Latest news with #sleephealth
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experience night sweats? Don't ignore them, says sleep expert — here's why
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Any number of things can keep you from getting a good night's rest. Among common offenders, night sweats affect as much as 41 percent of primary care patients. While hormonal imbalances are well-known culprits, they're far from the only causes. Moreover, how can you tell if you're actually experiencing night sweats—or if you simply run hot or have a sub-optimal sleep environment? And if you are dealing with true night sweats, how can you pinpoint the cause? More importantly, can you stop them from sabotaging your sleep and well-being? We're asking a sleep medicine physician and digging deeper into the research to find out. What are night sweats Night sweats are recurring episodes of excessive sweating that occur while you sleep. They differ from infrequent bouts of overheating at night, which can happen now and then due to environmental factors. According to Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS, FACP, FAASM, board-certified sleep medicine physician at Sleep Goddess MD, running hot at night can occur if your room is too warm, your bedding is heavy, or you've consumed alcohol or spicy food before sweats, on the other hand, are often a sign of an underlying health condition. They tend to stand out with a few key traits: Frequency and severity. 'If you're waking up drenched in sweat multiple nights per week and needing to change your clothes or sheets, that's a red flag,' says Dr. Matsumura. Adverse symptoms. If you experience night sweats alongside other symptoms—including but not limited to weight loss, fever, menstrual irregularities, chronic fatigue, or mood swings—Dr. Matsumura says a bigger health issue may be at play. What causes night sweats? Hormone changes Hormonal fluctuations are among the most common causes of night sweats—especially for women. 'Fluctuating estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause are some of the most common triggers,' says Dr. Matsumura. Per a 2023 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 50 to 75 percent of women experience night sweats, hot flashes or both during the menopausal transition. A lower percentage of women may also experience night sweats during pregnancy. 'Even menstrual cycle shifts can cause temporary night sweats for some women,' Dr. Matsumura adds. Medication Certain medications can also cause night sweats by affecting the nervous system, hormone levels, or body temperature regulation. According to Dr. Matsumura, medications that contribute to night sweats include but aren't limited to: Antidepressants Pain relievers Fever-reducing drugs Steroids Some blood pressure medications 'If your medication list has changed recently, it's worth consulting with your doctor,' she shares. Sleep disorders Sleep apnea is mainly associated with breathing issues while asleep. 'However, those with sleep apnea may also see an uptick in night sweats,' says Dr. Matsumura. In one Icelandic study, over 30 percent of males and 33 percent of females with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reported nocturnal sweating three or more times per week, which was three times higher in untreated OSA patients than in the general population. Per an observational study published in the journal Sleep and Breathing, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who had night sweats also had a higher hypoxic burden (which is essentially a measure of how severe and frequent oxygen drops are during sleep). Essentially, night sweats can result from not getting enough oxygen throughout the night. Health conditions A range of different health conditions can result in night sweats. Dr. Matsumura says these include but aren't limited to hyperthyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, infections, and certain cancers. Reasons can involve a range of mechanisms, including those that overlap with medications—such as effects on the nervous system, hormones, and body temperature regulation—but also metabolic and immune responses. For instance, hyperthyroidism (i.e., a chronically overactive thyroid) increases metabolism and body temperature, leading to excess warmth and sweating that can occur both day and night. Mental health Mental health challenges often interfere with sleep, and night sweats are no exception. 'Anxiety, stress, and depression can activate the sympathetic nervous system at night,' says Dr. Matsumura. 'This essentially mimics the body's fight-or-flight response, which can lead to sweating.' But that's not all. 'Nightmares and night terrors caused by mental health issues can also lead to sweating episodes,' she adds. How to stop night sweats If you suspect that you're dealing with night sweats (potentially alongside other symptoms), be sure to consult your physician for guidance. They'll not only be able to help decipher if and why you're sweating through the night, but also help you achieve cooler, higher-quality sleep and support overall health. 'If night sweats are disrupting your sleep or quality of life, don't ignore them,' advises Dr. Matsumura. 'Sleep is when your body restores and regulates itself, and persistent disruption can have knock-on effects on your overall health.' On top of seeking professional guidance, these tips and tricks can help manage or reduce night sweats: Dietary and lifestyle changes While severe night sweats will likely require medical intervention, a few dietary and lifestyle tweaks can help avoid exacerbating the issue. Some expert-backed food for thought? 'Cut back on alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and heavy meals before bed,' Dr. Matsumura shares. On the lifestyle front, carving out time and space to wind down before sleeping can also elicit positive changes. Why not creative your own nighttime routine? For example, 'Guided relaxation and journaling before bed can help calm the nervous system,' says Dr. Matsumura. Create a cool bedroom environment Your bedroom environment can make or break your sleep quality—not to mention make a dent on how mild or severe your night sweats are. For starters, the best temperature for sleeping ranges from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celcius). So set your thermostat with these temperatures in mind. Keeping your room dark via blackout shades, as well as running a fan, can also help with temperature regulation. In addition, Dr. Matsumura suggests that those with night sweats use breathable sheets and consider investing in a cooling mattress and/or topper. Exercise regularly Consistent exercise works wonders for just about every aspect of your health. It even has the potential to mitigate night sweats. 'Daily movement can help regulate hormones and improve sleep,' says Dr. Matsumura. There's just one catch: Aim to avoid intense workouts 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, as they can be too stimulating. If you prefer high-intensity workouts, aim to schedule them earlier in the day. If you only have time to move your body at night, aim for lower intensity forms of movement such as walking, yoga or gentle stretching. Use our guide on how to exercise for better sleep. Medical interventions Night sweats often indicate that an underlying health condition is at play. That said, it's important to discuss your symptoms in detail with a medical professional. Different causes may warrant diverse protocols—including but not limited to medications—to reduce not only night sweats but also other symptoms. 'If the root cause is thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, or a side effect of medication, treatment should target that specific issue,' Dr. Matsumura explains. Moreover, if perimenopause or menopause is driving your night sweats, your provider may suggest interventions tailored to your unique needs. 'For menopausal women, hormone therapy (estrogen) or non-hormonal options like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), gabapentin, or clonidine can be prescribed depending on your health profile,' she concludes. Always ensure you consult with a physician before taking any new medication.
Gizmodo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Amazon Is Clearing Out Stock Before Summer Ends, This Air Purifier Is Now 73% Off Until It's Gone
Air purifiers play an important role in maintaining a healthy home environment during winter and summer. It is especially true when it comes to bedrooms as cleaner air directly affects your sleeping patterns and overall health. For that, you need a reliable unit that runs silently all night long without disturbing your sleep. Now that it's Back to School season, Amazon is offering an unbeatable deal on one of the best-rated air purifiers on the market. The fantastic EcoSelf (HAP604) air purifier usually retails for $199 but it is now on sale for only $54. At 73% off, this price drop is exceptional especially considering its impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. If you're looking for an effective purifier that won't disturb your nightly routine, now's time to act. See at Amazon This air purifier has the ability to purify rooms of up to 1500 square feet and so is perfectly suited for the bedroom but also living rooms, offices or open-plan flats. With its 360° airflow technology, it refreshes air in a 300-square-foot room five times per hour which means air that you breathe is continuously filtered and fresh irrespective of the season. The purifier employs a high-grade H13 HEPA filtration system: The 3-stage latest filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as minute as 0.3 microns. That includes common allergens, dust, pet dander, smoke and pollen for instance. In the process, the purifier reduces allergy symptoms and creates indoor air cleaner and healthier which is great for families and pet owners looking to improve indoor air quality. It is also whisper-silent: When it's running in sleep mode, it's only 20 decibels, not nearly as loud as a soft breeze. If you're a light sleeper or want to have a peaceful atmosphere for children, this feature is essential. You can have it running all night long without worrying about jarring noise and you'll wake up in the morning feeling refreshed with cleaner air. It features a dependable brushless motor and an improved larger filter which together enhance purifying efficiency by 50% over the majority of other purifiers in this category. Despite its power, it is also energy-efficient, enabling you to maintain lower utility bills. A good night's sleep and a healthier environment are just a click away and with this deal, there's no reason to wait. See at Amazon
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
"I can't even tell you how important this is" — expert reveals why 90% of women don't know they have sleep apnea
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing temporarily stops or is disrupted during the night. When you experience this, your brain automatically wakes you from your slumber. You might let out a loud snore, a snort or make a gasping sound in order to breathe again. In women, snoring can be much less pronounced so it's not as easy to tell from this symptom alone. Women are more likely to experience daytime sleepiness, impaired focus and mood changes. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as sleep apnea in women can be mistaken for anxiety, depression and menopause. As the signs are more subtle, research suggests as many as 90% of women who have sleep apnea may be unaware they have it. We've chatted with a sleep medicine specialist and a clinical sleep educator to find out more about this important sleep health topic for women. What is sleep apnea? 'Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops or is disrupted at night time, eroding an individual's quality of sleep,' explains Dr Anthony Izzo, a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist who is Sleep Center Medical Director at St Vincent Hospital. 'Each time breathing stops, the brain receives an alert about low oxygen, and it's forced from a deep stage of sleep to a light stage to brief wakefulness in order to address the alert.' There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is much more common says Dr Izzo. 'OSA occurs because tissues in the top of the airway, behind the nose and mouth, collapse down when the muscles that keep them up relax during sleep as this blocks the flow of air to the lungs,' he explains. 'Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn't create the right signal to breath,' he adds. 'It's associated with underlying medical conditions like congestive heart failure, lung diseases, or long-term use of opioid medications. But we don't see much of this in clinical practice.' Does sleep apnea affect women differently to men? Yes, it very much does. Women are more likely to experience subtle symptoms such as mood changes and not being able to focus or concentrate well day after day. This means diagnosis can be delayed or the condition can be mistaken for the symptoms of the menopause or depression. 'I can't even tell you how important this is as sleep apnea in women often goes undiagnosed,' explains Lauri Leadley, clinical sleep educator, president and founder of Valley Sleep Center. 'The symptoms are sometimes attributed to general life challenges such as stress, and the menopause. But the truth is sleep apnea in women is overlooked.' Symptoms of sleep apnea in women Although men and women do experience some similar symptoms of sleep apnea, like snoring, there are also differences. Women are more likely to experience these subtle signs. Frequent morning headaches If you're prone to starting your mornings with a dull headache, this could be a tell-tale sign. Morning headaches that are present as soon as you wake up are associated with obstructive sleep apnea. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain looked at 48 people who had been diagnosed with OSA and experienced morning headaches. They found 25% had morning headaches for more than 15 days per month. Mood changes Obstructive sleep apnea and its impact on sleep quality can also worsen feeling anxious, irritable and impatient. It can affect your mood and could also lead to depression. 'Sometimes when your symptoms aren't severe, it can be easy to write them off as nothing to worry about,' Lauri explains. 'But my advice is to be mindful about frequent mood swings that regularly leave you feeling anxious or low. No, it is not just you being bitchy or hard to deal with.' Forgetfulness and fuzzy thinking Although women with sleep apnea are less likely to experience loud snoring as they suddenly wake during the night, the condition can still disrupt their sleep quality. Unsurprisingly, this has a knock-on impact on your cognitive health. You may have difficulty thinking clearly, and your attention, focus and concentration can also be impaired. 'Having trouble with focus or memory throughout the day may be the only symptoms a woman with sleep apnea experiences, even though they might not think it's related,' explains Dr Izzo. Dry mouth in the morning Regularly waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat can also indicate obstructive sleep apnea. It's regarded as a key symptom in OSA and it's caused by your breathing being impaired throughout the night. This can lead to a drop in oxygen concentration as a result of open-mouth breathing. Your mouth then becomes dry and you could also be more likely to experience morning headaches too. Needing to go the toilet more at night 'Frequent urination during the night can also be a sign of sleep apnea in women,' says Lauri. As OSA causes frequent sleep disruptions, you may find this makes you want to go to the toilet more during the night. If you find you're waking to urinate several times at night, it could still indicate OSA (even if it seems like a separate and unrelated issue). What causes sleep apnea in women? Some of the causes of OSA are similar for both men and women. For example, weight gain and the shape or anatomy of the upper airway. With central sleep apnea, it's often associated with underlying medical conditions such as congestive heart failure and lung diseases. We also see sleep apnea worsen during menopause Hormonal changes can play a key role in the onset of sleep apnea in women as Dr Izzo explains. 'We know that sleep apnea typically can happen in patients without a prior history, starting in the second trimester of pregnancy. It can worsen in severity throughout the second and third trimesters,' he says. 'We also see sleep apnea worsen during menopause, although typically patients will have already been diagnosed pre-menopause in this situation,' he adds. 'Menopause is often associated with weight gain, which in turn, worsens sleep apnea severity.' How women can treat sleep apnea While the symptoms of sleep apnea may present differently, the solutions remain largely the same. But it's different for everyone, so be sure to speak directly with a physician. Below are common treatments for sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes For mild sleep apnea, lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and losing weight and improving sleep hygiene can be very beneficial in treating the condition. If you also have allergies which affect your breathing such as allergic rhinitis, your physician or sleep specialist could suggest a treatment that could help to mitigate your allergy symptoms. Keeping regularly active is good for your lungs as well as your general health and could help to reduce the number of breathing pauses you experience while you sleep. CPAP mask If lifestyle changes don't fully help to treat your sleep apnea symptoms, you may be provided with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and mask. 'A CPAP mask is considered first line for sleep apnea as it's effective for all severities of OSA,' says Dr Izzo. The machine works by delivering air at pressure through a mask that is placed over your nose and mouth. It can help to keep your airways open to prevent impaired breathing while you sleep. Mouthguard Another treatment alternative for mild to moderate sleep apnea is an oral device such as a sleep apnea mouthguard that you would wear at bedtime. These are designed to keep your throat open while you sleep to lessen symptoms. They work by preventing your tongue from blocking your throat and this can help to prevent snoring. Another option is a mouthguard that works slightly differently by moving your lower jaw forward to keep your throat open. These oral devices are easier to use but you may not find them comfortable, and they may not work for everyone.
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.
Associated Press
16-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
National Sleep Foundation Launches Best Slept® Families
A comprehensive, multigenerational initiative for sleep health across the lifespan WASHINGTON, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) announced the launch of a groundbreaking family sleep health initiative, building on its decades-long history of consensus guidelines, evidence-based recommendations, population-level research, SleepTech® leadership and advocacy, and consumer sleep health content across multiple demographics. Under the moniker of Best Slept® Families, the multi-faceted approach will engage the public with recommendations and tools to guide healthy sleep for all family members from infancy through older adulthood, understanding the interconnected nature of family sleep patterns and their impact on health and well-being. The National Sleep Foundation's family sleep health approach builds on the organization's commitment to translating sleep science and insight into practical, actionable guidance for individuals and families. The initiative stems from the NSF's promise to advance excellence in sleep health theory, research, and practice to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self®. NSF will feature new population sleep health research across the lifespan, new guidance with critical insights into how sleep needs can change over time, and more educational resources with practical content tailored for the whole family. 'Sleep health is not just an individual pursuit, it's a family affair,' said Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at NSF. 'We know sleep behaviors, environments, and challenges within families are deeply interconnected. When one family member struggles with sleep, it often affects the entire household. At the same time, how family members model healthy sleep practices can be a strong positive influence for the whole family. This initiative recognizes all the complexities of family sleep health.' Modern families face unprecedented challenges when it comes to sleep health. From busy schedules that impact sleep opportunity to behaviors that can disrupt circadian rhythms, families need practical, evidence-based strategies they can use for their unique circumstances. 'Now's a great time to look at the culmination of NSF's work over the last 35 years, and all roads lead to the destination of family sleep health. We are going to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self to help build Best Slept Families for today and tomorrow. This initiative will provide evidence-based solutions for healthy sleep in the context where it starts and actually happens. We want to support lasting behavior changes that can benefit every family member's sleep and, ultimately, strengthen the public's health and well-being,' said John Lopos, NSF CEO. For more sleep health information, visit About the National Sleep Foundation There's only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep. For more information about NSF, visit │ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Sleep Foundation
