Latest news with #TimMercer
Tom's Guide
7 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Your morning shower is ruining your nighttime sleep, says expert — here's why
There's nothing like a refreshing shower in the morning to kickstart your day. However, if you're struggling to sleep this summer, that step in your morning routine may be to blame. Yes, while 60% of Americans like to shower in the morning, NHS physician Dr Tim Mercer at Opera Beds says it may be wise to switch to an evening shower to improve your sleep. And, no, it's not because a nice, warm shower before bed is relaxing. It actually all comes down to a particular reason regarding hygiene. So, if you're a morning showerer or prefer an evening rinse, read on to discover why your sleep hinges on your showering schedule. An evening shower is better for sleep for a particular reason: allergies. "Allergies can hit hard, especially at night," says Dr Mercer. 'For many, that means disrupted sleep, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing." Mercer explains that we collect allergens such as pollen or dust mites throughout the day, so you're likely taking all these allergens to bed with you by not showering in the evening. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Pollen also clings to clothes, hair, and bedding, creating an invisible storm of irritation," the physician says. "You can shower before bed to wash off pollen, stopping it from transferring to your pillow." For more advice about allergies and sleep read our guide on how to sleep with allergies. If you're debating whether a hot vs cold shower is better for sleep, research and sleep experts tend to lean towards warm. A 2019 review of 13 studies found a warm bath or shower between 40 and 42.5 °C improved sleep quality and efficiency. "A warm shower taken one to two hours before bedtime triggers vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) in your extremities, which helps dissipate core body heat more efficiently afterward," Dr. David Rosen, medical director at sleep apnea treatment company Complete Sleep, recently told Tom's Guide. "This enhances your natural temperature drop." While a warm shower can prepare you for bed, showering too close to your bedtime may actually ruin your sleep. Like Dr Rosen mentioned above, try to shower around one to two hours before shuteye. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can improve sleep and relaxation, so try incorporating soothing scents into your evening shower. You can introduce relaxing scents through soaps or even shower mists, selecting products with calming fragrances such eucalyptus (which research shows can reduce congestion and sleep apnea) and lavender (studies show it increases quality of sleep and reduce anxiety).
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Arctic front' potentially deadly for those living outside — here's what to look for
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As light rain makes way to bitter cold overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, the city of Austin is once again opening its overnight cold weather shelters to protect people from potentially dangerous conditions. Arctic front arriving driving temperatures down The last major cold snap Austin experienced in January resulted in at least 12 cold exposure calls, including two 'fatal incidents,' according to Austin-Travis County EMS. The city of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) used its text alert system to push out information about the overnight cold weather shelters and inform people about the danger of frostbite and hypothermia. Signs of frostbite may include: Initially, one may experience redness or pain of skin Other signs include a white or grayish-yellow skin that feels 'unusually firm or waxy' Numbness Signs of hypothermia include: Exhaustion Confusion, memory loss or slurred speech Drowsiness The city said hypothermia happens 'at very cold temperatures, but can occur at cool temperatures (40°F) if a person is wet (from rain, sweat or cold water) and becomes chilled.' You can find more information about hypothermia here. Those conditions are projected to take place overnight. You can find details on how to get to overnight cold weather shelter here. Happening this winter, Austin-Travis County EMS and Central Health — Travis County's health care district — have partnered on a bridge clinic program. It may very well come into play during winter weather like this. Central Health, EMS partner on 'bridge' care model for people experiencing homelessness The bridge clinic is a place for people experiencing homelessness that need specialized and inexpensive care, that may otherwise end up in an emergency room or jail. Most of the patients of the clinic are brought in by EMS. That clinic has been open since late last year. 'It's really designed for people experiencing homelessness or who are otherwise vulnerable or marginalized, who are disconnected from our care system who we can rapidly engage in care,' said Dr. Tim Mercer, co-director of high-risk populations at Central Health. The bridge clinic off Interstate 35 does not currently have extended hours during winter events like this, but for people who may end up with hypothermia, frostbite or even need an amputation due to cold weather, the bridge clinic is where folks may end up to get a follow-up or long-term treatment. Signs of hypothermia as arctic cold front arrives The bridge clinic will also be an option in the coming days as an alternative to the emergency room. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
