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Experts explain why sleeping naked may not help in the heat

Hot nights can make it difficult to fall asleep, and many people try different ways to stay cool.

However, sleep expert Julius Patrick told Cosmopolitan that sleeping without clothes is not necessarily the best solution when temperatures rise.

It may seem like the obvious choice

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Many people choose to sleep naked in an effort to stay cooler during warm weather.

According to Julius Patrick, however, this habit can actually reduce sleep quality, Cosmopolitan reports.

Sweat stays on the skin

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When you sleep without clothing, sweat remains on your skin instead of being absorbed by fabric.

As a result, it can become more difficult for your body to cool itself comfortably throughout the night.

Lightweight sleepwear is recommended

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Instead, the expert recommends wearing light sleepwear.

Breathable fabrics can absorb sweat, helping the body regulate its temperature more effectively.

Your body naturally cools down overnight

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Even if it feels extremely warm at bedtime, Patrick points out that your body temperature naturally drops as the night progresses.

Keep the bedroom as cool as possible

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One of the most important steps to getting a good night’s sleep during a heatwave is keeping your bedroom as cool as possible.

Curtains and blinds can make a difference

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Keeping curtains or blinds closed during the day helps prevent sunlight from unnecessarily heating the room.

Air out the room before bedtime

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If the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, opening all the windows before bed can create a cross-breeze and help lower the room temperature.

A cooler room may help you fall asleep faster

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According to the expert, even a slightly cooler bedroom can make it easier to relax and fall asleep.

Swap the heavy duvet for lighter bedding

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Patrick also recommends using lighter bedding during hot weather, as a thick duvet is unnecessary in high temperatures.

Don’t skip bedding entirely

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Although your bedding should be lighter, the expert advises against sleeping without any covering at all.

Keeping a lightweight sheet or blanket nearby can provide comfort if the temperature drops during the night.

Thin cotton sheets can improve comfort

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Thin cotton sheets can absorb sweat, contributing to a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

A shower before bed may help

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Taking a quick shower around 30 minutes before bedtime can help cool your body down.

According to Julius Patrick, it does not have to be a cold shower. Some people find that a warm bath or warm shower helps lower the body’s core temperature afterward, promoting faster sleep onset and deeper sleep.

Experts reveal when it actually makes sense to drink electrolytes

When the weather is hot, it is important to drink enough water to avoid heat-related problems.

Many people also choose electrolyte drinks, but according to experts interviewed by Real Simple, they are rarely necessary.

Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They help the body regulate fluid balance, muscle function, and the nervous system, among other functions.

Too much can also be a problem

The body loses electrolytes through sweat, urine, vomiting, and diarrhea.

With normal fluid loss, the body is able to maintain the proper balance on its own, experts told Real Simple.

According to an emergency physician at the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming too many electrolytes can affect blood pressure and heart rhythm.

An electrolyte imbalance may also cause fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, or nausea.

Only some people need extra

The best way to obtain electrolytes is through a regular, balanced diet that includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, and seeds, the experts told Real Simple.

At the same time, it remains important to drink plenty of water.

Only if you exercise for an extended period in hot weather and sweat heavily, or if you lose large amounts of fluid due to vomiting or diarrhea, may you need additional electrolytes.

For most people who stay indoors or engage in normal daily activities, electrolyte drinks are generally unnecessary, even as temperatures rise, according to the experts.

He quit alcohol and nicotine for six months – the results surprised him

Many people choose to take a break from alcohol to lead a healthier lifestyle or save money.

Campaigns such as Dry January and Sober October show that interest in spending time alcohol-free remains high.

According to LADBible, however, few people try giving up alcohol for several months.

New habits

YouTuber Jack Hopkins decided to live without both alcohol and nicotine for six months.

According to his YouTube video, he quickly noticed that he had more energy and felt more motivated to stay active.

He began spending more time exercising, traveling, and pursuing new hobbies.

At the same time, he says he still spends time with his friends even though he no longer drinks alcohol.

The biggest difference

Jack Hopkins says he still occasionally feels the urge to drink, but that he has become better at managing those cravings.

He believes it is important to stay aware of your habits, even after going a long time without alcohol.

According to his own experience, the biggest change was not just that he got into better physical shape.

After six months, he also felt more motivated, more productive, and more satisfied with his everyday life.

He therefore concludes that he no longer needs alcohol to enjoy life.

Allergy may be linked to a slightly increased risk of cancer, new study finds

Researchers reviewed 28 previous studies from countries including Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

They examined individuals who had been diagnosed with an allergic disease before they potentially developed cancer.

The aim was to determine whether allergies influence the risk of cancer.

Previous research has produced conflicting findings, prompting the researchers to provide a comprehensive overview, according to News-Medical.

Major differences

The study, published in Scientific Reports, found that the results varied depending on both the type of cancer and the geographical region.

A statistically significant association was identified for several cancers, including lung cancer, blood cancers, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid cancer.

For colorectal cancer and uterine cancer, the association was reversed.

At the same time, the researchers found no reliable association for several other types of cancer.

According to the study, this means that no single overall conclusion can be drawn for all cancer types.

A slightly increased risk

The researchers also found that the association was statistically significant only in countries within the Western Pacific region.

The same association was not observed in Europe or the Americas.

Asthma was also the only allergic disease that, on its own, showed a statistically significant association with cancer.

People with allergies had a small but statistically significant higher risk of developing cancer.

However, the researchers emphasize that the increased risk is limited and that the findings should not lead to changes in current treatment.

Instead, the study highlights the need for further research.

These changes in appetite could be an early sign of dementia

When most people think of dementia, they think of memory problems.

However, the condition can also affect a person’s behavior and personality, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, as cited by LADBible.

This is particularly true of frontotemporal dementia, the most common form of dementia among people under the age of 65.

The disease affects areas of the brain responsible for emotions, behavior, and decision-making, among other functions.

Family often notices it first

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, people with the condition are often unaware that anything has changed.

As a result, family members or close friends are usually the first to notice the symptoms.

The disease can make it more difficult to concentrate, plan ahead, or behave as they normally would.

Some people lose interest in their hobbies, while others begin repeating the same actions over and over.

Three types of food stand out

Eating habits may also change.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, people with frontotemporal dementia may develop unusually strong cravings for sugary foods, fatty foods, and carbohydrates.

The organization also notes that some people lose the ability to stop eating, drinking alcohol, or smoking. They may also display changes in their table manners.

These changes can appear early in the course of the disease, long before obvious memory problems develop.

For that reason, it may be worth paying attention if several of these signs appear over time.

Here’s how eating too much salt can affect your heart

Salt is essential for the body, but consuming too much over time can take a toll on both your heart and blood vessels. According to the article, even small dietary changes may help reduce the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Salt plays an important role in the body

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Sodium is needed to help regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and the normal function of nerves and muscles. The body needs salt, but only in appropriate amounts.

When does salt become a problem?

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According to the article, many people consume more sodium than recommended. When intake remains high over time, it becomes more difficult for the body to maintain the proper balance of sodium and fluids.

Your heart has to work harder

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A high sodium intake causes the body to retain extra fluid. This increases the volume of blood circulating through the body, forcing the heart to work harder to pump it.

Blood pressure can rise

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The additional fluid can gradually lead to high blood pressure, one of the best-known consequences of consuming too much salt.

Blood vessels can become less flexible

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The article explains that excessive sodium intake may damage the inner lining of blood vessels, making them stiffer and less able to function properly.

The risk increases over time

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As the heart and blood vessels remain under constant strain, the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure can increase.

Not everyone responds the same way

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Some people are more sensitive to salt than others, meaning their blood pressure rises more easily when sodium intake is high.

Processed foods are a major source of sodium

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Much of the sodium in the average diet comes from processed and packaged foods. Choosing lower-sodium alternatives can help reduce overall intake.

Home cooking gives you more control

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Preparing meals at home makes it easier to manage how much salt is added during cooking.

Herbs and spices can add flavor

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Fresh and dried herbs, along with a variety of spices, can enhance meals without increasing sodium intake.

Citrus is another option

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Lemon and lime can brighten the flavor of many dishes and reduce the need for added salt.

Vinegar can boost flavor too

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Balsamic, apple cider, and red wine vinegars are highlighted in the article as flavorful alternatives that require little or no added salt.

Taste your food before adding salt

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Experts recommend tasting your meal before reaching for the salt shaker. Salty ingredients can also be used more strategically in smaller amounts to maximize flavor.

Young children’s diet may influence brain development

Many young children in the United States get a large share of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods.

These include sugary breakfast cereals, pre-packaged snacks, fast food, and processed meats, according to HealthDay.

In a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers followed 144 Hispanic mothers and their children from infancy until the children reached the age of six.

Throughout the study, they recorded the children’s diets and examined their brains using MRI scans.

No difference in learning

The study did not find that the children had poorer memory or performed worse on tests measuring their thinking skills.

According to HealthDay, the researchers found no link between the children’s diets and their cognitive abilities.

However, the researchers believe that changes in the brain may occur before they become apparent in a child’s behaviour or learning.

They therefore say that further research is needed.

Changes in the brain

Children with a higher intake of ultra-processed foods had smaller brain volumes in regions involved in functions such as emotion, motivation, and reward.

According to the researchers, brain volume in these regions was nearly two percent smaller for every 10-percentage-point increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

The researchers emphasize that the study shows only an association.

It does not prove that ultra-processed foods cause these changes, and they therefore call for further studies.

How often should you get up from your chair to lower your cancer risk? New study has an answer

Researchers from the University of Glasgow analysed data from more than 91,000 participants in the UK Biobank, according to The Guardian.

The participants wore activity trackers and were followed for an average of 12 years.

The aim of the study, published in PLOS Medicine, was to investigate whether prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour were associated with the risk of dying from cancer.

The researchers also examined what happened when some sedentary time was replaced with physical activity.

Small changes

The findings showed that light activity, such as slow walking, washing dishes, or doing other household chores, was associated with a lower risk than remaining inactive.

According to the study, replacing one hour of sitting each day with one hour of light physical activity was associated with a 12 per cent lower risk of dying from cancer.

Professor Kevin McConway of the Open University, who was not involved in the research, told The Guardian that the findings are interesting.

At the same time, he stressed that further research is needed.

More than 30 minutes

The study highlights one finding in particular.

People who sat or lay still for more than 30 minutes at a time had a higher risk of dying from cancer than those who interrupted their sedentary time more frequently.

According to the researchers’ analysis, the risk increased by 10 per cent for every additional hour per day spent in uninterrupted inactivity.

However, the researchers emphasised that the study shows only an association and cannot prove that prolonged sedentary behaviour is the direct cause.

Common stroke may be caused by something doctors overlooked

When doctors try to prevent a stroke, the focus is often on keeping major arteries clear and reducing the risk of blood clots. But a new study suggests that approach may not address the underlying cause of one of the world’s most common stroke types.

Reporting in Circulation, researchers led by the University of Edinburgh found evidence that lacunar stroke is more closely linked to damage affecting the brain’s smallest blood vessels than to fatty narrowing of larger arteries.

The findings could help explain why current preventive treatments do not always work as expected, reports Science Daily.

Looking beyond blocked arteries

To investigate, scientists monitored 229 people who had experienced a mild stroke, using brain scans and clinical assessments over the course of a year.

Rather than finding a connection between blocked larger arteries and lacunar stroke, the team found that patients with enlarged arteries inside the brain were far more likely to have this specific type of stroke.

Those vascular changes were also associated with worsening small vessel disease and additional brain injury over time.

More than 25% of participants developed new “silent” strokes during follow-up, despite receiving standard preventive medication.

A new direction

The findings suggest that future treatments may need to focus on preserving the health of the brain’s microscopic blood vessels instead of targeting plaque in larger arteries alone.

Researchers are already exploring that possibility through the ongoing LACunar Intervention Trial 3 (LACI-3), which is evaluating whether existing medicines can reduce further brain damage and lower the risk of complications such as memory decline, dementia and additional strokes.

While more research is needed before treatment guidelines change, the study offers a different way of understanding a condition that affects thousands of people each year and may help shape future strategies for stroke prevention.

What happens to the body after stopping GLP 1 weight loss drugs

Research suggests that many patients regain weight after stopping weight loss medication. A large international analysis found that weight gain often begins just weeks after treatment ends, even among people who previously lost significant amounts of weight, reports Science Daily.

Many patients started gaining weight again

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Researchers found a clear pattern showing that participants began regaining weight after stopping their medication. In many cases, the increase started within the first weeks after treatment ended.

The analysis included studies from around the world

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The research combined results from 11 randomized studies conducted in several different countries. The goal was to examine how the body responds after people stop taking anti obesity medication.

More than 2,400 people were included

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Researchers analyzed data from 1,574 people in treatment groups and 893 people in control groups. This gave the study a broad foundation for comparing outcomes after treatment stopped.

Several different drugs were examined

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The analysis included medications such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, orlistat, and phentermine topiramate. Researchers compared how patients responded after using different types of treatment.

GLP 1 drugs made up most of the studies

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Six of the 11 studies focused on GLP 1 receptor agonists. These medications were originally developed for diabetes treatment but are now increasingly used for weight loss.

Patients lost weight while on treatment

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The results showed that participants generally experienced significant weight loss while taking the medication. Several treatments had a clear impact on both body weight and BMI.

Weight regain often started soon after stopping

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According to the analysis, weight gain frequently began around eight weeks after patients stopped taking the medication. The same trend appeared across multiple studies.

The trend continued for several months

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Researchers found that weight regain continued for an average of about 20 weeks before beginning to level off. Many participants regained a substantial portion of the weight they had lost.

Follow up checks showed the same pattern

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The studies tracked participants at several points after treatment ended. Researchers observed clear weight increases after eight, 12, and 20 weeks.

Lifestyle changes affected the outcome

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Researchers also looked at factors such as diet and exercise. The findings showed that lifestyle habits influenced how much weight participants regained.

Results differed depending on the medication

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The amount of weight regained varied depending on the specific treatment participants had received. Some medications were linked to greater rebound weight gain than others.

Tirzepatide patients regained much of the lost weight

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Participants who had taken tirzepatide for 36 weeks regained nearly half of the weight they had previously lost after switching to a placebo.