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Tom's Guide
16 hours ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Your morning shower is ruining your nighttime sleep, says expert — here's why
There's nothing like a refreshing shower in the morning to kickstart your day. However, if you're struggling to sleep this summer, that step in your morning routine may be to blame. Yes, while 60% of Americans like to shower in the morning, NHS physician Dr Tim Mercer at Opera Beds says it may be wise to switch to an evening shower to improve your sleep. And, no, it's not because a nice, warm shower before bed is relaxing. It actually all comes down to a particular reason regarding hygiene. So, if you're a morning showerer or prefer an evening rinse, read on to discover why your sleep hinges on your showering schedule. An evening shower is better for sleep for a particular reason: allergies. "Allergies can hit hard, especially at night," says Dr Mercer. 'For many, that means disrupted sleep, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing." Mercer explains that we collect allergens such as pollen or dust mites throughout the day, so you're likely taking all these allergens to bed with you by not showering in the evening. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Pollen also clings to clothes, hair, and bedding, creating an invisible storm of irritation," the physician says. "You can shower before bed to wash off pollen, stopping it from transferring to your pillow." For more advice about allergies and sleep read our guide on how to sleep with allergies. If you're debating whether a hot vs cold shower is better for sleep, research and sleep experts tend to lean towards warm. A 2019 review of 13 studies found a warm bath or shower between 40 and 42.5 °C improved sleep quality and efficiency. "A warm shower taken one to two hours before bedtime triggers vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) in your extremities, which helps dissipate core body heat more efficiently afterward," Dr. David Rosen, medical director at sleep apnea treatment company Complete Sleep, recently told Tom's Guide. "This enhances your natural temperature drop." While a warm shower can prepare you for bed, showering too close to your bedtime may actually ruin your sleep. Like Dr Rosen mentioned above, try to shower around one to two hours before shuteye. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can improve sleep and relaxation, so try incorporating soothing scents into your evening shower. You can introduce relaxing scents through soaps or even shower mists, selecting products with calming fragrances such eucalyptus (which research shows can reduce congestion and sleep apnea) and lavender (studies show it increases quality of sleep and reduce anxiety).
Miami Herald
28-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
US Shutting Nursing Facilities Despite Ageing Population
The number of nursing facilities in the United States has declined sharply despite a rapid growth in the country's ageing population. More than 820 nursing facilities closed across the U.S. between 2015 and 2024, according to the hospital bed company Opera Beds. It revealed that 45 out of 51 states saw a reduction in nursing facilities despite a nationwide increase in the older population. It comes as more than 60 percent of states saw an increase in their citizens aged 85 and older between 2013 and 2023. The trend threatens to put increasing strain on remaining nursing facilities and homecare services across the country. States with the fastest-ageing populations, such as Alaska, may need to invest substantially more money in healthcare services for the elderly in the coming years. America's ageing population also poses significant economic challenges when combined with the country's declining birth rate. These include a drop in the working-age population, falling tax revenues, and an increase in individuals reliant on tax-based services like Social Security. According to Opera Beds, America's population aged 85 and over grew by around 39 percent between 2003 and 2023, significantly higher than the wider population at around 17 percent. Nevada saw the largest growth in its 85+ population over this period at 127 percent, followed by Alaska at 122 percent, and Hawaii at 100 percent. These three states in particular face significant strains given the relative drop in facilities, along with the rising cost of living, the researchers warn. Between 2015 and 2024, Opera Beds found that Montana saw the sharpest decline in nursing facilities, falling by 28 percent; followed by Maine on 21 percent; and Massachusetts on 17 percent. The findings revealed that Arizona is the least prepared to care for its ageing population, with only 142 nursing facilities. This means there are 1,050 individuals over the age of 85 per available facility. Arizona is followed by Hawaii on 958 individuals per facility, and Florida on 836. Meanwhile, Iowa is best prepared to care for its ageing population with 412 nursing facilities, and one per 174 residents over the age of 85. "The state's strong infrastructure for elderly care may be attributed to its rural composition and policies emphasizing accessible healthcare services for older residents," the report stated. "Additionally, Iowa's long-standing commitment to senior care ensures its ageing population has more options for assisted living and skilled nursing care than in many other states." Opera Beds used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the health policy research organization KFF. Opera Beds wrote in its report: "The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its population ages rapidly, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of older adults in the coming decades. As the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above grows, the strain on healthcare and homecare services... is becoming more apparent." James Pomeroy, global economist at HSBC, told Newsweek previously that America's ageing population represented a "massive problem" when combined with the declining birth rate. "In the U.S., the number of over-65s is expected to rise by more than 1.5 percent per year every year for the next decade," he said. "That means that when birth rates are so low, population pyramids becoming inverted very quickly. Less migration takes people out of the middle section of that pyramid, too, so you would expect the share of the U.S. population of pensionable age to rise quickly in the coming years as a result, which brings big social and economic change." Opera Beds projects a substantial increase in the U.S. population aged 85 and older by 2043, estimating that Alaska could see its share more than double to two percent of the state's population. Related Articles Republicans' Chances of Flipping New York Governor Seat, According to PollsSome People in Florida Advised To Stay Inside Amid Warning of Saharan DustAmerican Bishops' War With Trump Admin Is Heating Up 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
US Shutting Nursing Facilities Despite Ageing Population
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The number of nursing facilities in the United States has declined sharply despite a rapid growth in the country's ageing population. More than 820 nursing facilities closed across the U.S. between 2015 and 2024, according to the hospital bed company Opera Beds. It revealed that 45 out of 51 states saw a reduction in nursing facilities despite a nationwide increase in the older population. It comes as more than 60 percent of states saw an increase in their citizens aged 85 and older between 2013 and 2023. A nursing home in Simla, Colorado, in 2020. A nursing home in Simla, Colorado, in It Matters The trend threatens to put increasing strain on remaining nursing facilities and homecare services across the country. States with the fastest-ageing populations, such as Alaska, may need to invest substantially more money in healthcare services for the elderly in the coming years. America's ageing population also poses significant economic challenges when combined with the country's declining birth rate. These include a drop in the working-age population, falling tax revenues, and an increase in individuals reliant on tax-based services like Social Security. What To Know According to Opera Beds, America's population aged 85 and over grew by around 39 percent between 2003 and 2023, significantly higher than the wider population at around 17 percent. Nevada saw the largest growth in its 85+ population over this period at 127 percent, followed by Alaska at 122 percent, and Hawaii at 100 percent. These three states in particular face significant strains given the relative drop in facilities, along with the rising cost of living, the researchers warn. Opera Beds' chart showing the states which have seen the greatest increase in their 85+ populations between 2003 and 2023. Opera Beds' chart showing the states which have seen the greatest increase in their 85+ populations between 2003 and 2023. Between 2015 and 2024, Opera Beds found that Montana saw the sharpest decline in nursing facilities, falling by 28 percent; followed by Maine on 21 percent; and Massachusetts on 17 percent. The findings revealed that Arizona is the least prepared to care for its ageing population, with only 142 nursing facilities. This means there are 1,050 individuals over the age of 85 per available facility. Arizona is followed by Hawaii on 958 individuals per facility, and Florida on 836. Meanwhile, Iowa is best prepared to care for its ageing population with 412 nursing facilities, and one per 174 residents over the age of 85. "The state's strong infrastructure for elderly care may be attributed to its rural composition and policies emphasizing accessible healthcare services for older residents," the report stated. "Additionally, Iowa's long-standing commitment to senior care ensures its ageing population has more options for assisted living and skilled nursing care than in many other states." Opera Beds used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the health policy research organization KFF. What People Are Saying Opera Beds wrote in its report: "The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its population ages rapidly, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of older adults in the coming decades. As the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above grows, the strain on healthcare and homecare services... is becoming more apparent." James Pomeroy, global economist at HSBC, told Newsweek previously that America's ageing population represented a "massive problem" when combined with the declining birth rate. "In the U.S., the number of over-65s is expected to rise by more than 1.5 percent per year every year for the next decade," he said. "That means that when birth rates are so low, population pyramids becoming inverted very quickly. Less migration takes people out of the middle section of that pyramid, too, so you would expect the share of the U.S. population of pensionable age to rise quickly in the coming years as a result, which brings big social and economic change." What Happens Next Opera Beds projects a substantial increase in the U.S. population aged 85 and older by 2043, estimating that Alaska could see its share more than double to two percent of the state's population.
Los Angeles Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Are Your Seasonal Allergies Getting Worse? These 7 Tips Can Help You Sleep Better
If your usual springtime sniffles have turned into a months-long battle against itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sleepless nights, you're in good company. Longer pollen seasons and increasing pollen counts mean more people are dealing with the effects of allergies, especially at night. Allergy symptoms like congestion, sinus pressure, and itchy eyes can easily turn bedtime into a struggle. 'Allergy symptoms like congestion and sinus pressure can dramatically reduce your sleep quality,' says Dr. Carleara Weiss, PhD, MS, RN, a behavioral sleep scientist and advisor for Opera Beds. 'The less restorative sleep you get, the worse your body can respond to inflammation and environmental triggers.' Fortunately, these seven surprisingly simple tips could ease allergy symptoms and help you sleep better, even during peak pollen periods. It's tempting to unwind with a glass of wine or a beer, especially after a long day, but skipping it might be worth the effort, even if it's easier said than done. 'Alcohol raises histamine levels in the body, which can worsen nasal congestion,' says Weiss. Red wine, beer, and champagne are the biggest culprits thanks to their high histamine and sulfite content. Instead, stick to herbal tea or water in the evening. You'll wake up clearer and probably more hydrated, too. Late-night sweet tooth? We get it, reaching for fruit instead of cookies isn't always the most satisfying swap. Still, it could make a real difference. Pineapple and kiwi contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down mucus and soothe inflamed sinuses. Apples and berries pack quercetin, a natural plant compound with antihistamine effects. Together, they can support better breathing and reduce congestion by bedtime. 'These fruits are an easy, natural way to complement traditional allergy medications,' Weiss explains. Both turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory powers. Add honey—a natural antihistamine—and you've got a calming bedtime tonic that helps reduce swelling in the nasal passages and throat. 'This combo helps soothe irritated airways and supports respiratory health,' says Weiss. Bonus: It can also help you wind down before bed. It might not be glamorous, but a swipe of petroleum jelly at the base of your nostrils can catch pollen before it enters your nasal passages. 'It acts like a pollen trap,' says Weiss. Just don't apply it to irritated or broken skin, since Vaseline doesn't contain water and can worsen dryness. Dust mites love your non-washable home decor. One way to kill them without a deep clean? Freeze them. Place soft items in a sealed bag and pop them into the freezer for 24 hours. 'This reduces the allergens you breathe in at night and may help soothe itchy eyes and skin,' Weiss says. You might not associate your feet with your sinuses, but rubbing diluted peppermint oil on your soles can help clear your head. 'Your feet have large pores and absorb the oil quickly,' Weiss explains. Peppermint oil contains menthol, a natural decongestant that helps open airways and soothe scratchy throats. Apply it to your feet and pulse points before bed for the best results. 'Aim to keep your room between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit,' Weiss advises. Warmer air can worsen inflammation and trigger more histamine release, while cooler temps promote better airflow and reduce nasal swelling. Just don't overdo it. Temperatures below 60 can irritate your lungs and upper airway. Dr. Weiss recommends getting a jump start on allergy season instead of reacting once symptoms appear. 'Don't wait for allergy season to arrive to start taking your antihistamine or trying these remedies,' she says. 'You can make simple changes around the home to keep allergies at bay.' A few bonus suggestions: Seasonal allergies can interfere with sleep, but you don't have to suffer through every night stuffed up and miserable. Small changes to your evening routine (from cooling down your room to drinking turmeric tea) can have a big impact on how you feel when your head hits the pillow. Your allergies might be seasonal, but your sleep shouldn't be. Click here for more information on Opera Beds
