Poor Sleep Linked To 172 Diseases

IN THE NEWS:
Study Links Poor Sleep to Disease Development

Ever wonder if your sleep habits could be affecting more than just your mood? A new study tracking over 88,000 adults found that people with irregular sleep schedules, like changing up bed and wake times, have a much higher risk for more than 170 diseases, including everything from liver problems to unexpected conditions like gangrene.

The big surprise: logging a lot of sleep hours by itself isn’t harmful, what matters most is keeping a steady rhythm. In other words, it's not just how long you sleep, but how consistently you do it that really counts.

The takeaway? Try making your nightly routine as regular as possible if you want to give your health a real boost.

Read the full study: here.

SLEEP:
Research: Artificial Light Undermines Health

The way we light up our homes and cities isn’t just about convenience - it could actually be tinkering with our natural body clocks, according to a new research.

Artificial light, especially blue-rich light from screens and bulbs at night, can disrupt our body’s natural circadian rhythms, the internal clock that helps regulate sleep, metabolism, and overall health. This disruption makes it harder to get restful sleep and may increase risks for health problems like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

The good news is simple lifestyle changes, like dimming lights in the evening, using warmer bulbs, and limiting screen time before bed, can help realign our internal clocks. These small adjustments could lead to better sleep, improved mental sharpness and healthier lives overall. So, embracing a darker, calmer evening environment is an easy step toward better wellbeing.

Read about the research: here.

EXERCISE:
Personality Influences Exercise Success

Researchers have explored the interesting link between personality traits and how much people like to exercise. They found that certain traits like being outgoing, disciplined and open to new experiences are often tied to a greater enjoyment and commitment to physical activity.

On the flip side, those who tend to be more anxious or less emotionally stable may find it harder to stick with a regular exercise routine.

Understanding these connections can help people find more personalized and enjoyable ways to stay active, which is key for long-term health. So, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, knowing a bit about your own personality might just help you discover the best kind of exercise motivation for you.

Read the full study: here.

BRAIN HEALTH:
Positive Emotions Boost Memory

Positive emotions can play a powerful role in boosting our memory according to a new study published by University College London.

The team of British researchers found that when we experience feelings like joy, gratitude, or hope, our brains become more receptive, making it easier to remember events and information. This happens because positive emotions help activate parts of the brain involved in attention and learning, creating a stronger connection to memories. The research suggests that cultivating a positive mindset might not only improve your mood but also sharpen your memory over time.

So, whether it’s through gratitude journaling or simply savoring happy moments, focusing on the good could have lasting benefits for your brain. It’s a simple but effective way to support both your emotional well-being and mental sharpness.

Read the full study: here.

WELLBEING:
Mindful Meditation Boost Attention at Every Age

Practicing mindfulness meditation can really boost your attention and focus according to researchers at the University of Southern California Center for Mindfulness.

The researchers found that just a little bit of consistent meditation helps strengthen the brain areas responsible for paying attention and reduces distraction. This means even if you don’t meditate for hours, you can still see noticeable benefits in your daily life, like better concentration and less mind-wandering.

Their study suggests mindfulness can be a simple, effective way to improve mental clarity and stay present amid busy schedules. So, giving meditation a try might just be the trick to sharpen your focus without needing any fancy tools or long training. It’s a handy tip for anyone looking to feel calmer and more in control during their day.

Read the full study: here.

MINDFUL HOBBIES:
New Release - Relaxing Word Search

Boosting positive memories and engaging in mindful meditation activities doesn’t have to look like sitting in a yoga pose for hours for everyone.

More and more psychologists are highlighting the mindful benefits of hobbies and creative activities. This is because hobbies, including some sports like golf or pickleball, require focus in the present moment. The same is true for creative activities like journaling, coloring and puzzles. Each of these requires presence and focus.

The publisher of The Patient Advocate, has just released another special edition in the Mindful Hobbies series to help you with mindfulness. The latest title is a word search book with trivia clues for every puzzle, helping with memory and attention in addition to focus. Mindful Hobbies: Relaxing Word Search is also entirely large print for anyone who wants to work on the puzzles poolside or just relaxing on the sofa.

Note: The Patient Advocate’s publisher may earn if you purchase this book through our Amazon link.