Latest news with #UCSF
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
3 hours of sleep and no fatigue? Scientists uncover the secret of natural short sleepers
How some people function perfectly on 3.5 hours of sleep For decades, the mantra has been the same: adults should aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night for optimal health, performance, and longevity. From doctors to wellness influencers, the message has echoed across platforms, backed by countless studies linking insufficient sleep to heart disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and early mortality. But what if this universal advice doesn't apply to everyone? Enter a rare, fascinating group of people who are redefining what it means to be well-rested. Known as natural short sleepers, these individuals thrive on just three to four hours of sleep per night — and not because they're skimping on rest. Rather, they are biologically wired to require less of it. These are not productivity-obsessed workaholics running on caffeine and willpower. They are genetically programmed to complete all the vital functions of sleep in a fraction of the time, waking up refreshed, alert, and high-functioning without any of the side effects typical of sleep deprivation. This condition, called Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS), is exceedingly rare and largely misunderstood, but recent breakthroughs in neuroscience and genetics are helping demystify it. From groundbreaking studies to the potential for revolutionizing sleep medicine, the science of short sleepers is gaining momentum — and it may just unlock answers to one of biology's greatest enigmas. How some people function perfectly on 3.5 hours of sleep Natural short sleepers are often highly energetic, productive, and resistant to common health issues associated with insufficient sleep. According to neuroscientist Dr. Ying-Hui Fu at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), these individuals don't experience the cognitive fog, irritability, or health decline that plagues typical short sleepers. Natural short sleep isn't a result of lifestyle, stress, or overcommitment. It's genetically driven and often runs in families, hence the term familial in FNSS. In most cases, these individuals sleep between 3.5 to 5 hours a night — every night — and report feeling completely rested and mentally sharp. They don't rely on naps or stimulants to compensate. Their bodies simply don't seem to need more. Though estimates vary, only about 1% of the population may possess this trait, making it an incredibly rare but fascinating subject of study in the world of sleep research. Why some people need just 4 hours of sleep: The genetic blueprint The scientific journey into FNSS began with Dr. Fu's landmark study published in Science in 2009, where her team identified a mutation in the DEC2 gene in members of a family who consistently slept for just 4 to 6 hours a night without adverse effects. Since then, Dr. Fu and colleagues have discovered five key mutations across four different genes involved in regulating sleep, including DEC2, NPSR1, ADRB1, and most recently, SIK3. Each mutation alters the sleep architecture of the brain, effectively condensing the sleep process without compromising its restorative benefits. In a 2022 study published in Neuron, researchers used genetically engineered mice to test the impact of the SIK3 mutation. The mice exhibited significantly reduced sleep times without observable physical or cognitive impairment. These findings strongly suggest that FNSS is not just a fluke — it's a biologically viable alternative to conventional sleep patterns. While each mutation alone only slightly reduces sleep needs, stacking them together may have cumulative effects, a hypothesis currently under investigation. If confirmed, this could pave the way to replicating FNSS-like effects safely in individuals with sleep disorders. Can short sleep genes treat insomnia The implications of this research extend far beyond curiosity. Sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea affect hundreds of millions globally. Understanding the biological mechanisms that allow short sleepers to thrive on less sleep could revolutionize sleep medicine. Dr. Fu's team believes that, in the future, therapies could be developed to mimic or activate these gene mutations in people suffering from insomnia or irregular sleep cycles. This would allow them to achieve restorative sleep in shorter durations, potentially improving quality of life for those who cannot sustain long sleep hours due to work schedules, health issues, or neurological conditions. Professor Clifford Saper, a renowned sleep scientist at Harvard Medical School, supports this line of inquiry, emphasizing that we are only scratching the surface of sleep genetics. 'If we can understand how to safely 'accelerate' the sleep process, we could one day provide relief to millions who struggle with poor sleep,' he notes. The dark side of sleeping less (if you're not genetically wired) Despite the allure of being able to function optimally on minimal sleep, it's crucial to underscore that Short Sleep Syndrome is not something you can train yourself into. Most people who sleep less than six hours a night accumulate sleep debt, which can lead to severe health consequences over time. A 2022 UK Biobank study involving over 7,800 participants found that individuals in their 50s who slept less than five hours per night were 20% more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions, including: Cardiovascular disease Type 2 diabetes Depression Obesity Dementia Moreover, sleep deprivation is associated with weakened immune function, poor memory, mood instability, and a higher risk of accidents. So unless you're genetically tested and confirmed to be a natural short sleeper, cutting back on sleep can be dangerous — not admirable. Why sleep matters: The body's restoration cycle To understand why most people need 7–8 hours of sleep, it's important to know what happens during that time. Sleep is not a passive state; it's a dynamic biological process governed by our circadian rhythm, the body's internal 24-hour clock. Sleep consists of multiple stages: Light Sleep (N1 and N2) – Helps the body relax and transition. Deep Sleep (N3) – Critical for physical restoration, tissue repair, and immune function. REM Sleep – Vital for learning, memory consolidation, and emotional processing. During a typical night, we cycle through these stages four to six times. For natural short sleepers, research suggests that their bodies compress these cycles, achieving full restoration in a shorter window. They may experience a more efficient distribution of deep sleep and REM stages, allowing them to complete the 'tasks' of sleep at high speed — like a compressed file that contains all the data in less space. Are you a natural short sleeper? Wondering if you might be part of this rare elite group? According to sleep researchers, natural short sleepers exhibit several consistent traits: Sleep just 3–5 hours per night and wake up feeling fully rested Never feel the need to nap or 'catch up' on weekends Show no signs of fatigue, brain fog, or irritability Maintain excellent health and cognitive function Often display high energy, optimism, and productivity Still, self-diagnosis is not recommended. If you suspect you might be a natural short sleeper, consult a sleep specialist and undergo polysomnography or genetic testing to confirm. Many people mistakenly believe they're short sleepers but are, in fact, sleep-deprived. The future of sleep: Genetic engineering or natural evolution? With genetic research accelerating, it's not far-fetched to imagine a future where gene-editing technologies like CRISPR could give people FNSS-like traits. But such advancements are years — if not decades — away, and ethical considerations abound. In the meantime, scientists are using the study of FNSS to understand how sleep works at the molecular level, which could have applications in fields ranging from neurodegenerative disease treatment to space travel, where managing sleep in constrained environments is vital. Ultimately, natural short sleepers challenge one of the most fundamental assumptions of modern medicine — that all humans have the same biological need for rest. And in doing so, they open the door to a future where sleep is not just a necessity, but a personalized experience based on genetics. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Invisible parasites roam on your face every night while sleeping. Could they be causing skin problems?
While sleep is often viewed as a peaceful escape from the demands of the day, it's also when an invisible ecosystem on your face springs to life. Every night, microscopic creatures called Demodex mites emerge from your pores. These eight-legged parasites, which reside around the outer part of hair follicles, feed on the oily substances your skin naturally produces. You can't see them or feel them, but nearly every adult human hosts these mites. Measuring just 0.15 to 0.4 millimeters in length — smaller than the tip of a needle — they are a permanent and largely unnoticed presence on our skin. Up to five mites can occupy just one square centimeter of your face. And despite the unsettling thought, experts say their presence is typically harmless. Why They're on Your Skin According to Alejandra Perotti, an associate professor of invertebrate biology at the University of Reading, the mites become most active while you sleep. 'While we are sleeping, they come out and are very happy, mating, visiting relatives, walking on our faces. The moment we wake up, they go back inside the pore,' Perotti said. These mites aren't freeloaders. In fact, they perform a sort of maintenance service by clearing out pore blockages. In return, the human body provides melatonin — a sleep-inducing hormone produced in the skin — which gives the mites the energy they need to survive. Their ability to resist ultraviolet light also helps them thrive, as UV rays typically damage small organisms' DNA. When Problems Arise Though usually harmless, Demodex mites can sometimes cause skin and eye issues, particularly when their population increases uncontrollably. Dr. Richard Locksley, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, explained that overgrowth — a condition known as demodicosis — is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as older adults or those undergoing chemotherapy. In such cases, the body may react to both the mites and the bacteria they carry, leading to inflammation. Dr. Roberto Ricardo-Gonzalez, a dermatologist also at UCSF, noted that this inflammation can appear as rosacea, acne, flaking, or dryness, especially on oily areas of the face like the cheeks and forehead. Doctors can diagnose mite-related conditions by examining skin or eyelash samples under a microscope. Dr. Cory Lappin, an optometrist in Ohio, pointed out that demodex waste and eggs often accumulate at the base of the eyelashes, causing dryness, itching, and even recurring sties in some patients. Reducing the Risk Fortunately, preventing mite overgrowth is often as simple as practicing good hygiene. Experts recommend gently washing the face each night with a cleanser to remove excess oil and debris. It's also advised to remove makeup and false lashes before sleeping to avoid irritation around the eyes. Those with acne-prone skin may benefit from using a topical retinoid once or twice weekly, but moderation is key. Excessive cleansing or skin dryness can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, prompting the mites to multiply. Additionally, a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate sebum production, which acts as food for these parasites. In cases where overgrowth leads to persistent irritation, dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral ivermectin to bring the mite population under control, although total eradication isn't possible. In 2023, the FDA also approved medicated eye drops specifically to treat eyelid inflammation caused by demodex mites. Demodex mites have likely lived on human skin for centuries, passed on shortly after birth through close contact, especially from mothers. Yet, as Perotti's 2022 research suggests, these mites may be undergoing what she describes as 'a long-term evolutionary death.' This means that, while they're still here now, their long-term survival may be uncertain. Despite how strange it may sound, these tiny organisms are just another part of the human body's ecosystem — mostly silent, invisible, and surprisingly useful.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Rosenman Symposium 2025 Brings National Healthcare Innovation to UCSF
A signature UCSF event, the symposium convenes top minds to address cost, equity, and the future of care 'Our theme this year was Healthcare in Harmony. Not because harmony is impossible, but because it's essential. When innovation, cost, and care are in sync, everyone benefits.'— Christine Winoto, Executive Director of the UCSF Rosenman Institute SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, May 30, 2025 / / -- On May 20–21, the UCSF Rosenman Institute hosted the 9th Annual Rosenman Symposium at UCSF Mission Bay—two days of raw, candid, and solution-driven conversations on the future of healthcare. The Rosenman Institute at UCSF, one of the world's leading health sciences institutions, exists to convene, connect, and catalyze—bringing national voices together to inspire breakthrough solutions and foster lasting partnerships. UCSF faculty and leaders played central roles in helping shape the dialogue on cost, equity, and innovation. 'UCSF is a place where innovation, research, and care come together every day,' said Christine Winoto, Executive Director of the UCSF Rosenman Institute. 'This symposium reflects that spirit, connecting leaders from across the healthcare ecosystem so we can shape what's next together. Our theme this year was Healthcare in Harmony. Not because harmony is impossible, but because it's essential. When innovation, cost, and care are in sync, everyone benefits.' Discussions spanned a wide range of intersecting issues, including the $9 trillion forecast for U.S. healthcare spending, equity gaps, women's heart health, the future of cancer therapy and the cost, and behavioral health. Throughout, participants explored how to design healthcare that is not only innovative and cost-effective, but also inclusive, measurable, and accountable. The Rosenman Institute brought forward impactful topics and created space for participants to think differently. By challenging assumptions and surfacing new perspectives, the symposium encouraged everyone, from entrepreneurs and UCSF Health leaders to broader healthcare industry decision makers and stakeholders, to approach problems in new ways. The goal: to spark solutions that reshape how we address the most pressing issues in healthcare. The Rosenman Institute, together with Blue Shield of California and Kaiser Permanente, also honored Dr. Sandra Hernández, President and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation, with the 2025 UCSF Healthcare Impact Award, recognizing her decades-long leadership in advancing equity, public accountability, and access across the state. The symposium offered a unique opportunity to connect with healthcare stakeholders from payers and providers to investors, clinician-researchers, and innovators. As always, the Rosenman Symposium had no press, creating a rare space for honesty and breakthrough thinking. How Leaders Described the Symposium: 'The Rosenman Symposium is an outstanding opportunity to focus on the triangle of healthcare: quality, access, and affordability. Must we pick two, or is there a world where we can have all three? At Rosenman, the conversation is all about building a healthcare system that delivers on all three.' — Tom Insel, MD, Co-Founder Vanna Health and Benchmark Health, Former NIMH Director 'Each presentation was deeply empowering. I left the event better informed and more motivated to advocate for change.' — Karin Bartley, Blue Shield of California 'This is a symposium of ideas and innovation that brings together a diverse group of individuals who are at the forefront of what healthcare can be. It is the perfect place to be inspired, wowed, encouraged, and come out on the other end knowing that we have a lot of work to do and that with this community and this level of engagement there is a path forward.' — Fumi Mitsuishi, MD, Chief of Service, Psychiatry, ZSFG & Vice Chair for ZSFG, Professor of Medicine, UCSF 'The Rosenman Symposium is truly unique – it seamlessly balances deep policy insight with cutting-edge digital health innovation. The invite-only mix of top healthcare leaders sparked candid, strategic conversations I haven't experienced anywhere else.' — Lindsay Aspegren, Co-founder, North Coast Technology Investors Herminio Neto UCSF Rosenman Institute [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies both linked to dangerous health risk, study finds
Long-term cannabis use in any form has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease. In a new study, researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana. The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, according to the study, which was published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28. Heavy Cannabis Use Could Pose This Threat To The Brain The study included 55 people between 18 and 50 years of age who were "outwardly healthy." The participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who ate edibles containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and those who didn't use cannabis, according to a UCSF press release. Read On The Fox News App The cannabis users had been consuming the substance at least three times weekly for at least one year. On average, the smokers had the habit for 10 years, while those consuming edibles had been doing so for five years, the release noted. In September 2024, the participants underwent testing to determine how well their blood vessels functioned and whether the cells lining the blood vessels were affected. Dementia Risk Connected To Cannabis-related Hospital Visits, Says Study All cannabis users were found to have "decreased vascular function," comparable to those who smoke tobacco. Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis. This side effect has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted. The participants who smoked marijuana were also found to have changes in their blood serum that harmed cells lining their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who ate edible cannabis. The researchers noted that while smoking marijuana and consuming edibles both affect vascular function, they likely do so for different reasons. Shingles Vaccine Has Unexpected Effect On Heart Health "Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although apparently occurring via distinct mechanisms," the researchers wrote. "This study enhances the understanding of the potential risks to vascular health linked to cannabis use and provides more evidence that cannabis use is not benign." Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, said he was not surprised by the study's findings. "We have known that the chronic use of THC-containing compounds can have negative health consequences — this study just reaffirms those prior studies," Serwer, who was not involved in the UCSF research, told Fox News Digital. The study did have some limitations. "Variability in cannabis strains complicates standardization," the researchers wrote. "Self-reported cannabis use may introduce recall bias; thus, participants were queried at multiple points: in the online survey, at the eligibility interview and before each visit." It was also challenging to determine whether blood vessel function could have also been affected by lifestyle factors like stress, caffeine and secondhand smoke exposure, they noted. Serwer pointed out that this was a "very small" study of only 55 people, all living in the San Francisco Bay area. "The study did not allow for variability in the different strains of cannabis, and they used a self-reporting survey, which can be under- or over-reported," he told Fox News Digital. "They looked for physiologic endpoints and not hard endpoints, such as heart attacks, strokes or death. We have to infer that the physiologic endpoints would result in cardiovascular events." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The cardiologist said he agreed, however, with the conclusion that cannabis use is "not benign." "Chronic use does have potential cardiovascular risks," he warned. "There are therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." In general, Serwer said he cautions all of his patients to avoid any unnecessary cardiac risks. "As clinicians, we must weigh the benefits and the risks of a medicine/drug or intervention," he said. "If the risks outweigh the benefits, it should be avoided." For more Health articles, visit The study was funded mainly by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the California Department of Cannabis Control; the California Tobacco-Related Disease Program; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. Fox News Digital reached out to cannabis industry organizations requesting article source: Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies both linked to dangerous health risk, study finds
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies both linked to dangerous health risk, study finds
Long-term cannabis use in any form has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease. In a new study, researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana. The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, according to the study, which was published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28. The study included 55 people between 18 and 50 years of age who were "outwardly healthy." The participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who ate edibles containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and those who didn't use cannabis, according to a UCSF press release. The cannabis users had been consuming the substance at least three times weekly for at least one year. On average, the smokers had the habit for 10 years, while those consuming edibles had been doing so for five years, the release noted. In September 2024, the participants underwent testing to determine how well their blood vessels functioned and whether the cells lining the blood vessels were affected. All cannabis users were found to have "decreased vascular function," comparable to those who smoke tobacco. Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis. This side effect has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted. The participants who smoked marijuana were also found to have changes in their blood serum that harmed cells lining their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who ate edible cannabis. The researchers noted that while smoking marijuana and consuming edibles both affect vascular function, they likely do so for different reasons. "Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although apparently occurring via distinct mechanisms," the researchers wrote. "This study enhances the understanding of the potential risks to vascular health linked to cannabis use and provides more evidence that cannabis use is not benign." Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, said he was not surprised by the study's findings. "We have known that the chronic use of THC-containing compounds can have negative health consequences — this study just reaffirms those prior studies," Serwer, who was not involved in the UCSF research, told Fox News Digital. The study did have some limitations. "Variability in cannabis strains complicates standardization," the researchers wrote. "Self-reported cannabis use may introduce recall bias; thus, participants were queried at multiple points: in the online survey, at the eligibility interview and before each visit." It was also challenging to determine whether blood vessel function could have also been affected by lifestyle factors like stress, caffeine and secondhand smoke exposure, they noted. Serwer pointed out that this was a "very small" study of only 55 people, all living in the San Francisco Bay area. "The decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." "The study did not allow for variability in the different strains of cannabis, and they used a self-reporting survey, which can be under- or over-reported," he told Fox News Digital. "They looked for physiologic endpoints and not hard endpoints, such as heart attacks, strokes or death. We have to infer that the physiologic endpoints would result in cardiovascular events." The cardiologist said he agreed, however, with the conclusion that cannabis use is "not benign." "Chronic use does have potential cardiovascular risks," he warned. "There are therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." In general, Serwer said he cautions all of his patients to avoid any unnecessary cardiac risks. "As clinicians, we must weigh the benefits and the risks of a medicine/drug or intervention," he said. "If the risks outweigh the benefits, it should be avoided." For more Health articles, visit The study was funded mainly by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the California Department of Cannabis Control; the California Tobacco-Related Disease Program; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. Fox News Digital reached out to cannabis industry organizations requesting comment.
