Latest news with #diseases
The Sun
33 minutes ago
- Health
- The Sun
From gangrene to deadly liver damage – the 92 conditions linked to going to bed after a specific time
GOING to sleep past a specific time could up the risk of 92 conditions, scientists have suggested. This includes gangrene, liver damage, Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes, according to Chinese researchers. It's no secret that persistent poor sleep can impact your health, with studies showing it may increase the likelihood of developing dementia, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. But much of this research focuses on sleep duration – how many hours of kip participants get a night – rather than factors like bedtime and how well people sleep through the night. Now, scientists from Peking University and Army Medical University say going to sleep past 12:30am may increase the risk of ill health. "Evidence suggests that sleep traits might be associated with a number of diseases affecting diverse systems, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental diseases," researchers wrote in Health Data Science. "However, in most publications to date, sleep has been measured by subjective recall of the participants, which has been found to bear systematic error in some aspects and may lead to misunderstanding of sleep's health impact. "Furthermore, the available literature has mainly focused on certain sleep traits, namely, sleep duration, while other traits such as sleep timing and sleep rhythm have less often been analysed." They said sleep regularity - such as going to bed at a consistent time and having stable circadian rhythms - is a little known but critical factor in disease risk. Researchers used data from 88,461 adults who took part in the UK Biobank study. Participants wore small sensors called accelerometers, which collected data on their bedtime, how long they slept a night and whether they woke up, for an average of about seven years. Scientists paired this information with data from NHS records, cancer registries and the National Death Index. I spent three days at a sleep retreat - these are the top 7 things I learnt They found that sleep habits picked up through the accelerometers played a significant role in the risk of developing certain diseases. Researchers studied 172 diseases. Researchers found that poor sleep habits can double the risk of certain diseases. For example, participants with the most irregular sleep patterns had more than double the risk of gangrene compared to those with consistent sleep routines Meanwhile, people who went to sleep after 12:30am had over double the risk of liver problems such as fibrosis and cirrhosis, compared to those who went to bed between 11:00 and 11:30 pm. For 92 diseases, at least 20 per cent of the risk was due to sleep traits and for 44 diseases, more than 30 per cent of the risk was linked to sleep factors. Examples included: Parkinson's disease, where the risk was linked to how consistent sleep was each day. Heart disease, where the risk was tied to balance between activity and rest. Type 2 diabetes, where the risk was linked to regular sleep timing. Obesity, where the risk was tied to balance between activity and rest. Overactive thyroid, where bedtime played a role. Urinary incontinence, where risk was linked to sleep quality. How bad sleep affects weight Previously in The Sun, experts explained how sleep is closely linked with weight. Disrupts hunger hormones Ghrelin is a hormone released after the brain signals the stomach is empty, while leptin is released from fat cells to suppress hunger - and tell the brain it's full. Studies have shown that when you don't get enough shut-eye, the body makes more ghrelin and less leptin - leaving you more hungry. One study of 12 men led by University of Chicago showed two days of sleep deprivation drove leptin levels in the blood down by 18 per cent, while increasing ghrelin by 28 per cent. The men reported a 24 per cent increase in their hunger and appetite compared to when they were given two restful nights. More time to eat The less you are asleep, the more you are awake. This gives more of an opportunity to eat. In the modern day world, people are awake for up to 17 hours at a time - 7am till 12pm. It leaves a huge window for being awake and eating. If you're struggling with both your weight and sleep, try finishing your meals three to four hours before bed time. That might mean limiting your eating window from 9am until 6pm. Reach for takeaways If you have a weird sleeping pattern, chances are your eating schedule is also off-whack. Struggling to sleep can see us turn to convenience - takeaways, ready meals, oven foods and more, whi;e being energised gives us more motivation to cook healthily. Eat more calories than normal Studies suggest that the less sleep you get, the more calorie-dense food you choose to eat. One study in Chicago found that men ate more food at a buffet after four consecutive night's of rough sleep compared with when they were rested. They consumed around 340 calories more, mostly because they ate more snacks and carbohydrate-rich food. Researchers from King's College London also found that adults consumed an additional 385 calories – the equivalent of one and a half Mars Bars – on days after they were deprived of kip by combining the results of 11 previous studies. More desire for food Foods, especially those high in calories, are more appetising when we are sleep deprived because we subconsciously know they will boost our energy. A German study showed the lengths sleepy people would go to for calorific snacks using 32 healthy men. After a normal dinner and either a restful or restless night's sleep, the men were given three Euros to spend on snacks and told to bid the maximum amount they were willing to spend on each item. When sleep deprived. participants were willing to pay extra for the junk food items - which they were allowed to eat afterwards - suggesting a stronger desire. Fat storage more likely Scientists have warned that not getting enough sleep changes how the body deals with food, which could then lead to weight gain. One study showed that men who ate a large bowl of chilli mac and cheese after four nights of bad sleep reacted differently to the food than those who were well-rested. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University said blood tests showed lipids (fats) from foods were cleared faster, suggesting they were being stored almost instantly. The process did not spring back to its normal rate even after the men were given a long night's sleep. The study also challenged previous claims that sleeping over nine hours each night is harmful. Previous research has suggested "long sleepers" could be at higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Researchers said "misclassification" may be to blame, as 21 per cent of 'long sleepers' actually slept less than six hours, suggesting that time spent in bed is often confused with actual sleep time. Prof Shengfeng Wang, senior author of the study, said: 'Our findings underscore the overlooked importance of sleep regularity. 'It's time we broaden our definition of good sleep beyond just duration.' The study team suggested that inflammation could be upping the risk of disease in people who sleep poorly, as disrupted sleep might trigger immune responses that contribute to illness. Researchers concluded: "Our results may suggest that the various dimensions of sleep traits deserve more attention in future studies and that pursuing comprehensive control of sleep traits may have greater benefit for health over merely ensuring adequate sleep duration." Fortunately, there are easy things we can do to correct some – if not all – our poor sleep habits, they suggested. "For example, the disruption of sleep rhythm can be substantially improved if the unhealthy habit of social media use before sleep (so-called Twitter jetlag) can be corrected," they said. Next, the team will look into whether sleep improvements can reduce the risk of disease over time. The best sleep routine and environment Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment... A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night's sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it. This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in. Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen. Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too. The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave. If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains. Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn't work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out. In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you! Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night's sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Pharmacist issues vaccine warning to Brits heading on holiday this year
Tourists heading abroad this summer have been urged to consider what vaccinations are recommended for their destination. Holidaymakers jetting off to tropical climates could be exposed to diseases their immune systems aren't used to. Though there aren't mandatory vaccines for some countries, Brits are advised to check any requirements before travelling. Boots pharmacist Claire Nevinson explained the urgency of travellers protecting their health when going abroad. 'It's important to take steps to protect our health when we travel abroad so we can focus on enjoying our holiday,' she said. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended depending on where you are travelling, the activities you will be doing, and your age and general health.' The healthcare company revealed the most common diseases customers were seeking advice on included Japanese encephalitis, rabies and hepatitis A. More than a third of travellers are planning to jet off to long-haul locations this year, according to Boots, including with Thailand, India and China. Claire added: 'If you're travelling abroad this summer, you may be exposed to diseases we don't usually have in the UK. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended for your trip as a measure to help prevent you picking these illnesses up. 'The childhood vaccination programme in the UK provides protection from several diseases, but it may also be necessary to consider boosters or other vaccinations if you're planning to visit certain parts of the world.' The pharmacist advised that holidaymakers should consider taking medications with them on their travels too. Claire recommended several items including antihistamines and pain relief, regardless of the destination. 'Whether you're jetting off or keeping it local this summer, it's always wise to pack a few healthcare products depending on the destination you're travelling to,' she said. 'A small first aid kit may be a good start. You could consider including pain relief medicine, antihistamine medicine to help relieve symptoms of hayfever and other allergies, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and of course broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30. 'It's also important to make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines that you take. 'Additionally, I'd always check whether you might need medication to help prevent malaria. 'It is important that antimalarials are started before you travel to a place where you might be at risk.'
Medical News Today
10-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Just 1 hotdog per day could harm your health, study finds
New research has found that eating even small amounts of processed meat may raise the risk of serious diseases, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart study also links sugar-sweetened drinks and trans fats to higher health risks, reinforcing calls to reduce their explained that while the findings show strong and consistent associations, the focus should be on balanced, realistic eating habits rather than strict a new burden of proof study published in Nature Medicine, researchers analyzed data from over 60 previous studies investigating how processed meats, sugary beverages, and trans fatty acids in the diet relate to the risk of developing a range of completing their analysis, the researchers concluded that regularly consuming even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fatty acids is linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and colorectal data showed that people who ate just one hot dog per day had an 11% greater risk of type 2 diabetes and a 7% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who did not eat processed addition, drinking about a 12-ounce soda daily was linked to an 8% increased risk of type 2 diabetes and a 2% higher risk of ischemic heart study supports previous findings that suggest that eating red meat and sugar may contribute to colorectal cancer among young small amounts of processed meat raise health risksBased on the findings, experts continue to recommend that it is best to avoid or minimise the regular consumption of processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and industrially produced trans fats in order to improve health risk was found to rise with higher levels of intake, and for processed meats, the data indicated there is no safe level of author Demewoz Haile, PhD, a research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle, explained the key findings to Medical News told us that:'Habitual consumption of even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fatty acids is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and colorectal cancer. Processed meats include items such as bacon, sausage, and ham, which typically involve preservatives like salting, curing, or smoking. In our conservative analysis, a daily intake of up to 57 grams—roughly the size of one hot dog—was associated with at least an 11% increased risk of type 2 diabetes and a 7% increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to no consumption.''Similarly, consuming sugary drinks, such as sodas, was linked to adverse health outcomes,' he kept emphasizing that his and his colleagues' study provided a 'conservative analysis' of the health risks associated with processed meat so, he said, the 'analysis showed that commonly observed levels of sugary drink consumption, a daily intake of up to 390 grams (equivalent to 12 ounces), were associated with at least an 8% increased risk of type 2 diabetes and a 2% increased risk of ischemic heart disease.''Industrially produced trans fatty acids were also shown to increase health risks. In this analysis, we focused on trans fats commonly found in processed foods and baked goods such as doughnuts, cookies, pastries, fried foods, and chips.'Demewoz Haile, PhDRegular consumption of these foods, even in small amounts, was associated with at least a 3% increased risk of ischemic heart servings may still raise disease riskIndividuals who habitually consume these foods should be aware of the increased risk of developing chronic diseases linked to their intake, even in moderate is important to note, however, that the studies included in the analysis were observational, meaning they can only show an association between diet and disease risk rather than directly prove cause and addition, the findings relied on participants' self-reported eating habits, which can introduce inaccuracies due to memory errors or with advanced analytical methods, the researchers highlighted that diet data remains limited, which is a common challenge in nutritional nutrition experts, not involved in the study, also spoke to MNT about its Bishoff, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at Rutsu Nutrition, said that 'one of the most notable takeaways was the relative risk between developing type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer with such small serving sizes of processed meat, indicating that no real amount of processed meat is considered safe.''The equivalent of one hot dog (50 g) per day showed an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%, and a 26% increased risk of colorectal cancer. A 50 g [gram] serving is roughly 1.8 oz [ounces] of meat, which many Americans consume much more on a daily basis,' Bishoff Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching, agreed, telling MNT that she 'would strongly caution against patients and the public taking away that the risk of chronic disease is small when consuming these foods.''It's been well-established by prominent entities such as the American Heart Association and WHO [World Health Organization] that trans fats, processed meats, and refined sugars increase risk of chronic disease across the board,' Moody added.'This isn't just because they lead to chronic inflammation, but these foods typically offer little nutrition in terms of micronutrients and antioxidants. Thus, filling one's diet with them displaces foods that promote a longer life and better health, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and unsaturated fatty acids. I urge the public to focus on these foods while only occasionally indulging in the aforementioned products that can cause harm in excess and provide very little benefits to human health.'– Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LDHealthy swaps may be easier than strict eliminationSpeaking of ways in which people can make their diets healthier, Bishoff said 'there are always healthier options that taste great, so don't be afraid to try new products and recipes.'She advised that:'Instead of eliminating foods from your diet, the best approach is to find healthy swaps. For example, many ultra-processed peanut butters and tortillas contain partially hydrogenated oils, which are considered a type of trans fat. Trans fats have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.'Bishoff recommended switch to a natural peanut butter or whole-food based tortillas, for instance, that do not contain hydrogenated oils. Or, 'if you enjoy soda, there are many healthier soda alternatives that contain less than 3–5 g of added sugar and still provide a refreshing and crisp taste without sacrificing your health,' she explained.'[Instead] grilling hot dogs and other processed meats this summer, make vegetable kabobs with a lean or plant-based protein, like tofu,' Bishoff also noted that 'while dietary choices are personal and often influenced by individual and environmental factors, the implications of our findings suggest that people should aim to minimize their consumption of these foods as much as practicable.''Our findings align with widely recognized recommendations, including those made by the WHO and CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]: Avoid or reduce the consumption of processed meats, sugary drinks, and artificial trans fats to the lowest possible level,' the researcher emphasized.
CNN
09-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Video: How to protect yourself from ticks and what to do if bitten
Ticks, the summer season's most unwelcome guests, could put you and your family at risk for serious diseases. CNN spoke with two experts about how to protect yourself and what steps to take if you or someone you know is bitten.
CNN
09-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Video: How to protect yourself from ticks and what to do if bitten
Ticks, the summer season's most unwelcome guests, could put you and your family at risk for serious diseases. CNN spoke with two experts about how to protect yourself and what steps to take if you or someone you know is bitten.
