Sleep Archive

Sleep architecture is the pattern and sequence of sleep cycles and stages. People cycle through four to six periods of light and deep sleep each night. Aging, stress, illness, and alcohol consumption can influence people’s sleep architecture.

Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea often occur together, especially in people with extra weight. Learn how one condition may influence the other.

Sudden spells where the world flips and blurs can be alarming. Explore possible causes, from inner ear issues to your nighttime sleep supplement.

A drink before bed may seem like a good idea, but its hidden effects on your brain, heart, and breathing can ruin your night's sleep.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) identifies and challenges thoughts about sleep that make it more difficult, eradicates bedroom activities other than sleep and sex, limits the time spent in bed to increase the drive to sleep, and teaches relaxation techniques.

X-rays can detect a broken bone, dislocation, or joint problem. People should seek an x-ray if an injury results in severe pain; severe or persistent swelling or bruising; difficulty moving or bearing weight; or a noticeable deformity.

People can adopt several strategies to keep their kidneys healthy, such as managing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar levels, watching salt intake, avoiding alcohol, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

No evidence suggests that nicotine patches promote weight loss. Nicotine suppresses appetite but also raises health risks such as high blood pressure and narrowed arteries. People can talk to a doctor about medically supervised weight loss.

There are many normal reasons people's joints make clicking, popping, cracking, or other noises. Joints are also more likely to make noise when people stay still for long periods. Pain or swelling with joint noise should prompt people to see a doctor.

Research suggests that exercise is beneficial in managing insomnia, but current guidelines don't specify which types may be most effective. A 2025 study found that yoga, tai chi, walking, and running were associated with reduced symptoms of insomnia.