Sleep deprivation occurs when one gets less sleep than what their body needs. Health experts say adults require at least seven hours of sleep, while children might need about nine hours. The amount of sleep needed can also vary depending on pre-existing health conditions, activity levels, and other factors. When one does not sleep enough, it affects memory and blood pressure and causes tiredness and other symptoms in the long run. Gradual changes in sleep patterns Sleep pattern changes are often one of the first signs of sleep deprivation. These changes occur slowly over time. For instance, one may fall asleep when they do not intend to, such as while reading the newspaper or watching TV. Sometimes, one may sleep for long hours during the weekend or take multiple naps without intending to. This is quite normal once in a while or when recovering from illnesses like the flu. But, when these patterns occur repeatedly over time, it could mean one is not sleeping enough at night. Changes in energy levels and mood With sleep deprivation, the body does not get enough rest. A lack of rest can increase cortisol and other stress-related chemicals in the body. When that happens, one may consistently feel irritable, have sudden mood swings, and continuously have low motivation levels.

Poor gut health can be the cause of several health issues such as eczema and diabetes. One of the best ways to keep the gut healthy is by ensuring the gut microbiome is balanced. Probiotics play a huge role in maintaining gut health, and while they are present in certain foods, one can boost their intake by taking supplements. These supplements, also called gut health supplements, can help manage digestive issues and other conditions. Replenishes good bacteria in the gut Probiotics are live bacteria, also called the “good” bacteria. These good bacteria are present in the gut and are responsible for aiding digestion and maintaining good gut health. Often, these good gut bacteria get killed due to certain health issues and the treatment options required for them. If the bacteria is not replenished in time, certain harmful bacteria and viruses can take their place in the gut. In such cases, taking gut health supplements can be very beneficial. These supplements replenish good bacteria in the gut and help restore one’s gut health. Helps reduce digestive disorders Several studies have shown that probiotics help in digestion and aid in tackling digestive issues such as diarrhea. Most digestive issues occur due to an imbalance in gut bacteria.

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by inflammation in the body. Dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface, causing itching, burning, or stinging sensations. Psoriasis can appear in small spots or cover larger areas around the ears, feet, hands, eyelids, nails, scalp, or genitals. Sometimes, it may appear in more than one place at once. When it affects areas like the face or hands, it can significantly reduce the quality of life. Glaring signs of psoriasis Plaque development Plaques are another most common sign of psoriasis. They are red, thick, raised patches on the skin that can be covered with a thin, silvery-white coating known as scale. The size of plaques may also vary, and they may join together to form larger patches. Most commonly, plaques may appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back. Dry skin The plaques or scales in psoriasis can disrupt the skin’s moisture and often lead to dry skin. In cases like erythrodermic psoriasis, the skin may even look burnt. Persistent itching Itching around and on the thickened skin is another common sign of psoriasis. However, one should avoid scratching the affected areas since it can thicken the patches and worsen symptoms.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes the digestive tract to become irritated and swollen. Patients experience several symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. While these symptoms may not always point toward Crohn’s disease, it is important not to ignore them but to consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis. Although the condition has no cure, one can manage its symptoms with treatment and care. Abdominal pain Pain and cramps in the abdomen are some of the most common tell-tale signs of Crohn’s disease. They occur as soon as the condition develops and persist through its advanced stages. The pain often appears as a dull ache in the lower right side of the abdomen, with cramps in the same region. Diarrhea Another common early warning sign of Crohn’s disease is diarrhea. Diarrhea must be addressed if it is chronic or occurs frequently because it can worsen the inflammation and irritation in the bowel. The increased inflammation and irritation may lead to a constant urge to move the bowels, causing the stool to be runny and loose. Bloating Crohn’s disease also causes bloating. Due to this, one may feel full even without eating a complete meal.

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high. This can lead to severe complications in the body, such as strokes and heart attacks. It is important to note that high blood pressure can be a concerning health issue because it often does not display any symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Individuals may not even realize they have high blood pressure until it becomes severe. Severe headaches One of the most telltale symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is experiencing severe headaches. It is also a very commonly observed sign. As per a study, headache is a symptom experienced by more than 20% of those with high blood pressure. Headaches occur when blood exerts too much pressure on the arteries in the brain. If one experiences severe headaches, one should consult a healthcare professional on priority. Chest pain Experiencing chest pain is a common symptom of high blood pressure. This occurs when the blood pressure is so high that the arteries in the heart do not get enough blood supply. One may even experience heart palpitations as a warning sign of high blood pressure. However, it’s worth noting that chest pain may not necessarily be caused by high blood pressure and could indicate other medical conditions.

Even after sleeping well at night, some people may struggle to stay awake during the day. There are often many underlying causes for this, from biological, psychological, and psychological reasons to even external factors. Hypersomnia , as daytime sleepiness is also called, affects one’s cognitive function and alertness, thus heightening one’s risk of accidents or mistakes. While some causes can be worked with and managed, some triggers may be beyond one’s control. Common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness Here are a few common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness: 1. Sleep deprivation The most common cause is inadequate sleep during the night, leading people to want to take naps during the day. 2. Vitamin B12 deficiency Recent studies have found that those deficient in vitamin B12 may experience unnatural fatigue or tiredness, which can result in feeling sleepy all the time. B12 affects red blood cell production and cell oxygenation. 3. Mental health issues Depression, anxiety, or general stress can rob one of their energy and lead to a constant sense of sleepiness during the day. 4. Sleep disorders or other medical conditions Those who have sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleepwalking, and insomnia may all experience excessive daytime sleepiness.

People with swollen veins in the lowest part of their rectum and anus are medically diagnosed to be experiencing hemorrhoids. The irritation in these veins due to bulging and the stretching of blood vessels in the region causes various symptoms and warning signs in people with this health condition. Hemorrhoids are treatable at every stage, but doing so at an early stage makes everything simple and quick for people with this condition. Warning signs of hemorrhoids Difficulty in defecating Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort and pain in the anal area, even in the early stages. Due to this, people with this condition can find it mildly difficult to pass stool without a degree of pain. In addition to the pain, the passage of stools is also disrupted, making it even harder for individuals to defecate. As a result, people with this condition may avoid using the toilet to pass stools, causing the excreta to accumulate within the body. This warning sign of hemorrhoids is extremely common and concerning. If people face this issue, they need to visit a gastric healthcare professional and begin the process of treating their hemorrhoids at an early stage. Blood loss The anal region plays a crucial role in a person’s daily life.

A medical alert system helps people call someone for assistance during health emergencies. One has to press a button on it, after which the device connects to a loved one or emergency personnel. These systems are useful for seniors as they eliminate the need to hire a live-in caregiver for round-the-clock protection. But since different medical alert systems are available from several brands, one should research well and avoid mistakes when choosing. Choosing based on price alone Cost-cutting, or selecting the cheapest option available in the market, is a mistake to avoid when purchasing any healthcare device. Different medical alert systems offer different features. While some are basic, others provide better functions, like automatic detection of falls and Wi-Fi connectivity. That is why one must not choose based on the price alone. Instead, buyers must choose a system that has the features they require and perfectly suits their needs. One must also read reviews online and compare the various options before zeroing in on the medical alert system. Proper research before buying helps people avoid falling for the cheapest option out there. Selecting the wrong type There are two main kinds of medical alert systems: home-based and mobile. Home-based systems are stationary, while mobile ones can be taken anywhere.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition marked by decreased bone mineral density and bone mass, making one more prone to fractures. It is more common among women and individuals over 50. Osteoporosis often does not show any distinctive symptoms, which is why it’s also called the ‘silent disease.’ But there are subtle signs or changes in the body that one may notice, and they should prompt a medical test for early diagnosis of osteoporosis. Back pain One may experience back pain for dozens of reasons, which is why this symptom may go unnoticed in osteoporosis. But back discomfort shouldn’t be ignored. In osteoporosis, there’s severe lower or general back pain, a sign of spinal compression fractures, that doesn’t seem to recede with home remedies. Bone aches This one is easy to miss or can be discarded as a sign of improper sleeping posture or a result of a desk job. But in osteoporosis, one may experience persistent aches, especially in the hips, wrists, and spine—the most commonly affected areas. One should get the joint pain checked, especially if it occurs out of nowhere, even without any active injury or trauma. Dental issues Like other bones in the body, osteoporosis can also weaken jawbones and lead to dental problems like receding gums, tooth loss, or loose-fitting dentures.

A healthy and dazzling smile is a common goal for many. But to achieve it, one should prioritize working on oral hygiene. Two basic practices that ensure this are regular brushing and flossing. But, regular brushing might not yield the best results if one does not use the right toothpaste. There are different kinds of toothpaste that cater to varying needs, including fighting sensitivity, whitening teeth, dealing with tartar buildup, and more. Sensitivity toothpaste This toothpaste helps in desensitizing the teeth. The ingredients in this type of paste help resolve the root sensitivity that is triggered by hot, cold, and sweet food and beverages. One can combine this toothpaste with other dental pastes or treatments. It is available in a range of flavors. But, the paste may be less effective for those with severe sensitivity issues. Also, the paste can take several weeks to deliver results. One must also factor in the duration of usage, as overuse can lead to enamel erosion and weaken teeth. Teeth whitening toothpaste This product is designed to get rid of surface stains in the teeth. It also helps brighten the teeth, promoting a whiter smile. It is important to note that whitening toothpaste contains chemical agents and abrasives that gently polish the surface of teeth.