General Health Articles

Healthy Living: Health Issues That Could Be Causing Your Bad Sleep

More than one third of all adults say that they get less than the recommended seven-to-nine hours of sleep each night. While each person is different in the amount of sleep their body requires, experts say that everyone would be healthy and happier if they just got 60 to 90 more minutes of sleep each night.

But why aren’t you sleeping more? Experts say that there are quite a few reasons and health issues that could be causing you to get less sleep.

Experts also say that even people who get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep may be troubled by daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness because of a variety of conditions that cause sleep problems.

Here are some of those issues that may be causing your sleep problems.

• Anxiety – sleep problems are just one of the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder.
• Arthritis – it is common for people with musculoskeletal disorders to have sleep issues.
• Cancer – studies show about half the people with Cancer experience sleep disturbances, typically insomnia due to tumor pain, nausea, and trouble breathing.
• Dementia – disturbed sleep may be the earliest sign of dementia.
• Diabetes – about half the people with type 2 Diabetes experience sleep issues.
• Epilepsy – about 55% of people with epilepsy also have insomnia.
• Heart disease – chest pain and discomfort caused by heart disease can make it hard to relax and fall asleep.
• Kidney disease - sleep disorders such as insomnia, excessive sleepiness, and sleep apnea are common among people living with chronic kidney disease.

In the News: Eight Healthy Lifestyle Tips That You Can Do Daily

Everyone wants to live a healthier lifestyle and get back on the right track when it comes to health and fitness. What if we told you that you can easily get back on the path to a healthier you just by following these 8 tips daily?

There’s no better time than to start right away… so here’s to your health!

1. Maintain a healthy diet. Eat more complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You should also steer clear of sugary and processed foods.
2. Stay Hydrated. The general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds then shoot for 75 ounces of water each day.
3. Give up smoking and limit your alcohol. Experts suggest only one drink per day.
4. Brush your teeth. This seems like a silly one but brushing your teeth twice a day lowers the risk of heart disease, help your memory, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain sugar levels.
5. Get enough sleep. Sleeping is always associated with better health, so make sure you are getting the daily recommendations.
6. Exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week. Working out just 30 minutes a day can help you feel and look your best.
7. Practice self-care. Self-care can be anything from meditation to massages, pedicures to praying. Whatever it is that helps you get that moment of Zen is what you should do.
8. Let go of negativity. Negativity can lead to depression, stress, and general unhealthiness. Letting go of negativity can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Sleep 101: Tips to Help You Get Your Zzzzs

A recent sleep study was presented stating that healthy adults should be getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, or at least trying to shoot for the new range of no less than 5 hours and no more than 9 hours of sleep.

But what’s the best way to get ANY hours of sleep?

Here are some sleep tips:

• Set a sleep schedule and stick to it. Even on the weekends.
• Avoid caffeine 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• Stop using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
• Ensure a comfortable sleeping temperature.
• If you awaken and can’t fall back to sleep, get out of bed. Read, meditate, or do other quiet activities until you are tired enough to fall back asleep.

Healthy Living: Bath vs. Shower – Which one is Better?

It’s the age-old debate – bath or shower? Who doesn’t love a nice, hot soak in the tub to unwind? Or how about those steamy, relaxing showers? But which one is healthier? And why? 

First, we focus on the shower. Besides being timesaving and more efficient, here are some other benefits of taking a shower.

• Reduces tension and improves circulation.
• Gets rid of headaches and helps with sore muscles.
• Massages your skin as the water falls.
• Great for cleaning the body. 

Now for the cons of taking a shower. 

• You must stand (most likely).
• Relies on water pressure.
• Your bathroom becomes a steam room. 

And now let’s take a look at the benefits of taking a bath.

• Helps treat skin conditions like eczema.
• Can improve sleep.
• Good for muscle and joint protection and relief.
• Helps regulate blood pressure.
• May improve breathing.

And the cons of taking a bath.

• Might not be clean (or as clean as a shower).
• Can affect the body’s pH levels.
• Strips the body of natural oils. 

So, who is the winner? Either way it comes down to hygiene. Both baths and showers have pros and cons, so it often comes down to a matter of preference and time.  As long as you are getting yourself clean, you are doing good for your body.

Happy Washing!

How to Avoid Falling Asleep While Driving

With more people traveling lately by car, experts advise that there are a few ways to help avoid falling asleep while driving.

• Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m., when possible. Our human clock is set for sleeping during these hours.
• If you have a long commute, make sure you get adequate sleep.
• Avoid alcohol – even small amounts can cause sleepiness and impairment.
• If you take medications that cause drowsiness, it’s best not to drive at all. Carpool or use a driving service like Uber.
• Drink beverages that contain caffeine to improve alertness.