Hypersomnia, a sleep disorder, affects one with constant drowsiness, impacting daily life and overall well-being. While it may not be as widely recognized as its counterpart, insomnia, hypersomnia deserves equal attention. It impacts approximately 5% of people and is found to be more common in females than males. By understanding this sleep disorder, let’s learn how to manage this often-overlooked condition and support those who grapple with excessive daytime sleepiness. Causes of hypersomnia Hypersomnia can be caused due to an underlying condition, genetic factor, or because of an unclear cause. Other factors include: Sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the patient experiences the airway being partially or completely blocked when sleeping. This can give rise to interrupted sleep patterns, frequent bouts of being awake, and continued feelings of sleepiness during the day. Patients living with untreated OSA tend to struggle with staying awake in the daytime, irrespective of the hours spent in bed the previous night. Effective treatment of OSA can significantly alleviate hypersomnia symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis. Narcolepsy Another cause of hypersomnia is narcolepsy. It is a neurological disorder characterized by the sudden onset of uncontrollable episodes of sleep anytime during the day.

With a little help from dentists, everyone can achieve the bright smile they desire. Instead of braces, many people are now moving to aligners. These clear orthodontic devices are practically invisible. The process makes use of a series of tight-fitting custom-made pieces that slip over the teeth to correct teeth placement. However, these may only be suitable for some. Read on to learn more about invisible dental aligners and how they work. Who can get invisible aligners? Invisible aligners are custom-built and offer a tight grip, making them ideal for teenagers and adults. They are generally not advisable for growing children. These aligners are typically used for people with mild to moderately crowded teeth or minor spacing issues. Those with severe crowding or spacing problems may need to opt for other complex treatment options. It is best to consult a dentist before opting for aligners. How do invisible aligners work? Depending on one’s current teeth alignment, the doctor creates a plan to correct the bite. Based on this plan, several versions of the clear aligners are made. Several digital scans are conducted for every patient to ensure a snug fit on the teeth over the course of the treatment. The aligners are changed every few weeks to continually move the teeth and bring them to their desired position.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth or other dental issues, you’ll likely encounter two primary options: traditional metal braces and clear aligners. While metal braces have been a reliable option for decades, clear aligners have surged in popularity due to their numerous advantages and are often the preferred choice for orthodontic patients of all ages. Below is a comparison of the two and six reasons aligners may be the better choice. Aesthetics One of the primary factors to consider is appearance; people lean towards clear aligners because of their nearly invisible nature. Unlike conspicuous metal braces, clear aligners are discreet and barely noticeable. This is particularly appealing to adults and teenagers who may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Clear aligners provide the confidence to smile and speak without drawing attention to orthodontic treatment. Enhanced comfort and reduced irritation Traditional metal braces are noted for their sharp wires and brackets that can cause discomfort, irritation, and even ulcers in the mouth. In contrast, clear aligners are made from smooth, professional, health-grade plastic, eliminating the need for uncomfortable wires and brackets. This results in a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with reduced friction against the delicate oral tissues. Clear aligners are also removable, allowing wearers to take them out for special occasions or while eating, providing additional comfort and flexibility.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is classified as a motor neuron disease as it involves the loss of nerve cells called motor neurons. It is a genetically acquired condition that affects the central nervous system, voluntary muscle movements, and peripheral nervous system. Therefore, SMA results in muscles getting smaller because they are not stimulated by nerve cells. The rare complication affects 1 in 6,000 to 10,000 children in the country. Causes A healthy SMN1 gene produces the SMN protein, which is required by motor neurons to survive and function appropriately. Healthcare experts indicate that the most viable cause of spinal muscular atrophy is a deficiency of the SMN protein. Children with SMA usually lack part of the SMN1 gene or have changed (mutated) genes. Therefore, people with spinal muscular atrophy do not create sufficient SMN protein, which could cause the motor neurons to shrink and cease to exist. As a result, the individual’s brain might be unable to control voluntary movements, especially motions associated with the neck, arms, legs, and head. Types There are four common types of SMA that one may develop. SMA Type 1 This type of SMA is severe and may occur in infants within the first six months of their life.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic bone disorder present at birth. About 25,000 to 50,000 people in the country have this condition. Children born with OI may have bones that are soft and fracture easily, those that are not properly formed, and other related problems. There are about eight types of the disease, based on the type of inheritance and signs and symptoms. Symptoms The symptoms of osteogenesis imperfect usually differ within and between types. These symptoms may also look like those that occur in other health conditions. Therefore, one should always consult an expert who may diagnose and identify the most likely cause. A few symptoms of OI include: Bones that break easily Deformities in the bones, such as bowing of the legs A barrel-shaped chest Discoloration of the sclera (white layer of the eye), which may turn blue or gray in color A curved spine Loose joints in the body Weakness in several muscles Skin that may bruise easily The loss of hearing in early adulthood Soft, discolored teeth Causes Experts believe that osteogenesis imperfecta is passed through the genes, and each type is passed on in its way. Some genes might be inherited from one parent, while others may come from both parents.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only.

There are plenty of face creams and products to make your skin healthy and glowing. But beautiful and healthy skin comes with the right nourishment. The human body is constantly shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones. To support this process, a supply of essential minerals is important. This comes with eating the right kind of food. Here’s a list of five foods that will keep your skin healthy and glowing. Bananas Bananas are a great food source to get healthy, glowing, and oil-free skin. They are rich in potassium and vitamins E and C, which are known to give glowing skin. These compounds are powerful exfoliators and help remove excess sebum from the surface of your skin. Bananas also help treat acne. Apply the inside of the peel onto the acne to destroy harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. Fish Fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the skin blemish-free and supple. They help fight inflammation and reduce dryness, redness, and acne. Sardines, on the other hand, are excellent sources of vitamin B12 that play a major role in skin cell reproduction.  Avocados Avocados are full of healthy fats and vitamin E.

A significant percentage of our body is made up of water, so there’s no denying that it is essential to our overall health. While most people understand that they must drink approximately eight glasses every day, they don’t know that there are certain times when the habit can be more helpful. So, understand when to drink water for maximum benefits instead of chugging multiple glasses whenever you feel like it. Immediately after waking up Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Supplying H2O to your body on an empty stomach has numerous benefits. It helps cleanse the bowels, flush toxins, boost energy levels, improve skin health, and even strengthen the immune system, among other things. Before and during meals A glass of water before a meal enhances the feeling of fullness and curbs the tendency to overeat. On the other hand, drinking water during a meal helps with digestion, especially if you’re eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, and oatmeal. That said, don’t drink too much, as it may dilute the natural juices that aid digestion. Before and after exercise For moderate-intensity daily workouts, drink a glass or two of water about 30 minutes before starting.

An individual may hit the gym to improve their overall fitness. But sometimes, the person may not see the expected results, despite the unwavering effort put in regularly. In such situations, the individual is likely in the habit of making a few rookie errors at the gym. These mistakes may hamper the quality of their workout and affect daily results. So here are five workout mistakes that one should fix to reach their goals. Excessive warm-ups As most gym enthusiasts would know, an ideal time to prepare the body for rigorous exercise is after a long day at work. However, one should avoid indulging in half an hour of corrective exercises before the workout session. Doing so may result in a lack of concentration during the weightlifting section of the routine. Instead, spend about 5 to 10 minutes warming up and focusing on techniques that stretch the spine. Getting comfortable Getting comfortable with one set of exercises would mean they are not pushing the body enough to strengthen the other muscles. Therefore, one should interchange their routines regularly for the best results. Skipping sessions Sometimes the individual may skip a day at the gym to relax at home or head out to spend an evening with friends.

Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia (TD) are neurological disorders whose onset is marked by several similar yet distinct indicators. These symptoms may not always be obvious; however, it is important to recognize them early for timely diagnosis and intervention. The significant difference between Parkinson’s disease and TD is that in the former condition, individuals experience difficulty moving, while the latter is characterized by involuntary movements. Here are some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and TD. Micrographia Micrographia, the gradual reduction in handwriting size, is a subtle yet significant early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Those grappling with Parkinson’s may encounter difficulties sustaining legible scripts as the ailment advances. This seemingly benign symptom can signal underlying neurologic shifts. Olfactory sensation loss Anosmia, the absence of the sense of smell, can be an initial indicator of Parkinson’s and TD. A diminishing capacity to detect odors or an abrupt olfactory impairment frequently transpires years before the emergence of other discernible symptoms. This symptom is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the olfactory bulb. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Restless Leg Syndrome, characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, emerges as a common unspoken symptom of Parkinson’s and TD. Individuals with these conditions may experience discomfort and a constant need to shift their legs.