Latest news with #sleepdisorders
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Stay Alert to Sleep Apnea Burden in the Military
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was associated with a significantly increased risk for adverse health outcomes and healthcare resource use among military personnel in the US, according to data from approximately 120,000 active-duty service members. OSA and other clinical sleep disorders are common among military personnel, driven in part by demanding, nontraditional work schedules that can exacerbate sleep problems, but OSA's impact in this population has not been well-studied, Emerson M. Wickwire, PhD, of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, and colleagues wrote in a new paper published in Chest . In the current health economic climate of increasing costs and limited resources, the economic aspects of sleep disorders have never been more important, Wickwire said in an interview. The data in this study are the first to quantify the heath and utilization burden of OSA in the US military and can support military decision-makers regarding allocation of scarce resources, he said. To assess the burden of OSA in the military, they reviewed fully de-identified data from 59,203 active-duty military personnel with diagnoses of OSA and compared them with 59,203 active-duty military personnel without OSA. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 64 years; 7.4% were women and 64.5% were white individuals. Study outcomes included new diagnoses of physical and psychological health conditions, as well as healthcare resource use in the first year after the index date. Approximately one third of the participants were in the Army (38.7%), 25.6% were in the Air Force, 23.5% were in the Navy, 5.8% were in the Marines, 5.7% were in the Coast Guard, and 0.7% were in the Public Health Service. Over the 1-year study period, military personnel with OSA diagnoses were significantly more likely to experience new physical and psychological adverse events than control individuals without OSA, based on proportional hazards models. The physical conditions with the greatest increased risk in the OSA group were traumatic brain injury and cardiovascular disease (which included acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral procedures), with hazard ratios (HRs) 3.27 and 2.32, respectively. The psychological conditions with the greatest increased risk in the OSA group vs control individuals were posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety (HR, 4.41, and HR, 3.35, respectively). Individuals with OSA also showed increased use of healthcare resources compared with control individuals without OSA, with an additional 170,511 outpatient visits, 66 inpatient visits, and 1,852 emergency department visits. Don't Discount OSA in Military Personnel 'From a clinical perspective, these findings underscore the importance of recognizing OSA as a critical risk factor for a wide array of physical and psychological health outcomes,' the researchers wrote in their discussion. The results highlight the need for more clinical attention to patient screening, triage, and delivery of care, but efforts are limited by the documented shortage of sleep specialists in the military health system, they noted. Key limitations of the study include the use of an administrative claims data source, which did not include clinical information such as disease severity or daytime symptoms, and the nonrandomized, observational study design, Wickwire told Medscape Medical News . Looking ahead, the researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, are launching a new trial to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of telehealth visits for military beneficiaries diagnosed with OSA as a way to manage the shortage of sleep specialists in the military health system, according to a press release from the University of Maryland. 'Although the association between poor sleep and traumatic stress is well-known, present results highlight striking associations between sleep apnea and posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and musculoskeletal injuries, which are key outcomes from the military perspective,' Wickwire told Medscape Medical News . 'Our most important clinical recommendation is for healthcare providers to be on alert for signs and symptoms of OSA, including snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning dry mouth,' said Wickwire. 'Primary care and mental health providers should be especially attuned,' he added. Results Not Surprising, but Research Gaps Remain 'The sleep health of active-duty military personnel is not only vital for optimal military performance but also impacts the health of Veterans after separation from the military,' said Q. Afifa Shamim-Uzzaman, MD, an associate professor and a sleep medicine specialist at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in an interview. The current study identifies increased utilization of healthcare resources by active-duty personnel with sleep apnea, and outcomes were not surprising, said Shamim-Uzzaman, who is employed by the Veterans' Health Administration, but was not involved in the current study. The association between untreated OSA and medical and psychological comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety is well-known, Shamim-Uzzaman said. 'Patients with depression who also have sleep disturbances are at higher risk for suicide — the strength of this association is such that it led the Veterans' Health Administration to mandate suicide screening for Veterans seen in its sleep clinics,' he added. 'We also know that untreated OSA is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, slowed reaction times, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, all of which can contribute to sustaining injuries such as traumatic brain injury,' said Shamim-Uzzaman. 'Emerging evidence also suggests that sleep disruption prior to exposure to trauma increases the risk of developing PTSD. Therefore, it is not surprising that patients with sleep apnea would have higher healthcare utilization for non-OSA conditions than those without sleep apnea,' he noted. In clinical practice, the study underscores the importance of identifying and managing sleep health in military personnel, who frequently work nontraditional schedules with long, sustained shifts in grueling conditions not conducive to healthy sleep, Shamim-Uzzaman told Medscape Medical News . 'Although the harsh work environments that our active-duty military endure come part and parcel with the job, clinicians caring for these individuals should ask specifically about their sleep and working schedules to optimize sleep as best as possible; this should include, but not be limited to, screening and testing for sleep disordered breathing and insomnia,' he said. The current study has several limitations, including the inability to control for smoking or alcohol use, which are common in military personnel and associated with increased morbidity, said Shamim-Uzzaman. The study also did not assess the impact of other confounding factors, such as sleep duration and daytime sleepiness, that could impact the results, especially the association of OSA and traumatic brain injury, he noted. 'More research is needed to assess the impact of these factors as well as the effect of treatment of OSA on comorbidities and healthcare utilization,' he said. This study was supported by the Military Health Services Research Program. Wickwire's institution had received research funding from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, Department of Defense, Merck, National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging, ResMed, the ResMed Foundation, and the SRS Foundation. Wickwire disclosed serving as a scientific consultant to Axsome Therapeutics, Dayzz, Eisai, EnsoData, Idorsia, Merck, Nox Health, Primasun, Purdue, and ResMed and is an equity shareholder in Well Tap.
Health Line
12-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Are Signs of Fleas in Your Bed?
If you sleep with your cat or dog and they have fleas, you may be more likely to get bitten in bed. Those bites may include hives, swelling, rashes, and itching. Cozying up to a dog or cat in bed can be soothing, unless your furry friend has fleas. Fleas bite people as well as pets — and if your pet typically shares your bed, they may bring fleas with them. Many pet owners sleep with their companion animals. One older small 2015 study in people with sleep disorders found that more than 50% of pet owners let their four-legged pals share their bedroom. While fleas are typically harmless to humans, flea bites do itch. They can also make your pet very sick. If you're wondering why you and your pet can't stop scratching, read on to learn about the signs of fleas in bed and what you can do to get rid of fleas forever. What are some signs you may have fleas in your bed? Thousands of flea species exist. The most common types in the United States are dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Either kind will bite dogs, cats, rabbits, and other furry mammals. If they have access, they may also bite birds. Fleas bite people, too, though they won't stay on you for long. Fleas prefer to nestle in fur or feathers, rather than skin or hair. Fleas like to live on a blood host. They won't take up residence in your bed, but they will leave evidence that they've been there. If your pet has fleas, the eggs may roll off their fur and onto your bed, where they'll hatch. Adult fleas can jump long distances and may make their way onto bedding. Signs of fleas in your bed include: Bites If you notice itchy red dots on your body, you may have a flea infestation. Multiple flea bites may appear as a straight line. In some instances, flea bites may have a red halo surrounding their center. You may have additional side effects if you're allergic to fleas or have a strong reaction to the bites. Symptoms include: Residue (flea dirt) All insects poop, including fleas. Flea dirt, or residue, looks like tiny black dots. If your pet has fleas and sleeps with you, you'll likely see or feel flea dirt on your sheets. Flea dirt is primarily made up of the host's blood. Fleas with a host nearby consume much more blood than they need to survive daily. Fleas often excrete while biting and may release 10 or more drops of flea dirt while they feed. Pet scratching It can be hard to see flea bites on your pet, so you may want to pay attention to whether your pet is scratching or appearing to gnaw or bite its own skin. Fleas can infest an animal's entire body. This causes widespread itching and discomfort. If left untreated, your pet may develop skin infections or a rash from constantly breaking their skin while scratching. Even if your pet is housebound and never goes outside, they can still get fleas. Fleas can travel into homes on the soles of shoes or on clothing. If your pet is scratching, they may have a flea infestation. What do fleas and eggs look like? Fleas don't live long lives, but they do go through several stages of development: Eggs: Female fleas lay up to eight eggs after each feeding. The oval-shaped eggs are loose and can roll around. They may land on any surface, including your bed. They can remain there until they hatch, 1 to 12 days later. Flea eggs are clear to white in color and resemble dandruff flakes or salt. Larvae: Flea eggs grow into larvae. Flea larvae look like small, translucent worms or maggots. You may be able to see black matter inside their bodies, especially under a microscope. This stage lasts for about a week. Pupae: Flea larvae grow a cocoon to become incubating pupae. Their cocoons are sticky, so dust can get caught on them. Flea pupae look a lot like flea dirt. Pupae can remain alive and ready to hatch for up to 1 year under warm, humid conditions. Adult fleas: Fleas are tiny, but they're not microscopic. If your home is infested, you may see them in carpets or bedding. Fleas are wingless. They range from light reddish-brown to black in color. Their bodies are tough and can be hard to squish. Fleas move very quickly and can jump as high as 13 inches. You may see them moving around on your pet's skin, but you probably won't see them nestling on top of the fur. They are easiest to see on your pet's belly. How long do fleas live on beds and furniture? Fleas need blood to survive. In the presence of a host, a flea can live up to 1 year. Without a host, they can survive for only 1 or 2 weeks. If your home is warm and humid, they may live longer than they would under dry or cold conditions. That's why spring and summer are flea seasons. Fleas like to burrow into carpeting and bedding, but they won't live there for long if they don't have a host to feed from. Fleas are more likely to live on your pet's body than on your sheets or blankets. How can you treat beds and upholstery for fleas? If you have fleas, daily vacuuming of all soft surfaces, including carpets and upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs, can help remove them. You can sprinkle flea powder onto carpets and rugs and vacuum it up later. Sprays are also available for treatment around the house. Throw out the vacuum bag each time you vacuum. The suction action of vacuuming may kill many fleas in all stages of their lives, but it probably won't kill all of them. Fleas can continue to live and lay eggs in vacuum cleaner bags for 1 to 2 weeks. Wash your sheets, blankets, and pet's bedding in hot water every few days. If you have curtains, you should launder them often, especially if they touch the floor. How can you prevent fleas? The most common way fleas get into homes is on the bodies of pets. Talk with a veterinarian about the best type of flea prevention products for your furry or feathered friend. Some products kill existing fleas, eggs, larvae, and pupae and prevent future infestations. You can also get dual-prevention products that protect your pet from ticks and fleas. These may be especially beneficial if your pet lives in or often visits grassy or wooded areas. When using flea prevention products, make sure you stick to a schedule. Some require monthly reapplication. Even while using these products regularly, check your pet often for fleas. This may be easiest to do during bathing, when you can see their skin clearly. Flea prevention products You can choose from among many different types of flea prevention products for your pets. They include: chewables and pills (prescription and over-the-counter) flea collars topical lotions or gels shampoos Talk with a veterinarian about what products are right for your pet. Product recommendations may vary depending on the size and age of your pet. Long-haired animals should also be groomed often, especially during hot weather. This will make them more comfortable and make spotting fleas and flea dirt easier.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bonerge Initiates Clinical Trial on Urolithin A and Fisetin for Sleep & Wellbeing
NEW YORK, July 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2025, Bonerge initiated a clinical trial (Registration #NCT06990256) investigating the effects of Urolithin A and Fisetin on sleep quality, targeting sleep disorders through the lens of ageing biology. This randomized, quadruple-blind (participants, healthcare providers, researchers, assessors), placebo-controlled study will enroll over 80 participants aged 45-70. They will be divided into four groups: Urolithin A alone, Fisetin alone, Urolithin A + Fisetin combination, and placebo control. The 12-week intervention represents the first systematic evaluation of Urolithin A's potential to resynchronize circadian rhythms and mitigate age-related sleep disturbances. Key Study Design Features: Inclusion Criteria: Targets subclinical individuals with impaired sleep quality (PSQI score >5) but no pathological diagnosis, excluding those dependent on caffeine/ Assessment:Subjective: Sleep quality scores, chronotype questionnaire, daytime dysfunction Continuous actigraphy monitoring, polysomnography (PSG) NAD+ levels, DNA methylation age, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α), cortisol rhythm, circadian proteins (BMAL1, PER2), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), immunoglobulin levels. "We aim to uncover the causal link between sleep disorders and ageing using epigenetic clocks and metabolic markers, beyond just tracking sleep duration," stated Professor Chen, the lead investigator. "Combining Urolithin A, a circadian regulator, with the senolytic Fisetin explores synergy for novel solutions, like menopausal sleep issues." Scientific Commitment: Building a Health Ecosystem As a leading high-quality ingredient producer, Bonerge's R&D follows a pipeline of 'ingredient science, mechanistic research, clinical translation'. The company is actively seeking global clinical partners from academia and industry to explore Urolithin A's potential in sleep health and cellular ageing intervention. Amidst the anti-ageing industry's shift from consumerism to scientific rigor, Bonerge positions Urolithin A not just as a standalone ingredient, but as a catalyst for evidence-based solutions. Focused on core mechanisms like cellular senescence, Bonerge develops innovative ingredients targeting cellular health, forming a robust "health ecosystem." Key components include: Fisetin: Potent senolytic selectively clearing senescent cells and reducing their formation, retarding aging in skin, ovarian, and neural A: Regulates circadian rhythms, boosts endogenous NAD+ synthesis, enhances cellular repair, and improves sleep quality and reproductive health.L-Ergothioneine: Unique antioxidant with a dedicated transporter (OCTN1), accumulating in high-stress tissues to neutralize ROS, protecting DNA and Disodium: Activates the PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway, driving mitochondrial DNA replication and biogenesis.S-Equol: Natural, non-steroidal estrogenic metabolite with high affinity for ERβ, offering a safer alternative for menopause health. About Bonerge Bonerge firmly contends that the future of anti-ageing hinges on evidence-based solutions. These solutions are grounded in well-defined biological mechanisms, supported by robust scientific data, and tailored to precise applications, ultimately delivering comprehensive, science-validated health benefits. For more detailed information about our clinical findings, discover more about us at View source version on Contacts Cecilia Yangsales@ Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Human traffickers' sickening ritual for virgins revealed by brave woman who was abducted at 17 and escaped to tell her incredible story
Almost every night, Lurata Lyon wakes up screaming. It's been 30 years - but when she closes her eyes at night, she relives the terror all over again. 'I need to sleep with a light on or make sure I see the sun as I wake up, otherwise I'm in frantic mode and reliving my nightmare,' the now 45-year-old tells me.
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Dental clues to your child's sleep troubles — Nurul Zeety Azizi and Lau May Nak
JULY 7 — Your child snores loudly at night or consistently breathes through their mouth while sleeping. Perhaps they struggle to concentrate in school or wake up feeling tired despite what seems like a full night's rest. Do these scenarios sound familiar? If so, your child may be experiencing a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). While OSA is increasingly recognised and discussed among adults, a critical blind spot remains: many people are unaware that this debilitating condition can significantly affect children as well. Often dismissed as just 'loud snoring,' OSA in children presents unique challenges and carries serious long-term health and developmental risks that are frequently overlooked. As we approach July 10th, World Airway Disorders Day, it's crucial to shine a light on conditions like paediatric OSA and their profound impact on a child's overall well-being. This day serves as an important reminder of the need for greater awareness and early intervention for all airway-related issues. At its core, OSA arises when sleep is disrupted by intermittent pauses or reductions in breathing, caused by a partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. In children, common culprits are enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other contributing factors can include obesity, craniofacial abnormalities, allergic rhinitis, or even certain dental issues. Often dismissed as just 'loud snoring,' OSA in children presents unique challenges and carries serious long-term health and developmental risks that are frequently overlooked. — Unsplash pic Surprisingly, many parents remain unaware that dental factors can play a significant role in contributing to OSA. In numerous cases, it is often the dental professional who first identifies critical warning signs during routine dental check-ups and subsequently refers the child to an ENT specialist for further evaluation. This crucial connection stems from the fact that the very shape and structure of a child's mouth and jaw are intrinsically linked to their airway function. Indeed, dentists, particularly paediatric dental specialists and orthodontists, receive specialised training to identify structural issues that can severely impact breathing. These include a narrow or high-arched palate, a receded lower or upper jaw, tongue thrusting habits, or an anterior open bite — all of which can dramatically reduce essential airway space and significantly contribute to OSA symptoms. Understanding the potential link between dental health and a child's breathing during sleep is the first step. For parents seeking to protect their child's well-being, here are some practical tips that are important to note: Tip No. 1: Prioritise early and regular dental check-ups for your child One of the most impactful steps parents can take for their child's potential OSA concerns is to schedule early and regular dental check-ups. These visits are a critical opportunity for the early detection of subtle signs of OSA. Prompt identification can lead to timely referral and effective management, especially since many effective interventions are most successful when applied during a child's developmental years. For instance, some dental treatments for OSA leverage 'growth modification' — using specific appliances to gently widen the upper jaw, thereby improving the airway and enhancing nasal airflow. Other functional appliances are designed to encourage proper jaw growth, guiding the upper or lower jaw into a healthier forward position. Furthermore, it's worth exploring the potential benefits of myofunctional therapy, an increasingly popular non-invasive approach that uses targeted exercises to strengthen the tongue and facial muscles, often complementing other OSA treatments. Tip No. 2: Observe your child's breathing and sleep habits Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes in their child. For potential OSA, it's vital to closely observe your child's sleep, noting any unusual snoring patterns or habitual mouth breathing. Don't dismiss loud, frequent snoring, especially if it includes gasping, choking, or silent pauses in breathing, as these can be critical indicators. Persistent mouth breathing, even during waking hours, should also raise a red flag. Make it a point to communicate these observations clearly with both your dentist and family doctor. These 'detective' findings are incredibly important for healthcare professionals to piece together a comprehensive picture, guiding them toward the most appropriate evaluation and interventions for your child's well-being. Tip No. 3: Monitor for daytime behavioural and developmental clues Many parents might attribute their child's daytime hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, or irritability to personality traits or other conditions. However, it's vital to recognise that these, along with poor academic performance or even unexplained growth issues, can be significant indicators of fragmented sleep due to OSA. Children don't always present with classic adult sleepiness; instead, their bodies often react with compensatory behaviours. Share any such behavioural or developmental concerns with your healthcare provider, as they could be silent calls for help from a sleep-deprived body. In conclusion, parents play a vital role in recognising potential red flags early. Establishing regular dental visits from a young age not only promotes healthy teeth but can also be key in identifying and managing conditions like OSA before they affect a child's long-term health and development. * Dr Nurul Zeety Azizi and Associate Professor Dr Lau May Nak are dental professionals based at Universiti Malaya. They can be contacted via email at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
