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Scots hospital porter breaks Hyrox world record at 75 years old

Scots hospital porter breaks Hyrox world record at 75 years old

STV News2 days ago
A Scottish hospital porter has broken a world record in Hyrox at the age of 75.
David Ridout, a porter at the University Hospital Crosshouse near Kilmarnock, competed in the Hyrox World Championships in Chicago last month.
The 75-year-old from Crosshouse qualified earlier this year by winning a regional race.
He went on to win his solo and doubles race to become a double world champion, breaking the world record for his solo race in his age group.
Hyrox is a physically demanding sports competition involving running and functional fitness movements.
Events are held across the world, including dates in Glasgow later this year.
David said: 'I was absolutely delighted to not only win the two medals, but to break the world record.
'I trained very hard for over a year so I could go out and do my best in Chicago.
'Hopefully, by sharing my achievement, this may inspire others to look at their options and challenge themselves to improve their health and wellbeing.
'If I can do it, anybody can.'
Helen Gemmell, assistant director of Estates and Support Services at the hospital, said: 'I want to congratulate David on this tremendous achievement. It must have taken a great deal of effort and dedication.
'The entire team are extremely proud of him and what he has achieved.'
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Two cities in Scotland named among UK's most ‘sleep-deprived' regions
Two cities in Scotland named among UK's most ‘sleep-deprived' regions

Daily Record

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  • Daily Record

Two cities in Scotland named among UK's most ‘sleep-deprived' regions

Amid a 214 percent rise in sleep apnoea and widespread insomnia, researchers have used a sleep deprivation index to rank 332 UK areas by sleep health factors Two Scottish cities have been named two of the UK's most sleep-deprived cities, according to a new report by sleep specialists at MattressNextDay. The study found both cities ranked in the top five for poor sleep, with Glasgow scoring 82.52 out of 100 and Edinburgh close behind at 82.22. ‌ The report comes amid a sharp rise in sleep-related health issues, with cases of sleep apnoea having surged by 214 percent over the past decade. Meanwhile, one in three people across the UK are now thought to suffer from insomnia. ‌ To determine the most sleepless regions in the country, researchers created a sleep deprivation index, analysing a range of environmental, behavioural and health factors across 332 local authorities. ‌ This included NHS data on sleep disorder hospital admissions, the density of nightlife venues, levels of light pollution and household spending on caffeine. In Scotland, both Glasgow and Edinburgh share some of the same sleep-disrupting traits. Glasgow is home to 21 nightlife venues per 100,000 people, while Edinburgh has 27, contributing to higher noise levels and more artificial light exposure during the night. ‌ In 2022, both cities also recorded their highest-ever levels of night-time light pollution: 124.49 nW·cm⁻²·sr⁻¹ in Glasgow and 111.88 in Edinburgh. The caffeine culture is another major contributor. Households in Glasgow and Edinburgh combined spent over £59 million on caffeinated products, which can delay the onset of sleep and reduce overall sleep quality. ‌ Sleep-related hospital admissions were also concerning, with Glasgow recording 256 patients annually and Edinburgh 215. Martin Seeley, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay, said: 'A high concentration of nightlife venues and artificial light can significantly impact the sleep of residents. Too much light and noise at night can harm our sleep and exacerbate pre-existing sleep conditions, such as insomnia and sleep apnoea. ‌ 'In fact, research has shown residents living close to lively 'night-time economy' streets report significantly more awakenings, poorer self-rated sleep and knock-on health complaints than those in quieter areas. "Not only this, but light pollution is known to disrupt the circadian rhythm by reducing the secretion of melatonin, otherwise known as the 'sleep hormone'.' Outside of Scotland, Nottingham was revealed as the UK's most sleep-deprived city with a score of 90.97. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We 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. The city recorded the highest number of nightlife venues at 28 per 100,000 people, as well as some of the most intense light pollution. Around 129 residents are hospitalised annually due to sleep-related conditions. Two regions in Yorkshire also made the top 10. East Riding of Yorkshire had a relatively low number of nightlife venues but reported a light pollution level of 232.73, one of the highest in the study. ‌ North Yorkshire also ranked high due to its caffeine spend of £31.69 million and 253 annual hospital admissions, second only to Leeds in England. In the South West, Bristol and Somerset were among the worst-affected areas. Bristol had 25 nightlife venues per 100,000 residents, while Somerset recorded the brightest single night in the UK study at 394.68 nW·cm⁻²·sr⁻¹, nearly four times brighter than London's most illuminated night. Rank ‌ Local Authority Nightlife venues * Household spend on caffeine ** ‌ Light pollution *** NHS sleep disorder hospital episodes **** ‌ Sleep deprivation score (/100) 1 Nottingham ‌ 28 16.17 78 ‌ 129 90.97 2 ‌ Newcastle upon Tyne 23 15.52 ‌ 307.38 124 87.13 ‌ 3 Glasgow 21 ‌ 32.13 124.49 256 ‌ 82.52 4 Edinburgh ‌ 27 26.89 111.88 ‌ 215 82.22 5 ‌ Wigan 10 16.61 ‌ 38.12 133 72.85 ‌ 6 East Riding of Yorkshire 5 ‌ 17.74 232.73 142 ‌ 71.90 7 Bristol ‌ 25 24.11 103.08 ‌ 192 71.75 8 ‌ North Yorkshire 11 31.69 ‌ 59.64 253 70.15 ‌ 9 Somerset 7 ‌ 29.04 394.68 232 ‌ 69.85 10 York ‌ 16 10.59 56.01 Article continues below 85 67.77

'New cotton bud'. Plastic hygiene product should be banned
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'New cotton bud'. Plastic hygiene product should be banned

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Baillie: Urgent NHS Fife inquiry needed for Sandie Peggie
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