Medical Today

The quantity and quality of sleep is important for normal immune function; inadequate sleep increases the risk of colds and flu.

Researchers from Carnegie Melon University found that healthy adult men and women who slept less than 7 hours per night increased the risk of catching a cold by nearly 300 percent. Poor sleep efficiency (percentage of time in bed actually sleeping) increases the risk by 550 percent. Sleep habits were assessed in 153 healthy adult men and women for two weeks. They were then quarantined and given nasal drops containing a cold virus. People who slept longer and more efficiently were more resistant to colds.

Sleep-deprived people eat more snacks. Inadequate sleep is linked to obesity, but scientists aren’t sure why. Arlet Nedeltcheva and co-workers from the University of Chicago found that appetite and food intake from snacks increased more following sleep deprivation (5.5 hours of sleep per night) than normal sleep (8.5 hours). Eleven middle-aged adults lived in a sleep laboratory for 14 days and had free access to good tasting food. During their stay, they were allowed long and short sleeps.

Prevention

Washing the hands frequently can help to prevent strep throat.

Exposure to infected people should also be avoided. In order to prevent transmission of the disease within households, consult a doctor if any family member suddenly develops a sore throat (especially if it is accompanied by fever).

Boosting the immune system is also important to help prevent the development of strep throat. Vitamin C and zinc are often recommended for this purpose, as are goldenseal, echinacea, and garlic.

Prevention

Exercise can help enhance a new mother’s emotional well-being. New mothers should also try to cultivate good sleeping habits and learn to rest when they feel physically or emotionally tired. It is important for a woman to learn to recognize her own warning signs of fatigue and respond to them by taking a break.

Treatment

Postpartum depression can be effectively alleviated through counseling and support groups, so that the mother does not feel she is alone in her feelings.

Prevention

Lifestyle modification is one measure that people can take to lower their risk of tension headaches. They should get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals at regular times. Skipping meals, using unbalanced fad diets to lose weight, and insufficient or poor-quality sleep can bring on tension headaches.