Latest news with #WilliamLu
Tom's Guide
11-07-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
This is the best sleeping position to cool down quickly during a heatwave, says expert
As the summer heat turns my bedroom into a sauna, I spend the nights tossing and turning, desperately trying to find the position that feels coolest. Little had I realized, though, that this constant movement is increasing my temperature and there's only one sleeping position that will help lower it. So, I've asked a sleep expert what the best position is for staying cool at night during a heatwave, as well as picking up his top tips to get quality sleep in summer. We'll also dig deeper into the effect of rising temperatures on our sleep quality. Beautyrest Black Series Three 16.75" Plush Pillowtop Mattress: twin XL now $3,449 at Macy'sThe Beautyrest Black series features the most luxurious, high-end mattresses in the Beautyrest range, and this super-deep bed is a prime example. Its build features triple-stranded pocket springs, premium memory foam with heat-wicking diamond particles, airflow-enhancing ventilated latex and a layer of nano coils for individualized support. Delivering plush support plus advanced temperature management, it's a premium purchase: a queen is yours for $3,999. 'Side sleeping is often better in hot weather because it helps your body stay cooler,' says Dr. William Lu, Medical Director and Sleep Expert at Dreem Health. 'Unlike back or stomach sleeping, side sleeping reduces the amount of your body in contact with the mattress, allowing more airflow and less heat buildup. It also exposes more of your body to the air, helping heat escape more easily.' This airflow is important for helping sweat to evaporate, a key process that helps lower our core body temperature. Dr. Lu also shares an interesting benefit of side sleeping. 'This position can improve breathing,' he says, 'which also supports better temperature regulation.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Rather than allowing your mouth to drop open when you're sleeping on your back, and subsequently snoring, breathing through your nose on your side ensures your respiratory system isn't under undue stress. 'Yes, certain sleeping positions can make you feel hotter, including sleeping on your back or stomach,' says Dr. Lu. But why is this? 'These positions increase the amount of your body in contact with the mattress, which traps more heat and limits airflow,' he explains. 'Stomach sleeping can also restrict airflow around your chest and face, making it feel stuffy.' If you want to give side sleeping a go but it's not your natural position, you can try a cooling side sleeper body pillow. These take the pressure off your back and knees, and align the spine so side sleeping feels more comfortable. It's no surprise that we're struggling this summer, with temperatures reaching new highs around the world. But what does this do to our sleep? 'When it's too warm, your core temperature can remain elevated, delaying the onset of sleep and reducing deep, restorative stages like slow-wave and REM sleep,' Dr. Lu says. These stages of sleep are essential for waking up and feeling mentally and physically well rested. 'You may also wake up more frequently throughout the night, leading to lighter, more fragmented sleep,' he warns. 'This can leave you feeling groggy, less alert, and less refreshed the next day.' Fragmented sleep can also lead to disruptions in the REM stage of sleep, leading to vivid dreams and nightmares. So, how can we prevent the heat from interrupting our sleep? Dr. Lu has shared some of his top tips. Sleeping like a caveman doesn't sound that appealing, but it actually refers to a very simple trick that is second nature to many who live in hot climates. 'Keep your bedroom as cool as possible during the day by blocking out sunlight or any excess heat,' Dr. Lu advises. This means keeping your curtains, blinds, windows and doors shut throughout the day. This stops heat from entering your home and getting trapped, leading to a cooler bedroom, more conducive for getting quality sleep. Dr. Lu's top tip? 'Keep hydrated during the day!' he says. Hydration is essential for our bodies to be able to properly regulate our temperature and sweat enough to cool us down. However, this comes with a warning. 'Taper off drinking a lot of water about two hours before bedtime to avoid bathroom breaks at night,' Dr Lu advises. Something that has helped me maintain my sleep no matter how high the temperatures rise is investing in cooling bedding and pajamas made with quality, breathable materials . 'Swap your bedding for something lightweight and breathable, like cotton,' says Dr. Lu. And it's not just cotton that can help. Consider opting for moisture-wicking materials like bamboo and wool. By absorbing moisture from your body, these can help you stay cool and dry throughout the night.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Xiaomi YU7 EV gets 2.40 lakh orders in just 18 hours. Check details
Xiaomi YU7 has a top speed of 253 kmph. Notify me The latest electric car by Xiaomi, the YU7 SUV, has created a hype within the Chinese car market since more than 240,000 bookings were reserved in just 18 hours of it hitting the markets officially. The figures indicate the mounting momentum for the tech giant's push within the electric mobility segment, barely a year after it launched its first-ever vehicle, the SU7 sedan. Orders flood in as Xiaomi's EV strategy gains traction According to reports from Car News China, Xiaomi received 200,000 refundable pre-orders for the YU7 within the first three minutes of launch. That figure surged to 289,000 within the hour, with more than 240,000 customers converting their interest into confirmed purchases shortly after. Buyers in China could choose from three ordering options: a standard pre-order that finalizes after a week, a non-refundable instant order, or a now-unavailable "priority delivery" option that guaranteed early access to the vehicle. The overwhelming response marks a significant leap for a company best known for smartphones and consumer electronics. Also Read : Xiaomi YU7 electric SUV unveiled with 835 km of range Xiaomi YU7: Design and performance Launched in May 2025, the Xiaomi YU7 takes various styling cues from the previous SU7 sedan, as well as high-end SUVs like the Porsche Macan and Ferrari Purosangue. The YU7 is available both in single- and dual-motor options. The entry model rides on rear-wheel drive, while the dual-motor variant is equipped with all-wheel drive, producing a combined power of 288kW and 528Nm. According to the CLTC test cycle, the YU7 delivers rival driving range numbers: 835 km for the rear-wheel-drive Standard version with a 96.3kWh battery, 760 km for the all-wheel-drive Pro model with the same battery, and 770 km for the top-of-the-line AWD Max, which receives a bigger 101.7kWh battery pack. Priced from 253,500 yuan (approximately ₹ 30 lakh), the YU7 beats the starting price of China's Tesla Model Y by a margin of nearly 10,000 yuan, and thus becomes an attractive value-based product in the mid-premium EV SUV category. Also watch: Xiaomi SU7 electric car makes India debut: Will the Tesla, BYD rival launch here? Global ambitions fuel anticipation Xiaomi CEO William Lu has confirmed the company's plans to expand its electric vehicle offerings worldwide in the next few years. The company aims to establish up to 10,000 retail outlets outside China by 2029 as it scales its automotive operations. While specific markets remain unannounced, Xiaomi's plans signal clear global intent. Interestingly, the SU7's success also found endorsement from outside China. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier admitted he had been driving a Xiaomi SU7 imported to the U.S., praising the vehicle's performance and build quality. With a growing product portfolio and unprecedented early demand, Xiaomi appears to be accelerating quickly in a crowded EV race — with eyes firmly on global roads. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 06 Jul 2025, 11:00 AM IST
Tom's Guide
02-07-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
No, not mouth tape — experts shares five safe ways to stop mouth breathing at night
If you wake up with a dry mouth, bad breath, or you've been unusually snoring, it could mean you've been mouth breathing. Nasal congestion, stress, or more serious issues, can all trigger nighttime mouth breathing, which can disrupt the quality of your sleep and contribute to dental problems and even sleep conditions. So, what's the solution? Mouth taping has become a popular cure on social media, but we look at whether it's safe and what the alternatives are. And, we also explore why you may be mouth breathing at night, the potential health downsides, and how to start breathing through your nose. One survey conducted in the US indicated that more than half of us are mouth breathers at night, while studies show that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause mouth breathing. But what are the other reasons? 'We default to breathing through our noses during sleep; however, if there is obstruction of the nasal passageways or we cannot get sufficient air through the nose, we switch to mouth breathing. Some potential causes of nasal obstruction include nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus issues, which makes breathing through the nose difficult,' explains medical director at Dreem Health, Dr. William Lu. However, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, like a 'deviated septum, large adenoids, or nasal polyps can also obstruct airflow, leading to mouth breathing as a fallback. In some cases, conditions like snoring and sleep apnea contribute to this, as the body struggles to maintain proper airflow during sleep," he adds. Stress can also contribute to mouth breathing, as, according to Trauma Research UK, when we're anxious and our body shifts into "fight or flight" mode, we're more likely to shift into mouth breathing. Celebrities and TikTokers may have made mouth taping popular, but does it work, and is it safe? Dr. Lu explains that mouth tape can help some people sleep better by 'encouraging nasal breathing. For people who mouth breathe due to habit rather than a structural or medical issue, mouth tape can gently train the body to keep the mouth closed at night.' However, he adds that it can be risky and it's not suitable for everyone: 'Especially those with significant nasal obstruction, moderate to severe sleep apnea, or breathing difficulties.' Dr Hana Patel, sleep expert at Time4Sleep, adds that she wouldn't recommend the trend either, as you can 'run the risk of blocking airflow.' However, she explains there are many health benefits to nasal breathing. 'Our noses filter the air that we breathe, filtering and taking away material such as dust, pollen, ash, bacterial and hazardous particles.' If you're a back sleeper, then you should think about switching to your side. This is because sleeping on your side can help by 'promoting better airflow through the nose and minimising airway obstruction. Side sleeping helps keep the airway more open and reduces the likelihood of the tongue falling back, which makes it easier to breathe through the nose,' explains Dr Lu. If sleeping on your side doesn't help, a drug-free solution could be nasal strips, which are simply placed over your nose before you go to sleep. So, how do they help? 'Nasal strips can help by physically opening the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through the nose during sleep,' explains Dr Lu. 'This can improve airflow, especially for people with nasal congestion due to allergies, colds, or a deviated septum. By enhancing nasal breathing, nasal strips can reduce snoring, improve sleep quality, and lower the likelihood of breathing through the mouth.' A mouth guard as you sleep may seem excessive, but for those whose mouth breathing is tied to jaw position, it can help to keep your mouth closed when you sleep, and also help to improve overall sleep quality. 'An oral appliance can help by keeping the mandible in a forward and closed position. This helps to keep the airway open by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, which can prevent obstruction and reduce the need for mouth breathing,' says Dr Lu. While the best dehumidifiers are great for drawing moisture away from the air, using a humidifier at night can help keep you stay hydrated as it adds moisture to the air, says licensed clinical psychologist and sleep expert Dr. Leah Kaylor. 'Dry air can make your nasal passages and throat feel irritated, leading to more mouth breathing. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe through your nose and reducing dryness and irritation," she explains. While having a few glasses of wine can help you relax after a stressful day, and initially help you fall asleep, it can play havoc with your sleep quality and may even make mouth breathing worse. So, why is this? Dr. Kaylor explains that: 'Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat and jaw. That makes your mouth more likely to fall open during sleep and can worsen snoring and breathing issues. Steering clear of alcohol — especially within a few hours of bedtime — can make nose breathing easier and improve your sleep quality.' There are certain risks associated with mouth breathing at night, including the following. Both snoring and sleep disorders are associated with mouth breathing, says Dr. Kaylor. 'Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to the obstruction of the upper airway," she explains. According to research, mouth breathing is common in those who have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but it can also increase the severity of the condition. Dr. Kaylor also explains that during sleep, especially when we're mouth breathing, the muscles in the throat relax. 'For some sleepers, these muscles become overly relaxed, causing the soft tissue in the back of the throat to the point of partial or complete airway collapse. As air tries to flow through this narrowed passage, it can create vibrations in the soft tissue, resulting in the sound of snoring.' It might sound obvious, but sleeping with your mouth open can leave you feeling very dry by the morning. However, the effects go beyond just a dry mouth. Dr. Lu explains that 'mouth breathing at night can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease,' as the lack of saliva creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. One study of 55 children between the ages of 5 and 14 showed that mouth breathing can result in bad breath, with the researchers concluding that "statistically significant association between halitosis and mouth breathing." One possible cause of this identified by the researchers was that breathing through your mouth dries it out, reducing saliva production, and saliva plays a key role in keeping bacteria (and bad breath) at bay. John Hopkins Medicine also notes that a dry mouth due to mouth breathing can be a cause of bad breath. The result if you mouth breath at night may be a less-than-fresh start to your morning. If you suspect you are breathing this way at night, it's worth keeping some mouthwash or water nearby to help combat morning breath.
