Sleep Archive

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive condition triggered by gluten, a sticky protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is typically diagnosed later in life, and occurs more often in women. Symptoms include intestinal distress, weight loss, rashes, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Celiac patients must adopt a strictly gluten-free diet, which can be challenging after decades of eating gluten. Helpful strategies include creating gluten-free kitchen areas, buying naturally gluten-free items, and examining food labels.

Inflammaging is chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body that occurs with aging. It is believed to accelerate aging and contribute to more than half of all deaths worldwide by driving various age-related diseases such as arthritis, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. People can combat inflammaging through healthy lifestyle measures such as exercising, eating healthfully, controlling weight, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and limiting alcohol and smoking.

Several tools can help people with incontinence stay dry and comfortable. Tools can include medications; basic supplies, such as protection pads, leakproof underwear, adaptive clothing, and portable urinals; bedwetting alarms; and bathroom locator apps. Some of the most important tools aren't pills or gadgets, but strategies-such as controlling underlying conditions that can lead to incontinence (such as diabetes), weight loss, lifestyle or behavioral changes, and pelvic floor training.

Research suggests that people can exercise in the evening without it affecting their sleep if they avoid physical activity several hours before bedtime.

A 2025 study identified poor sleep along with high blood pressure, nicotine use, and high blood sugar levels as particularly important factors increasing the long-term risk of heart problems for women in midlife.

Over-the-counter cold remedies can be helpful, but they must be carefully considered before use. They contain drugs that can cause serious side effects, interact with other medications, and worsen certain health conditions. For example, decongestants can help ease a stuffy nose but also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. And cough suppressants can help someone stop coughing, but taking too much can cause dizziness, confusion, or even changes in mood or thinking.

Insufficient sleep triggers a long list of physiological and hormonal changes that contribute to heart disease. For example, a lack of sleep can cause increases in blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, and weight. Doctors recommend getting at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Strategies that promote better sleep include going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, creating a healthy sleep environment, and turning off electronics an hour before bedtime.

Tai chi uses a series of gentle, flowing motions and slow, deep breathing to exercise the body and calm the mind. It's good for health in many ways, especially for balance, which improves as the body becomes more attuned to changes in movement. Tai chi can be practiced outdoors as well as indoors, which is helpful during winter months. To get started in a tai chi practice, it helps to take a class with an instructor who supervises practitioners' progress. Classes can be found at wellness centers and health clubs.

A 2025 study suggests that urgent care clinics frequently prescribe prescription medications inappropriately for conditions such as ear infections, bronchitis, sprains or strains, or digestive discomfort.

A variety of health conditions can be influenced by sleep position. Side sleeping helps people breathe easier, hampers heartburn, and is safer during pregnancy, but it may aggravate joint pain. Back sleeping keeps the spine straighter, but can intensify breathing problems, worsen heartburn, and cause other problems during pregnancy. People should talk to their doctor if they have a health condition that could be affected by the way they sleep, but otherwise can sleep in the position that is most comfortable for them.