Latest news with #HanaPatel
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Best sleep positions for back pain and snoring, according to experts
The way you sleep could be having a bigger impact on your health than you realise - from back pain to snoring, certain sleep positions can help to alleviate symptoms We all have a favourite way to nod off, be it curled up on our side, flat on our back, or face-down in dreamland. But could the position we sleep in be affecting our health? While most of us are aware that seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended for adults, the posture we adopt during slumber might be just as crucial for our health. From alleviating backache to cutting down on snoring, the importance of sleep posture on our overall health may be more significant than previously thought. So, does one sleeping position outshine the rest for health benefits? We've consulted with the experts to find out. Do certain sleeping positions exert more pressure on our joints? Dr Hana Patel, an NHS GP and sleep specialist at Time4Sleep, sheds light on how different sleeping positions affect us: "Different sleeping positions generate different surface contact, putting pressure on various joints," she says. "The three basic sleep positions – supine (lying on your back), side, and prone (lying on your front) – require different types of support when it comes to your mattress." She warns that some positions, like lying on your stomach, can lead to spinal stress and result in back pain due to lack of support. Does the way you sleep influence back pain? "Sleep is massively important for recovery, regeneration and injury prevention, but for those living with back pain it can feel impossible to get the optimum eight hours per night," acknowledges Mr Michael Fatica, lead osteopath and co-founder of Back in Shape Program. "To make matters worse, back pain and sleep are interconnected, with some research showing that insufficient sleep can exacerbate problems, so it can feel like an unwinnable battle for many sufferers." Which sleeping positions should be avoided by those suffering from back pain? "If you have back pain, you should try to avoid lying face down to avoid increased pressure on your spine and neck," advises Patel. "Instead, try sleeping in one of two positions; the first is on your side with the knees drawn up, and the second is on your back with a small pillow underneath the back of the knees to maintain the natural curve of the lower back." Are there any sleeping positions that aid breathing? "If you have breathing issues like sleep apnoea, then your symptoms may be worse when lying on your back because gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back and narrow the airway," explains Patel. "Try sleeping on your side to combat this." Is there a universally best sleeping position? "There is no perfect position for good quality sleep that I would recommend, as it often differs from person to person," says Patel. "The NHS generally recommends not to sleep on your front as you are more likely to move out of the midline position and strain your neck. "Several studies show that sleeping on the right side is associated with improved sleep quality, like fewer awakenings in the middle of the night. Another study has found that sleeping on your left side is associated with less acidity and reflux symptoms." In certain situations, such as pregnancy, the NHS does suggest a specific sleeping posture. "For example the safest position to go to sleep while pregnant is on your side, either left or right," says Patel. "This helps to improve the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby, and is safer for both it and the mother." What factors are more important for sleep quality than sleep position? Evening activities can greatly enhance sleep quality, particularly for those experiencing back pain. "If you're sedentary, move more in the crucial 'two hour' window before bedtime," advises Fatica. "Go for a walk, make a drink, perform some light stretches such as some simple hip flexor and hamstring stretches." Stress is another significant factor that can affect how well you sleep, adds Fatica. "Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine will help your mind and body wind down," suggests Fatica. "This could include reading a book, listening to calming music, or practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises." Moreover, selecting the right mattress is crucial to a good night's sleep. "There aren't bad mattresses, just old mattresses," Fatica notes, pointing out that it's not about hard versus soft mattresses. "Ultimately, it's what best allows you to sleep with your spine in a neutral position – everybody is different." For those battling insomnia, consider an additional cushion for comfort. Fatica recommends: "For optimal spine alignment and to help alleviate pain, simply placing a pillow between the knees can significantly help when sleeping on the side, it can also be used to make sure your neck is aligned properly if you have thinner pillows".
RTÉ News
13-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Front, back or side: What's the healthiest position to sleep in?
We all have our go-to sleeping position – whether it's curled up on our side, stretched out on our back, or face-down in a deep slumber. But beyond comfort, does the way we sleep affect our health? While most adults know they should aim for seven to nine hours of rest each night, the position we sleep in may be just as important as the duration. From easing back pain to reducing snoring, sleep posture may play a bigger role in our well-being than we think. So, is there a particular sleeping position which trumps the others? We asked the experts. Can some sleeping positions put more strain on our joints than others? "Different sleeping positions generate different surface contact, putting pressure on various joints," explains Dr Hana Patel, resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep. "The three basic sleep positions – supine (lying on your back), side, and prone (lying on your front) – require different types of support when it comes to your mattress. "Unsupported sleeping positions, like sleeping on your stomach, can place stress on the spine and lead to back pain." Can your sleeping position impact back pain? "Sleep is massively important for recovery, regeneration and injury prevention, but for those living with back pain it can feel impossible to get the optimum eight hours per night," recognises Mr Michael Fatica, lead osteopath and co-founder of Back in Shape Program. "To make matters worse, back pain and sleep are interconnected, with some research showing that insufficient sleep can exacerbate problems, so it can feel like an unwinnable battle for many sufferers." Which sleeping positions should people with back pain avoid? "If you have back pain, you should try to avoid lying face down to avoid increased pressure on your spine and neck," says Patel. "Instead, try sleeping in one of two positions; the first is on your side with the knees drawn up, and the second is on your back with a small pillow underneath the back of the knees to maintain the natural curve of the lower back." Are there any sleeping positions that are better for breathing? "If you have breathing issues like sleep apnoea, then your symptoms may be worse when lying on your back because gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back and narrow the airway," says Patel. "Try sleeping on your side to combat this." Is there a best sleeping position or does it depend on individual factors? "There is no perfect position for good quality sleep that I would recommend, as it often differs from person to person," says Patel. "The NHS generally recommends not to sleep on your front as you are more likely to move out of the midline position and strain your neck. "Several studies show that sleeping on the right side is associated with improved sleep quality, like fewer awakenings in the middle of the night. Another study has found that sleeping on your left side is associated with less acidity and reflux symptoms." There are some instances, such as during pregnancy, where particular sleeping positions are recommended. "For example, the safest position to go to sleep while pregnant is on your side, either left or right," says Patel, "This helps to improve the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby, and is safer for both it and the mother." What factors are more important for sleep quality than sleep position? What you do in the evening before you go to bed can improve the quality of your sleep, especially if you have back pain. "If you're sedentary, move more in the crucial 'two hour' window before bedtime," advises Fatica. "Go for a walk, make a drink, perform some light stretches such as some simple hip flexor and hamstring stretches." Stress can also significantly impact sleeping patterns, adds Fatica. "Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine will help your mind and body wind down," says Fatica. "This could include reading a book, listening to calming music, or practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises." In addition, it's important to invest in a good mattress that works for you. "There aren't bad mattresses, just old mattresses," says Fatica. "It's also impossible to say whether a hard mattress is better than soft. "Ultimately, it's what best allows you to sleep with your spine in a neutral position – everybody is different." And if you are struggling to sleep, grab an extra pillow. "For optimal spine alignment and to help alleviate pain, simply placing a pillow between the knees can significantly help when sleeping on the side, it can also be used to make sure your neck is aligned properly if you have thinner pillows," says Fatica.
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Doctor explains horrifying reasons why you should stop sharing your vape
Health experts have warned against sharing vapes in social settings as this generosity exposes users to further health risks. Vaping may cause a 'substantial' increase in the risk of heart failure, with people who've smoked e-cigarettes 19 per cent more likely to develop the condition, research has shown. Additionally, studies have found 505 hazardous chemicals in flavoured vapes, including 127 which are acutely toxic, and 153 health hazards, which are formed as a result of vaping. Sharing e-cigarettes with those around you adds to potential well being issues, with increased risk of exposure to viral infections including norovirus, mono, meningitis, flu and the common cold, doctors warned. As well as increasing the risk of contracting viral infections, sharing a vape can increase the possibility of contracting herpes, which causes cold sores around your mouth and is spread by communal utensils. Additionally, using another person's vape means the nicotine strength isn't personalised and the user may consequently take a hit from a higher strength e-cigarette than they're used to, health professionals noted. It's also wise to avoid sharing a vape if you have any form of food allergy as different vape flavours contain different additives and flavourings that could trigger a reaction, experts have warned. 'I would not recommend sharing vapes as this can expose you to a number of diseases and viruses, especially with the rising cases of norovirus,' Dr Hana Patel said. 'Sharing with friends may also mean you are getting higher doses of nicotine than you're used to,' she added. 'If you have allergies, I would recommend looking into the ingredients in your vape, especially when sharing, as some vape products may mimic the flavours of food or desserts may contain traces of allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten,' Patel continued. 'If you choose to vape I would recommend keeping yourself healthy and safe by using your own personalised vape and keeping it clean with proper maintenance to reduce these risks,' she said. It comes after it was announced that children would be warned on YouTube and Instagram about getting addicted to vaping as part of a new Government campaign this month. The campaign, called 'Love Your Lungs', will see influencers including Big Manny and Bodalia appeal to teenagers aged 13 to 18 on social media. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said that it is the first nationwide campaign across England to inform young people about vaping and nicotine addiction. Disposable vapes are set to be banned across Britain this year amid fears children are illegally buying the devices. New laws will reportedly give suppliers a deadline of 1 June 2025 to get rid of all stock across England, with the UK government expecting devolved nations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow suit. 'It is deeply worrying that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds used a vape last year,' health minister Andrew Gwynne said. 'We know disposables are the product of choice for the majority of kids vaping today. Banning them will keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.'
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'I'm an NHS GP - these foods will help you sleep better at night'
Sleep plays a vital role in overall health and wellbeing, supporting brain function and maintaining both mental and physical health. Yet, for many, a good night's rest remains out of reach, with one in three Brits reportedly struggling with insomnia. What we eat and drink can have a significant impact on sleep quality, Express reports. Dr Hana Patel, an NHS GP and resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep, sheds light on the dietary factors that can either aid or hinder sleep, while also debunking common myths. "Dairy products, like yoghurt, milk, and cheese, contain an amino acid called tryptophan that helps us get to sleep more easily," Dr Patel explains. "The calcium in these foods also helps with reducing stress and producing melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep." READ MORE: Superfood fruit costing just £1.19 can help improve your sleep, study shows READ MORE: EastEnders Priya actress has famous soap star mum and some fans are only just finding out Cherries, too, can be a natural sleep aid. "Cherries can help your sleep as they contain high amounts of melatonin," she says. "Tart cherries are more effective than sweeter ones as they have a small amount of both melatonin and tryptophan. Not only can they help you to fall asleep, but they also encourage you to sleep for longer." For those looking to incorporate cherries into their nighttime routine, Dr Patel suggests trying frozen or dried cherries, or even cherry juice. Almonds are another powerful sleep-promoting food. "Almonds are rich in magnesium, which promotes both relaxation and sleep," she explains. "Magnesium also helps to regulate melatonin, which guides the sleep-wake cycle in our bodies. On a physical level, it helps our muscles relax and regulates muscle contractions." Additionally, almonds help stabilise blood sugar levels, thanks to their nutrient composition that slows digestion, making them an ideal late-night snack. While some foods can promote restful sleep, others may do just the opposite. Dr Hana Patel warns against certain dietary choices before bedtime, including chocolate, sugary foods, and spicy meals. "Although it's delicious, chocolate does contain caffeine, which interferes with your body's ability to get enough deep sleep," Dr Patel explains. "This is especially true for dark chocolate as it contains more caffeine than milk chocolate. I recommend avoiding caffeine for at least two hours before going to bed." Sugary treats should also be avoided before sleep, as they can lead to fluctuating blood sugar levels. "Eating high-sugar foods before going to bed can cause your blood sugar levels to spike before eventually crashing," Dr Patel says. "This fluctuation can disrupt your sleep and make you feel more restless." Spicy meals, meanwhile, are best consumed earlier in the day. "I recommend trying to avoid eating spicy foods before bed as it can disrupt your sleep," she advises. "It can cause digestive discomfort, like heartburn and indigestion, as well as a raised body temperature from the capsaicin found in chillies, which makes it much harder to get a comfortable sleep. Your body has to work harder to digest spicy food, which means it is less able to focus on relaxing for sleep."
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Share Your Vape With Your Pals? We've Got Grim News
No judgement from us, but if you've been partial to a cheeky puff from a friend's vape – or even offer your own up – after a few drinks, now may be the time to stop sharing. This is because, amid a cocktail of winter illnesses doing the rounds, doctors have warned of a 'quad-demic' with levels of flu, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus and norovirus increasing, according to Dr Hana Patel who is an NHS GP. With this in mind, the experts at Electric Tobacconist have collaborated with Dr Patel to outline the potential health risks of sharing a vape and also how best to clean your vape to prevent infections. Norovirus is a serious infection that is found in poo or vomit and can be very easily transmitted to food, water, and surfaces by the hands of infected people. Anybody who has had norovirus will tell you that this illness is VERY hard-going. While sharing a vape is not a common way to contract norovirus, touching or using a vape that has been used by someone with the virus increases the risk. Dr Patel explains: 'I would not recommend sharing vapes as this can expose you to a number of diseases and viruses, especially with rising cases of norovirus.' Vaping involves inhaling aerosol, and this can contain drops of saliva. With this in mind, it's no surprise that sharing a vape can increase the risks of transmitting respiratory infections such as cold and flu, as well as Covid-19 and pneumonia. In order to limit your chances of catching a viral infection during the colder months, it's very important to avoid sharing a vape, even with close friends. As lovely as it is to share a vape after several pints, it does increase your risk of catching glandular fever, too. Other things that are great after a few drinks including kissing, sharing glasses and sharing utensils – and all of these can also spread the disease. Booo. Dr Patel urges: 'Not only can sharing a vape increase the risk of contracting viral infections, but it can also increase the risk of contracting herpes. 'While herpes is known as a sexually transmitted disease, it can also be spread through non-sexual contact through sharing personal items, such as a vape. If you experience any symptoms such as sores, pain, or blisters, it's important to seek a doctor's advice for a diagnosis.' Dr Patel adds: 'Sharing with friends may also mean you are getting higher doses of nicotine than you're used to. If you choose to vape, I would recommend keeping yourself healthy and safe by using your own personalised vape and keeping it clean with proper maintenance to reduce these risks.' Pascal Culverhouse, a spokesperson from Electric Tobacconist, recommends regularly rinsing the tank and mouthpiece of your vape with warm water to prevent bacterial buildup. For deeper cleans, use mild soap. 'For disposable vapes, store them in a cool, dry place and avoid extreme temperatures to maintain performance,' he added. 'Regularly clean the mouthpiece with a cloth or alcohol wipe and avoid sharing to prevent the spread of germs.' Love Vaping? This Doctor Has A Warning For Your Tongue Vaping May Not Be The Healthy Alternative To Smoking That We Thought It Was Quitting Smoking For New Years? This Surgeon Has News About A Popular Method Stop Smoking Pill: What We Know So Far About The New NHS Treatment
