logo
ENFRع
#

Latest news with #urbanareas

Using a fan during summer could help you sleep better – and it's not just about the temperature
Using a fan during summer could help you sleep better – and it's not just about the temperature

The Independent

time7 days ago

  • Health
  • The Independent

Using a fan during summer could help you sleep better – and it's not just about the temperature

Using a fan on a hot summer night may help you sleep better — and it's not just about the temperature. While a whirring fan may provide some much-needed relief from sky-high dew points and lingering heat, they can also alleviate noise pollution. 'Tuning out environmental noises with the soothing sound of white noise from a fan can significantly improve sleep quality,' the Better Sleep Council advises. In a survey of Americans' sleep, 27 percent of respondents who considered themselves to be excellent sleepers reported regularly sleeping with a fan in their bedroom. But, there are even more benefits. Here's what to know... It's not just white noise With people awake longer hours during summer months, there's more noise pollution, or unwanted and disturbing sound. Fans can help to fight the negative effects of noise pollution, such as sleep disruption, insomnia, and chronic health conditions that include heart disease, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Loud noises can even trigger an acute stress response commonly known as 'fight-or-flight,' according to Peter James, an associate professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. James and colleagues found in 2017 that low-income communities and areas with a large proportion of nonwhite residents are disproportionately impacted by traffic noise. So are people who live in urban areas. 'We've made these conscious or subconscious decision as a society to put minority-race communities who have the least amount of political power in areas near highways and airports,' he told Kaiser Health News. Tuning out these sounds can significantly improve sleep quality. Fans produce a consistent ambient noise that can 'mask some of the lower-level fluctuations in background noise so that you're not alerted to those signals,' Norah Simpson, a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, told The Washington Post. White noise may also make the ringing sound associated with tinnitus less noticeable. The audiological and neurological condition impacts approximately 10 percent of American adults, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. There are other more obvious benefits For one, fans can clear the air in a room. 'If you're blowing a fan on you to help you cool, that's great. But if you're in a stuffy room, you actually want the fan to blow out all the carbon dioxide that has built up in the room,' John Saito, spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, told The Post. Exposure to too much carbon dioxide in a room may put people at an increased risk of tiredness, headache, eye irritation, sore or dry throat, dizziness, and congestion. Secondly, fans cannot lower the temperature in the room, but they can make you feel more cool. Fans are able to cool people by displacing warmer air, and helping to evaporate sweat from the skin, according to NASA. Getting the seven hours of sleep adults need to stay healthy is greatly impacted during hot and humid summers. And the season is becoming even hotter due to the impacts of human-caused climate change. Hot and bothered Americans already lose over an hour of sleep each week in summer, according to SleepScore Labs, impacting an already shorter average sleep duration. 'In summer, the delta between the sleep we need and the sleep we get widens,' Nate Watson, SleepScore Labs' Sleep Advisory Board chair, told 'Warmer temperatures' impact on our ability to fall asleep along with increased social activities competing with sleep time are likely additional factors impacting these findings." Bear this in mind Oscillating fans prevent air flow from moving in just one direction, according to Healthline. The publication notes that fans can circulate dust and pollen, dry out your eyes and skin, and result in muscle aches. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using fans only if indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. 'In temperatures above 90 degrees, a fan can increase body temperature,' the agency said. 'When you're sitting in front of a fan, it makes you feel cool. But just because you feel cool doesn't mean that it's exactly reducing the burden that your body faces,' Glen Kenny, a physiology professor at the University of Ottawa, told InsideClimate News.

Sports events and their role in driving local economic growth
Sports events and their role in driving local economic growth

Zawya

time16-07-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Sports events and their role in driving local economic growth

The Business Impact of Hosting Major Sporting Events Major sports events bring more than just matches. They create a short-term economic shift in the areas where they take place. Local vendors, transport providers, and hospitality services often see a sharp rise in daily sales. Many economic reports show that revenues can double or triple during match weekends. This is particularly true in places where events are frequent and infrastructure is prepared. According to regional studies, hotels in host cities report near full occupancy during national tournaments. Similar results apply to digital services tied to sports, especially in betting, content, and mobile usage. Activity on platforms such as the increases notably when events are broadcast or streamed live, suggesting a parallel spike in online interaction. The full impact of sporting events reaches beyond stadiums. Their economic value spreads across cities through spending, online activity, and local demand. Local Commerce and Infrastructure Local businesses near stadiums or event venues often prepare months ahead. Food stalls, delivery services, bars, and souvenir shops experience a surge in clients. This peak forces many to hire temporary staff or increase their stock levels. The financial gains come from several sources: Foot traffic increases significantly before and after games. Visitors spend on transportation, meals, and local experiences. Temporary partnerships emerge with delivery platforms and advertisers. Some betting services also integrate local businesses through affiliate deals. This helps street-level commerce connect with the online sports audience. During match-heavy weekends, the rise in betting activity can support not just bookmakers, but nearby services too. For instance, users checking odds through the are also likely to order from local restaurants, boosting demand in multiple sectors. Digital Sports Interaction and New Opportunities Modern sports engagement has moved online. Social platforms, streaming services, and betting apps combine live commentary with market activity. This change has given rise to a secondary digital economy. Sports fans do not just watch – they engage, compare, predict, and often bet. Platforms that allow mobile wagering see more users during large events. The interest in predictions, real-time odds, and interactive content contributes to time spent on these apps. One growing trend is the use of Afropari bet during league tournaments. These moments bring an intense wave of app downloads and transactions. This digital wave also benefits content creators, sports analysts, and event promoters. Businesses that offer 'watch-and-win' campaigns or viewer-based rewards get more exposure. The data collected during events also helps organisers and sponsors improve future marketing campaigns. All of this generates more investment in both the tech and retail environments of the region. Social Engagement and Broader Participation Sports events encourage group activity. This applies not only to match attendance, but also to online communities and fan groups. They follow players, share opinions, and often influence betting behaviour. Within these circles, certain topics generate consistent interest. One example is the growing recognition of women in eSports. While many events still focus on traditional men's football or basketball, the digital gaming community has broadened. Female-led teams and streamers attract sponsorships, media coverage, and betting markets. This shift creates new consumer segments and alters how brands approach sports-related campaigns. In urban areas, cafés, lounges, and sports bars now show both real and virtual competitions. These hybrid spaces serve fans who want more than just the final score. The economic result is clear: more viewers means more spending. Final Remarks on Sports and Local Economies Business owners now understand the value of the sports calendar. They track dates and plan for surges. For betting platforms and retailers, it is not just about the match – it is about the wave of demand surrounding it. Sports tourism, digital betting, and on-site commerce form a chain. When well-managed, each part supports the other. Cities that promote sporting events also promote local business. This connection between leisure and income is now essential for many regional economies. The cycle continues. More matches lead to more demand, which leads to more services. With the right planning, even small businesses can benefit. The key lies in recognising when fans will spend and preparing for their return. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

India's Jobless Rate Stood at 5.6% in June, Government Says
India's Jobless Rate Stood at 5.6% in June, Government Says

Bloomberg

time15-07-2025

  • Business
  • Bloomberg

India's Jobless Rate Stood at 5.6% in June, Government Says

India's jobless rate remained steady at 5.6% for those aged 15 years and above in June, data from the Statistics Ministry showed Tuesday. The overall unemployment rate in urban areas inched up to 7.1% from 6.9% in May, while it was 4.9% in rural areas, the government said. Youth unemployment for those aged between 15-29 years was at 15.3% in June, compared to 15% the previous month, according to the survey.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store