before you travel, check the Travel Health Pro Website for the latest advice on your destination. A chikungunya vaccine may also be considered for those travelling to higher-risk regions.' Vaccines Two chikungunya vaccines were recently approved for use in the UK. IXCHIQ® – for adults aged 18 to 59. Vimkunya® – for individuals aged 12 and over. Both are available privately through travel clinics after an assessment by a healthcare professional. Other diseases flagged by UKHSA The same UKHSA report also revealed three cases of Oropouche virus - the first ever recorded in the UK. All were linked to travel in Brazil, where there is an ongoing outbreak. Unlike chikungunya, Oropouche virus is mainly spread by midge bites, and symptoms include high fever, chills, headaches, joint pain and muscle aches. Pregnant travellers are advised to take particular care due to concerns about infection during pregnancy. There were also notable shifts in other travel-related illnesses in the first half of 2025: Cholera: Eight cases, compared with just one in 2024. Most involved travel to India and Ethiopia, where outbreaks are ongoing. Dengue fever: 161 cases, down 67% from 490 last year. Zika virus: Four cases, down from nine in 2024. Meningococcal serogroup W (MenW): Linked to travel for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are reminded they must have the MenACWY vaccine before travel. Prevention Health experts stress that preparation is key. Travellers should visit the Travel Health Pro website - supported by UKHSA - at least four to six weeks before departure. The site offers up-to-date information on health risks for destinations worldwide, along with advice on vaccines, insect bite prevention, and safe food and water consumption. When it comes to chikungunya specifically, protection against mosquito bites is vital: Apply insect repellent regularly, especially those containing DEET. Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to cover exposed skin. Sleep under insecticide-treated nets in risk areas. Consider vaccination if visiting outbreak hotspots.
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Scotsman
Six in 10 Brits claim to dislike foods they've never even tried
Six in 10 Brits claim to dislike foods they've never even tried, according to research. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 2,000 adults found they have an average of eight foods they refuse to eat, with five of those being ones they've never tasted. Sushi, black pudding, and kimchi are among the foods people most commonly to dislike without trying first, along with plant-based alternatives to cheese and anchovies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tofu, liver, and plant-based equivalents to milk also featured in the top 10. Despite this, 65 per cent proudly claim to have adventurous palates, while 74 per cent said they are willing to try new foods. The study was commissioned by Boursin Plant-based, which has partnered with TV foodie Frenchman Fred Sirieix to investigate food biases by hosting blind tastings at food festivals throughout the summer. Fred Sirieix said: 'Brits claim to eagerly embrace culinary trends and global flavours, but they can be particularly prejudiced when it comes to certain foods, and this is one of the biggest barriers to discovery. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Many ingredients including plant-based alternatives to cheese have huge negative preconceptions. 'But despite many claiming they'd be able to differentiate plant-based from dairy, even the most discerning foodies were fooled by this plant-based alternative to cheese when we let taste do the talking.' Fred Sirieix puts Brits taste buds to the test at food festival | Ben Stevens/PinPep 'Brits can be prejudiced when it comes to certain foods' The study found that 65 per cent of adults admit to judging food negatively before tasting, yet 53 per cent change their minds after trying – a reminder to stay open-minded. The biggest motivators for trying new flavours were blind taste tests or learning about a food's health benefits, each cited by 21 per cent of respondents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Six in 10 said they would be honest if served something they didn't want to eat, with 32 per cent then refusing it outright, while 28 per cent would at least try a small bite. Despite all of the above, only 17 per cent actually admitted to being a fussy eater, according to data. It also emerged 67 per cent were adamant they'd be able to tell the difference between dairy and plant-based alternatives to cheese. With 46 per cent willing to give it a go if it tasted as good as the 'real thing'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fred Sirieix, on behalf of Boursin, added: 'People are very clearly confident in their ability to tell dairy from plant-based alternatives but as we saw from experience, this was not actually the case. 'In reality, less than 10 per cent of people at the Foodies festival were able to differentiate between Boursin plant-based and dairy. 'It just goes to show – there's a whole world of flavours out there waiting to be explored if you're brave enough. 'Even ingredients you might dismiss because of previous experiences, judgements, or assumptions can still surprise you if prepared in the right way. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'So, embrace the challenge and let the taste do the talking.' Brits sampled Boursin's new plant-based alternative to cheese | Ben Stevens/PinPep Top 20 foods Brits refuse to eat without trying: Sushi Black pudding Kimchi Plant-based alternatives to cheese Anchovies Tofu Blue cheese Duck Liver Plant-based alternatives to milk Prawns Olives Asparagus Spicy curry Kale Pickles Beetroot Coriander Brussel sprouts Mushrooms
