Sleep Archive

Metabolism-how your body turns food into energy-is strongly influenced by genes, but lifestyle still matters. Choosing nourishing foods, avoiding extreme diets, and building muscle through regular exercise can modestly boost calorie burning and support weight loss.

High-intensity interval training alternates short bursts of hard effort with recovery, boosting aerobic fitness, heart health, and muscle in less time. For older adults, adjusting intensity to current fitness levels helps keep HIIT safe and effective.

The new year is a good time to focus on cognitive fitness. Exercise, healthy eating, mental challenges, good sleep, controlling stress, and social engagement support neuroplasticity and help keep thinking and memory sharp.

A power nap lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. The shut-eye can effectively increase alertness and focus, enhance mood, reduce fatigue, and possibly support work performance.

Synthetic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, creams, and gels. The supplement is marketed for "fountain of youth" effects, but evidence about its actual effects is mixed.

A hemoglobin HbA1c test is standard for anyone at risk for diabetes or anyone with diabetes. The HbA1c is a blood test that shows a person's average blood sugar levels over a three-month period.

Malaise is a feeling of weakness, fatigue, or being generally unwell. Addressing underlying causes and making healthy lifestyle changes - such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep - can help people with malaise feel better.

Many activities, such as reading small print or doing needlework, contribute to eye strain. To avoid or reduce eye strain, it helps to keep eye surfaces moist and take breaks when doing anything that requires focused close-up vision.

People may believe that rest and sleep are synonymous, but sleep is only one form of rest. People need seven different types of rest to feel recharged. These are physical, mental, spiritual, sensory, creative, emotional, and social rest.