Yoga poses for better sleep (Credit: Canva)
Sleep deprivation occurs when a person is not able to get enough sleep. The amount of sleep needed to feel refreshed and function well depends on the individual and varies across the ages. A common perception is tiring yourself out with a workout at the gym can make you feel exhausted and put you to sleep quicker. However, there is empirical evidence to show that yoga helps you improve your sleep quality. A study conducted in 2004 showed that regular yoga practice improved sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and how quickly participants fell asleep, among other improvements for those living with insomnia.
1. Forward Fold
This gentle inversion eases tension and prepares your body for relaxation.
How To Do It
- Stand with feet hip-width apart.
- Inhale, raise your arms overhead and exhale as you bend forward.
- Grasp opposite elbows, letting your arms hang. Hold for 10–15 deep breaths.
2. Supine Twist
A reclining twist relieves back pain and tension while calming your nervous system.
How To Do It
- Lie on your back, draw knees to your chest, and extend arms to shoulder height.
- Let knees drop to one side, keeping shoulders grounded. Hold for 5 breaths, then switch sides.
3. Puppy Pose
A variation of Child’s Pose, stretches the back and shoulders, relieving stress.
How To Do It
- Start on all fours with hips over knees and shoulders over wrists.
- Walk your hands forward, keeping elbows off the mat, and drop your forehead down.
- Hold for 5–10 breaths, maintaining a gentle curve in your lower back.
Child's Pose
This calming pose relaxes the back and hips.
How To Do It
- From all fours, bring big toes together, widen your knees, and sit back on your heels.
- Lay your torso between your thighs and stretch your arms forward or rest them alongside your torso.
- Hold for 10 breaths.
Legs-Up-the-Wall
This passive inversion soothes your mind and body.
How To Do It:
- Sit beside a wall, lie back, and swing your legs up against it.
- Adjust hips for comfort, rest arms at your sides, and breathe deeply.
Yoga has been practised in India since ancient times—to boost mental and physical health. It is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness to promote mental and physical well-being. Incorporating it into your daily routine can give you a major health boost.
Sleep deprivation is very common. 35% of adults in the US report sleeping less than 7 hours during a typical 24-hour day. In India, it is even more common. A recent survey found that 61% of Indians experience restless nights, and 43% get less than 6–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Credit: AI generated image
Amid continuing heatwave conditions in northern India, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can trigger serious and potentially fatal medical emergencies, particularly among elderly individuals and cardiac patients, according to an expert.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe temperatures across several states.
"Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions likely to continue to prevail over northwest & central India during the week and over East India during the next 5 days," the IMD said, in its latest update on May 20.
It added that severe heat conditions will persist for at least the next 72 hours across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Temperatures in several cities are expected to touch 47°C to 48°C, with Banda currently emerging as the hottest place in the country.
Dr. Vaibhav Mishra, Senior Director & Head, CTVS, Max Super Speciality Hospital, told HealthandMe that heat-related illnesses are not limited to discomfort or dehydration alone, and can rapidly worsen if early warning signs are ignored.
Also read: LDL Normal? THIS Hidden Type Of Cholesterol Does More Harm Silently
There are two major heat-related illnesses that people must understand so that timely precautions can be taken — heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Heat exhaustion is a milder and more common condition and typically occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in the outdoors," Dr. Vaibhav said.
Excessive sweating leads to significant loss of water and salts from the body, resulting in:
"However, if heat exposure continues and the body’s cooling mechanisms begin to fail, the condition can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. In heat stroke, body temperature often rises above 104°F," Dr Vaibhav told HealthandMe.
What may initially appear as confusion, disorientation, or irrelevant talking can rapidly worsen into:
Read More: Bundibugyo Ebola Cases Rise To 600 As Scientists Investigate Spillover Event
Dr Vaibhav said that to cool the body during extreme heat, the heart has to work harder and beat faster so that more blood can be directed towards the skin for heat dissipation.
"This places additional stress on an already weakened heart. Many cardiac patients are also on medications such as diuretics, which increase fluid loss and dehydration. Certain blood pressure medicines may blunt the body’s normal response to heat and delay warning symptoms," the expert told HealthandMe.
Dehydration further thickens the blood and, combined with increased cardiac workload, can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dangerous rhythm disturbances.
Dr. Vaibhav stressed the critical need for early recognition of symptoms, especially in vulnerable individuals such as elderly people and cardiac patients, who are much more susceptible to heat-related complications.
Simple preventive measures can save lives. These include
Credit: Reuters
Vanessa Trump, , the former wife of Donald Trump Jr., has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and recently underwent a medical procedure as she begins treatment and recovery.
In a post on social media platform Instagram, Vanessa informed of recently undergoing a medical procedure as she begins treatment and recovery. However, she did not disclose additional details about the stage of the cancer or specifics of her treatment plan.
"I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer," Vanessa wrote in the post. "While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan."
She also revealed that doctors performed "a procedure earlier this week" and thanked her family, children and medical team for supporting her through the diagnosis and recovery process.
"I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids, and those closest to me," she added.
The announcement also drew support from members of the Trump family and supporters online, including a public response from Ivanka Trump, who commented: "Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama."
The post was also liked by Tiffany Trump and rapidly gained engagement as readers reacted to Vanessa’s news.
Vanessa thanked her supporters “for their kindness” and also requested for privacy in her road to recovery.
"Thank you for your kindness and support it truly means more than I can express," she wrote. "I kindly ask for privacy as I focus on my health and recovery."
Vanessa was married to Donald Trump Jr. from 2005 until their divorce was finalized in 2018. They share five children together. In 2025, she began a highly publicized relationship with professional golfer Tiger Woods.
Also read: Breast Cancer To Reach Over 3.5 Mn By 2050, Deaths To Surge 44% Predicts Lancet Study
Breast Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often beginning in the milk ducts or lobules. It remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology projected that global breast cancer cases could rise to more than 3.5 million annually by 2050.
Major Lifestyle Risk Factors
In 2023, 28 percent of the global breast cancer burden (6.8 million years of healthy life lost to disability, illness, and early death) was linked to six potentially modifiable risk factors. These include:
Read More:Olivia Munn Opens Up About Detecting No-Symptom Breast Cancer With Lifetime Risk Assessment Test
Regular checkups are the cornerstone of early breast cancer detection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early identification of breast abnormalities greatly increases the chances of effective treatment and survival. Women who ignore screenings may face delayed diagnosis, which can complicate treatment.
A common myth is that painful IVF injections are administered multiple times a day. (Photo credit: AI generated)
Many couples who consult a fertility specialist are advised to undergo Assisted Reproductive Techniques, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, there are many myths linked to IVF regarding pain and injections. According to the experts, the procedure is more manageable and less painful than commonly believed. This article helps debunk myths surrounding IVF injections.
Dr. Sneha Sathe, Clinical Director & Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Chembur, Mumbai and Dr. Anuranjita Pallavi, Consultant- Fertility & IVF Specialist, Motherhood Fertility & IVF , Kharghar, Navi Mumbai collectively listed some of the most common myths associated with the stigma surrounding IVF – whether it is painful, complicated, or even worth the financial investment.
Currently, many are opting for IVF, a process where eggs are collected from a woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The embryo is then transferred into the uterus for conception. Couples may consider IVF for several reasons, such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, hormonal issues, age-related fertility decline, or unexplained infertility. For many, IVF becomes a go-to option, offering hope and a chance to start a family. However, despite its growing success, IVF is still surrounded by fear, especially when it comes to injections and pain. Social media, hearsay, and lack of awareness often make the process seem more difficult and can prevent couples from exploring it.
The IVF journey is different for each woman. IVF does involve medical procedures, but it is not as painful or overwhelming as people believe. One of the biggest concerns around IVF is the use of injections. These injections are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. While the idea of daily injections can be intimidating, most are administered using very fine needles and are relatively painless. Patients may feel slight discomfort, similar to a small prick, but it is usually manageable and short-lived.
Understanding the facts and debunking common myths can help reduce anxiety and build confidence in couples.
Couples often hesitate to opt for IVF due to the fear of injections and the assumption that the process will be extremely painful or emotionally exhausting. However, with advancements in fertility care today, IVF has become far more patient-friendly, safe, and comfortable than most people imagine. One of the biggest myths is that IVF injections are administered painfully multiple times throughout the day. In reality, most injections are scheduled and simple to administer, and many couples are even taught how to take them comfortably at home.
Another important aspect people often overlook is that IVF treatment today is highly personalised.
While some women may experience temporary bloating, mild cramps, mood changes, or fatigue due to hormonal medications, these symptoms are usually manageable and closely monitored by the facility team. Most women can continue their daily routine during treatment without any major challenges. Equally important are support, counselling, and clear communication with the fertility team, which help reduce anxiety and build confidence. It is necessary to understand that IVF is a step-by-step guided process designed to give couples hope and a better chance at parenthood. Hence, make sure to consult an expert, clear all doubts, and initiate IVF treatment as soon as possible to achieve the dream of pregnancy.
© 2024 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited