Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.

Sleep is crucial for good health. It refreshes the body and mind and provides energy to carry out daily tasks. But unfortunately, many people find it hard to get quality sleep, which affects their overall health. Several factors, such as ongoing treatment or underlying health conditions, can affect a person’s sleep. But for some people, an unhealthy pre-sleep routine is the cause. Here are five things to avoid doing before bedtime for sound sleep: Staring at a screen If you stare at your mobile, TV, or laptop screens before bedtime, you might struggle to sleep well. LED screens of digital devices emit blue and white light that lower a particular hormone released by the brain called melatonin. This hormone is required to feel drowsy and fall asleep. When the release of melatonin is reduced, sleep quality is hampered, and you cannot fall asleep quickly. Research says that exposure to any light before bedtime is unhealthy, but blue light has the most harmful effects on sleep. So, avoid it as much as possible before bedtime. Exercising Heavy exercises just before bedtime can harm your sleep quality. When our body prepares for bedtime, the temperature starts to fall, heart rate reduces, and the brain slows down. But exercising interferes with these biological processes. It causes the heartbeat to increase, body temperature to rise, and the brain to become active. These conditions are not conducive to sleeping. If you wish to exercise, do so at least three hours before bedtime. A heavy meal This is another big mistake to be avoided before going to sleep. While light meals and healthy snacks before bedtime is okay, a big meal is a strict no-no. The digestive process slows down once you go to bed. And if your belly is full, it can lead to indigestion, causing problems that could disrupt sleep.

A laptop is a big investment. Whether one has purchased it for work or personal use, the device should be used carefully. Failing to do so could lead to several issues, such as the system slowing down or the components getting damaged. If that happens, one can not only suffer financial loss but also lose essential data. To prevent that, one must avoid making certain mistakes when using one’s laptops.  Never shutting it down A common habit that many individuals have when using their laptops is never shutting them down. Thinking they are going to resume their work right from where they left it, a lot of people leave their laptops running with only the screens closed. This could harm the laptop in the long run. Just like sleeping is essential to humans, shutting down the system is essential to laptops and computers. During this shutdown and restart process, a laptop’s system takes care of various things – such as installing updates and fixing minor issues. Plus, shutting down the laptop also saves some power. A noteworthy point here is that when talking about shutting down the laptop, it is important to shut it down properly. One needs to give the command for shut down/press the icon and wait till the system turns off. Forcibly turning off the laptop by pressing the power button could also do a lot of harm. It could corrupt files and even damage the hard disk. So, it is better to let the system turn off correctly, even when it takes a while. Not using an antivirus software Accessing the internet can be unsafe unless specific defensive software is installed. It is filled with viruses, malware, and hackers who are waiting to infiltrate an unprotected system. Once the system is exposed to viruses and malware, it is easy for hackers to damage the system and steal private data.

People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa:  It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq:  It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of  Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food. Toviaz:  It prevents frequent bladder contractions and calms the bladder muscles. Additionally, Toviaz reduces symptoms like frequent urination, persistent urge to pee, and incontinence. Doctors may not recommend this option for those who suffer from stomach-related issues and cannot empty the bladder. Allergic reactions are common side effects of this treatment option. Enablex:  It helps treat OAB by relaxing the bladder muscles, improving the ability to control urination, and reducing the likelihood of leakage, frequent bathroom trips, and sudden urge to urinate. Enablex can be taken with or without food once a day.

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body. Doctors recommend this option with other treatment plans to control severe symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. Nucala is administered once every four weeks, and it cannot work as a rescue treatment to deal with sudden attacks or breathing problems. Xolair:  This option helps treat moderate to severe allergic asthma symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. This oral treatment option lowers the allergic response in the body, but it is not a rescue treatment to cure sudden asthma attacks. Zyrtec:  Antihistamines like Zyrtec target allergy-related symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes and can ease breathing difficulty in patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint problems among adults across the country. Such a collection of conditions usually results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the vital joints. Many trigger factors of arthritis, including certain foods and beverages, could worsen the symptoms to a level of intolerance. Here are eight common food triggers that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to manage arthritis in the long run. Fatty foods Processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and trans fats. For example, corn, hydrogenated vegetable, safflower, and sunflower oils contain excess amounts of omega 6. These are some of the most commonly used products in daily cooking, meaning unhealthy fats are indirectly taken. Also, meat and dairy products contain saturated fats that could trigger cholesterol problems. And most of the prepared foods and snacks contain traces of trans fats that add flavor to the food but make it very unhealthy to have regularly. Any form of processed fat can trigger inflammation among those suffering from arthritis. It is best to limit or moderate having these foods. Sugar and sugary products Sugar triggers inflammatory pain in people with arthritis, which does not always mean the sugar added to tea, coffee, or when used as a condiment for popular foods. Processed foods, including breakfast cereals, snacks, baked goods, confectioneries, and flavored beverages, are all laced with sugar. Regularly having these foods can imbalance blood glucose levels, which triggers health complications linked to arthritis. Even natural sugar substitutes like honey, agave nectar, and jaggery contain fructose, a form of sugar to limit or have only in moderation. Foods with additives and preservatives Canned goods and long shelf-life products are often laced with preservatives and additives that can trigger flareups among those already suffering from arthritis.  MSG is the most common  additive in hundreds of products and food preparations.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, causing them to turn brittle and fracture. About 10 million individuals in the country suffer from osteoporosis. The deterioration of bones occurs in one of five men. In women, the probability is higher with osteoporosis affecting one in three individuals. Doctors prefer various prescription methods to cope with the condition and may also recommend some food tips. Here we have a few tips for managing osteoporosis: Eat foods to improve bone health One way to avoid osteoporosis is by eating foods to improve bone health. Introducing foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, can nourish the body with calcium. The element is a vital nutrient for the formation and maintenance of the skeleton. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, K, and B also help in improving bone health. A few foods rich in these vitamins are collards, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, and beet greens. Adding these edibles to meals can also introduce minerals like magnesium, selenium, and manganese to improve the quality of bones. Furthermore, eating foods abundant in omega-3, such as salmon and eggs, nourish the bones and promote rigidity. The fatty acid can also curb inflammation that may relieve any pain a person feels in their joints. On the flip side, several foods are also bad for bones. These foods can trigger inflammation and also lead to other complications. Sodium is an element that can drastically impact bone health. A few foods rich in sodium include processed meats, deli turkey, hot dogs, and ham. The element is coupled with other nitrates and nitrites to preserve these foods and enhance their flavor. Other foods such as burgers, tacos, and pizzas also contain excessive salts. Drinking caffeinated products like energy drinks, beverages, and coffee are other unhealthy foods that can trigger osteoporosis.

No one can know what a painful affair a sudden onset of migraine pang is other than the person who goes through it. While the migraine triggers differ from person to person, a few culprits are there, which seem to attack everyone indiscriminately. When one can identify their triggers, they are a step closer to effectively managing migraine and avoiding future attacks. Here are six surprising migraine triggers which you may not have been previously aware of: Excessive stress Stress is the most common reason that tends to trigger migraine pangs. According to some studies, stress is a catalyst for 70 percent of migraine attacks in patients. Besides, such studies have revealed a close relationship between daily migraine activity and stress levels. Furthermore, there seems to be a continuous cycle in which the day-to-day stress levels are further loaded with the worry of upcoming migraine attacks. How to manage: One can begin by preparing an exhaustive list of things that seem to bug daily but are pretty mundane and can be dealt with quickly without any undue tension or stress. Once the list is prepared, work on those triggers to reduce their effects on your stress levels. Besides that, try relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, and massage to calm your mind and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. These remedies will not completely resolve stress-related issues. However, they will modify the bodily response to stress, so that migraine pangs are not triggered. Lack of a regular sleep schedule The relationship between sleep and migraine is pretty intimate. While everyone needs a good night’s sleep for the renewal and repair of their body and mind, a regular sleep schedule is necessary for migraine patients. Any changes in the sleep pattern can trigger an attack. Yet, an interesting fact about migraine pangs is that most get activated between 4 am and 9 am when one is supposed to sleep but can’t because their miserable brain won’t let them.

According to a study, about 80 percent of adults aged between 18 to 49 want to have whiter teeth. As we age, our teeth naturally start to turn yellow. However, it could be concerning when it happens before time. Several teeth-whitening products are available, but most contain harmful chemical substances. Thankfully, several homemade remedies are available to restore the natural color of your teeth. But before that, you must ascertain the cause of discoloration. What causes teeth to turn yellow? There are primarily two reasons why your teeth may turn yellow: Thinning of enamel The white color/outer layer protecting the teeth contains enamel, which is also responsible for preserving the deeper tooth structures. Beneath the enamel exists a layer of yellow-brown tissue called dentin. When the enamel of your teeth begins to wear away, the underneath yellow-brown tissue layers are exposed, making your teeth look darker. Some principal reasons for thinning enamel are gum disease, acidic foods, and increasing age. Some individuals have naturally thinner enamel. Stains Specific edibles and beverages like coffee may leave stains on your teeth. These stains can also cause enamel to wear, increasing the yellowish hue. Some other sources of stains include tobacco products and specific medications. Teeth whitening remedies After having ascertained the reason for yellow teeth, the following remedies can be used to restore the natural white hue of your teeth.  Brush with baking soda Few people know that baking soda constitutes one of the principal components of commercial toothpaste. This is because baking soda has some natural whitening properties. It is mildly abrasive and, therefore, capable of scrubbing away the stains on your teeth. Since it is basic, an alkaline environment is created inside your mouth, keeping bacteria at bay. To get better results, brush your teeth with a paste made of one teaspoon of baking powder with two teaspoons of water.

Depression, one of the common mental disorders, affects about 5% of the global population. There are three stages of the disorder, namely mild, moderate, and severe. The moderate and severe forms can impact a person’s daily routine. In many cases, severely depressed people can feel suicidal. About 17.3 million people suffer from depression, and the disorder is more prevalent in females than males. These are the three ways to help manage mental disorders: Get treated   Although challenging and long-term, the illness is treatable. Getting the proper treatment at the right time can make a crucial difference to the quality of life. REXULTI and CAPLYTA are two proven treatment methodologies that have benefited many.    REXULTI This is a psychiatric treatment belonging to the atypical antipsychotics class and is used for treating certain mental illnesses, including depression. It typically re-instates some of the natural chemicals in the brain and helps deal with everyday situations by controlling thoughts, nervousness, and hallucinations. It also positively influences the person’s energy levels, enhancing appetite, mood, and sleep quality. Caplyta This is another treatment that has proven results in the case of bipolar and depression. It is advised for adults and is used for treating patients suffering from bipolar I and II. It affects certain natural compounds in the brain like serotonin and dopamine, resulting in improved mood. What to eat   There is no typical meal plan that people suffering from depression need to have. Doctors advise balanced meals so that the person’s overall health remains stable. For example, eating foods rich in antioxidants help fight free radicals and can create a healthy ecosystem for brain cells. If depression is making daily life difficult, consider choosing from these food items to boost mood:   Dark chocolate This is brilliant as a mood enhancer and acts as an antidepressant.

As per estimates, around 500,000 people in the country are affected by tardive dyskinesia. It is a condition where patients display repetitive, involuntary movements, such as tongue thrusting, lip-smacking, and rapid blinking. The disorder could be due to several factors, but it is often the side effect of specific treatments. So, the symptoms may reduce once the treatment plan is revised. Here are the treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options The first thing to do after experiencing the symptoms is to visit a doctor. The health expert may recommend a few treatments to manage tardive dyskinesia, such as those discussed below. Patients must keep the professional informed about the disorder’s progression after starting these treatments: INGREZZA This treatment is recommended for adults with tardive dyskinesia. Its effectiveness is not proven for children. INGREZZA must be used orally once a day or as advised by the doctor to control movements in the tongue, face, or other body regions. It reduces the effects of a specific brain chemical responsible for involuntary movements. INGREZZA may have side effects like sleepiness and heart rhythm problems. Deutetrabenazine It is another effective treatment to control involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia patients and help them get on with their day-to-day routine work. Deutetrabenazine prevents the absorption of specific chemicals into the central nervous system, helping the nerves and muscles work naturally.  Some side effects include body pain, chills, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Foods choices Choosing the right foods when dealing with tardive dyskinesia is crucial for two reasons. One, patients have difficulty swallowing, and two, the right foods help keep the gut healthy and avoid issues like constipation, which can be detrimental for those with this condition. Here are the foods to eat: Fruit juices Juices of fruits like grapes and pomegranates are best for people with this disorder as they are easy to swallow.

Water is essential for the overall well-being of humans as it constitutes 75% of the body. It is crucial in managing all bodily functions. Staying hydrated also protects us from many harmful diseases. Therefore, drinking ample water daily is necessary to keep a person hydrated and healthy. However, do you know that the time one drinks water may impact the body’s overall functioning? Read on to learn about the best times of the day to drink water. Upon waking up in the morning When a person wakes up in the morning, the first essential thing to do is to hydrate the body. The body undergoes a long fasting period as we sleep, and a person is dehydrated for a longer hours of time. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is an easier way to maintain proper hydration habits and boost fluid intake throughout the day. Though there is not much evidence that drinking water when one wakes up in the morning is beneficial, some people believe it works for them. Despite these uncertainties, one thing everyone admits to is that it helps maintain a healthy hydration routine. Increasing the hydration level helps improve energy, improve one’s mood, and boost brain function. Before having a meal It is best to drink ample water 30 minutes before a meal. It will create a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating. Never drink water immediately before, after, or during a meal because this will dilute the digestive juice and impair digestion. It is constructive advice for older adults , as it helps to reduce the intake of more calories during the meal. Consuming water before meals is also an efficient way to promote hydration in the body. So, keeping a  1l filter water bottle  handy will help a person drink the usually recommended quantity of water.