Sleep Deprivation in Children Linked to Psychosis in Young Adulthood
Recent research conducted by the University of Birmingham has revealed a strong link between chronic sleep deprivation during childhood and the development of psychosis in early adulthood. This groundbreaking study, based on data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, highlights the crucial role that sleep plays in mental health outcomes later in life.
Key Findings:
- High Risk for Psychotic Disorders: Children who consistently experience insufficient sleep are more than twice as likely to develop psychotic disorders as young adults.
- Persistent Sleep Problems: The study tracked children’s sleep patterns from 6 months to 7 years and found that those who consistently had reduced sleep were nearly four times more likely to experience psychotic episodes in early adulthood.
- Potential Biological Explanations: The researchers explored potential biological links between sleep deprivation and psychosis, including immune system impairments marked by elevated inflammation levels. However, other factors are also believed to contribute to this complex relationship.
This study is the first of its kind to establish a direct correlation between persistent lack of sleep during childhood and future mental health issues. Dr Isabel Morales-Muñoz, lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of addressing sleep problems early on: “While it’s normal for children to suffer from occasional sleep problems, understanding when it becomes chronic is crucial. Persistent lack of sleep can be a contributing factor to psychiatric illnesses later on.”
“It’s entirely normal for children
to suffer from occasional
sleep problems,
but it’s also important
to know when it might be time
to seek help.”
– Dr Isabel Morales-Muñoz
The research team analyzed data from over 12,000 children, collected as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. This comprehensive dataset allowed them to establish a robust association between childhood sleep patterns and mental health outcomes in young adulthood.
While the study demonstrates a strong correlation between inadequate sleep and psychosis, further research is needed to establish a causal relationship and explore additional contributing factors. The role of immune system dysfunction, indicated by elevated inflammation levels observed in the children, may provide some insight into this complex association.
New Avenues for Intervention:
- Early Detection: Identifying persistent sleep problems early on can help prevent future mental health issues. Parents should seek professional help if their child consistently experiences inadequate sleep.
- Sleep Hygiene Education: Promoting healthy sleep habits among children is crucial for their overall well-being. Educating parents about proper bedtime routines and strategies to improve sleep quality can have long-lasting benefits.
- Innovative Interventions: Research efforts should focus on developing targeted interventions that address both sleep problems and inflammatory responses in children at risk of developing psychosis.
“Persistent lack of
sleep may not be the only cause
of psychosis in early adulthood,
but our research suggests
it is a contributing factor.”– Dr Isabel Morales-Muñoz
Dr Morales-Muñoz’s findings contribute to ongoing efforts by the Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre, led by the University of Birmingham. This initiative aims to develop and validate treatments for early psychosis and depression among children and young people.
Understanding the profound impact that good sleep hygiene has on positive mental health is essential for promoting overall well-being. By addressing sleep problems in children early on, healthcare professionals can intervene effectively and potentially mitigate the risk of psychosis in adulthood.
Intermittent Fasting Prevents Steatohepatitis: Research Findings
Research results have shown that intermittent fasting consisting of eating for five days and not eating for two days prevents steatohepatitis./Chosun Design Lab Lee Yeon-ju
A study has shown that intermittent fasting, which involves starving for two days a week and eating food for five days, not only prevents diseases such as liver inflammation and liver cancer, but also has a therapeutic effect.
Through animal experiments, the research team from the German Center for Cancer Research revealed that intermittent fasting can prevent and treat metabolic disorder-related steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver cancer. Due to the increase in the obese population in the world, the number of patients with fatty liver disease is also increasing, and the number of patients with liver failure and liver cancer has recently increased rapidly in some countries. The research results were published on the 7th in the international academic journal ‘Cell Metabolism’.
The research team divided experimental mice fed a typical Western diet of foods high in sugar and fat into two groups, and then continuously fed one group high-fat foods. Then, mice in that group gained weight and body fat and developed MASH disease. The other group did intermittent fasting, eating nothing for two days and eating as much food as they wanted for five days. As a result, the intermittent fasting group did not gain weight even though they ate high-fat foods, had fewer signs of liver disease, and had lower levels of liver damage. The research team tested various forms of intermittent fasting and found that fasting for two days a week was more effective than fasting for one day, and that fasting for 24 hours was more effective than fasting for 12 hours.
To study the effects of intermittent fasting, the research team compared the protein composition and genetic activity in the livers of experimental mice. In this way, it was discovered that mice in the intermittent fasting group had increased gluconeogenesis, which influences the breakdown of fatty acids and blood sugar control, and activated enzymes that suppress fat accumulation.
Additionally, the research team implemented intermittent fasting on mice that developed MASH by continuously eating high-fat foods. After practicing intermittent fasting for 4 months, eating for 5 days and not fasting for 2 days, treatment effects were observed, including a reduction in fatty liver and liver inflammation, as well as a reduction in the incidence of liver cancer. The research team said: “This shows that intermittent fasting has great potential not only in preventing MASH and liver cancer, but also in treating inflammation.”
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Hepatitis A from fruit, there is an alarm throughout Italy: which products are most at risk
Alarm in Italy: Risk of Hepatitis A from Fruit
Hepatitis A, an infectious viral disease affecting the liver, is causing alarm in Italy as several companies have been recalled due to the presence of the virus in their fruit products. The HAV virus, spread mainly through contaminated water or food, can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
The European Early Warning System (RASFF) recalled a batch of raspberries from Poland in 2017, highlighting the international scale of the problem. In 2013, a strain of the hepatitis A virus from Poland caused an epidemic in Italy, sending 1,300 people to the hospital.
Now, berries are back in the spotlight with companies like Versilfood recalling batches of mixed forest and frozen berries due to possible contamination with Norovirus GI, GII, and hepatitis A. The contamination of berries is often due to poor quality water used for irrigation and agricultural practices that do not meet hygiene standards.
The Ministry of Health recommends cooking berries for at least 2 minutes to eliminate any pathogens present and verifying the sources of supply for safe agricultural practices. It’s important for consumers to be cautious about what they purchase and to stay informed to avoid harmful products. Hepatitis A is a serious risk, but with prevention and awareness, it can be avoided.
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Hepatitis A from fruit, there is an alarm throughout Italy: which products are most at risk