Latest news with #DrAmirFirouzjaei
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Feeling tired even after a good night's sleep? Here's why
Altaf Abdullah, a UAE resident in his mid-30s, feels like he isn't living life to the fullest. He often wakes up tired despite getting seven hours of sleep and ends his day feeling completely drained. 'I love cooking, but after work, I'm so exhausted that I don't feel like doing anything,' said Abdullah. 'Even in the mornings, I sometimes wake up feeling just as tired as when I went to bed. The fatigue affects my energy at work too.' Doctors in the UAE say Abdullah is not alone. Many people report similar symptoms of persistent tiredness, and there are several potential causes: poor sleep quality, screen use before bedtime, emotional stress, undiagnosed sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and even vitamin D deficiency. Dr Rajit Pillai, neurologist at Aster Clinic, noted, 'We frequently see patients struggling with persistent fatigue, low energy, and non-restorative sleep. They often say they feel tired regardless of how many hours they sleep, have difficulty concentrating, or are irritable during the day.' As public awareness of sleep health grows, more people are seeking help sooner — including adults noticing changes in focus and energy, and even parents worried about their children's sleep patterns. Dr Amir Firouzjaei, general practitioner and Chinese medicine practitioner at Wellth, said he often treats patients complaining of chronic fatigue. 'In many cases, patients show no abnormal lab results, yet they feel exhausted all day,' he said. 'After three to five acupuncture sessions, many of them report better sleep, improved energy in the mornings, and reduced reliance on stimulants like coffee.' According to Dr Amir, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic fatigue and waking up tired are signs of an energetic imbalance, particularly a deficiency of Qi – the body's vital energy. 'Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments and should ideally be done twice a week for at least one month,' he advised. He pointed to several contributing factors: career stress, emotional strain, irregular eating habits, excessive screen use, and insufficient rest. Young adults aged 25 to 40 are particularly vulnerable due to demanding work lives. Meanwhile, middle-aged individuals may experience fatigue due to natural age-related decline in kidney energy or a hectic family and work schedule. Dr Nevine Sherif, a specialist in internal medicine at Aster Hospital, said, listed several medical and lifestyle causes of fatigue, even when someone gets enough sleep: Sleep apnea, which causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, reduces oxygen flow and disrupts deep rest. Restless legs syndrome, which creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs at night. Screen time before bed, noisy sleep environments, or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can also interfere with restful sleep. She also pointed out that chronic fatigue can signal underlying health conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism), diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic infections. 'Modern habits can seriously disrupt the body's natural rhythms,' Dr Nevine warned. 'Scrolling through your phone late at night, skipping exercise due to a busy schedule, or relying heavily on caffeine can all impact the quality of sleep.' Dr Rajit emphasised that many people are unaware they have underlying sleep disorders. Often, it's a partner or family member who first notices symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or frequent nighttime awakenings — all of which could indicate obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. 'In the UAE, fatigue is also commonly linked to vitamin D deficiency, dehydration, and high stress levels, all of which can impact the brain's ability to recharge during the night,' he added. Who's most affected? Fatigue caused by poor sleep isn't limited to one age group. 'Sleep issues manifest differently at each stage of life,' said Dr Nevine. 'Teenagers and young adults tend to stay up late and sleep in, disrupting their body clocks. Middle-aged adults often deal with work stress, family responsibilities, or undiagnosed conditions like sleep apnea. Many women in perimenopause experience insomnia due to hormonal changes. And in older adults, sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented, with frequent daytime naps further affecting nighttime sleep.' Dr Rajit added, 'Young adults in their 20s and 30s often experience fatigue due to irregular sleep schedules, screen exposure, and high stress. Middle-aged adults may face more physiological issues, while older adults experience normal shifts in sleep architecture that can be compounded by health conditions or medications.' Treatments The good news? These issues are manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical support. Dr Amir recommended a diet of warm, nourishing foods such as soups, congee, and cooked vegetables, while avoiding raw or cold foods, especially in the mornings and evenings. Dr Nevine advised residents suffering from chronic fatigue to begin with a proper sleep assessment. 'Good sleep hygiene is critical,' she said. 'Avoid caffeine after 2pm, stick to consistent sleep and wake times, and don't lie awake in bed — get up, do something calming, and return to bed when sleepy.' She also encouraged people not to ignore prolonged fatigue and to seek help from a psychiatrist or mental health professional if emotional factors are involved. Regular gentle exercise, mindfulness, and limiting screen time can also support better energy levels and overall well-being.
Khaleej Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why is everyone so obsessed with Labubu dolls?
In today's evolving lifestyle scene, a curious trend has taken root: the rise of collectables and miniatures. Among these, Labubu – a quirky, bug-eyed character with a mischievous grin – has become an unexpected sensation. From toys to cakes, Labubu's presence is everywhere, captivating Gen-Z and millennials alike. The mixed-method model of research reveals that social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have significantly influenced this trend. Constant exposure to trending items creates a strong urge among Gen-Z and millennials to own them, with the concept of FOMO (fear of missing out) playing a substantial role. 'Gen-Z has grown up in a rapidly changing, digitalised, and unpredictable world, which can create feelings of global uncertainty and instability. They may feel they have no control over what is happening in the world, or even in their own lives. The act of collecting and curating these items provides a sense of control in a manageable and predictable world, which can be incredibly soothing. In addition, these objects often evoke positive emotions, linking to childhood memories and offering a much-needed emotional reprieve,' said Dr Amir Firouzjaei, a Chinese medicine practitioner at Dubai-based medical centre Wellth. In the UAE, the demand for miniatures and collectables is steadily rising both as keepsakes and in creative formats like desserts. Mini-cakes, in particular, have become a popular choice for gifting and celebrations. As the country continues to embrace this miniature (r)evolution, it's evident that sometimes, the smallest things can make the most significant impact. Despite the high pricing of certain items, people continue to invest in them whether as souvenirs while travelling, as unique birthday cakes, or simply as a hobby. Passionate community of collectors Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, said the excitement surrounding Labubu has gone beyond the usual collector demographic, drawing in a more varied and diverse audience to retail locations and digital channels. This rising interest has significantly boosted the entire collectables segment and focused efforts to support the passionate community of collectors across the Middle East. 'Miniature collectables are often priced quite high, yet people are still willing to buy them. The blend of nostalgia and new fandoms, coupled with the thrill of collecting, continues to fuel the vibrant and evolving collectables scene in the region,' he said. Dubai-based collector Utkarsh Shivaraj shared his journey into the world of designer toys and miniatures: 'As a child, I admired characters in cartoons and movies for their unique designs. That fascination grew into a passion for collecting. What started as buying one item every few months has turned into a regular hobby that sees me decorating my home with visually striking pieces.' 'Collecting designer toys and miniatures brings emotional comfort and helps me reconnect with my inner child. It's a creative escape, where I imagine a fictional world that makes me feel like the main character, surrounded by my favourite characters even if they aren't real,' added Shivaraj. Miniature objects often evoke strong emotional responses due to the Baby Schema Theory, which suggests that features like large eyes and small noses trigger caregiving instincts in humans" Carolyn Yaffe Carolyn Yaffe, counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic in Dubai, provided insights into the psychological appeal of miniatures. She said: 'Miniature objects often evoke strong emotional responses due to the Baby Schema Theory, which suggests that features like large eyes and small noses trigger caregiving instincts in humans. 'Characters such as Labubu or Grogu possess these traits, tapping into our innate desire to nurture and protect. Miniatures represent a 'contained world,' offering feelings of comfort and safety. Their small size reflects intimacy and manageability, making them less threatening. In bustling urban environments like Dubai, these miniatures can serve as calming, portable sanctuaries, symbolising peace amidst chaos,' she added. Desire to nurture and protect Maneet Singh, psychotherapist and mental health counsellor at Keyani Wellness Center, shares the sentiment, noting: 'In stressful or uncertain times, people often value emotional comfort over practical utility. Miniatures can evoke memories, reflect identity, and spark joy. When something makes us feel safe or seen, its emotional worth can easily outweigh its price.' For Sahil Sajan, director at Milano by Danube, the ongoing Labubu trend is particularly intriguing. 'It's captivating to observe how such unique designs resonate with people and evolve. These collectables represent stories, cultures, and personal experiences. Incorporating them into my living spaces adds a layer of personality and nostalgia, making each piece a cherished part of my journey,' he said. 'As a content creator,' said FelyJoy Gonzales, 'I've seen first-hand how miniature desserts capture attention instantly. They're not just food, they're eye candy. These tiny creations are super aesthetic, playful, and unique, which makes them perfect for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Sometimes, I even find mini items that resemble things from back home, and that connection makes the memory stronger.' As the collectables landscape continues to evolve, it's evident that these miniature treasures offer more than just aesthetic appeal, they provide a tangible connection to cherished memories and cultural identities, resonating deeply with collectors across the Middle East and beyond. KT Luxe
