Latest news with #TheSleepCharity
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Lidl is selling a cheap gadget to keep you cool while sleeping this summer – and it's £12 cheaper than an Argos buy
LIDL has the perfect item to keep the temperature down as you snooze in the summer months. Shoppers are obsessed with the ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and won't break the bank. 3 For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad. That's more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7. Describes as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort so you don't need to be flipping the pillow during the night. At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow. For those needed even more cooling comfort, the cooling pad can be put on top of your pillow. Then for those especially hot nights during summer, you can put the gel pad into the fridge to make it extra cool and keep you sleeping well. According to The Sleep Charity 16°C-18°C is ideal for a good night's sleep, but if your bedroom temperature is over 24°C you're more likely to wake up. Using a lighter tog duvet (or even a sheet), a home fan with a quiet setting and opening your windows to let air circulate all help keep your room cool as you rest. The Lidl Plus app is Lidl 's loyalty app was launched in 2020 and offers personalised discount coupons, based on each customer's shopping habits. The cooling pillow is not the only gadget Lidl is sellin g at a steal to help customers during the summer months. From Thursday, May 29, Lidl will start selling the Silvercrest Local Air Conditioner is bound to keep you super cool all summer long. The handy gadget also works as a dehumidifier and ventilator and can be easily moved throughout the house thanks to its wheels and recessed side grips. It also automatically oscillates, meaning your whole room will be cooled, and has two different fan speeds, depending on how much you need cooling down. Priced at £149.00, the fan comes with a three-year warranty and has a 24-hour-digital timer function. It is also £180 cheaper than the Logik Portable Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier, which costs £329 from Curry's. 3
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Always wake up early? It could be 'hidden' symptom of a life-changing illness that needs treatment
Waking up before your alarm rings could be a sign you're suffering a debilitating hormonal condition that can lead to deadly heart problems, an expert has warned. An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, affects roughly one in 100 people, and means the body produces too much of a collection of hormones that make us alert. According to hormonal disorder specialist Dr Gaurav Agarwal, early wakenings are often the first sign of the condition, as the excess hormones stimulates the nervous system in the early hours. When untreated, the condition can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms such as thin hair, dry eyes, neck swelling, anxiety and unintended weight loss. But most concerning are life-changing complications like weakening of bones and irregular heart beats that could lead to fatal heart failure. Pregnant women should rush to get treated as it can increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage. The condition is 'relatively common in the UK,' Dr Agarwal said, yet many miss the early signs. 'It's seen more commonly in women than men, usually between the ages of 20 to 40.' Lisa Artis, deputy chief of The Sleep Charity and sleep advisor, explained: 'If your thyroid is overactive, the stress response can become imbalanced, causing you to wake up too early and feel restless.' One common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune condition Graves' disease, which happens when an excess of 'fighter' proteins cause the thyroid to produce too many hormones. Graves' disease can also cause eye problems like bulging eyes, double vision, and eye irritation. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors like smoking may increase the risk, but it is most common in women over 30. Actress Daisy Ridley, famed for her role as Rey in the Star Wars franchise, recently opened up about her Graves' disease diagnosis in Women's Health Magazine. After suffering from symptoms including hot flashes, racing heart, hand tremors and fatigue following the filming of psychological thriller Magpie, the 33-year-old visited her GP, having put her health woes down to the role. The star says she implemented some lifestyle changes to help her manage the disease, including eating a mindful diet and exercising. Nearly a third of Britons struggle to stay asleep throughout the night, according to a poll by bed brand Simba. And adults between the ages of 25 to 34 are the most likely to suffer from the frustrating early wake-ups, according to the survey.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Always wake up early? It could be a sign of hidden condition that ‘destroys libido and triggers heart failure'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S not uncommon to occasionally find yourself staring at the clock at 4am. But waking up too early can be a sign of something more serious going on with your health. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 If you find yourself always waking up early, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism Credit: Getty Nearly a third (32 per cent) of British adults battle this sleep problem almost or every single night, according to a new poll. And younger Millennials and older Gen Z - aged 25 to 34 - are the worst affected, with 37 per cent facing frustrating nightly wake-ups that leave them tossing and turning, according to Simba's findings. While most nighttime awakenings aren't a cause for serious concern, Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, warns this common sleep habit could be a sign of an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. Tucked away in your neck is a small but powerful butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid. It makes thyroid hormones - T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) - which help control your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. When the thyroid malfunctions, it can become underactive - known as hypothyroidism or overactive - known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is more likely to cause you to wake up early during the night. This is because excess thyroid hormones can speed up your metabolism and stimulate your nervous system, leading to symptoms like anxiety, rapid heart rate, and restlessness. It can also increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which may cause you to wake up earlier than usual, especially in the morning. '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.' explains Artis. The dangerous hidden thyroid health conditions affecting millions - symptoms and treatment According to Dr Gaurav Agarwal, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, waking up early can be one of the earliest signs of hyperthyroidism. He added: "Hyperthyroidism is relatively common in the UK. The most common cause is Graves' disease - an autoimmune condition - with smoking being one of the biggest risk factors. "It's seen more commonly in women than men, usually between the ages of 20 to 40." 2 The thyroid is a small but powerful butterfly-shaped gland in the neck Credit: Getty Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, says Dr Agarwal, include: Hyperactivity and restlessness Feeling tired all the time Increased thirst Feeling excessively hot Mood wings Overactive bowels and bladder Muscle weakness Itchy skin Frequent and/or lighter periods in woman Reduced sexual desire Dr Agarwal added: "One may notice their hair thinning, dry eyes, flushed palms, palpitations, swelling in the front of the neck, unintended weight loss as well as tremors." It's advisable to seek help early, so the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment started immediately, leading to quicker resolution of symptoms and restoration of health and well-being. Long-term hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can have serious health consequences, warned Dr Agarwal. He advised: "Weakening of bones (osteoporosis), irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) and even a heart failure can occur. "It may even lead to complications in pregnancy." Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, a detailed medical history, and blood tests. If you think you're experiencing any of the symptoms, see your GP.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Always wake up early? It could be a sign of hidden condition that ‘destroys libido and triggers heart failure'
IT'S not uncommon to occasionally find yourself staring at the clock at 4am. But waking up too early can be a sign of something more serious going on with your health. 2 Nearly a third (32 per cent) of British adults battle this sleep problem almost or every single night, according to a new poll. And younger Millennials and older Gen Z - aged 25 to 34 - are the worst affected, with 37 per cent facing frustrating nightly wake-ups that leave them tossing and turning, according to Simba 's findings. While most nighttime awakenings aren't a cause for serious concern, Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, warns this common sleep habit could be a sign of an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. Tucked away in your neck is a small but powerful butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid. It makes thyroid hormones - T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) - which help control your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. When the thyroid malfunctions, it can become underactive - known as hypothyroidism or overactive - known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is more likely to cause you to wake up early during the night. This is because excess thyroid hormones can speed up your metabolism and stimulate your nervous system, leading to symptoms like anxiety, rapid heart rate, and restlessness. It can also increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which may cause you to wake up earlier than usual, especially in the morning. '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.' explains Artis. The dangerous hidden thyroid health conditions affecting millions - symptoms and treatment According to Dr Gaurav Agarwal, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, waking up early can be one of the earliest signs of hyperthyroidism. He added: "Hyperthyroidism is relatively common in the UK. The most common cause is Graves' disease - an autoimmune condition - with smoking being one of the biggest risk factors. "It's seen more commonly in women than men, usually between the ages of 20 to 40." 2 Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, says Dr Agarwal, include: Hyperactivity and restlessness Feeling tired all the time Increased thirst Feeling excessively hot Mood wings Overactive bowels and bladder Muscle weakness Itchy skin Frequent and/or lighter periods in woman Reduced sexual desire Dr Agarwal added: "One may notice their hair thinning, dry eyes, flushed palms, palpitations, swelling in the front of the neck, unintended weight loss as well as tremors." It's advisable to seek help early, so the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment started immediately, leading to quicker resolution of symptoms and restoration of health and well-being. Long-term hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can have serious health consequences, warned Dr Agarwal. He advised: "Weakening of bones (osteoporosis), irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) and even a heart failure can occur. "It may even lead to complications in pregnancy." Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, a detailed medical history, and blood tests. If you think you're experiencing any of the symptoms, see your GP. How to manage thyroid issues - top tips from Simba and The sleep Charity 1. Seek medical advice - If you're regularly waking up too early and experiencing other symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out thyroid conditions. 2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule - Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body's natural rhythm 3. Exercise regularly - Physical activity can help improve sleep quality, mood, and metabolism - all of which can support thyroid function. 4. 5-A-Day - A poor diet with low-nutrient foods is a key factor in thyroid disorders, as the thyroid relies heavily on essential nutrients to function properly. Add berries to your breakfast cereal or yoghurt, grab an apple or banana as a snack, throw an orange in your bag to cut up at lunch and finish with a juicy pineapple or papaya for dinner. Aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. 5. Curb sugar and processed foods - Cut down on sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and processed foods. Swap them for natural sweeteners with a lower glycemic index like honey, maple syrup, stevia or coconut sugar but use them in moderation. Focus on whole foods - veg, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These nutrient-rich foods help keep your blood sugar steady and support your thyroid, giving your overall health a boost. 6. Watch out for soya - Levothyroxine is a medication commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. The potential impact of soya on levothyroxine absorption remains a topic of discussion. While some studies show no effect, others suggest it may influence absorption, particularly in women. To be on the safe side, it's advisable to avoid consuming soya close to the time you take your levothyroxine. A gap of at least four hours between the two should help prevent any potential interference with the medication's effectiveness. 7. Opt for healthy fats and nutrients that support your thyroid - Incorporate healthy fats into your diet with foods like avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. These fats help with hormone production and keep blood sugar levels stable. Include iodine-rich foods like seaweed, seafood, dairy and white fish - like cod and haddock - to support thyroid health, and don't forget selenium-rich options such as Brazil nuts, tuna, pork, eggs, cottage cheese and sunflower seeds. Make sure you're also getting enough vitamins B and D, either through food or supplements if needed, to keep your thyroid functioning well. 8. Find your perfect sleep temperature - Temperature regulation is a key factor for those with thyroid conditions, as fluctuating body temperatures can be a common issue. A cool room (around 65°F / 18°C) is ideal for sleep. 9. Go natural: A comfortable mattress is essential for restorative sleep, particularly for people with thyroid problems. Opting for natural, breathable materials that help create a toxin-free sleep environment, can be crucial in reducing inflammation and promoting better health. This is particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as it minimises external stressors that can aggravate symptoms. 10. Careful with Coffee - A study found that caffeine can interfere with thyroid medication absorption, leading to unstable thyroid levels. You should take your medication with water and wait at least 30 minutes before drinking coffee.
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
AI Reveals the UK's Dreams: New ‘Sleep Census' Visualises National Nightmares and Fantasies
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now For the first time, Britain's sleeping subconscious has been uncovered. Over the course of one week, Simba, the sleep tech brand, conducted the first-ever Dream Census, capturing and analysing the dreams of 2,000 UK adults to uncover the stories playing out behind closed eyes. The research reveals a nation caught between anxiety and escapism, with stress-fuelled nightmares gripping some sleepers, while others dreamt of soaring into adventure. 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... The findings, conducted in partnership with Simba's charity partner, The Sleep Charity, paint a compelling portrait of the UK's collective subconscious. At the heart of the research is a question: Are we running towards something, or away from it? The findings underscore a striking contrast between stress and escapism in Britain's subconscious. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A quarter (25%) of UK adults found themselves trapped in anxiety-driven dreams, whether being chased, lost, or running late, while over a fifth (23%) of those surveyed escaped into more uplifting dreamscapes, filled with romance, adventure, and the sensations of success. Britain's Week of Nightmares Women were notably more likely to experience stress-heavy dreams (30% vs. 20% of men), while men were more prone to surreal or fantastical dream worlds (19% vs. 12% of women). Nostalgia remained a dominant theme, with reuniting with someone from the past emerging as the nation's most common dream (13%). Some of us dreamt of soaring weightless above the clouds, whilst over a quarter [26%] of people recalled finding themselves in new romantic encounters or reliving cherished memories from the past. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To bring these dreams (and fears) to life, Simba has leveraged advanced generative AI, marking a world first in sleep research. By analysing the descriptions of thousands of real dreams, AI-generated imagery visually reconstructs the science of the subconscious, offering a never-before-seen glimpse into the nation's sleeping mind. Britain's Week of Dreaming Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba's charity partner The Sleep Charity, explains: "Dreams are the brain's way of processing emotions, memories, and stress. The fact that so many people are dreaming about being late, being chased, or feeling trapped suggests that high levels of daily anxiety and stress are carrying over into sleep." The UK's most common nightmares reflect deep-seated anxieties and primal fears, with over 1 in 10 [11%] of Brits experiencing nightmares about being chased, lost, or trapped, followed by a further 16% of adults experiencing fears of falling, being unable to move or even the classic horror of teeth falling out. The external world also plays a role in shaping our dreamscapes. Personal relationships proved to be the strongest influence, with over a third [34%] of people finding their dreams rooted in real-world connections. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Financial stress was another major factor, affecting nearly 1 in 4 [23%] of sleepers, while work pressures weighed heavily on the subconscious of a further 22% of those surveyed. Rendering the Dreamscape Meanwhile, TV, films, and books before bed influenced 19% of dreams, with news and politics shaping the thoughts of 18%, showing how daily experiences and global events infiltrate even our most intimate dream states. The study also uncovered a phenomenon Simba has termed 'Dream Surge.' Saturday night saw the highest volume of recalled dreams, with more people remembering their dreams on Sunday morning than on any other day of the week. Experts suggest this could be due to longer weekend lie-ins, which allow for deeper, extended sleep cycles, increasing dream intensity and recall. Additionally, the well-documented 'Sunday Scaries' - anxiety about the week ahead - may contribute to a rise in emotionally charged dreams. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steve Reid, CEO of Simba, comments: "Dreams are a reflection of our deepest subconscious. Now, by bringing this research to life with cutting-edge AI, we can start to make connections to our lives out of bed. Ultimately, being more aware about what fuels our dreams helps us understand ourselves and how we can better protect our sleep quality." Reid continues: "Restorative sleep starts with the right conditions, and that includes high-quality essentials like mattresses, toppers, pillows and duvets. At Simba, we use innovative design and materials across our range to support deeper, more consistent sleep, helping people rest better, recover overnight, and wake feeling more refreshed. This includes our patented titanium alloy Aerocoil® springs, 'cool-touch' Stratos® technology, and other features developed to actively enhance sleep quality." Despite these vivid dreamscapes, not everyone remembers what happens in their sleep. While 13% of Brits recall a dream almost every night, a third rarely remember them at all, suggesting that for many, the subconscious remains just out of reach.
