9 arthritis myths we all need to stop believing
Many people assume arthritis is just an ‘old person’s’ disease, and an inevitable part of getting older. Try telling that to the parents of toddlers impacted by the condition, or the 20-somethings living with it. The suggestion that it only troubles the elderly is one of many myths associated with arthritis, which affects around 10 million people in the UK. “One in six people live with the pain, fatigue, and disability arthritis can cause. The impact can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently,” says Deborah Alsina, chief executive at the arthritis support charity Versus Arthritis, speaking to mark Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (September 11–17). “There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding arthritis, but by shining a light on the reality of living with arthritis day in, day out, we can help grow understanding and inspire people to take action.” Dr Amara Ezeonyeji, consultant rheumatologist from The Lister Hospital in London (part of HCA Healthcare UK), adds: “Arthritis is a general term that refers to a group of over 100 different types of inflammatory joint diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, but it can also cause stiffness, swelling, and decreased joint mobility.” She says the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), often associated with wear and tear of the joints. Other common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints; psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis; ankylosing spondylitis which primarily affects the spine and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae; and gout, which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and often affects the big toe. “There are several myths about arthritis that are often repeated. It’s important to dispel these to promote an accurate understanding of arthritis, and to encourage those affected to seek appropriate medical care and support from a rheumatologist,” Ezeonyeji adds. Here, Alsina and Ezeonyeji debunk nine common arthritis myths… Myth 1: Arthritis only affects the elderly While it is more common in older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. Myth 2: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritisPeople who crack their knuckles will sometimes be wrongly warned that it’ll bring on arthritis, but Ezeonyeji explains: “There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to the development of arthritis. When people crack their knuckles, they experience a release of pressure in the joints and relaxation in the surrounding muscles. It can make the joint feel more mobile and is unlikely to cause arthritis or other problems.” Myth 3: It’s just wear and tearAlsina says one of the most damaging myths is that any form of arthritis is just ‘wear and tear’. “Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and will affect half of us by age 70. But it isn’t an inevitable part of ageing – your joints are not like car tyres destined to wear down and be replaced. They are made of complex living tissue that our bodies constantly repair and maintain, and osteoarthritis occurs when our bodies can no longer do this effectively,” she says. “Our joints get stronger the more we use them, so keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep osteoarthritis under control.” Myth 4: Cold damp weather causes arthritisAlthough cold and damp weather can sometimes make arthritic joints feel worse, it’s definitely not why arthritis starts. Ezeonyeji explains: “Weather can influence joint discomfort, but it doesn’t cause arthritis. Arthritis is primarily a result of genetic and environmental factors.” Myth 5: Exercise makes arthritis worse People with arthritis can often find it hard to maintain regular physical activity, but a lack of movement can actually increase symptoms such as stiffness and pain, warns Alsina. “Building activity into your daily routine can help improve this, because using your joints builds muscle strength and improves the blood supply, all of which can ease symptoms and keep joints in better shape for longer.” She says different activities will suit different people, but adds: “Swimming and cycling are great exercises to try, as they get the body moving without putting pressure on painful joints.” It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare specialist if you are unsure what types of exercise will be suitable for you. Myth 6: Arthritis is just joint pain – it’s not serious Ezeonyeji says that while arthritis can be debilitating and lead to a reduced quality of life, it can get even more serious than that for some people. “Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in addition to joints,” she points out. Myth 7: There’s no treatment for arthritis While there’s no cure for arthritis, Ezeonyeji says there are many effective treatments for managing the disease, including pain relief medication, physiotherapy, disease modifying agents and biological drugs for inflammatory arthritis, plus joint surgery in some cases. “It’s also recommended that people with arthritis modify their lifestyle and try to lose weight [if they need to], follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking,” she adds. Myth 8: Miracle cures can make arthritis disappear Although some people with arthritis believe copper or magnetic bracelets ease symptoms, Alsina says studies show no evidence to support this. “It’s the same with lots of supplements, and some of these are really pricey,” she observes. “Interestingly though, placebos can be very effective and continue to work even if you know it’s a placebo, so if you find these helpful there’s no reason to stop.” Myth 9: Certain foods definitely help/hinder arthritisThere are claims that foods like tomatoes can cause arthritis flares, and other foodstuff like cider vinegar may help it. Alsina says: “Sadly there’s no good evidence that there are specific foods you should avoid or have more of. But if you do find things that are helpful or make your symptoms worse, then listen to your body.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Prince Harry spotted at Windsor Castle on anniversary of Queen’s death How the weather can change the way you dream All the times Kate has channelled the late Queen’s style since her death
2023-09-11 15:20
Aurelien Tchouameni makes gametime admission at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni says he is "happy" at Real Madrid following an uptick in his gametime at the club.
2023-09-11 02:26
‘I think sickness is selfish’: Kate Garraway opens up about realities of caring for husband Derek Draper
Kate Garraway has opened up about the realities of caring for her husband, Derek Draper, in a new interview. A former lobbyist, Draper, 55, was left with long-lasting organ damage after falling seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020. After spending more than a year in hospital with Covid from March 2020 to April 2021, partly in an induced coma, he has been in and out of hospital since then for various treatments, including in October 2022 after he contracted sepsis. Now, speaking to The Sunday Times, Garraway, 53, has spoken at length about Draper’s condition, the constant care he requires today, and the toll it takes on her. Currently, Draper has no physical mobility and needs to be held upright by two people five times a day in order to bear any weight. “Being upright is incredible for the brain,” Garraway explained. “We’re meant to be upright – you don’t want your brain to adjust to being flat.” However, a lack of progress has taken a toll on them both. “The truth is he’s terribly, terribly depressed,” the Good Morning Britain presenter added. “I think sickness is selfish,” she continued. “Selfish in the sense that it does strip you of your empathy. He does get very emotional about the strain this has put on me. “But when someone’s body doesn’t work, their brain can’t make anything or anyone else a priority.” Garraway went on to speak about how, as his condition progresses, those around her have become increasingly concerned. “My friends worry that I can’t spend my life forever attached to whether Derek is having a good or bad day, for my own sanity,” she said. “So I’ve got to create a bit of headspace. But we’ve never had a period where we could say, ‘Well, at least he’s safe now.’” The interview comes after Garraway was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle in June. The presenter was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism, and charity. Draper was able to attend the investiture ceremony in his wheelchair, wearing a blue suit and stripe tie. Garraway wore a cream dress with a bejewelled collar and a matching headpiece. When it was announced that she had been awarded the accolade, Garraway said on GMB: “I actually feel very awkward about it all really, I don’t know why, because I’m thrilled to bits and incredibly honoured. “But you just sort of think, ‘What? Me?’, and then you think it’s not real.” Read More Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper admitted to hospital after MBE ceremony Derek Draper watches as wife Kate Garraway collects MBE from Prince William Susanna Reid shares message on GMB for Kate Garraway and Derek Draper after Elton John tribute Father praised for ‘embarrassing’ dance when picking daughter up from high school What are Blue Zones and how do they impact your health? Hairspray star reveals she went into labour while attending Beyoncé concert
2023-09-10 17:54
MLB Rumors: 5 Yoshinobu Yamamoto free agency fits after Japanese star’s no-hitter
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will have a plethora of suitors as he's set to hit free agency. His stock only increased after his no-hitter.
2023-09-10 07:45
Onam harvest festival keeps on getting bigger
Home cooked vegetarian food prepared by ten families, will be on offer at the vibrant event.
2023-09-09 13:56
Father praised for performing ‘embarrassing’ dance moves when picking daughter up from high school
A father has been praised for the “embarrassing” dance moves he’s performed when picking his daughter up from high school. Jevin Smith shared a video to TikTok last month of some of the “most embarrassing parent pick ups” he’s done at his daughter’s school. Smith’s video started off with him wearing a gold jacket and black pants, while he danced to MC Hammer’s “2 Legit 2 Quit.” While continuing some of his moves, he started making his way towards his daughter, Jayna, who had her head down, seemingly due to her embarrassment over her father’s arrival. As she continued to walk next to her father while they headed towards his car, Smith danced in front of her. He also continued dancing as he walked towards the driver’s seat of the car. Although the next clip of the montage began in a similar fashion, it had a different musical theme, as the text read: “How I would have picked up my daughter in the 80s.” Jayna was seen laughing and shaking her head, as her father was wearing a curly wig with a sweatband over it, a striped tank top, tan shorts, and socks that went up to his knees. The video continued with Smith dancing to “I Feel For You’” by Chaka Khan, before he opened his car door for his daughter. In the background, some of the other students at Jayna’s school were seen laughing and cheering Smith on. Smith’s third video in the montage showed him wearing a curly wig, hat, black sweatshirt, and matching jeans, before making his way towards his daughter, who was was exiting her school. While Jayna was laughing and had her head down, Smith went on to rap along to Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day”. He also poked fun at the song’s title in the text on the video, writing: “Today was a good day for me, but was it for my daughter?” As he continued his singing and dancing, he put his arm over his daughter’s shoulder, before taking her school bag from her. He then opened the backseat door of his car for her, while she still appeared embarrassed by her father’s dancing. Smith’s video has quickly gone viral on TikTok, where it has amassed more than four million views. In the comments, many people went on to applaud the father for his dance moves, and made jokes about how he could have entertained some of the other students at the school. @wealthyjev Here’s a #throwback of some of my most #embarrassing #DaddyDaughterPickUp s 😳🤣🚙 I know my daughter @Reigny cant wait yo graduate 🤷🏾♂️ Which #parentpickup was your favorite? 🤔 #throwbackthursday ♬ original sound - Wealthy Jev “I absolutely love that you open the door for her! Great dad!!” one wrote. “This man better have his own page in the yearbook,” another quipped, while a third added: “If I was a teacher at that school, I would be RUNNING after the bell rings to watch this in person.” Speaking to Today, Jayna, who’s a senior in high school, noted that while she was initially embarrassed by her father’s dances, she now finds them to be quite amusing. “In the beginning, when he first started doing it, I was like, this is unbearable. Imagine watching your father get out of the car and start dancing,” Jayna said. “Now I think it’s hilarious. There’s never a time when I’m upset. He’s like a celebrity at school now. Everyone loves his TikTok.” Smith also noted to the publication that, while he started doing these dances for Jayna during her sophomore year, he doesn’t do them all the time. The father, who picks his daughter up from school everyday, acknowledged that he can tell by her face when she’s had a bad day. During those instances, he’ll “either tone down the dance, or get right back in the car,” as reported by Today. He added that he also only does the dances once a month, and doesn’t tell her daughter when it’s going to happen. The Independent has contacted Smith for comment. Read More Lily Allen celebrates third wedding anniversary with David Harbour in sweet Instagram post Elon Musk reveals names of his twins with Shivon Zilis Alabama Barker shares sweet note from ‘best dad’ Travis Barker Alabama Barker shares sweet note from ‘best dad’ Travis Barker Gigi Hadid talks about balancing work and co-parenting with Zayn Malik Seal praises his and Heidi Klum’s daughter Leni for making him ‘a better person’
2023-09-09 04:21
MLB Insider: What Walker Buehler's absence means for NL pennant race, and 3 Dodgers replacements
Walker Buehler is out for the 2023 season. Here's what it means for the Los Angeles Dodgers going forward, including three replacements this season.
2023-09-09 04:19
Hairspray star Sarah Francis Jones reveals she went into labour while attending Beyoncé concert
Hairspray actress Sarah Francis Jones has revealed that she went into labour while attending Beyoncé’s concert. In a video shared to Jones and her husband, actor Marcel Spears, Instagram accounts earlier this week, the Honey star spoke candidly about her experience at the show, which took place on 4 September at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The post started off with the couple watching Beyoncé on stage, before the video transitioned to Jones in the hospital, as she appeared to be giving birth to her daughter. “POV: you go into labour at Beyoncé’s bday concert,” she wrote, referring to the show taking place on the singer’s 42nd birthday. Jones, who was featured in the 2007 Hairspray movie, went on to describe the unexpected experience of going into labour during the show. “We thought it was just Braxton hicks or gas,” she wrote in the caption. “Turns out we were having a whole baby at @beyonce bday show.” In the comments, many famous faces and fans congratulated Jones, while also poking fun at the timing in which started she going into labour. “CONGRATS SARAH!!! I love you so much!!!” Demi Lovato wrote, while comedian Malik Sanon added: “Your baby wanted to watch the show. Congrats bro.” “Baby girl dancing her way out at the concert!!!” a third wrote. “She said MOMMMM I NEED TO SEE QUEEN B WITH YOU WITH MY TWO EYES.” The new parents shared another joint Instagram post about the experience, which included a video of Jones at the concert and hospital, with text that read: “Beyonce induced my baby.” In the caption, Spears also added: “….stranger than fiction. God is good.” During an interview with KTLA, Jones recalled feeling contractions during the middle of the show. “I think it was right after the mute challenge,” she said, referring to concert guests pausing after Beyoncé sings the line “everybody on mute,” from her song “Energy”. “Everybody went mute. LA did very well … and then I started having contractions,” Jones continued. She emphasised that she thought the contradictions were a form Braxton Hicks, which are pains during pregnancy that are often mistaken for true labour contractions. According to Jones, as the pain continued, she took a break from dancing during show. “I said ‘Something’s happening,’” she recalled. “Usually I like to dance at the concert and I was like ‘Okay, I need to sit down for a second.’” Spears added that he first thought the contractions would “pass,” since the baby’s due date wasn’t for a few days. But as Jones’ labour pains continued, he started to time them, and noticed that the contractions were 20 to 30 minutes apart. From there, he said he and his wife made their way out of the stadium. “As the concert went on we were like ‘I don’t know about this.’ By the time we got to the car into the parking lot it was full-on intense,” he explained. The couple revealed that their newborn baby, Nola, arrived later that night on 5 September. While the baby’s first name is a reference to Spears’ hometown, the pair also noted that they haven’t decided on her middle name yet. However, they are open to a name that’s “Beyonce-like”. Spears also opened up about his and his wife’s decision to document the concert experience, sharing his belief that if they “didn’t record it,” he didn’t think “anybody would believe” what happened. “It’s just one of those things that it’s so convenient you’re like ‘Nah that’s not happening,’ but the baby definitely pulled through,” he said. The Independent has contacted Jones for comment. Read More Beyoncé fan reveals she wore wedding dress to concert to celebrate first year of marriage Keke Palmer brings boyfriend Darius Jackson to Beyoncé concert Meghan Markle has ‘adorable’ reaction after Prince Harry takes a selfie at Beyoncé concert Sophia Bush repurposes wedding dress for Beyoncé concert after Grant Hughes split Beyoncé fan reveals she wore wedding dress to concert on wedding anniversary Keke Palmer brings boyfriend Darius Jackson to Beyoncé concert
2023-09-09 00:49
Linda Evangelista says she views mastectomy scars as ‘trophies’ following recent breast cancer diagnosis
Linda Evangelista has opened up about how she’s maintained a positive perspective following her recent breast cancer diagnosis. This week, the 58-year-old supermodel revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer twice within the last five years. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Evangelista shared how she’s celebrating her life now after several years of health battles. “I’m in full celebration mode right now,” she told the outlet on 7 September. “I’ve had some health struggles and everything now is just a celebration.” The Canadian model first discovered she had breast cancer in 2018, after it was detected during her annual mammogram. She elected to undergo a bilateral mastectomy, a surgery done to remove both breasts as a way to treat cancer. Evangelista then felt a bump on her chest in July 2022, which she soon learned was cancer of the pectoral muscle. One year later, Evangelista has shared that she’s feeling healthier than ever and continues to find motivation in all aspects of her daily life. “I am very positive. It’s the new me,” she told Vanity Fair. “I think going through hardships and coming through the other end has made me focus only on the good things. I’m so happy to be alive. I know I am very fortunate.” While discussing her subsequent diagnoses, Evangelista revealed that she wasn’t concerned how the multiple surgeries to remove the cancer would impact her appearance. “I never felt like my breasts defined me as a woman,” she said of the bilateral mastectomy, which left scars across the skin of her chest. “I have always viewed scars on the body from surgeries, from disease, as trophies. They are like gold and shiny and should be on a mantle. It shows you won,” Evangelista added. “I think scars are to be celebrated and not to be looked at as bad and ugly. It makes you stronger.” Speaking to WSJ Magazine earlier this week, the Vogue cover star spoke about her private battle with cancer for the very first time. As to why she had kept “quiet” about her cancer diagnosis for so long, Evangelista admitted that she’s “not one of those people who has to share everything”. “I thought to myself, I will share this one day but while I am going through it, absolutely not,” she continued. “I don’t want the Daily Mail waiting outside my door like they do every time something happens. ‘Linda seen for the first time since blah blah blah.’” Evangelista explained that she decided to have a bilateral mastectomy to remove the cancerous breast tissue in 2018 because the “margins were not good” but she didn’t want to “deal” with undergoing cancer treatment. Four years later, she felt a bump on her chest and received an MRI scan. While she said her radiologist wasn’t initially concerned when she felt the bump, she noted that once the MRI was done, her doctor quickly ordered a biopsy. After discovering she had cancer in her pectoral muscle from the biopsy, Evangelista recalled saying to her doctors: “Dig a hole in my chest. I don’t want it to look pretty. I want you to excavate. I want to see a hole in my chest when you’re done. Do you understand me? I’m not dying from this.” Read More Linda Evangelista reveals she was diagnosed with breast cancer twice within last five years Linda Evangelista makes rare comment about co-parenting with son’s stepmother Salma Hayek Linda Evangelista says she still gets botox after CoolSculpting procedure that left her ‘disfigured
2023-09-09 00:26
How the weather can change the way you dream
Everyone has a theory about their dreams and the science or meaning behind them. And when the weather hots up, the more bizarre they tend to get. “Dreams are a fascinating and enigmatic phenomenon that occur during sleep, encompassing a vast realm of imaginative experiences,” says sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, Martin Seeley. “They are a collection of thoughts, images, sensations, and emotions that unfold within the theatre of our minds.” Why do we dream? When we sleep, our brain enters a complex state where it engages in various cognitive processes, explains Seeley, including memory consolidation, problem-solving and emotional regulation. “Dreams are thought to emerge from these processes, weaving together fragments of memories, desires, fears, and subconscious thoughts into a narrative or non-linear sequence,” adds Seeley. “And they can be surreal, vivid, or mundane, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.” While the precise purpose and meaning of dreams remains a subject of exploration and debate, Seeley says they can serve as a portal into the inner workings of our minds: “Providing a canvas for exploration, processing of emotions, and glimpses into the subconscious depths of our psyche.” Why do we dream more when it’s hot? Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, says: “When the weather is hot, it can disrupt our sleeping patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep in the first place – and causes us to wake more often during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phase.” REM sleep is where we experience intense dreaming, explains Artis – so waking during or at the end of this cycle can mean we are more likely to remember our dreams. “Dreams happen regularly, but are often forgotten and our mind’s way of unpacking the day’s events, dealing with stress and sorting through our day-to-day thoughts,” notes Artis. Our body heat generally peaks in the afternoon then starts to drop over an evening to prepare us for sleep, says Artis. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is produced when this happens.“An ideal temperature is around 16-18°C and anything around the 24°C mark can cause restlessness,” says Artis. “So, it’s no surprise that when we’re experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching over 30°C, it affects our sleep.”Can a heatwave really make dreams more surreal? The connection between heatwaves and the content or nature of dreams is not fully understood. However, there may be a few possible explanations if your dreams seem weirder when the weather heats up – although Seeley points out these are all speculative. First off, he agrees it may have a lot to do with the fact we’re less comfortable and waking more when it’s hot. “These frequent awakenings can interrupt the normal sleep cycle and result in a higher probability of remembering dreams, including the more unusual or vivid ones,” he notes. “So, during a heatwave, the increased frequency of waking up during the night might contribute to a greater recall of strange or funky dreams.” Secondly, the body’s physiological response to heat may influence brain activity, he adds: “Heat can affect neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in regulating mood and emotions. These alterations in neurotransmitter activity might impact the content and emotional tone of dreams, potentially leading to more surreal or bizarre experiences.” Psychological factors could also play a role. Heatwaves can cause restlessness and increased stress levels in some individuals. Seeley adds: “Stress and emotional fluctuations can manifest in dreams as strange or unusual scenarios, as the mind processes and attempts to make sense of these experiences.” Can we stop strange heatwave dreams happening? While it’s probably not possible to completely control the content of our dreams, there are certain strategies you can try to promote better sleep – and potentially reduce the likelihood of experiencing a restless night and unusual dreams during hot weather. Create a cool sleep environment: “Use fans, air conditioning, or open windows to circulate cool air in your bedroom – and consider using lightweight, breathable bedding materials,” says Seeley. Stay hydrated: “Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially during hot weather,” he continues. “Being adequately hydrated can help maintain a balanced sleep cycle.” Practice relaxation techniques: “Engage in activities that promote relaxation before bed, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or taking a warm bath,” suggests Seeley. “These practices can help calm your mind and promote a more restful sleep.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live What are the royals doing to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s death All the times Kate has channelled the late Queen’s style since her death YouTube begins verifying videos by UK doctors to tackle health misinformation
2023-09-08 19:54
EXPLAINER-What is in Huawei's new smartphone challenger to Apple?
By Yelin Mo and Brenda Goh BEIJING/SHANGHAI A new series of smartphones launched by China's Huawei Technologies has
2023-09-08 19:46
This is why you have weird dreams in the heatwave
Everyone has a theory about their dreams and the science or meaning behind them. And when the weather hots up, the more bizarre they tend to get. “Dreams are a fascinating and enigmatic phenomenon that occur during sleep, encompassing a vast realm of imaginative experiences,” says sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, Martin Seeley. “They are a collection of thoughts, images, sensations, and emotions that unfold within the theatre of our minds.” Why do we dream? When we sleep, our brain enters a complex state where it engages in various cognitive processes, explains Seeley, including memory consolidation, problem-solving and emotional regulation. “Dreams are thought to emerge from these processes, weaving together fragments of memories, desires, fears, and subconscious thoughts into a narrative or non-linear sequence,” adds Seeley. “And they can be surreal, vivid, or mundane, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.” While the precise purpose and meaning of dreams remains a subject of exploration and debate, Seeley says they can serve as a portal into the inner workings of our minds: “Providing a canvas for exploration, processing of emotions, and glimpses into the subconscious depths of our psyche.” Why do we dream more when it’s hot? Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, says: “When the weather is hot, it can disrupt our sleeping patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep in the first place – and causes us to wake more often during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phase.” REM sleep is where we experience intense dreaming, explains Artis – so waking during or at the end of this cycle can mean we are more likely to remember our dreams. “Dreams happen regularly, but are often forgotten and our mind’s way of unpacking the day’s events, dealing with stress and sorting through our day-to-day thoughts,” notes Artis. Our body heat generally peaks in the afternoon then starts to drop over an evening to prepare us for sleep, says Artis. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is produced when this happens.“An ideal temperature is around 16-18°C and anything around the 24°C mark can cause restlessness,” says Artis. “So, it’s no surprise that when we’re experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching over 30°C, it affects our sleep.”Can a heatwave really make dreams more surreal? The connection between heatwaves and the content or nature of dreams is not fully understood. However, there may be a few possible explanations if your dreams seem weirder when the weather heats up – although Seeley points out these are all speculative. First off, he agrees it may have a lot to do with the fact we’re less comfortable and waking more when it’s hot. “These frequent awakenings can interrupt the normal sleep cycle and result in a higher probability of remembering dreams, including the more unusual or vivid ones,” he notes. “So, during a heatwave, the increased frequency of waking up during the night might contribute to a greater recall of strange or funky dreams.” Secondly, the body’s physiological response to heat may influence brain activity, he adds: “Heat can affect neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in regulating mood and emotions. These alterations in neurotransmitter activity might impact the content and emotional tone of dreams, potentially leading to more surreal or bizarre experiences.” Psychological factors could also play a role. Heatwaves can cause restlessness and increased stress levels in some individuals. Seeley adds: “Stress and emotional fluctuations can manifest in dreams as strange or unusual scenarios, as the mind processes and attempts to make sense of these experiences.” Can we stop strange heatwave dreams happening? While it’s probably not possible to completely control the content of our dreams, there are certain strategies you can try to promote better sleep – and potentially reduce the likelihood of experiencing a restless night and unusual dreams during hot weather. Create a cool sleep environment: “Use fans, air conditioning, or open windows to circulate cool air in your bedroom – and consider using lightweight, breathable bedding materials,” says Seeley. Stay hydrated: “Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially during hot weather,” he continues. “Being adequately hydrated can help maintain a balanced sleep cycle.” Practice relaxation techniques: “Engage in activities that promote relaxation before bed, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or taking a warm bath,” suggests Seeley. “These practices can help calm your mind and promote a more restful sleep.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live All the times Kate has channelled the late Queen’s style since her death It’s not just dry skin: 5 things everyone needs to know about eczema YouTube begins verifying videos by UK doctors to tackle health misinformation
2023-09-08 17:45