Sleep problems may cause ADHD

Researchers are working to confirm a physical-mental relationship by finding biomarkers such as Vitamin D levels, blood glucose, cortisol levels, 24 hour blood pressure and heart rate variability, which may help to treat ADHD by non-pharmacological methods. 

Lack of regular circadian sleep may be behind attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which affects around 75 per cent of children and adults, according to a new study.
ADHD, which is associated with many sleep-related disorders, including restless-leg syndrome, sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disturbance and delayed sleep phase syndrome, was until now thought to be separate issues.
“There is extensive research showing that people with ADHD also tend to exhibit sleep problems,” said Sandra Kooij, Associate Professor at VU University Medical Centre in Netherlands. However, “based on existing evidence, it looks very much like ADHD and circadian problems are intertwined in the majority of patients”, Kooij added.
According to the findings proposed at the 30th ECNP Congress in Paris, the association is because the day and night rhythm is disturbed, the timing of several physical processes is disturbed, not only of sleep, but also of temperature, movement patterns, timing of meals. “If you review the evidence, it looks more and more like ADHD and sleeplessness are two sides of the same physiological and mental coin,” Kooij said.
In 75 per cent of ADHD patients, the physiological sleep phase — where people show the physiological signs associated with sleep such as changes in the level of the sleep hormone melatonin and changes in sleep-related movement — is delayed by 1.5 hours.
Many sufferers benefit from taking melatonin in the evening or bright light therapy in the morning, which can help reset the circadian rhythm, Kooij explained. Researchers are working to confirm this physical-mental relationship by finding biomarkers such as Vitamin D levels, blood glucose, cortisol levels, 24 hour blood pressure and heart rate variability, which may help “to treat some ADHD by non-pharmacological methods, such as changing light or sleep patterns and prevent the negative impact of chronic sleep loss on health”, Kooij said.

 

 

 

How to Do the Perfect Push-Up

Health life Fitness

Fitness and Nutrition

In the age which we live there is an unprecedented focus on getting and staying healthy. As more and more research points to the effect of fitness and nutrition on our overall health, the findings become more difficult to ignore. There is no doubt that the food that we eat and the physical activity that we perform significantly impact our weight and our body's overall health and longevity.

When you look at fitness and nutrition and the consequences of ignoring their importance, it is not difficult to see how large a role they play in our health. First and foremost, it is important to understand how powerfully diet can affect us. Natural, whole foods - such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins - give our bodies the vitamins that it needs to function effectively. We have energy when we eat right. And when we have energy we burn fat. Eating properly allows us to maintain a healthy weight and keep undue stress off of our hearts; it also allows us to keep our blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the healthy range. Most importantly, good nutrition keeps our bodies stocked with antioxidants that fight off a range of illnesses including cancer.

But nutrition does go it alone; fitness and nutrition go hand in hand for achieving good health. When we keep our bodies active through a consistent exercise program, we are adding to our body's ability to metabolize food and keep weight down. Further, good fitness means strong and limber muscles and a strong cardiovascular system. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and reduces stress levels.

Learning how to pair fitness and nutrition for optimum health means a commitment to a particular lifestyle. It is essential that you revamp your diet to eliminate fatty, high-sodium, and processed food and replace it with fresh, natural - and even organic - choices. But remember, fitness and nutrition work best as a team. Implement a consistent regime of physical activity into your daily schedule including cardiovascular work, stretching, weight training, and even yoga or Pilates.

When you truly understand the importance of fitness and nutrition in your life, you will understand how crucial these lifestyle changes are in order to live a long and healthy life.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition in which a person's body doesn't receive enough fluids and water. States of dehydration range from mild to very severe. The latter is extremely dangerous. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of dehydration. You may realize you yourself are dehydrated, or recognize these symptoms in someone else. You can then take the necessary steps to get properly hydrated. Let's take a closer look at dehydration symptoms.

Symptoms of Mild Dehydration

The many symptoms of dehydration depend upon the severity. If it's a mild case you may notice increased thirst. This is often associated with a dry and slightly parched mouth. You might begin to experience headaches and dizziness, as well as a general feeling of tiredness. Your urine can also be affected by dehydration. The amount will be decreased and it will be a darker yellow. That means you haven't taken in enough fluids. the latter of which indicates that you simply haven't had enough hydration in quite some time. These symptoms are typically exacerbated if you're working out or playing a sport. They will also worsen over time if you don't take steps to address the issue, eventually worsening to become severe dehydration.

Symptoms of Severe Dehydration

Once severe dehydration sets in, there are a wide range of new symptoms that may begin to occur. Do not wait for them to occur. They require immediate medical attention. If you stop urinating altogether, or have only a very small output of urine when attempting to urinate, then your dehydration is likely to be severe. Any urine will be an extremely dark yellow, or even an amber color. You could develop a fever, often accompanied by chills. A fever can be very dangerous when secondary to dehydration. Severe dizziness could occur, even to the point of preventing you from standing up or moving around. A rapid heart rate that occurs at rest, and when doing nothing strenuous points to severe dehydration.

Your blood pressure might also begin to drop at moments when you stand up after lying down for a period of time. Though it can be difficult to notice this symptom, your skin may begin to lose some of its elasticity. In this event the skin takes quite some time to return to normal after being pinched. The most serious symptoms of severe dehydration include shock, seizures, lethargy and confusion, and coma at its worst. If you notice any of these symptoms, in yourself or someone else, regard it as an emergency. Get help. Head to a hospital right away.