Latest news with #SeetaShah
Metro
06-07-2025
- Health
- Metro
This one simple sleep trick will cool you down during a heatwave
The UK is gearing up for its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to hit 32C next week, so good luck getting a decent night's sleep. With most British homes devoid of air conditioning and fans doing little more than blowing around hot air, many of us will be facing several nights of tossing and turning in sweltering sheets. But, according to a sleep expert, there's a simple trick you can try in the morning that could make a big difference in the evening. Don't make your bed straight away. It might sound strange, but according to Dr Seeta Shah, a sleep specialist from PANDA London, it works. She says: 'I often remind people that what you do after waking can have just as much impact on sleep health as what you do before bed. 'One surprisingly important habit is delaying making your bed, particularly during the warmer months.' According to Dr Shah, making your bed straight away traps heat and moisture. She explains: 'Over the course of the night, your body releases heat, sweat, and microscopic skin particles into your bedding. 'In summer, when temperatures are higher and humidity is often elevated, this effect is intensified.' By making your bed immediately after getting up, Dr Shah says you're effectively sealing in all the moisture and warmth into the mattress and sheets. 'From a physiological perspective, this creates a microclimate under the covers that is both warm and damp, ideal conditions for microbial and allergen growth, especially fungi and dust mites.' Dr Shah adds that dust mites, microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells, flourish in humid environments. While they don't bite, their droppings can trigger asthma, eczema and allergy symptoms, and most of us don't even realise we're being affected. 'By leaving your bed unmade, with the duvet pulled back, you allow air and natural light to dry out the bed's surface, disrupting the moist environment mites rely on. 'Many people don't realise that a well-made bed, while visually tidy, may actually be harmful to your respiratory health in the summer, if made too soon.' More Trending So, what should you do instead? Dr Shah advises pulling back the covers as soon as you get up. 'Leave the duvet or top sheet folded towards the foot of the bed and open the windows to allow ventilation,' she adds. You should then wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before making your bed. 'This gives your bedding time to dry out and cool down, creating a more hygienic and sleep-friendly environment for later,' Dr Shah explains. View More » And, finally, she advises using breathable and summer-appropriate bedding such as cotton or linen and washing your sheets at least once a week in summer. If you're still struggling to sleep, experts have shared some simple methods you can try during the heatwave. Keep the heat out: 'Close blinds and curtains in rooms that are exposed to direct sunlight. The shade will help the room stay cooler,' James explains. Allow the air to flow: James Wilson (aka The Sleep Geek) advises keeping your room door open and windows in other rooms door open and windows in other rooms of your home will allow more air to flow around the space. Breathe through your nostrils: 'Nasal breathing is naturally more cooling and helps calm down the nervous system,' Dr Nerina Ramlakhan tells Metro. Have a lukewarm shower: A freezing cold shower may seem tempting, but lukewarm is the way to go, according to Nerina. Getting your head and hair wet can help lower your body temperature but extreme temperatures can be stimulating. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Silentnight unlocks the secret to sleeping soundly when camping this festival season MORE: Why did it hail 'golf ball-sized' ice in the middle of a heatwave in Germany? MORE: Quick-thinking man buys two 99s from an ice cream van stuck in traffic Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
GPs say TikTok-approved wellness trend can be good for you under one condition
Bed rotting has become a wellness trend popular online where people are shutting themselves away from the world - and it appears there are some benefits of staying in bed We're all familiar with the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed, to pull the duvet over us and keep the curtains shut - and it turns out this may actually be good for you. 'Bed rotting' is a viral term popularised on social media, with people openly speaking about staying in bed for as long as possible, and finding yourself scrolling on TikTok, Instagram or binge watching a TV series. While it feels and sounds unproductive, some experts say a bed rotting day every now and then can help your wellbeing and mental health. It can be seen as a form of self-care, where you can simply disconnect from the world, but can lead to feeling guilty for unproductiveness, so is bed rotting a wellness move or simply an act of self-depreciation? Gen Z are typically mindful of their well-being, conscious of burn out and often going to extreme lengths to avoid being overwhelmed by the world around them, hence why bed rotting has been popularised online. Arguably, Gen Z face significant stress from economic, environmental and social challenges - so bed rotting is a way to escape, with many viewing it as a form of escapism. Is 'bed rotting' good for you? Dr Seeta Shah, GP and sleep adviser for Panda London said the portrayal of bed rotting as relaxing and "trendy" as a way to cope with exhaustion resonates with many young people who are "constantly connected" to their devices and feel "overwhelmed by the fast pace of life". She said taking the occasional day to rest is "perfectly normal" and it can serve as beneficial - however it's important to maintain a balanced lifestyle while doing it. The expert explained: "While 'bed rotting' might seem like a harmless way to relax, it can have mixed effects on our health and sleep. "On the one hand, resting in bed can provide the body with much-needed downtime, especially when people feel mentally or physically drained. However, when done excessively, it can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. "Spending long periods of time in bed when you're not actually sleeping can blur the lines between rest and wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep at night and leading to issues like insomnia or poor-quality sleep. It can also contribute to feelings of lethargy, as prolonged inactivity can weaken muscles and lower energy levels." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! In terms of mental health, Dr Shah said bed rotting may provide "short-term relief" from stress or burnout but it "should not be a long-term habit". She added: "While taking the occasional day to rest is perfectly normal and can be beneficial, relying on bed rotting regularly may have negative consequences for both mental and physical health." When does 'bed rotting' go too far? The expert further stressed the importance of keeping a routine that involves social interaction, movement, and a healthy sleep pattern is crucial for overall well-being. "If someone chooses to 'bed rot,' it's important to do so in a balanced way. To ensure it's done healthily, it's key to set boundaries." In order to keep it healthy, she advised to limit staying in bed to "short periods of time where you're consciously resting or relaxing" and make sure you're still getting some physical activity during the day, whether that's a walk or stretching, and reserve your bed primarily for sleep. "If you feel like you need a break, consider alternative methods of relaxation, like spending time outside, reading, or meditating, which can help relieve stress without the negative side effects of prolonged bed rest," Dr Shah further detailed. According to the expert, here are some quick tips for bed rotting in a way that's safe and healthy: Maintain movement: Even if you're lying down, try to move your limbs occasionally to prevent stiffness or circulation issues. Stretching in bed helps too. Avoid prolonged immobility: If you're planning to stay in bed for an extended time, take brief breaks to walk around the house every few hours to avoid blood clots. Good posture matters: Support your back and neck with pillows to avoid strain, and try to maintain a neutral spine position. Hydration is key: Keep water nearby and sip regularly to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and worsen the effects of prolonged inactivity. Healthy snacks: Instead of reaching for junk food, try keeping healthy snacks (like fruit or nuts) by your bedside to prevent energy crashes. Ventilation and fresh air: Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Stale air can lead to headaches and feelings of lethargy. Screen time moderation: Excessive time on devices can strain your eyes and disrupt sleep patterns. Take regular breaks from screens if you're watching TV or using your phone. Hygiene routine: Even though you're staying in bed, keep up with personal hygiene to feel fresher and prevent skin issues. Changing your bedding regularly is important too. Mental health checks: Extended bed rest can sometimes lead to low mood or anxiety. Ensure you're engaging in activities that boost mental well-being, such as reading or listening to music. Set a time limit: It's important to avoid making a habit of bed rotting. Prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle loss, weight gain, and poor mental health over time.
