HEALTH NOTES

Good sleep is a weighty issue

WEIGHTY WAY TO SLEEP BETTER

SLEEPING with a weighted blanket can reduce insomnia, leading to better quality sleep. In a randomised study, Swedish researchers gave 120 adults with insomnia a weighted blanket to sleep under. After four weeks, nearly 60% had reduced insomnia.

Some participants chose to continue with the study for 12 months, and the positive impact of the blanket continued. “A suggested explanation is that the blanket’s pressure stimulates a sensation of touch similar to acupressure and massage,” said Dr Mats Alder, a psychiatrist at the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm.

SOOTHE WINTER SKIN

AS the weather becomes colder, our skin can become dry and itchy.

“Many factors can contribute to dry skin such as long hot showers, ageing and the change of seasons,” says Dr Rita Rakus, a cosmetic doctor (drritarakus. co.uk).

“Skin will become dry due to temperatures dropping and humidity levels falling. Being outdoors in the cold makes it difficult for skin to retain the essential moisture it needs.”

Apply moisturiser straight after washing your face – look for creams with hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture.

“If you have dry, flaky skin, a night time facial oil can help,” she adds.

BEING SOCIABLE MAY PROTECT AGAINST DEMENTIA IN ELDERLY

SOCIALISING could help stave off dementia in older people, according to new research.

In the study, participants were asked about their social lives and had a brain scan. Those who were more sociable had healthier brain tissue in areas linked to dementia. “Our data was collected before the pandemic, but I believe our findings are particularly important since social isolation of all older adults may place them at risk for conditions such as dementia,” said lead author Cynthia Felix, of Pitt Public Health.