Dr. Brad’s Weekly Health Update: Your bedtime habits could be sabotaging your sleep
Your habits just before going to bed could be sabotaging your sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding the following: over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine, which can be found in common cold medicines; texting, watching TV, or spending time on the computer shortly before bed; indulging in a greasy, fattening, salty bedtime snack, which can be stimulating and trigger nightmares; and drinking caffeine beyond the morning, as it can stay in your system for as long as twelve hours. National Sleep Foundation, October 2016
Prescription opioid and heroin use among young adults on the rise.
According to a new report, the probability of having a prescription opioid use disorder has increased 37% among 18-to 34-year-old non-medical prescription users over the last decade. Furthermore, the investigators found that the odds of heroin use among emerging adults and young adults increased four-fold and nine-fold, respectively, for those who used opioids without a medical prescription. Report author Dr. Silvia Martins adds, “Given this and the high probability of non-medical use among adolescents and young adults in general, the potential development of prescription opioid use disorder among youth and young adults represents an important and growing public health concern.” Addictive Behaviors, September 2016
Relationships with co-workers may boost your health.
An analysis of data from 58 studies that included more than 19,000 employed people from 15 different countries found an association between how strongly individuals identified with their work colleagues or organization and better health and a lower risk of burnout. Lead researcher Dr. Niklas Steffens writes, “We are less burnt out and have greater well-being when our team and our organization provide us with a sense of belonging and community— when it gives us a sense of ‘we-ness.'” Personality and Social Psychology Review, October 2016
Low back supports are often recommended to those with back pain, but are they helpful?
A recent review that included 28 studies found that lumbar supports are effective at improving function and pain for individuals suffering from subacute low back pain. The investigators also found that low back supports are effective for reducing low back pain recurrence. The findings suggest a role for low back supports when clinically indicated, but further research is recommended. Annals of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, September 2016
A sit-stand desk at work may help maintain weight levels.
Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh examined the potential weight management benefits of sit-stand desks. The study revealed that an individual can burn an extra 48.3-56.9 calories by alternating between sitting and standing during their workday. Lead researcher Bethany Barone Gibbs explains, “It is important that we understand standing at work isn’t going to burn as many calories as going for a brisk walk or a long run. However, our findings add to a growing field of research that shows the benefits of sit-stand desks, including increases in productivity and energy, and lower pain, blood sugar, and potentially blood pressure.” Occupational Medicine, August 2016
Yours in health,
Dr. Brad Butler, DC
