Sleep-related issues could range from not getting enough sleep at night to being unable to control when one sleeps. However, persistent inability to sleep and daytime fatigue could be signs of disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy. Notably, both disorders affect sleeping patterns in different ways. Further, insomnia is much more common than narcolepsy. So, learning about the following differences between narcolepsy and insomnia can help in determining the exact cause of poor sleep quality: 1. Effects and types Narcolepsy disrupts sleep at night and causes sleep attacks during the day, whereas insomnia is associated with trouble falling or staying asleep. Those with insomnia may wake up often at night and be unable to fall asleep again. Further, narcolepsy can be categorized into two main types. Type 1 causes daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness. Type 2 causes excessive daytime sleepiness without muscle weakness. Insomnia can be categorized into five types. Based on duration, one may have acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) insomnia. Based on symptoms, one may have onset (difficulty falling asleep) or maintenance (difficulty staying asleep) insomnia. The last type, behavioral insomnia of childhood, is when children experience difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep. 2. Symptoms When dealing with narcolepsy, in addition to waking up several times at night, one may suddenly fall asleep while working, in the middle of conversations, or while engaging in other activities.

Changes in hormones, environmental conditions, and age can often give rise to the condition known as dry eyes. The syndrome occurs when insufficient tears are produced in the eyes, leading to swelling and trauma along the surface of the eye. The condition can be improved by simply changing lifestyle habits and trying certain remedies. Here are a few ways to keep dry eye syndrome under check: 1. Keep the eye area clean Maintaining proper eye health pertains to keeping the eye area clean so that any kind of swelling and infection along the eyelids stay under control. This can be achieved using a mild shampoo to clean the eye area. 2. Use a warm towel To improve dry eye condition, using a wet towel dipped in warm water along the eye area proves helpful, as heat aids in reducing itching due to dry eye. It also aids in triggering the meibomian gland, leading to better lubrication of the eyes. 3. Get adequate sleep Several benefits are associated with a proper sleep schedule, the primary being better health and immunity. Additionally, in the case of dry eyes, it even leads to a reduction in inflammation and better recovery. 4. Maintain hydration levels There is a close link between the amount of water a person drinks and the amount of tears produced in the eyes, as tears are primarily composed of water.

In order to effectively and successfully manage respiratory diseases, it requires an all-rounded approach. Following some basic tips, like seeking advice from healthcare experts, adopting a wholesome lifestyle, stress management, and more can help an individual deal with respiratory illnesses better. Whether one is suffering from asthma, COPD, or any other respiratory issues, this article discusses 9 tips to help cope with these respiratory diseases. Read on to learn more. Consult a healthcare provider When managing respiratory diseases, one should first seek the advice of a healthcare provider. A pulmonologist or respiratory therapist can give a comprehensive evaluation, suggest suitable prescription treatments, and assist with setting up an individual treatment plan. Maintain a healthy lifestyle A healthy lifestyle is key to preventing respiratory diseases. This includes physical activity, a healthy meal plan, and proper hydration. Regular exercise can improve lung function and cardiovascular health and promote an individual’s overall well-being. Quit smoking One of the best ways to prevent respiratory health deterioration is quitting smoking. Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory diseases and can aggravate prevailing conditions in respiratory organs. Create a clean living environment It is important to keep the living space clean in order to avoid exposure to allergens and irritants.

Anemia is a health condition wherein the blood in the body becomes deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which reduces its capacity to carry oxygen to body tissues. There are different types of anemia, the most common ones being anemia from iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and folate (folic acid) deficiency. Individuals may be anemic from birth or develop it after contracting certain chronic diseases. However, poor nutrition is responsible for iron deficiency anemia. Common symptoms of anemia Fatigue Feeling too tired to manage daily activities. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) Difficulty catching breath and breathing deeply. Fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) When the heart feels like it’s racing or skipping beats. Pulsatile tinnitus This is a pounding or whooshing sound in one of the ears that may come and go. Loss of appetite Feeling full without eating much or loss of hunger. Headache Iron deficiency anemia can cause throbbing headaches. Pale skin The skin starts to appear pale in color. Chest pain A feeling of something heavy pressing against the chest. Foods to manage anemia One may be diagnosed with anemia following a physical examination. This exam helps a doctor uncover indicators of anemia such as heart murmurs, low blood pressure when standing up, slight fever, pale skin tone, and rapid heartbeat.

A migraine is a headache that usually causes severe throbbing pain or a pulsating sensation, usually on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound often accompany this condition. Several factors may induce a migraine attack, of which the common ones include stress, cold weather, sleep deprivation, and a drop in estrogen levels (pre-menstruation) among women. Fortunately, changes in eating habits can help prevent migraine attacks. Some of them are: Eating tips to prevent migraine attacks 1. Stay hydrated Proper hydration is crucial for a healthy body, while dehydration triggers migraines. Studies have shown that dehydration can trigger headaches, which can lead to severe migraines in some cases. Consuming adequate water throughout the day is highly recommended to prevent dehydration and the resulting migraines. Drinking enough water can keep one hydrated and reduce the risk of migraines. 2. Cut down caffeine Some individuals may experience relief from headaches after consuming caffeine, but excessive consumption can have the opposite effect. Therefore, one must keep caffeine intake at a moderate level. 3. Avoid trigger foods Processed meats, aged cheeses, and artificial sweeteners have been known to aggravate migraine attacks in some. Thus, one should identify these trigger foods and avoid consuming them as much as possible.

Sleep apnea is a condition where people find it difficult to breathe properly while sleeping. The ailment causes the breathing to pause, leading to insufficient oxygen intake. This also wakes the patient up and makes them gasp for air. Sometimes, people do not realize that their breathing has stopped mid-sleep, as sleep apnea can also sound like snoring. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help deal with the condition in the long run: Exercise regularly Exercise strengthens one’s heart, increases energy, and helps with sleep apnea. Studies show that regular exercise helps reduce breathing difficulties during sleep. It is generally noticed that exercises like walking, swimming, or any high-intensity exercise reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Moreover, yoga, in particular, encourages oxygen flow and improves respiratory strength. This is especially effective for sleep apnea patients as the condition is linked to low oxygen saturation in the patient’s blood. Change sleeping position A study showed that most cases of obstructive sleep apnea are due to the patient’s sleeping position. Other studies have also shown that a supine position, that is, sleeping on the back, can worsen the symptoms of this condition. However, another study showed that this sleeping position helps children with sleep apnea.

Health insurance, often known as a health coverage plan, is a financial assistance that helps a person to pay for medical care. Every plan has a unique price tag and offers different benefits. Good health insurance is the best strategy to save for a healthy future. Looking for a new health insurance plan is a very personal undertaking, but there are a few things that every prospective buyer should think about. Factors to consider before purchasing health insurance Anyone planning to buy the best health plan should know the following things to make a wise decision. 1. Different Plans The Health Insurance Marketplace offers four distinct categories of health policies. The sole difference between these categories is not the caliber of care but how one’s plan divides the costs. Among them are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 2. Nearest Provider It’s critical to ascertain whether the current doctors will stay in-network if one’s insurance plan changes, especially if one trusts them and has no intention of changing. If one does not have a physician, one can review the list of in-network physicians in the new plan to find the best one. 3. HSAs and FSAs One can set up pre-tax money using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to cover qualified medical costs like copays, prescription drugs, and medical equipment.

Huntington’s disease, previously known as Huntington’s chorea, is a genetic disorder that causes brain cells to gradually degenerate and die. This mainly happens with the cells in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and voluntary movement. This condition can result in typical signs like unintentional jerks or twisting motions known as chorea and alterations in thoughts, behavior, and personality. Read on to learn about the symptoms of the condition. Symptoms of Huntington’s chorea Symptoms of Huntington’s chorea include the following: Physical symptoms Chorea, characterized by quick, uncontrollable motions of the limbs, fingers, or facial muscles, is the most recognizable physical symptom. As the illness advances, it might go from mild to severe thrashing. Apart from chorea, rigidity of limbs, loss of balance, and fatigue are other physical symptoms an individual may experience. Moreover, one with Huntington’s disease may also experience a loss of fine motor coordination, making writing and other activities challenging. Loss of control over functions like speaking and swallowing are also common symptoms. Cognitive symptoms Trouble focusing, setting priorities, or organizing are some of the significant symptoms one experiences when dealing with the condition. One may also tend to get stuck on an action, thought, or behavior.

Of the many types of cancer that affect the human body, cancer of the thyroid gland is a relatively rare type. It typically involves the thyroid gland, which is a small, butterfly-shaped gland found in the front of the neck. It is characterized by swollen lymph nodes and changes in voice. It is essential to understand the causes of thyroid cancer, its symptoms, and the treatment options available for a better prognosis. Causes of thyroid cancer The exact cause of thyroid cancer has yet to be known, but certain factors have been determined as likely contributors. These factors are as follows: Exposure to high radiation levels from medical treatments or environmental sources can increase the likelihood of thyroid cancer. A meal plan low in iodine can contribute to thyroid cancer. Certain inherited genetic mutations can increase the possibility of developing thyroid cancer. If one has previously been diagnosed with certain cancers, such as breast, oesophageal, testicular, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, then chances are high that one might be diagnosed with thyroid cancer as well. Thyroid cancer is also prevalent in women who are still menstruating. Symptoms of thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer often gets diagnosed following a neck examination during a general physical checkup.