Always Unwell? A Huge New Study Suggests It Could Be Your Sleep Schedule
A new study published in Health Data Science, analysed sleep data from 88,461 adults in the UK Biobank and found significant associations between sleep traits and 172 diseases including liver cirrhosis and gangrene
Eek.
The good news is, if you prefer to sleep for longer periods of time, you're still safe as the researchers state: 'Contrary to common belief, sleeping more than 9 hours wasn't found to be harmful when measured objectively, exposing flaws in previous research.'
The real secret to better health is you sleep
'Our findings underscore the overlooked importance of sleep regularity,' said Prof. Shengfeng Wang, senior author of the study. 'It's time we broaden our definition of good sleep beyond just duration.'
While sleep quality and duration can play a part, irregular sleeping patterns were the biggest sleep factor to disease – accounting for a startling 23% of the diseases linked to sleep.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University reported that participants in the most irregular quartile faced a 53 percent higher risk of dying over eight years, even after adjusting for age, BMI, and existing illness.
Sleeping after 12:30 a.m. was linked to a 2.57-fold higher risk of liver cirrhosis and inconsistent sleep-wake cycles more than doubled the risk of gangrene.
Neuroscientist Dr Matt Walker said on the Huberman Lab podcast: 'Regularity is probably best for the continuity of your sleep.
'When you give [your brain] regularity, sleep starts to become more stable, more stable means that it's less likely to be littered with awakenings, meaning that it's better quality of sleep.'
How to improve your sleep regularity
The sleep experts at The Sleep Foundation advise: 'Pick a bedtime and wake-up time that you can stick with and that offer ample time for the sleep you need. Follow this schedule every day, even on weekends. It may take time to adjust to this new sleep schedule, which is normal. '
If you would prefer to gradually adapt to a new schedule, you can make 15 to 30 minute adjustments over a series of days to get used to the changes.
They also recommend that your sleeping pattern should:
Stay consistent from day-to-day
Allow for at least seven hours of sleep each night
Align as closely with day and night as your lifestyle allows
Related...
I Thought We Needed To Sleep Apart – Then Came The Scandinavian Method
I'm A Sleep Expert – This 1 Change In Teens Can Be A 'Big Shock' For Parents
Neurologist Shares The 1 Sleep Change That Could Reduce Dementia Risk
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Rare tick-borne Powassan virus infects newborn baby on Martha's Vineyard: "She is still fighting"
A newborn baby from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts is fighting for her life at a Boston hospital after contracting Powassan virus, a rare but serious tick-borne disease that can be fatal. Lily Sisco was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital just weeks after she was born, her mother Tiffany Sisco said. She said Lily had a tick "the size of a needle tip" on her after a short walk on the West Tisbury bike path. "She is still fighting daily at MGH and continuing to leave the doctors speechless with her progress," Sisco wrote on Facebook over the weekend. "Although the CDC, Neurological Doctors and Nurses have no answers for long term, we remain hopeful and extremely blessed that she is still alive today and continuing to progress in the right direction." Martha's Vineyard health officials announced Monday that they are investigating a case of Powassan. This would be only the second confirmed case of the virus on the island in the past two decades. They said three other cases have been confirmed elsewhere in Massachusetts by the Centers for Disease Control so far this year. Powassan is transmitted by deer ticks, about it's estimated that between 1% and 2% of deer ticks on Martha's Vineyard are infected. There is no treatment for Powassan, which can cause brain inflammation or meningitis. Many people who are exposed to the virus may not even know they were infected, but older adults and children are considered to be at high risk. It is deadly in about 10% of cases, and survivors may suffer from long-term health issues. Sisco said Lily was flown to the hospital after a persistent fever, and her symptoms progressed to seizures. The inflammation is causing scarring in her brain, Sisco said. "We certainly had no idea a 20 minute walk on the West Tisbury bike path beside our home, a walk we do most every day, could potentially cause my child her life," Sisco said. It's been a bad tick season in the area. The CDC said earlier this summer that emergency room visits for tick bites in the Northeast are at their highest levels in at least five years. Ticks are most active during the warm weather months, but can be outside any time the temperature is above freezing. To prevent tick bites, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends using insect repellent, wearing long, light-colored clothing, and staying on trails when walking. Experts also say to check yourself, children and pets for ticks after being outside in an area where ticks might be present. "Please, please, please check yourselves, your children and your pets," Sisco said.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
RSV symptoms as 'serious virus' coming to UK after Australia surge
NHS experts have urged people who are eligible for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to take it up after cases surged in Australia. Australia saw a record number of RSV cases last year, and NHS officials have suggested that the Australian winter often provides a good indication of how viruses will spread in England. Since the start of 2025, the virus has been progressively spreading, with nearly half of reported cases occurring in children under five years old. Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: "Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating." READ MORE: Walker spots giant 'alien' jellyfish washed up on beach READ MORE: Warning over serious virus affecting newborns after surge in cases Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, who has pointed out the key symptoms to watch out for and shared some strategies to help protect yourself and your family. What is RSV? He said: "Respiratory syncytial virus is a virus that causes symptoms very similar to the common cold, most of us get it at some point and don't even know that we've had it." According to Asthma + Lung UK, up to 9 in 10 children will contract RSV before they turn two years old and around 175,000 people over the age of 65 visit their GP about RSV each year. How does it spread? Dr Whittamore said: "Like most respiratory viruses, RSV spreads by people coughing and sneezing droplets from their own respiratory tract and it is spread to other people that way, It is often spread and caught in the air, by contact or if it ends up on surfaces." While RSV can circulate all year round, it typically peaks during the colder months. He said: "We see a major peak in cases in the NHS between October and February, particularly in December/January time." What are the most common symptoms? "As a GP, I see a lot of people with respiratory viruses and you can't really tell whether it's flu, Covid, RSV or the common cold," Dr Whittamore says. "Common symptoms are a runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, feeling tired etc. People might also have a fever with it and if it's affecting their respiratory system itself, they might experience breathless or wheezing as well." A high temperature is also another key sign to look out for, according to the NHS website. Dr Whittamore said: "For most people, these symptoms tend to last no more than a week to 10 days." Can it lead to any serious complications? RSV can lead to some serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis for high-risk groups such as babies, young children and older people. Dr Whittamore said: "What we see with RSV, especially in younger children under the age of two, is that it can cause bronchiolitis, which causes quite dramatic breathing effects which can quite often put people in hospital. "We are also seeing that RSV is having a big impact on people over 75. We know that in that age group, the virus is more likely to cause them problems with their breathing and could go on and cause pneumonia and is likely to increase their chances of going to hospital." The NHS website also states that individuals with weakened immune systems, or long-term lung or heart conditions, and those who smoke tobacco are also at risk. A more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) may cause a cough that gets worse, shortness of breath, noisy breathing (wheezing), faster breathing or long gaps between breaths, difficulty feeding in babies or loss of appetite, and confusion in older adults, according to the NHS website. How is it treated? RSV often improves on its own in one or two weeks, so you can usually manage it at home. Dr Whittamore said: "One important thing to do is to keep well hydrated, people with RSV should be pushing their fluids, resting more, taking paracetamol and can usually monitor themselves. However, if you are worried about yourself or your child, then seek advice from your GP or call 111." Can it be prevented? There are some measures you can take to reduce your chances of contracting RSV or spreading it to anyone else. Dr Whittamore said: "Make sure that when you are blowing your nose or sneezing that you use a tissue and throw it away, also, remember to wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly." The GP emphasises that the most crucial way to prevent people from falling ill with RSV is to ensure you receive the RSV vaccination if you are eligible for it. The RSV jab is recommended if you're expecting (from 28 weeks of pregnancy) – to help safeguard your baby for the first few months after they're born – or if you're aged between 75 and 79. Fresh research from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed the RSV vaccine is around 82% effective in preventing older people being hospitalised with an RSV infection. "Most GP practices are contacting people and inviting them in, but if somebody thinks they're eligible and haven't been contacted they should contact their GP surgery and see if they can get it booked in," recommends Dr Whittamore.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Brandi Glanville's Face Parasite Has Reportedly Found Another Bravo Victim
The origin of 's face parasite may have just been discovered! "" star has seemingly confirmed that she and Glanville definitely came into contact with the parasite during their trip to Morocco. Brandi Glanville had dragged Bravo through the mud last year, heaping piles of blame on them for causing her physical health decline due to stress and exhaustion from the show. Vicki Gunvalson Is Comparing Her Symptoms To Brandi Glanville's The reality TV alum added two and two together during her appearance on SiriusXM on Friday. Gunvalson revealed that, like Glanville, she also contracted the same parasite, which can only be attributed to their joint trip to Morocco for Bravo's "Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip" in 2023. Gunvalson shared that they all fell ill on the Morocco trip, and her Bravo colleague now has a parasite in her system courtesy of the unhygienic environment they were exposed to. The "RHOC" alum gave a vivid picture of what Glanville is currently going through, revealing that the parasite is causing her a lot of pain, and it keeps moving into different parts of her body. Gunvalson, on her own end, has also not felt the same since the trip; she identified her symptoms, which include bloating, constipation, and fatigue. After a visit to a medical facility, The Daily Mail reported that Gunvalson was eventually told her gut had been invaded by parasites. She is also experiencing hardship with doing the number two, with successful trips producing mere "pellets" like "once a week." The 'RHOC' Alum Narrates Her Ordeal With A Bad Breakfast In Morocco Gunvalson is not resigning to fate on her excretion problems. She revealed that she has been getting treatments and medicines to ease her issues and get rid of the unhealthy toxins in her system. Quite the encyclopedia, Gunvalson stuck to her guns about the source of Glanville's health issues, which is the parasite from their trip. She narrated a breakfast scenario from their time in the city, where flies completely surrounded their pastries, fruits, and eggs. While she did not enjoy the feast, Gunvalson noted that the flies also perched around in enclosed premises- including restaurants, making it hard to avoid them. Like her colleague, Glanville has taken active steps towards treating herself in a battle that she has been stuck in for two years post-Morocco. The "RHOBH" star affirmed that she has spent over $100,000 on finding a solution to the unusual swelling on her face and the unhealthy feeling in her body. She admitted to avoiding posting on social media to filter out awkward comments about her appearance. Brandi Glanville Planned To Sue Bravo And Its Producers For Her Health Last December, Glanville shared a picture of her very swollen face on her Instagram story, stating that she had tried to get to the root of the problem with her face, but her confusion only got worse. After all the multiple medical opinions, The Blast stated that she finally concluded it was Bravo and their stress that had pushed her to the wall, attacked her health, and cost her job. The social media attack comes months after she planned to take legal steps against Bravo and some of its producers for using her as collateral damage in the sexual assault saga. Glanville was accused by Caroline Manzo from "Real Housewives of New Jersey" for causing her physical and sexual harm during the Morocco trip. According to Manzo's lawsuit, Glanville violently groped her vagina in the bathroom and left her no room to escape by locking the door. The "RHOBH" star denied all of Manzo's "defamatory and false accusations," noting that she had only followed the instructions given to her by the show producers. Glanville's New Comfort Routine Brings Back Memories Of Happier Times From endless trips in and out of the hospital to spontaneous lumps on her face, Glanville has been forced to adapt to new ways of bringing ease to her life on the rough days. She revealed that stretching, ultrasound therapy, and more movement have helped her feel less pain. "It's moving down my body, like, literally in my neck now moving on my left shoulder [and] down my arm. I have to get up, I have to stretch, I have to get in a hot tub. I have a routine and it sucks," the mother-of-two declared, as reported by The Blast. Another debilitating part of her health issue is the time missed out on friendships, sexual intimacy, and socializing, something her old life was filled with. Glanville revealed that insecurity about her appearance has also crept into the mix; not only is she battling with overwhelming anxiety now, but she is also struggling to hold on to herself. "Some things do give me anxiety, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I lost Brandi," she explained. Vicki Gunvalson And Her Significant Other Are Planning A Big Splurge Gunvalson and her beau, Michael Smith, have been a romantic pair for over three years and are waxing stronger by the day. According to Bravo, the duo is taking their relationship to the next level by house-hunting around Palm Springs. The pair has reportedly submitted an offer for a property in the area, and the energy of the property, combined with its amenities, has captured the attention of the reality star and her boyfriend. The businessman has also urged the reality star to reduce her working hours significantly. Since quitting reality TV, Gunvalson has shifted her focus to her insurance and financial company. According to her, Smith wants her to work three to four days a week instead of eight. While she is open to the idea, life after retirement is still intimidating to her. In her words: 'What do people do when they're retired? What do people do when they don't work? Help me!… I don't have any hobbies. I think the people who are retired and have no purpose, they die.' Wishing Vicki Gunvalson and Brandi Glanville a good recovery! Solve the daily Crossword
