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New Delhi: ”Obesity is a multifactorial challenge and needs multifactorial preventive strategies”.
This was stated yesterday by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a Professor of Medicine and a renowned Diabetologist, while underscoring the urgent need for a multifaceted and collective approach to combat the growing obesity crisis in India.
Addressing the ‘National Obesity Summit”, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the occasion of “World Obesity Day”, the Minister emphasised that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue but a major public health challenge that requires coordinated efforts from the government, industry, the medical fraternity and also the society.
Citing alarming statistics, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 1.4 crore children affected. “We often take pride in having chubby babies, but this comes at a cost. Central obesity, particularly among Indians, is an independent and a serious health risk factor,” he said.
Also Read:PM Modi nominates 10 prominent personalities to raise awareness about Obesity
He further elaborated that obesity significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and fatty liver disease, making it imperative to take preventive action.
The Union Minister acknowledged the Indian phenotype’s unique vulnerability to central obesity, citing studies that show even lean-looking Indians carry a higher percentage of visceral fat compared to their Western counterparts. “Our traditional attire may mask central obesity, but that does not eliminate the associated health risks,” he remarked.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advocacy for healthier lifestyles, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled how the Prime Minister has frequently addressed obesity in his Mann Ki Baat broadcasts and public interactions, even urging citizens to reduce their food intake by 10%. “PM Modi has a remarkable ability to transform messages into mass movements, as seen in campaigns like Swachh Bharat and the COVID-19 response. A similar approach is needed to tackle obesity,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed concern over the rising prevalence of obesity despite widespread awareness campaigns and medical advancements. “On one hand, we talk about fitness and wellness, but on the other, obesity rates continue to surge. This paradox must be addressed with scientific rigor and societal commitment,” he noted. He also highlighted the economic burden obesity places on families, with many patients struggling to afford long-term treatment for metabolic disorders.
Emphasizing the need for a strategic response, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for an industry-government partnership to develop cost-effective, universal screening models for obesity and metabolic diseases. “We cannot leave this fight solely to diabetologists or obesity specialists. It requires a national commitment involving policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders,” he asserted. He suggested a public-private model where routine health screenings include obesity markers, particularly in hospital settings, to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also cautioned against new quick-fix solutions, such as weight-loss injections and fad diets, stressing the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes. “The real solution lies in self-discipline—understanding our body, regulating our diet, and adopting a balanced approach to health,” he said. He humorously pointed out how dietary habits have evolved, with intermittent fasting and exotic diet plans becoming fashionable trends. “Our grandmothers would have been amused by the concept of ‘5 PM eating schedules’ and calorie counting apps,” he quipped.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh called upon all stakeholders to take immediate action rather than waiting for annual summits to reiterate the same concerns. “Obesity is not just a personal concern; it is a national responsibility. As we envision India in 2047, we must ensure that our young population remains healthy, productive, and free from preventable lifestyle diseases,” he asserted.
The summit saw participation from leading medical experts, policymakers, and industry representatives, all of whom echoed the need for collective action to address obesity at a systemic level.
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A new study identified daytime napping at frequent intervals to be linked to higher risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death in type 2 diabetics. The study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that individuals who tended to nap daily had a substantially greater risk of cardiovascular complications, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. The study was conducted by Xiu H. and fellow researchers.
The research sought to assess the influence of daytime napping on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. A sample of 21,129 UK Biobank participants who had no MACE or cancer at baseline were included. Information on sleep behaviors such as daytime napping frequency and overall sleep duration was obtained via a baseline questionnaire.
To establish the relationship between daytime napping and unfavorable outcomes, researchers used Cox proportional hazards regression models. The main outcomes measured were MACE, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality. MACE was a composite of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.
Key Findings
Over a mean follow-up of 11.9 years, the study found:
• 5,611 MACE cases
• 3,854 all-cause deaths
• 1,839 CVD-specific deaths
Relative to those who never or seldom napped, those who typically napped had substantially higher risks:
• MACE: Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.39 (95% CI: 1.08-1.65)
• Myocardial infarction: HR 1.44 (95% CI: 1.01-1.92)
• Heart failure: HR 1.33 (95% CI: 1.07-1.64)
• Stroke: HR 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06-2.33)
• All-cause mortality: HR 1.28 (95% CI: 1.01-1.60)
• CVD mortality: HR 1.33 (95% CI: 0.97-1.94)
Daytime napping on a frequent basis is linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results highlight the need to observe sleep habits in diabetic patients, particularly those with long sleep duration.
Reference:
Yang, X. H., Liu, Y., Jiang, X. X., Zhang, Z. X., Lu, Y. J., Fu, C. S., Jin, H. M., & Ye, Z. B. (2025). Daytime napping and risk of incident main adverse cardiovascular events and mortality among adults with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 112067, 112067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112067
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An Instagram post claims that warts can be removed in just 2 days by using slaked lime (Chuna) and baking soda. The claim is False.
The reel posted by the Instagram user ai.pure_health claims that warts/skin tags can be removed in just 2 days by using slaked lime (Chuna) and baking soda. The reel states, “This ₹1 remedy can completely eliminate warts/skin tags from the root—in just 1 minute! You just need to take half a teaspoon of slaked lime (the one used in betel leaves). Then, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to it. Finally, add two to three drops of water and mix it well. Now, apply this mixture only on the wart. Within just 2 days, the wart will dry up and fall off without you even noticing.”
The post has 184,469 likes and can be accessed here.
The claim is False. There is no proven evidence that slaked lime and baking soda can remove warts or skin tags in 2 days. For safe and effective treatment, it’s best to seek medical advice instead of relying on unverified remedies.
Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are highly contagious and can develop at any age, though they are most commonly seen in children and teenagers. These growths form when the virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, leading to excessive cell production that thickens the outer skin layer.
Although most warts are harmless and often resolve on their own within weeks or months, some may cause discomfort, such as itching, tightness, or pain, particularly when located on the soles of the feet. Additionally, some warts may contain tiny black or brown specks, which are actually clotted blood from broken capillaries beneath the skin.
Skin tags are benign, soft skin growths that commonly develop on the neck, eyelids, and underarms. They may be the same colour as the skin or appear darker, and if irritated, they can turn pink or red. These small growths typically form in areas where friction occurs, such as where the skin rubs against itself, clothing, or jewellery. Common locations include under the breasts, on the neck, eyelids, groin, and underarms. Individuals with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a genetic predisposition are at a higher risk of developing skin tags.
Limestone (CaCO₃) is a naturally occurring industrial mineral that is widely used across various industries. Its primary component is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). One of the most important uses of limestone is in the production of lime (CaO), which is obtained by calcining limestone—a process where limestone is heated at high temperatures to drive off carbon dioxide (CO₂).
When lime (CaO), also known as unslaked lime or quicklime, is mixed with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction called slaking, resulting in the formation of slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂.
Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂) plays a significant role in enhancing calcium intake, particularly in regions where it is used to fortify (adding extra nutrients) staple foods like rice. Calcium is essential for bone health, growth, and development, and adequate intake helps prevent and manage conditions like rickets, a disorder caused by calcium deficiency.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, and salt when used. The carbon dioxide gas it releases causes dough to rise quickly, making it a popular ingredient in baking bread and cakes. Additionally, it enhances athletic performance by helping the body balance acidity levels and reducing muscle fatigue. It also plays a role in lowering bad cholesterol and blood sugar while boosting good cholesterol. For individuals with kidney disease, baking soda can slow disease progression and support better nutritional health. Moreover, it helps cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy by alleviating symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea.
Studies show that slaked lime boosts calcium intake when added to staple foods like rice, while baking soda helps balance acidity, reduce muscle fatigue, and support heart health, but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that warts/skin tag can be removed in just 2 days by using slaked lime and baking soda.
A study in the Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine found that Kaalaani Kalimbu is a well-known Siddha cream used to remove hard skin, warts, corns, and skin tags through chemical cauterization. It contains limestone, arsenic trisulfide, copper sulfate, mercuric perchloride, lead sulfide, and beeswax. The study mentions limestone, which is the compound used to produce slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), but it does not directly refer to slaked lime itself. The study also highlights chemical cauterization, a process that involves strong and potentially harmful chemicals, which should not be used by the general public without medical supervision.
Another study in the Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research tested a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and castor oil (1:1 ratio) on warts after cutting them at the base. The results showed that sodium bicarbonate has anti-wart properties, possibly because it makes the affected area too alkaline for the human papillomavirus (HPV) to survive, grow, and spread. But, the study does not confirm that sodium bicarbonate alone can completely remove warts after application.
These studies do not mention any direct role of slaked lime or baking soda in removing warts or skin tags within 2 days. Additionally, there is no medical consensus within the medical community supporting the claim that applying lime and baking soda can achieve this result in 2 days.
Dr. Priyanka Kuri, Consultant Dermatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, told Medical Dialogues, “Many patients use slaked lime and baking soda to remove warts, but both are irritants that can burn the skin, causing redness, peeling, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The concentrated mixtures seen online can be especially harmful. Instead, dermatologists perform safer medical treatments like radiofrequency cautery, which effectively removes warts with minimal scarring. Using slaked lime and baking soda is strongly discouraged to prevent skin damage and long-term marks.”
Dr. Prateek Chauhan, MBBS, MD (Dermatologists, Leprologists), Ultra Health Skin Clinic, Delhi, added, “Applying slaked lime and baking soda to warts can cause skin irritation, burns, and pigmentation issues. While home remedies are popular, they may do more harm than good, especially when used in concentrated forms. It’s always best to consult a dermatologist for safe and effective wart removal, rather than risking unintended skin damage with unverified treatments.”
While slaked lime and baking soda have various health benefits, there is no reliable basis to support the claim that they can remove warts or skin tags within 2 days. Warts and skin tags require proper medical treatment, and using home remedies without guidance may cause skin irritation, burns, or complications. It is always best to consult a doctor before trying any treatment for skin concerns.
Hence, the claim that warts/skin tags can be removed in just 2 days by using slaked lime and baking soda is False.
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Canada: A recent study published in the Resuscitation Journal highlighted the benefits of alternate defibrillation strategies in reducing the duration of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and improving survival rates.
“Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) and vector change (VC) defibrillation reduced the duration of VF compared to standard shocks (83 & 98 seconds versus 108 seconds, respectively). DSED demonstrated the highest rates of return of spontaneous circulation (17.6% versus 5.3%) and survival to hospital discharge (10.2% versus 3.5%) compared to standard shocks, indicating their potential to improve cardiac arrest outcomes,” the researchers reported.
Double sequential external defibrillation, a technique that delivers two defibrillation shocks in quick succession from separate devices, demonstrated the most promising results. Survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is closely linked to the duration of ventricular fibrillation. However, the effect of vector change defibrillation and DSED on VF duration has not been investigated thoroughly. Considering this, Sheldon Cheskes, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the impact of VC and DSED on VF duration and defibrillation effectiveness.
For this purpose, the researchers conducted a secondary analysis of patients enrolled in the Double Sequential External Defibrillation for Refractory VF RCT. They evaluated ECG recordings following each shock, measuring VF duration (median, IQR) and assessing shock outcomes. To compare VF duration among different groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied, followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons using Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction. Shock outcomes were analyzed using chi-square tests.
The study revealed the following findings:
“In the DOSE VF RCT, patients who received DSED and VC shocks experienced a shorter VF duration than those given standard shocks. Both DSED and VC shocks were significantly more effective in achieving ROSC and improving survival to hospital discharge,” the researchers wrote.
“The reduced VF duration observed with these alternative defibrillation strategies may help explain the survival benefits seen in the trial,” they concluded.
Reference:
Cheskes, S., Drennan, I. R., Turner, L., Pandit, S. V., Walker, R. G., & Dorian, P. (2025). The impact of alternate defibrillation strategies on time in ventricular fibrillation. Resuscitation, 110549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2025.110549
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A new study published in the journal of Circulation showed that the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) has been linked in a large cohort with a lengthy follow-up period to a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increased mortality is linked to the use of anabolic androgenic steroids, and case studies indicate that cardiovascular illness may be the cause of some of these fatalities. Yet, nothing is known about the prevalence of cardiovascular illness among AAS users. Thus, to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among male AAS users with that of a general population cohort that was matched by age and sex, Josefine Windfeld-Mathiasen and colleagues undertook this study.
50 times the number of controls from the general Danish population were matched for age and sex with men who had been sanctioned for using AAS at Danish fitness facilities between 2006 and 2018 as part of an antidoping program. The group remained under observation until June 30, 2023. This study collected data on hospitalizations, prescriptions, length of schooling, and occupational status for both the AAS users and controls using the national registries. The incidence of ischemic stroke, arrhythmia, venous thromboembolism, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest, heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, acute myocardial infarction, or coronary artery bypass graft was examined in this investigation.
AAS users (n=1189) showed a substantially increased incidence of multiple cardiovascular events throughout an average follow-up period of 11 years when compared to controls (n=59,450). Accordingly, AASs were linked to a higher risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, venous thromboembolism, acute myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft. These outcomes were not reportable as there were so few incidences of ischemic stroke and cardiac arrest among AAS users.
Overall, AAS use is linked to a significant risk of cardiovascular illness, which includes an increased risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, coronary intervention, venous thromboembolism, and acute myocardial infarction. Together, these results demonstrate the cardiovascular burden linked to AAS misuse and stress the significance of long-term monitoring to completely comprehend the range of hazards. Future clinical initiatives should concentrate on educating medical practitioners about the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among AAS users.
Source:
Windfeld-Mathiasen, J., Heerfordt, I. M., Dalhoff, K. P., Trærup Andersen, J., Andersen, M. A., Johansson, K. S., Biering-Sørensen, T., Olsen, F. J., & Horwitz, H. (2025). Cardiovascular disease in anabolic androgenic steroid users. Circulation. https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.124.071117
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USA: Previous studies suggest that consuming healthy foods may protect against depression. Expanding on this, a recent study published in Microbiome has identified oranges as a potential food that could help lower depression risk. The finding adds to growing evidence supporting the impact of diet on mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of incorporating nutrient-rich foods into daily eating habits.
The WHO states that clinical depression affects an estimated 280 million people worldwide, impacting mood, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Various factors contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, chronic illnesses, and prolonged stress. While medical treatments remain essential, research has highlighted the role of lifestyle modifications in reducing depression risk. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, effective stress management, and a nutritious diet have all been linked to better mental health outcomes.
The researchers note that while the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of diet on overall health, the specific interactions between certain foods, microbial features, and depression risk remain unclear. To explore this connection, Raaj S. Mehta, Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, and colleagues analyzed decades of dietary and depression data from a long-term cohort of 32,427 women. Additionally, they examined fecal metagenomics and plasma metabolomics in a subset of 207 participants, further validating their findings in an independent cohort of 307 men.
The study led to the following findings:
The researchers highlighted the significant role of diet in depression prevention, emphasizing how the gut microbiome mediates the impact of citrus on mental health. Their findings suggest that citrus consumption may protect against depression, potentially through the modulation of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and its metabolic activity.
“Given the limitations of current pharmacological treatments, our study supports the potential of the gut microbiome in developing novel biomarkers and dietary interventions to reduce depression risk,” the researchers concluded.
Reference:
Samuthpongtorn, C., Chan, A.A., Ma, W. et al. F. prausnitzii potentially modulates the association between citrus intake and depression. Microbiome 12, 237 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01961-3
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The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Tenecteplase as first FDA-approved stroke medication in nearly three decades. It offers a significant advantage over alteplase by enabling faster administration, potentially improving outcomes for stroke patients.
This approval of TNKase marks Genentech’s second approval for stroke, reinforcing the company’s long-standing dedication to advancing stroke care as the developer of the only two FDA-approved medicines for AIS, TNKase and Activase® (alteplase).
TNKase is delivered as a single five-second intravenous (IV) bolus, a faster and simpler administration compared to the standard-of-care, Activase, which is administered as an IV bolus followed by a 60-minute infusion. Genentech will also be introducing a new 25 mg vial configuration in the coming months to support the approval of TNKase for AIS.
“Today’s approval is a significant step forward and underscores our commitment to advancing stroke treatment options for patients,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Genentech’s chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “TNKase provides a faster and simpler administration, which can be critical for anyone who is dealing with an acute stroke.”
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, affecting more than 795,000 people each year. During an AIS, brain damage occurs and progresses rapidly, meaning every moment without intervention leads to irreversible loss of nervous tissue, making immediate medical care crucial.
The approval is based on a large multi-center non-inferiority study demonstrating that TNKase is comparable to Activase in AIS patients in terms of safety and efficacy. The AcT (Alteplase compared to Tenecteplase) trial compared TNKase to Activase in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented with a disabling neurological deficit. This investigator-initiated study was conducted by the University of Calgary, was funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and enrolled patients across 22 stroke centers in Canada.
TNKase is also FDA-approved for the treatment of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in adults.
TNKase® (tenecteplase) is a tissue plasminogen activator, clot-dissolving, thrombolytic medicine. TNKase is administered as a single five-second intravenous bolus and starts a biochemical reaction that can break down fibrin, a component of blood clots. The most frequent adverse reactions associated with tenecteplase are bleeding and hypersensitivity. TNKase is now indicated for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in adults. The Dosage and Administration section of the label recommends to initiate treatment as soon as possible and within 3 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. TNKase is also indicated to reduce the risk of death associated with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The Dosage and Administration section of the label recommends initiating treatment as soon as possible after the onset of STEMI symptoms. Alteplase and tenecteplase are marketed and supplied by Genentech in the United States and Canada under the brands Activase and TNKase; and by Boehringer Ingelheim in all other countries except the United States, Canada and Japan under the brands Actilyse® and Metalyse®.
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Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have found that when it comes to concussion recovery, sleep matters. In a study published today in British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that limiting daytime sleep and getting approximately seven hours of sleep each night in the first week after a concussion may speed up recovery.
“Youth who sleep more during the day or who sleep too much or too little each day may be at risk for slower concussion symptom resolution,” said lead author Jingzhen Ginger Yang, PhD, MPH, principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s. “Good sleep hygiene, including limiting daytime sleep/naps and instead focusing on getting enough sleep at night, could help speed concussion recovery.”
This new study, conducted by experts in Nationwide Children’s Center for Injury Research and Policy, division of Sports Medicine, and Center for Biobehavioral Health, evaluated sleep quantity and quality in the first week after a concussion and explored the associations between sleep measures and concussion recovery in youth.
While some research on pediatric concussion has relied on self-reported sleep duration, this study used a wearable device to objectively measure sleep quantity (time in bed, total sleep time, and daytime sleep) and quality (sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings) during the first week post-injury among youth aged 11-17 years with a physician-diagnosed concussion. This method captures total sleep time rather than just time in bed, providing a more accurate measurement of sleep duration.
“We know sleep is an important part of concussion recovery, yet youth often experience sleep disturbances during this period,” saidAmy Valasek, MD, MS, sports medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s and co-author of the study. “This study showed that youth with concussion may benefit from monitoring sleep quality. Clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal timing, duration, and quality of sleep that support concussion recovery among youth.”
The relationship between sleep quantity and post-concussion symptom score is bidirectional during the first week post-injury, highlighting the importance of objectively measured sleep in this area of research. “It is vital for clinicians to actively engage in counseling pediatric patients and provide guidance on appropriate sleep hygiene to aid in concussion recovery among youth,” said Dr. Valasek.
This study has several important clinical implications:
Families should collaborate with their child’s care team to develop a plan based on injury severity and recovery milestones.
Reference:
VonDeylen O, Alshaikh E, Wheeler K, et alSleep quantity and quality during the first week postinjury and time to symptom resolution in youth with concussionBritish Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 26 February 2025. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109058
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Poor sleep health can lead to many daily problems, and for people with chronic illnesses, one of those problems can be difficulty with daily movement.
Researchers from University of Michigan Health used data from the Nurse’s Health Study – a cohort study of more than 70,000 women nurses followed over time with surveys given every 2 years and used the dataset to focus on the impact of sleep on future mobility, with a special focus on chronic health conditions that are known to affect mobility.
The study findings, published in Sleep Epidemiology suggested that poor sleep health predicted a decline in mobility over the eight years following a chronic health diagnosis.
Women with diabetes, osteoarthritis or multiple sclerosis who also had signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea were more particularly likely to have future problems with mobility compared to counterparts who didn’t have signs of sleep apnea.
“Poor sleep is often overlooked or assumed to be a consequence of aging, functional decline or disability in those with chronic health conditions,” said senior author Tiffany J. Braley, M.D., M.S., associate professor of neurology.
“However, sleep disturbances and disorders may also be an upstream contributor to these issues,” said Braley, also the director of the multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology division at the University of Michigan Health.
“Treating sleep problems can have positive effects on other parts of life, including physical functions like mobility. In our clinical experiences within medical and rehabilitation contexts, we have observed that how someone is sleeping can have a direct impact on how they engage in physical activities as part of their treatment or self-management,” said first author Daniel Whibley, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at University of Michigan Health.
The study found that signs of obstructive sleep apnea, reported sleep durations outside of the recommended guidelines, and a perception of inadequate sleep were all associated with an increase in the future use of assistive devices to help with mobility, such as a cane or wheelchair.
“Identifying sleep disturbances or signs of a sleep disorder, providing information about healthy sleep habits and referral to a specialist when needed may help to reduce the progression of mobility issues,” said Whibley.
“Our study is the first to observe this association in women, including those with and without long term conditions, making this research important to consider when addressing ways to better the long-term health of women with these conditions.”
“Reasons for these findings may vary depending on the condition, but require further study,” said Braley, who encourages providers to screen patients with chronic conditions for sleep disturbances and refer to sleep specialists early if an underlying sleep disorder is suspected, as “the vast majority of sleep disorders are highly treatable.”
For patients, Whibley recommends speaking up about problems with sleep.
“Consider sleep as an important part of overall health, especially for those who want to take a proactive role in addressing treatable causes of disability,” notes Whibley, “as it can help patients take control of their physical health.”
Reference:
Daniel Whibley, Monica M. Shieu, Galit Levi Dunietz, Tiffany J. Braley, Sleep disturbances and progression of mobility disability: Longitudinal findings from the Nurses’ Health Study, Sleep Epidemiology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleepe.2023.100071.
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