insomnia | MY SPECIAL DOCTOR

Insomnia, hypertension, and diabetes: a sneaky and underestimated link

24 February 20246 January 2024 by psalari

Insomnia, hypertension and diabetes: watch out for those three!

Recent studies have shown that there is a close correlation between sleep disorders and diseases of the cardio-metabolic system, such as hypertension and diabetes. According to the numbers, 4 out of 5 diabetic patients And 2 out of 5 hypertensive patients frequently present with symptoms of insomnia. The question from those who have this disorder is as follows: I can’t sleep.

This confirms the theory that alterations in the internal biological clock can adversely affect some of our body’s basic physiological functions, affecting not only performance and mood, but also hormone levels, body temperature, blood pressure and energy metabolism.

According to research, insomniac individuals have a 300-500% higher risk of high blood pressure than non-insomniac individuals, regardless of age, body mass index, diabetes, alcohol consumption and smoking. Probable cause of the link between sleep disorders, hypertension, and diabetes could be a low melatonin level, a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms and the proper functioning of our internal biological clock over the 24 hours. In addition to acting on the sleep-wake rhythm, in fact, melatonin has a direct action in regulating energy and glucose metabolism. Moreover, by acting on circadian rhythms and consequently on blood pressure, it can also affect the cardiovascular system.

Intervening on sleep disorders can be instrumental in improving one’s overall health. And it is in this context that, thanks to the contribution of Fidia Pharmaceuticals, continues the Sleep & Health Project, in its second edition, whose goal, under the auspices of the World Sleep Society and with the support of Italian associations and scientific societies, is a Early identification of patients with insomnia or other sleep disorders, in order to set them on a suitable course of treatment.

The first step in treating insomnia is definitely behavioral and aims to correct habits, expectations, and conduct that may trigger or maintain the disorder. As for drugs, the following are frequently used sedative-hypnotics with a short half-life and 2 mg of melatonin extended-release. It is preferable to use sedative-hypnotics for short periods, no more than four weeks, because they tend to lose their effectiveness if taken systematically every night for a long time; in addition, chronic intake can have negative effects on sleep structure itself as well as on daytime vigilance levels and some cognitive functions such as memory and attention.

In contrast, the administration of extended-release melatonin 2mg is especially recommended for insomniacs over the age of 55. The treatment is non addictive and is approved for 13 weeks’ continuous administration, even with other therapies for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.

Stress at work: a small daily break is the key to better sleep

23 February 20246 January 2024 by clemente.ferrara

Work days are often synonymous with stress and tension for us. The morning runs so as not to be late, the traffic that punctually stops us every day, the worst shift that could happen to us, the boss who constantly puts us under pressure, not to mention the many unforeseen events and problems that we may encounter during our daily work routine. What should be of concern is that this whole series of stressful situations and negative thoughts often turn into health problems that should not be neglected because they are dangerous to the well-being of our bodies.

The main problem is insomnia and interrupted sleep, which can make our nights a nightmare, taking away our ability to get the best rest to face, the next day, a new “battle” in the workplace. However, there are a whole range of activities that can avert this scenario. In fact, it would be appropriate, after a busy day at work, to devote a few moments to oneself to perform an activity that can “evaporate” the accumulated stress, allowing us then to rest peacefully during the night. These activities can be both relaxing such as yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music but also more challenging activities such as sports or a simple walk. In this way we will get rid of the stress accumulated during the day and can regain energy while sleeping.

The research: Stress at work

Supporting this view is research conducted by Oakland University, USA, published in the
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
. The study looked at about 700 individuals, employees of the U.S. Forest Service. They were asked questions pertaining to their work routines, problems and misunderstandings they faced in the workplace, unpleasant situations, and negative events. They were then asked if they engaged in any kind of non-work activities and if they suffered from insomnia. Workers’ responses showed that employees who do not engage in any kind of activity other than work and who often find themselves in unpleasant situations during the work routine suffer from insomnia and sleep disorders. In contrast, workers who engage in some hobby or sport after work are instead able to sleep more peacefully and face the workday with more positivity.

According to the study’s principal director, Caitlin Demsky, “In our competitive and fast-paced professional world, it is more important than ever for workers to be in the best condition to succeed, and a good night’s sleep is the key to doing that.” Therefore, one can understand how important it is to be able to get the best rest, especially since the long-term consequences of such a condition can adversely affect our body’s health.

Insomnia, identified areas of the brain at risk

10 February 20246 January 2024 by Redazione My Special Doctor

Insomnia is widespread, globally, in fact about 770 million people are affected by the problem.

However, still little is known about the factors that may cause difficulty in falling asleep.

A group of researchers from multiple nations, led by international research scientists from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, has developed and published a study in the pages of Nature Genetics that focuses on those brain processes that affect the risk of insomnia.

The disorder

Insomnia can be defined as a frequent and persistent disorder in which the affected person faces great difficulty in falling asleep and suffers frequent awakenings, which are followed by other difficulties in falling asleep again, even when there seems to be no environmental impediment.

If these complaints persist over time and last for months , surely we can speak of chronic insomnia.

Science

To this day, scientific research has not yet been able to identify which genes may be responsible and their negative effects on the brain.

In order to shed light in research Danielle Posthuma of the Vrije Universiteit and Eus Van Someren of the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience have assembled a team of scientists, who for the first time have been able to put together so much data and information about the dna and specific sleep habits of a vast number of people, well 1.3 million. They used information and resources from the Uk Biobank and 23andMe database, thereby creating the largest and most important “genetic dataset” to date ever available.

The genes identified

The researchers were able to identify, based on the processing of the vast amount of observed data, the remarkable number of 956 genes, which according to different variants could account for contributions to an increased risk of insomnia.

Then the researchers focused their studies to understand what biological processes, what types of cells and what areas of the brain from the genes used.

It was determined that some of the genes studied play an important role in the functionality of axons, those extensions of neurons that participate in the exchange of information between nerve cells.

Scientists say other genes are found to be active in specific cells, the medium spiny neurons, which are present in the frontal cortex and subcortical nuclei, those areas of the brain known to influence sleep quality.

Good habits for good sleep

10 February 20246 January 2024 by Redazione My Special Doctor

Even if one does not habitually suffer from insomnia, a few nights disturbed by discomfort or worry or spent completely blank for a variety of reasons can always happen. And the next day is usually very tiring to live through, especially if you have to work or study.
Here are some tips
of lifestyle to encourage peaceful and fulfilling nights and feel fresh and efficient during the day.