Latest news with #VerywellHealth
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Simple, sexy move can help couples feel less stressed—3 ways to do it right
Move over, melatonin. New research suggests that couples who engage in one surprisingly simple nighttime ritual sleep more soundly, stress less and feel emotionally closer to their partner. And no, it's not sex. In the study, researchers at Auburn University cozied up to the bedtime routines of 143 heterosexual couples who'd been together for an average of 13 years. The lovebirds were surveyed on their sleeping habits and physical closeness once the lights went out. Couples who drift off while spooning, intertwined or snuggling face-to-face reported significantly lower stress levels and a stronger emotional bond than those keeping their distance. The best part? All that pre-snooze snuggling didn't lead to any sleep disturbances later in the night. 'Our study lends support to the idea that cuddling at sleep onset may be beneficial for physiological and relational functioning, but future research in this area is critically needed,' the authors concluded. Several questions remain, including whether physical closeness improves relationship quality or if more secure couples naturally sleep closer together. Turns out, cuddling doesn't just spark romance, it packs some serious health perks too. Cuddling triggers the flow of oxytocin — aka the 'love hormone' — known to boost feelings of comfort, safety and emotional connection. It can also lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate and send cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, packing. That combination helps your body unwind and sets the stage for a deeper, more peaceful sleep. A 2022 study found that couples who share a bed tend to nod off faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night. They also reported less intense insomnia and a lower risk of sleep apnea than their solo-sleeping counterparts. It gets dreamier: a 2020 study found that sleeping next to your partner can boost your REM sleep by about 10%. This stage, where most dreams occur, is critical for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Another 2022 study revealed that sharing a bed can also improve mental health, reducing depression and anxiety while boosting overall life and relationship satisfaction. This connection is no coincidence. Poor sleep quality is often a key symptom of mental health issues, according to Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University. 'Since sleeping next to a partner promotes better sleep, it reduces that symptom and, in turn, improves the disorder,' she told Verywell Health. Still, not everyone's dreaming of an all-night cuddlefest. For some, snuggling turns into a midnight sauna — all sweat, no rest. Others struggle with limited movement or partner restlessness that prevents them from catching ZZZ's. Experts suggest a pre-bed cuddle session to score the oxytocin rush, then roll into your preferred personal space. Separate blankets and dual comforters can also help keep the peace. 'The goal is to find a balance that makes both partners feel valued and comfortable without compromising intimacy,' Dr. Cheryl Groskopf, a therapist in Los Angeles, told Time. If you don't have a partner to snuggle up with at night, you can still reap some of the benefits of all that cozy closeness. 'A body pillow can feel very much like a human form,' Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist, told Greatist. 'Thus, when you can't actually hug, cuddle or sleep next to another person, a body pillow can provide a sense of comfort and security.' Research also suggests that sleeping with a pet in your bed can trigger the release of oxytocin. And for those who are really desperate for a snuggle, there's always the option of a 'cuddle therapist.' In New York, one popular cuddling salon has a waitlist for lonely souls craving safe, professional human contact. Don't expect it to come cheap. Australian cuddle therapist Missy Robinson charges $65 for an hour-long snuggle session. If you want the full experience, you can fork over $1,300 for an overnight cuddle session, where she'll hold you as you drift into sleep.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
People swear by this McDonald's ‘migraine hack' order to relieve their pain: ‘It's immediately cured'
They're lovin' it. People on TikTok are claiming that a specific McDonald's order is helping cure their migraines. The 'migraine meal' is a large Coca-Cola and an order of large fries — and many sufferers online can't get enough of this combo. One viral video — with more than 3.8 million views — shows a girl at the fast-food chain's drive-thru with overlay text reading, 'Trying McDonald's chips [fries] and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.' Many of the comments on the video chimed in praising this cure. 'I know it's just the salt and caffeine but every time I have a migraine or even one coming on I get a coke and a fry and it's immediately cured,' one person wrote. 'It's my go to!! I take my migraine meds, sip a Diet Coke, and as my pain goes away, I crave salt …' a comment read. 'Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty,' another person advised. 'Diet Coke works on headaches, I don't understand it, considering a coffee makes it worse,' a confused commenter chimed in. Any sort of 'hack' — especially a health one — seen online always has to be taken with a grain of salt. However, this one in particular might be worth listening to. The caffeine in the Coke has pain relief properties, especially when used simultaneously with other pain relievers like ibuprofen. 'We know the caffeine can help migraines in the short-term therapy of them. So it isn't too surprising that the caffeine in Coca-Cola itself is helpful,' Dr. David Walker told Verywell Health. Rarely are people told that salty foods can actually do the body some good, but, in this case, it's salty fries for the win. Since migraines are often caused by 'a deficiency of minerals such as sodium,' according to Yahoo! Life, the salt on the fries can supposedly act as a source of electrolytes. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's body is different and migraines vary from person to person, so this hack night not be the cure-all for everyone. This treat meal is not the worst idea from time to time, if it can help relieve a headache or migraine — just don't make your McDonald's run a habit. 'If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that's great for them,' Dr. Matthew Robbins told 'But if they're using it often, that's not good for you either.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
McDonald's fans say this meal combination ‘immediately' cures migraines
Chronic migraine sufferers are lovin' it. A TikTok video claiming that a large Coke and fries from McDonald's is the be-all end-all solution to migraines has taken off online – with hundreds of people confirming the salty and sweet combo 'immediately' cures their worst headaches. 'Trying McDonald's chips and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help,' TikTok user @MillyHancockk wrote alongside her now-viral clip. In the caption, she added: 'Can confirm it works' along with a laughing crying emoji. The TikToker, whose clip has been viewed nearly 4 million times, drew in hordes of commentators, many of whom came to confirm the hack works for them as well. 'I work in neurology and our headache specialist literally recommends this to patients,' one person commented. 'I know it's just the salt and caffeine but every time I have a migraine or even one coming on I get a coke and a fry and it's immediately cured,' another commentator added. Another explained: 'So basically Coke & fries help headaches because caffeine tightens blood vessels, sugar boost blood glucose, and salty carbs rebalance electrolytes.' Others offered slight alterations to the hack. 'As a diet coke lover and migraine sufferer, diet won't do it you need the regular coke,' one said, 'Whoever told you Diet Coke was playing, it's gotta be a full fat and salty chips. Works everytime,' another added. Dubbed the 'McMigraine meal' by some social media users, the much-loved combo is proven by experts to be effective in relieving migraine pain for some, Verywell Health reported. 'We know the caffeine can help migraines in the short-term therapy of them. So it isn't too surprising that the caffeine in Coca-Cola itself is helpful," David Walker, MD, a headache and facial pain specialist at Rush University Medical Center told Verywell. The carbonation of a Coca-Cola soda may also help settle the stomach for people who experience nausea when suffering from migraines, Walker added. While the hack works for some, experts warn that caffeine can also trigger migraine. Equally, the salt content in McDonald's fries could impact some migraine sufferers, Walker warned. "It's great that this helps certain individuals. I don't think it should be generalized because on the flip side of things, fried foods can trigger migraines," Walker said.
