Australian researchers have developed a new treatment for deadly childhood cancer using engineered immune cells. The research, published on Wednesday, was led by a team from the University of Queensland (UQ) that developed a new therapeutic strategy for paediatric sarcomas, Xinhua news agency reported. Sarcomas are cancers that develop in the bones and soft tissues, including muscles, fat, and blood vessels. In children, the tumours tend to grow aggressively and spread throughout the body, making treatment difficult. According to the new study, sarcomas account for 5-10 per cent of all childhood cancers but are responsible for more deaths than brain cancer, skin cancer, leukaemia, and lymphoma. The new treatment uses engineered immune cells -- also known as "killer cells" that have been modified to recognise and respond to disease -- to target and destroy sarcoma tumours. Wayne Nicholls, a co-author of the study from UQ's Ian Frazer Centre for Children's Immunotherapy Research, said that sarcoma is the biggest killer of people aged 10-30 and that there has been no improvement in survival rates for 40 years. "At the moment, there are really no novel therapies available for paediatric solid tumours. This is a significant step forward towards a novel therapy that could be used for patients," he said. Fernando Guimaraes, Associate Professor at UQ’s Frazer Institute said that the breakthrough has the potential to be lifesaving for many patients. “These cancers have a very limited number of interventions. We really haven’t had any new treatments in the past four decades,’’ Guimaraes said. The treatment could also have an impact on other hard-to-cure diseases such as triple-negative breast cancer, said the team. The research is published in Clinical and Translational Medicine. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2025 10:09 PM IST | Sydney | IANSA second-hand or passive exposure to cigarette smoke could change how children's genes express themselves, similar to that in active smokers, thereby making them more vulnerable to disease as adults, according to a study. The findings, published in the journal Environment International, highlighted why children's exposure to second-hand smoke needs to be reduced. "Our study shows that second-hand smoke during childhood leaves its mark at the molecular level and can alter the expression of genes that influence disease susceptibility in adulthood", first author Marta Cosin-Tomàs, a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), said. While genes in one's DNA act as an instruction manual for the body, environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, can affect 'gene expression', or how the manual is read. Gene expression is how information in a gene translates into observable behaviour. 'DNA methylation' is one of the main processes involved that can turn a gene 'on' or 'off'. In certain cases, DNA methylation can silence specific genes and contribute to disease development. Analysing blood samples of nearly 2,700 children aged 7-10 years from across eight European countries, including Spain and France, the team found an increased DNA methylation in 11 regions on the genome -- one's entire DNA -- among children exposed to passive smoking. Most of these regions have been previously linked to a direct or first-hand exposure to tobacco in active smokers or during pregnancy, the researchers said. Further, six of these 11 regions were found to be associated with diseases, such as asthma or cancer, the risk of which is known to increase with smoking. "The results suggest that second-hand smoke in childhood leads to epigenetic changes (changes in gene expression) similar to those observed with intrauterine exposure to tobacco or active smoking," senior author Mariona Bustamante, an ISGlobal researcher, said. "This underlines the urgency of implementing comprehensive measures to reduce childhood exposure to tobacco smoke, both at home and indoors," Bustamante said. The participants were recruited from the 'Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics' (PACE) Consortium. Also Read: Nearly everyone in the world breathes bad air; here's how you can lower health risks This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 February,2025 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIEveryone loves a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, too often our air is anything but fresh. While air quality varies dramatically from place to place and day to day, nearly the entire world – about 99% of the global population – is exposed to air at some point that doesn't meet the strict standards set by the World Health Organisation, the agency has reported. Polluted air, laden noxious gasses or tiny, invisible particles that burrow into human bodies, kills 7 million people prematurely every year, the UN health agency estimates. And for the millions living in some of the world's smoggiest cities – many of them in Asia like New Delhi; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bangkok and Jakarta, Indonesia – bad air might seem inescapable. But there are things that people can do, starting with understanding that the air isn't only polluted when it looks smoggy, said Tanushree Ganguly of the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago in India. “Blue skies can't guarantee you clean air,” she said.What are the most dangerous kinds of air pollutants and their sources?Air pollutants often come from people burning things: Fuels such as coal, natural gas, diesel and gasoline for electricity and transportation; crops or trees for agricultural purposes or as a result of wildfires. Fine, inhalable particles, known as particulate matter, are among the most dangerous. The tiniest of these – known as PM 2.5 because they are less than 2.5 microns in diameter – can get deep into human lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. Coarser particles, known as PM 10, are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining or the wind blowing eroded dust, according to the WHO. Other dangerous pollutants include gases like nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide, which are also produced from burning fuels, said Anumita Roychowdhury, an air pollution expert at the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi. The sources and intensity of air pollution varies in different cities and seasons. For instance, old motorbikes and industrial boilers are major contributors to bad air in Indonesian capital Jakarta while burning of agricultural waste is a major reason for air pollution spikes in cities in Thailand and India. Brick kilns that burn coal adds to pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital. And seasonal forest fires cause problems in Brazil and North America. What health problems can air pollution cause?Air pollution is the second-largest risk factor for early death globally, behind high blood pressure, according to a recent report by the Health Effects Institute. Short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in the elderly or people with medical problems. Long-term exposure can cause serious heart and lung problems that can lead to death, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung infections. A recent analysis by the UN children's agency found that more than 500 million children in East Asia and Pacific countries breathe unhealthy air and the pollution is linked to the deaths of 100 children under 5 every day. June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia, said the polluted air compromises growth, harms lungs and impacts their cognitive abilities. “Every breath matters, but for too many children every breath can bring harm,” she said. Also Read: Air pollution is harming your eyes! Here’s how you can protect them What's the best way to tell if air is safe? Over 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, and many weather mobile apps include air quality information. But trying to gauge how bad the air is by looking at these numbers can be confusing. To help people understand air quality levels more easily, many countries have adopted an air quality index or AQI – a numerical scale where larger numbers mean worse air. They are also often assigned different colours to show whether the air is clean or not. But different countries have different air quality standards. For instance, India's daily PM 2.5 limit is more than 1.5-times higher than Thailand's limit and 4-times higher than WHO standards. This means that countries calculate AQIs differently and the numbers aren't comparable with each other. This is also why sometimes AQI scores by private companies using stricter standards may be different from those calculated by national regulators.What are the best ways to protect yourself from air pollution?The goal, of course, is to limit exposure when air quality is bad, by staying inside or wearing a mask. Staying inside however, isn't always possible, especially for people who must live or work outside, noted Danny Djarum, an air quality researcher at World Resources Institute, an environmental advocacy group. “They can't really afford not going out,” he said. Pakaphol Asavakomolnant, an office worker in Bangkok, said that he wears a mask every day and avoids riding to work on a motorbike. “I get a sore throat when I come to work in the morning and I forget to wear a mask,” he said. People also need to be aware of indoor air pollution which can often be caused by common household activities like cooking or even burning an incense stick.What are the benefits – and limitations – of air purifiers?Air purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution, but they have their limitations. They work by pulling air from a room, pushing it through a filter that traps pollutants before circulating it back. But they're are most effective when used in small spaces and when people are nearby. Air purifiers can only clean a certain amount of air, said Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, who studies urban air quality at the National University of Singapore. “If we have a tiny air purifier in a large room it won't be effective,” he said. Air purifiers are also too expensive for people in many in developing countries. “The majority of people who are affected by air pollution can't really afford air purifiers,” said WRI's Djarum. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 February,2025 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | APA Mumbai hospital has successfully treated a 26-year-old foreign national suffering from super obesity, showcasing its expertise in advanced bariatric and metabolic care. The patient, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 86.44—over three times the normal range of 18 to 24—and weighing 232.5 kg, was battling life-threatening health conditions due to her excessive weight. The patient had been experiencing severe health complications, including back pain, obstructive sleep apnea causing disrupted sleep, irregular menstrual cycles, and breathlessness during minimal physical activity. Despite numerous weight loss attempts, her condition progressively worsened, heightening her risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. "This was an extraordinary and complex case. With a BMI of 86.44, the patient was categorised as super obese, making her vulnerable to severe health risks. Bariatric surgery was the only viable option to restore her health and significantly improve her quality of life," said Dr. Prashant Salvi, chief bariatric and metabolic surgeon at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. The patient underwent a gastric bypass procedure, a minimally invasive surgical intervention performed by Dr Prashant Salvi and his team at the hospital’s specialised Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit. The surgery, aimed at achieving sustainable weight loss and mitigating associated health risks, was a resounding success. "At her weight of 232.5 kg, lifestyle changes alone would have been inadequate. Following a comprehensive evaluation, we concluded that surgical intervention was essential for effective and lasting weight management," Dr. Salvi explained. Remarkably, the patient was able to walk comfortably just five hours post-surgery and was discharged on the third postoperative day. Upon her 10-day follow-up visit, she had already lost an impressive 16 kg, marking the beginning of her journey toward a healthier life. Jupiter Hospital’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit is renowned for its state-of-the-art techniques in managing obesity and its complications. This case underscores the significance of early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach to treating super obesity, paving the way for enhanced patient outcomes and quality of life.
11 February,2025 08:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentChronic constipation is not only discomforting but also has serious health consequences. Approximately, 20 per cent of people between the ages of 45-65 suffer from this chronic constipation and have the chance of suffering from complications like piles (hemorrhoids) and anal fissures. In severe cases, excessive straining due to constipation can cause blood clotting, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Addressing constipation is essential to enhance the quality of life. Chronic constipation means infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements lasting for weeks or longer. Symptoms are bloating, abdominal pain, straining during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. If left untreated, the excessive pressure can damage rectal tissues, causing hemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures which are small tears in the anal lining that lead to pain and bleeding. Dr Lakin Vira, general surgeon, Apollo Spectra, Mumbai said, " The causes of chronic constipation are lack of fiber in the food and exercise, eating processed foods, certain medications, conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome, Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, pregnancy, old age. Chronic constipation puts excessive strain on the rectal veins, leading to swollen and inflamed hemorrhoids. Persistent straining can also cause a frustrating condition called anal fissures, which are small but extremely painful tears in the anal lining. Approximately, 20% of people between the ages of 45-65 come with complaints of inability to empty their bowels. Daily, 2 in 10 people come with constipation and are at risk of piles and fissures because of straining. Patients are educated about the link between constipation and piles or fissures and are also advised to take stool softeners, if necessary.” Dr Hemant Patel, general & leproscopic surgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar said, "Currently, a large number of people are suffering from constipation. Around, 15% of people aged 45-65 visit with the inability to empty their bowels, bloating, and abdominal pain. Daily, 1-2 in 10 people come with constipation and may have chances of getting piles and fissures because of constant pressure while emptying bowels. Piles and anal fissures can lead to blood clot formation due to prolonged straining and pressure in rectal veins. Constant Straining while dedication can lead to heart attack and Stroke. Managing constipation will prevent complications like piles and fissures that steal one's peace of mind. A fiber-rich diet inclusive of berries, apples, chia seeds, carrots, and beets, regular physical activity, and adequate water intake will improve bowel function. Avoiding excessive straining and incorporating probiotics can also help maintain gut health. Timely treatment can prevent long-term damage and reduce the risk of complications like piles and fissures." Dr. Lakin added, “Treatment for these conditions includes increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and using stool softeners if necessary. In severe cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be required to manage these conditions. Preventing constipation by drinking enough water, eating fiber-rich food, and exercising daily is important for everyone. By making simple lifestyle changes and seeking medical guidance when necessary, individuals can prevent the painful consequences of chronic constipation and protect their long-term health.”
11 February,2025 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentScientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have uncovered a crucial regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii -- a highly drug-resistant superbug responsible for life-threatening infections. Their study, published in the journal mBio, reveals how the pathogen controls its attack and defense systems, paving the way for new treatment strategies. Acinetobacter baumannii poses a serious threat in healthcare settings as it resists multiple antibiotics. It causes severe hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. To attack competing microbes, the superbug uses the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) -- a bacterial "weapon". However, its mechanism for maintaining antibiotic resistance has remained unclear until now. The research team, led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania, discovered that A. baumannii switches T6SS on or off based on environmental conditions. They found that a small RNA molecule -- AbsR28 -- plays a key role in this regulation, influenced by manganese levels. When manganese levels are high, AbsR28 binds to an essential gene (tssM) required for T6SS function. This not only leads to its degradation but also prevents the activation of T6SS, said the researchers. Increased manganese levels also enable A. baumannii to retain plasmid pAB3, which carries multiple antibiotic-resistance genes. “We found that when A. baumannii activates T6SS, it becomes more vulnerable to antibiotics and oxidative stress. So, the bacteria must carefully regulate this system to survive in different conditions,” said Prof. Pathania. “Our discovery sheds light on how this pathogen adapts during infections, helping it evade both antibiotics and the immune system,” she added. The findings showed that targeting AbsR28 can help disrupt the superbug’s regulatory system. This makes it more susceptible to antibiotics without directly attacking resistance genes. The discovery also opens new avenues for precision medicine and novel drug development against multidrug-resistant infections. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 February,2025 03:49 PM IST | Roorkee | IANSAn antibiotic used to treat infective diarrhoea may be an effective drug for a type of inflammatory bowel disease, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Birmingham, UK, showed that an antibiotic called vancomycin may also be effective in treating people who have a specific type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which develops due to an incurable autoimmune liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Notably, four in five patients who participated in the study achieved remission after taking the drug as part of a clinical trial published in the Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. The study is significant, as several participants with this disease had not responded to other IBD treatments. Moreover, IBD and PSC are closely correlated, with most individuals who have PSC developing IBD, and up to 14 per cent of patients with IBD also developing PSC. Together, the condition raised the need for colon surgery and or developing colon or liver cancer, which would them need a liver transplant. It also raises the overall risk of death. "Our findings suggest that vancomycin could offer a new therapeutic option for patients with this challenging combination of IBD and autoimmune liver disease," said Dr. Mohammed Nabil Quraishi from the University of Birmingham. During the trial, participants were treated with oral antibiotics for four weeks. About 80 per cent of patients achieved clinical remission after the treatment. They also showed a significant decrease in inflammatory markers, and 100 per cent showed mucosal healing. However, when the treatment was stopped after 8 weeks, the symptoms returned. Vancomycin was also shown to induce changes in certain bile acids, which are now being further investigated to develop and refine treatments for IBD-associated PSC. Although the results are preliminary, they provide a strong foundation for further research, said the team. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 February,2025 03:09 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSPotassium supplements in salt can significantly reduce the risks of stroke recurrence as well as death, according to an international study. The study comes amidst the new recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) to take potassium-enriched salt to combat hypertension and related heart risks. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and recurrent events remain a major concern. High sodium intake and low potassium intake are considered key risk factors. “The study suggests that potassium salt substitute significantly reduced the risks of stroke recurrence and death, and is a novel and practical therapeutic option for patients with stroke,” said the researchers, including from China, Australia, and the UK. The randomised clinical trial involved 15,249 participants from China who had previously reported suffering from a stroke. The participants were assigned to use either a salt substitute, consisting of 75 per cent sodium chloride and 25 per cent potassium chloride by mass, or regular salt. The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology, showed that recurrent stroke was reduced by 14 per cent in the potassium substitute group compared with those in the regular salt group. A total of 2,735 recurrent stroke events occurred, with 691 fatal and 2,044 nonfatal episodes. Haemorrhagic stroke showed a 30 per cent relative reduction, and stroke-related deaths decreased by 21 per cent. The researchers also found no meaningful difference in hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) between groups. “Results of this cluster trial demonstrate that salt substitution was safe, along with reduced risks of stroke recurrence and death, which underscores large health gains from scaling up this low-cost intervention among patients with stroke,” the researchers said. The WHO, in its recent guideline, suggests using K-salt or potassium chloride instead of regular table salt, which is rich in sodium. The K-salt may help reduce the risk of hypertension, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and chronic kidney disease, by lowering blood pressure. It also lowers the risks of other conditions associated with high sodium intake, such as gastric cancer. As per the WHO, every year, 80 Lakh people die due to poor diet. Of these, 19 lakh deaths are attributable to high sodium intake. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 February,2025 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPatients with Long Covid and chronic fatigue tend to have swelling in an area of the brain associated with memory and concentration, according to a study published on Tuesday. Researchers from Griffith University in Australia used an ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to analyse how long Covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis -- also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) -- similarly impact brain structure, Xinhua news agency reported. The research involved 17 long Covid patients, 29 CFS patients, and 15 people with neither condition. The team identified significantly larger hippocampus volume in long Covid and CFS patients compared to healthy individuals. The hippocampus is a small but important part of the brain that helps with learning and converting short-term memories into long-term memories, as well as verbal and spatial memory. The research, published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, found that hippocampal volume was similar among long Covid and CFS patients and that hippocampal swelling was linked to symptom severity in both groups. Kiran Thapaliya, lead author of the new study, said that the findings show that hippocampal impairment in long Covid and CFS patients "may play a significant role in cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and delayed responses to questions or conversations." He said that the larger volume could be caused by neurogenesis -- the process by which new cells are formed in the brain -- or by a virus in the brain. Further, the study also found the size of the hippocampus was associated with symptom severity in both patient groups. People with high hippocampus volume had “impaired concentration, unrestorative sleep, pain, and fatigue," Thapaliya said. The researchers noted that the overlap between CFS and long Covid may pave the way for exploring potential treatments for both conditions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 February,2025 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77 per cent increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. Given the rising incidence of cancer cases globally, cancer prevention strategies and treatment advancements are essential to manage the disease burden. Just days after World Cancer Day (February 4), medical experts from around the world gathered for Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0 at Jio Convention Centre on February 8 and 9, to explore new advancements in cancer treatments, cutting-edge diagnostic tests, and breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer vaccination. The event, organised by Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, featured discussions centered on advancements in multidisciplinary treatments, precision medicine and patient-centred cancer care, boosting efforts in cancer prevention and screening, diagnosis and treatment through global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Actor and social activist Amruta Fadnavis inaugurated the event and also launched a prostate cancer screening program called “Bring Your Dad”. Amruta Fadnavis (second from left) was present at the event (Photo Courtesy: Ashish Raje) Nobel Laureate Dr James Allison was among the notable experts on the panel, which also featured names like Prof. Padmanee Sharma, Prof. Sangeeta Goswami, Prof. Anil Sood and Prof. Seth Lerner from The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, and Dr Kumar Prabhash, Head of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital. In addition to expert discussions, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt also shared his cancer journey and experiences at the event. Sanjay Dutt shared his cancer journey alongside his sister Priya Dutt and medical experts (Photo Courtesy: Nimesh Dave) Dr Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO, Reliance Healthcare Services and CEO, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, “Further to the WHO theme of ‘United by Unique,’ we hosted Illuminate to bring the unique expertise and knowledge of top oncology experts from across the globe to India. The discussions led to a very productive exchange of ideas with experts sharing enlightening insights on multidisciplinary treatments and precision oncology.” Dr Vijay V. Haribhakti, Chair of Oncosciences, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, added, "With cancer cases projected to rise significantly, it is imperative to strengthen our approach through knowledge exchange and collaboration. Illuminate 2.0 provided a space where leading experts could discuss breakthroughs in cancer treatment, such as strategic preventative approaches like tobacco avoidance, screening and surgical innovations. These conversations will play a key role in shaping the future of oncology care in India and beyond.” Dr Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical and Precision Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, and the Convener of Illuminate Oncology Townhall 2.0, highlighted the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, stating, "Through this Oncology Townhall, we wish to bring multidisciplinary cancer care to the forefront of discussion and present it as a mandatory requirement in planning the care for a cancer patient today. We also wish to appeal to the masses to own cancer screening efforts and help bring about a revolution in cancer prevention. The townhall was focused on discussions on newer diagnostics, novel therapeutics and the recent buzz about advanced immunotherapeutics, cancer vaccinations and cellular therapeutics with specialists from all across the world. It is also a celebration of the ever-powerful patient voice and the contribution of patient advocacy in moving the field forward." Also Read: ‘It was shocking’: How to manage being a family caregiver for a cancer patient
11 February,2025 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA new study reveals that while 71 per cent of Indians believe they get enough rest, nearly half struggle with stress as a major disruptor. From shared sleeping spaces and bedtime rituals to napping habits, the IKEA Sleep Uncovered uncovers the unique factors shaping sleep across the country. These insights are part of their largest global study, surveying over 55,000 people across 57 countries pulling back the covers on how the world sleeps. Gender disparity in stress and sleepWhile 71 per cent of Indians feel they get enough sleep, stress is holding many back. Almost half (48 per cent) say stress is the main reason they can't sleep well. Whether it’s from personal life or work, stress affects sleep for many. 30 per cent of Indians report general stress disrupting their sleep, while 18 per cent say work stress is to blame. Women (38 per cent) reported higher stress levels than men (23 per cent). This shows that stress is still impacting sleep, even when people think they're resting enough. According to the study, men also go to bed earlier (10 pm) than women (11 pm), although both genders wake around 6 am. While a good diet is a shared sleep enabler for both men and women (12 per cent), men are able to prioritise exercise slightly more (13 per cent) compared to women (11 per cent). Unique sleep personalities, like bed hoggers (14 per cent), bed companions (30 per cent), and minimalists (8 per cent), reveal diverse habits that define how Indians rest. Napping: A national passionIndians love napping, with 70 per cent of people enjoying daytime naps lasting around 30 minutes. Women lead the trend, with 78 per cent napping compared to 63 per cent of men. 65 per cent of Indians are Sleep Lovers, value rest over socialising and consider it one of life’s greatest joys. However, 48 per cent are Sleep Sceptics who see sleep as sometimes a waste of time, while 52 per cent are Sleep Worriers, anxious about getting at least seven hours of sleep. Shared spaces shape sleep qualitySleeping arrangements also play a role as 48 per cent of Indians rarely or never sleep alone. Among usual companions, 71 per cent share their beds with partners, while 28% sleep with their children, highlighting how family dynamics and shared sleeping spaces influence sleep patterns and overall well-being. No more counting sheep—good sleep starts with ritualsTo unlock the secret to better sleep, for Indians, it's all about setting the stage right. Bedtime rituals are a must. 32 per cent of people love winding down with music or podcasts, while 24% dive into a good book. Bedroom essentials are also a must: 23 per cent swear by special mattresses and pillows for that perfect snooze. But creating the perfect sleep haven doesn’t stop there – 16 per cent count on blackout curtains or blinds to keep things pitch dark. And the real game-changer? A tidy bedroom, 68% believe that an organised space is the key to better sleep. Screen time > sleep timeScreens are deeply ingrained in bedtime routines, despite fears over their impact on sleep quality 86 per cent people use their phones in the bedroom, soaring to 90 per cent among 18-24-year-olds. Susanne Pulverer, CEO & CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer), IKEA India said, "At IKEA, we believe that every good day begins with a restful night’s sleep. With 80 years of experience, we know that quality sleep isn’t just about the right mattress—it’s about the right environment. In India, where busy lifestyles, shared spaces, and daily stress can make unwinding a challenge, we design solutions that bring comfort and order to the home. From smart storage that clears the clutter to warm lighting that sets a calming mood, we help turn small changes into meaningful improvements. Because when homes support better sleep, it leads to a brighter, healthier and happier day ahead." Tips for a better nights of sleepThe report also offers practical tips to help everyone sleep better:• Stick to a routine: Have regular bedtimes and wake up times, even on weekends.• Max out on natural light: Get lots of daylight during the day to help regulate your body clock.• Build a sleep sanctuary: Create a clutter-free, cosy space with comfortable bedding and dim lighting.• Unwind your mind: Do breathing exercises or meditation to relax.• Have good habits: Enjoy rituals, like a hot bath, which can help signal to your brain it’s bedtime.• Don’t look at screens: Drift off with audiobooks or podcasts instead.• Mind your diet: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine or alcohol near bedtime.• Get physical during the day: Regular physical activity promotes better sleep.• Don’t force it: Let go of sleep pressure, focus on relaxation instead.• Look at the big picture: Aim for consistent, realistic rest rather than perfect nights.
10 February,2025 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT