Over a third of adults in the United States don’t get the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source With all that tossing and turning, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are popular options for improving sleep.
But more people appear to be turning to cannabis as an alternative sleep aid, according to a new 2023 study published in the journal Exploration of Medicine. Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia have regulations allowing the medical and/or recreational use of cannabis. Trusted Source National Conference of State Legislatures View Source Yet, not much is known about its benefits for sleep.
Researchers examined data from an extensive survey done by a Canadian medical marijuana data company on the use of cannabis among people who have problems sleeping. Participants included over 1,200 people who say they use cannabis to help them sleep. Most survey participants reported having sleep issues for over five years, including trouble falling asleep, feeling tired the next day, and waking up at night.
The researchers looked at the survey results to find out how cannabis affects participant’s sleep and how it makes them feel compared to prescription and OTC sleeping pills. They also looked at how the participants use cannabis and the type of cannabis they prefer to help them sleep. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that makes you feel high, and cannabidiol (CBD), which has a calming effect but doesn’t make you feel high.
Over 80% said that cannabis helps them sleep by relaxing their mind and body. More than half said it helps them sleep more deeply. Another 42% reported it allows them to sleep longer, and 36% reported it allowed them to sleep without waking. When asked about average sleep hours per night, 63% said they get 6-8 hours when only using cannabis, compared to 20% or less saying the same when using sleep medicines combined with cannabis, sleep medications alone, or no sleep aids.
The survey found that most people prefer to smoke or vape cannabis compared to using oils or edibles. About 79% said they use THC for sleep, more than other forms like CBD or cannabinol (CBN). The majority (82%) said they don’t take any sleep medications currently, though half had used them in the past. People are more likely to use cannabis in place of sleep medications instead of using both at the same time, the study authors noted.
Cannabis can have side effects, including anxiety and irritability. Still, participants feel more focused and relaxed the next morning compared to taking other sleep aids. Sleep medications can come with side effects such as dizziness, daytime drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
This study adds to the current knowledge about the effectiveness of cannabis as a sleep aid relative to sleep medicines. For example, a 2022 study showed 39% of people stopped their sleep medication after they started using cannabis. And 71% of them said their sleep improved. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source However, the study authors note that more research is needed, and their findings may help guide future, more objective and controlled studies.
Sleep experts have long known that consuming caffeine or alcohol on their own can harm sleep. Now, new research suggests that these effects may cancel each other out when caffeine and alcohol are both consumed on the same day. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
This is the first study to look at how caffeine and alcohol together impact sleep in the real world rather than in a lab. Researchers from the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors at the University of Washington in Seattle and the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California in Berkeley ran the study.
For 42 days, the study followed 17 finance traders in New York City, a group known for consuming large amounts of caffeine and alcohol. Each morning of the study, participants took an online survey with questions about their prior day’s caffeine and alcohol use and their previous night’s sleep.
Caffeine and alcohol consumed on the same day appeared to offset each substance’s expected negative impact on sleep. Lead researcher Frank Song called these results “intriguing,” as the researchers didn’t expect them.
Since caffeine consumption tends to shorten sleep and alcohol tends to result in poor sleep quality, the researchers expected that combining the two would make sleep worse than either on its own. Instead, they found that alcohol consumption may counteract the reduced sleep time usually caused by caffeine. And caffeine may help a person feel more awake after a night of reduced sleep quality caused by alcohol.
This isn’t to say that using caffeine to wake up in the morning and alcohol to fall asleep at night is a healthy choice. While it may help in the short term, the researchers refer to this practice as “self-medication” and caution against using it as a long-term strategy.
Self-medicating in this way may lead to a cycle in which a person needs more caffeine each morning in order to feel alert after poor sleep, then needs more alcohol each evening to balance the day’s caffeine. All the while, a person’s sleep deteriorates due to the effects of both substances, and this poor sleep can harm their overall health.
Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. manufactures the oral devices, called Complete Airway Repositioning and/or Expansion (CARE) appliances. They are dental appliances that look similar to retainers. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source Some appliances are worn only during sleep, while others are worn day and night.
With FDA clearance, the manufacturer can market CARE appliances in the U.S. The approval is significant because it may allow more people with sleep apnea who can’t use CPAP therapy or get surgery to receive treatment. Without treatment, a person with sleep apnea faces a higher risk of severe health problems.
Data the company submitted to the FDA on 73 people with severe OSA treated with CARE appliances show that about 80% experienced at least some improvement in sleep apnea symptoms. Another study by a team of researchers that included some members of the medical advisory board for Vivos Therapeutics, found that about 64% of participants had less severe OSA following treatment with a CARE appliance. About 26% recovered from OSA completely.
Although approved by the FDA, CARE appliances may only be appropriate for some with OSA. A dentist must evaluate patients and custom-fit CARE appliances to each individual’s teeth and mouth. And people should check with their insurance company about covering the costs.
An advantage of the CARE appliances is that, unlike CPAP therapy, they may not have to be used for a person’s lifetime. Instead, they are worn daily for at least six months and, at most, a year and a half. After that, the benefits should remain for many people without any further need for the devices.
Some people develop OSA because they have naturally narrow mouths and throats. Muscles in their upper airway relax while they’re asleep, narrowing or blocking their airway and causing repeated pauses in breathing during the night. Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) The NHLBI is the nation’s leader in the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. View Source CARE appliances used to treat OSA gradually expand the roof of a person’s mouth, called the palate, by pushing their teeth outward. Dentists must periodically adjust the appliances to keep expanding the palate. Some CARE appliances also move the lower jaw forward. Both of these changes help create space in the airway, making it less likely to become blocked during sleep.
Up to 83% of people with sleep apnea who are prescribed CPAP therapy do not use it as often as directed. Also, surgery can be expensive, risky, and potentially less effective than other treatments. For these reasons, CARE appliances may become an attractive treatment option.
Studies of CARE appliances suggest they are not likely to cause major side effects. In some instances, they might create space between teeth.
As more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. have obesity or are overweight, Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. View Source newly approved weight loss drugs are generating buzz across the healthcare landscape. The impact of these drugs may not be limited to weight loss. Some researchers think they may contribute to better sleep. Trusted Source Oxford Academic Journals (OUP) OUP publishes the highest quality journals and delivers this research to the widest possible audience. View Source
Drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro) have shown impressive results as treatments for obesity and diabetes. Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. View Source These drugs act on brain receptors for specific hormones and are known as GLP-1 or GIP receptor agonists. They contribute to weight loss by reducing appetite and helping control blood sugar levels.
Although existing research is limited, there’s hope that these drugs will also enhance sleep. One of the most promising ways is by decreasing the prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA involves repeated pauses in breathing at night that disturb sleep. Obesity makes having the condition much more likely. Trusted Source Oxford Academic Journals (OUP) OUP publishes the highest quality journals and delivers this research to the widest possible audience. View Source Weight loss can improve or eliminate OSA symptoms, but losing weight and keeping it off is challenging. For this reason, sleep specialists have rarely relied on weight loss as a treatment for OSA.
Because of their effectiveness, new weight loss drugs could change the equation. A small study found that a GLP-1 agonist decreased the severity of OSA symptoms. A larger clinical trial is ongoing to evaluate whether these drugs can be a practical treatment for sleep apnea.
Beyond OSA, GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists may affect sleep in other ways. Obesity changes how the body uses energy and has been linked to curtailed sleep. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source By improving metabolism, new weight loss drugs may reduce sleep problems. Though much more research is necessary, one study found reduced daytime drowsiness in people with diabetes who took a GLP-1 agonist.
There is also growing evidence that new weight loss medications may positively reshape brain activity that drives addiction. These drugs are thought to influence how dopamine, a chemical in the brain, influences reward-seeking behavior. Trusted Source Wiley Online Library Wiley Online Library is one of the largest and most authoritative collections of electronic journals published by Wiley, as well as a vast and growing collection of reference works and other books. View Source
For example, drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide may help people avoid or limit the use of alcohol and nicotine. These substances can interfere with sleep, Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) The NHLBI is the nation’s leader in the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. View Source so this may be another way that GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists can promote better sleep.
While optimism runs high, much remains unknown about how new weight loss drugs will affect sleep. But data is rapidly accumulating from research studies and from the rising number of people with prescriptions for semaglutide and tirzepatide.
These types of drugs have the potential to change the landscape around sleep and many other health conditions. Their full impact will be realized as various ongoing and future clinical trials provide evidence of their effectiveness.
A closer look at what snoring is as well as its causes, consequences, and treatments
Key Takeaways
The vibration of relaxed throat tissues during sleep causes snoring.
Pregnancy, weight gain, sedative medications, and congestion can contribute to snoring.
Snoring related to sleep apnea is often accompanied by other symptoms, like gasping for air and daytime fatigue.
Talk to your doctor about snoring solutions, including lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, and PAP therapy.
Snoring is a widespread issue, but its severity and health implications can vary. Snoring can be light, occasional, and unconcerning, or it may be the sign of a serious underlying sleep-related breathing disorder. More than a quarter of adults experience snoring on a regular basis.
Knowing the basics about snoring, including what causes it, when it is dangerous, and how to treat it, can facilitate better health and eliminate a common cause of sleep complaints.
Snoring is caused by the rattling and vibration of tissues Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source near the airway in the back of the throat. During sleep, the muscles loosen, narrowing the airway. As a person inhales and exhales, the moving air causes the tissue to flutter and make noise.
Some people are more prone to snoring because of the size and shape of the muscles and tissues in their neck. In other cases, excess relaxing of the tissue or narrowing of the airway can lead to snoring. Examples of risk factors Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source that contribute to a higher risk of snoring include:
What’s the Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder in which the airway gets blocked or collapses during sleep, causing repeated lapses in breath.
Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of OSA Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , but not all people who snore have OSA. OSA-related snoring tends to be loud and sound as if a person is choking, snorting, or gasping Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source .
OSA disturbs sleep and often disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. More mild snoring, often called primary snoring, occurs frequently but does not provoke these other effects.
Is Snoring Dangerous?
Whether snoring is dangerous depends on its type, severity, and frequency.
Light snoring: Light, infrequent snoring is normal and does not typically require medical testing or treatment. Its main impact is on a bed partner or roommate who may be bothered by the occasional noise.
Primary snoring: Primary snoring occurs more than three nights per week. Because of its frequency, it is more disruptive to bed partners. However, it is not usually seen as a health concern unless there are signs of sleep disruptions or sleep apnea, in which case diagnostic tests may be necessary.
Snoring related to obstructive sleep apnea: OSA-associated snoring is more worrisome from a health perspective. If OSA goes untreated, it can have major implications for a person’s sleep and overall health. Unchecked OSA is associated with dangerous daytime drowsiness, and serious health conditions including cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and depression.
When Should You See a Doctor About Snoring?
Many instances of snoring are benign, but it is important to talk with a doctor if there are signs of potential sleep apnea:
If you have noticed any of these signs, it is important to address the issue with a doctor who can determine if additional testing or treatment is necessary.
How Do I Know if I’m Snoring When I Sleep Alone?
Unless someone else tells them, most people who snore are not aware of it. This may be part of why sleep apnea is underdiagnosed Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source .
If you sleep alone, it may be helpful to set up a recording device. It could be a simple tape recorder or one of many smartphone apps, but the apps have the advantage of analyzing sound patterns for you to detect likely episodes of snoring. It is best to record for multiple nights since snoring may not occur every night. That being said, apps do not aid in the diagnosis of OSA.
It is also important to look for other signs related to disrupted sleep such as noticeable daytime sleepiness, fatigue, problems with attention or thinking, or unexplained mood changes.
What Treatments Can Help Stop Snoring?
Treatment depends on the nature of the snoring and the types of problems it causes.
For people with infrequent or primary snoring, treatment may not be necessary unless it is disturbing the person’s sleep or the sleep of someone they live with. In those cases, treatments tend to be simpler and less invasive. People with sleep apnea usually need more involved treatment.
Types of treatments include lifestyle changes, anti-snoring mouthpieces, mouth exercises, positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, and surgery. A person’s physician is in the best position to describe pros and cons of any treatment in their specific case.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help stop snoring, and in some cases, other treatments may not be necessary. Even when other treatments are prescribed, lifestyle changes are often still recommended.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese are risk factors for snoring and sleep apnea, so keeping a healthy weight can be an important step against snoring.
Limiting use of alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol is a frequent promoter of snoring, and sedative medications can trigger snoring as well.
Adjusting your sleep position: Sleeping on your back makes it easier for your airway to become obstructed. It may take time to get used to a different sleep position, but it can be a helpful change.
Raising the head of your bed: Elevating the top part of your bed with risers, a wedge pillow, or an adjustable frame may help reduce snoring.
Reducing nasal congestion: Taking steps to eliminate allergies or other sources of nasal congestion can combat snoring. Breathing strips that go over the nose may help open your nasal passages during the night, as well as internal nasal expanders.
Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces
An anti-snoring mouthpiece helps hold your tongue or jaw in a stable position to prevent airway blockages while you sleep. There are two main types of anti-snoring mouthpieces.
Mandibular advancement devices: These work by holding the lower jaw forward. Many are adjustable so that you can find a more comfortable and effective fit.
Tongue retaining devices: These mouthpieces help hold the tongue in place so that it does not slide back toward your throat.
CPAP is still considered the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. However, while some people can use a CPAP machine comfortably, others find the device bothersome, especially if the machine is loud or if the mask fits poorly. Custom-fitted oral appliances are often a suitable alternative for OSA patients who cannot tolerate CPAP Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Mandibular advancement devices, specifically, have been shown to be effective in treating snoring and mild to moderate OSA. It is important to consult a doctor to develop the best treatment plan.
Anti-snoring mouth exercises have shown most effectiveness in people with mild snoring and usually must be completed daily over a period of two or three months.
Positive Airway Pressure Devices
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea in adults. They pump pressurized air through a hose and a mask and into the airway, preventing it from being obstructed. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP or BPAP) machines are similar but have different pressure levels for inhaling and exhaling. Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines respond to breathing patterns and vary the pressure as needed.
CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines are often effective in treating sleep apnea and associated snoring. You need a prescription to get these devices, and they must be calibrated to suit your breathing. For that reason, it is important to work with a sleep technician to get started with a PAP device.
Wearing a PAP mask may be uncomfortable at first, but most people get used to it and find that using the device noticeably reduces snoring and improves sleep.
Surgery
In adults, surgery is rarely the first-line treatment for snoring or sleep apnea, but it may be an option if other approaches are not effective.
One type of surgery, called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, widens the airway by adjusting or removing nearby tissue. Surgery can also address nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or other blockages of the nasal passages.
Other types of less-invasive surgeries have been developed, but to date there is limited evidence from clinical trials regarding their benefits and downsides.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of CPAP therapy, resulting from mouth breathing, decreased saliva production, and mask leaks.
Address dry mouth with heated tubing, a humidifier, chin straps, and mask adjustments.
Talk to your doctor about adjusting your CPAP pressure settings if dry mouth continues.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) helps many people breathe better while they sleep, but using a CPAP machine can take some getting used to. Among other challenges, CPAP users often wake up with a dry mouth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Fortunately, there are some adjustments that can make CPAP more comfortable to use.
CPAP is one of the main treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, a common and serious sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea causes a sleeping person’s airway to close during sleep, leading to repeated breathing problems throughout the night. A CPAP machine prevents these closures by continuously pumping air Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source into the airway.
Although it has benefits, CPAP can also cause dry mouth and other side effects, especially on first use. Preventing dry mouth can make using CPAP a better experience and can encourage people to continue this important therapy.
How CPAP Machines Can Cause Dry Mouth
CPAP users may experience dry mouth for several reasons.
Mouth breathing: Some people using CPAP may exhale through the mouth Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source rather than the nose. Exhaling through the mouth during sleep can dry it out.
Poorly fitting mask: A CPAP mask that is too loose or too tight can contribute to dry mouth, as well as reduce the treatment’s effectiveness Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
Decreased flow of saliva: Research suggests that the high pressure in the mouth created by CPAP can block the flow of saliva Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , which normally keeps the mouth moist.
Other Causes of Dry Mouth
Using a CPAP machine is not the only cause of dry mouth while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea itself, even when a person is not using CPAP, can increase the risk of dry mouth. Several other factors may also contribute Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source to this symptom.
Medications: Dry mouth is a common side effect of antihistamines, decongestants, and many other medications. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source may also cause dry mouth.
Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when there is not enough fluid Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source in the body. It may be caused by not taking in enough fluid or by losing fluid through diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive urination or sweating.
Advanced age: The sense of thirst can diminish as people age, which may lead them to drink less and become dehydrated.
Salivary gland problems: Salivary glands produce the saliva that moistens the mouth Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source . The salivary glands’ normal function can be disrupted by infections, cancer treatment, and diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
Additional possible causes: Diabetes, anxiety, HIV infection Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , and the use of tobacco, marijuana Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source , and methamphetamine can all contribute to mouth dryness.
How to Stop CPAP Dry Mouth
CPAP users can take a number of steps to alleviate dry mouth. The best solution depends on the main cause of the problem.
Keep the CPAP Airflow Moist
One step that may reduce dry mouth is moistening the airflow through the CPAP by using a humidifier. Humidification can also help if the nose gets dried out Trusted Source Medscape Reference Medscape is on online destination for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering expert perspectives, drug and disease information, and professional education. View Source , which often accompanies dry mouth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
Different methods may be used for humidification. The choice of method can depend on personal preference and the type of CPAP machine.
Inline heat moisture exchange humidifiers: These devices warm the air circulating from the CPAP machine and add moisture to it.
Built-in humidifiers: Many CPAP machines include built-in humidifiers Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source with adjustable temperature settings.
Cold passover humidifiers: This style of humidifier moistens air as it passes over room temperature water without heating it.
Heated tubing: Some CPAP machines use heated tubing to increase the moisture level and temperature of the pumped air, which may help with dry mouth.
Room humidifiers: If dry air in the environment is contributing to dry mouth, a standalone humidifier can help moisten the air in the bedroom and provide relief.
Keep the Mouth Closed
A frequent cause of dry mouth for CPAP users is mouth breathing, in which the mouth is open during sleep. Keeping the mouth closed with a chin strap or adhesive strips can reduce mouth breathing and relieve dry mouth.
Chin strap: Chin straps encircle the head and gently cradle the chin to keep it closed. Research shows that chin straps increase people’s willingness to continue using CPAP Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
Adhesive strips: CPAP users may also use disposable adhesive strips applied over the mouth to encourage sleeping with the mouth closed.
Relieve Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can lead to mouth breathing, especially in children with obstructive sleep apnea. Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source Relieving nasal congestion with saltwater nasal sprays or medication may help control mouth breathing.
Find the Best CPAP Mask
A CPAP mask that fits poorly or seals improperly can cause air leaks Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and dry mouth. Selecting a face mask is part of the initial set-up when people begin using CPAP. But it is common for people to switch to another mask if problems arise once they start using CPAP at home. A doctor or sleep specialist can provide guidance on the most appropriate options.
Many styles and sizes of CPAP masks are available, and some can address specific concerns. For example, a mask that covers both the nose and mouth may improve mouth dryness, particularly if chin straps are not effective.
Prevent skin irritation: Ensuring that the mask is clean can help prevent skin problems. Skin creams or pads may also prevent skin irritation.
Eliminate noise: If the noise of the CPAP machine is bothersome, try putting it under the bed so it doesn’t sound as loud.
Take advantage of innovations: As CPAP technology improves, new devices and approaches to making CPAP more comfortable Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source may become available. If you have a problem with your CPAP, mention it to your health care provider. There may be a new product that can benefit you.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About CPAP Dry Mouth
If side effects like dry mouth are preventing you from using your CPAP as directed, you may be missing out on the many health benefits regular CPAP use can deliver. If mouth dryness is a problem, tell your doctor. Mention any other side effects you are experiencing and anything you have tried to alleviate them. Your health care team can help you troubleshoot side effects and keep you motivated to use it.
Taxane exposure during pregnancy appears to be safe for mothers and offspring, according to a new retrospective cohort analysis. The findings shed light on a relatively unstudied topic. “Our cohort with 103 patients represents the most extensive study to date, and our main goal was to have homogeneous reporting of adverse events,” Ana Ferrigno Guajardo, MD, said in an interview. She presented the results at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
“Breast cancer during pregnancy is a very challenging clinical situation as the expected antineoplastic effects of treatment must be carefully balanced against potential detrimental consequences on the developing fetus,” said Dr. Guajardo. She is a resident physician at Yale University School of Medicine.
Anthracycline-based chemotherapy agents are generally used during pregnancy because there is more safety data available for them, but some studies have shown that taxanes may have better efficacy in some clinical situations. “Cohort studies that have been done in the past [show] that taxane use is mostly deferred to the postpartum period, and we are not really sure of the impact that can have on survival in patients postponing treatment,” said Dr. Guajardo.
There are potential safety concerns with taxanes because neonates lack the cytochrome enzymes to metabolize the drugs, which creates a theoretical risk of adverse effects due to prolonged activity. On the other hand, pregnant women metabolize taxanes faster, and there are placental barriers that can inhibit high molecular weight molecules like taxanes from reaching the fetus, according to Dr. Guajardo.
In addition to pregnancy outcomes, the researchers followed 28 infants, and found that 87% were found to be completely healthy, “so we were relatively reassured. But of course we think that there’s a need for prospective studies that validate our findings regarding the safety taxanes,” said Dr. Guajardo.
Although there is no direct comparison group, the findings correlate well with studies of the general population and other chemotherapy agents. “We have large cohorts with mostly anthracycline-based chemotherapy agents during pregnancy that we can compare our results to, and overall, we were reassured that the prevalence of complications that we found in our cohort was very similar or even lower to those reported in the literature with patients treated with anthracycline-based therapy,” said Dr. Guajardo.
Compared with the general population, the team found higher rates of preterm births, neonatal ICU admissions, and premature membrane rupture, and infants that are small for gestational age. However, with the exception of the latter, all of these risks have been seen in pregnant women treated with other types of chemotherapy. “Perhaps it would be interesting to see if the incidence of small for gestational age neonates might be a bit higher in this population when compared to anthracycline-based therapy agents, but that does require a study that has a comparator group,” said Dr. Guajardo.
The researchers recruited 103 women with an average age of 34 years from 10 centers in 6 countries: United States, France, Spain, Mexico, Italy, and Costa Rica. The great majority were also treated with anthracyclines during gestation, and nearly all (97%) were treated with paclitaxel. The live birth rate was 98%, and 43.4% were preterm, 24% were small for gestational age, 16% were admitted to the neonate ICU, and 12.5% had hyperbilirubinemia.
After the presentation, Virginia Borges, MD, professor of medical oncology at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, served as a discussant.
“Highlights of this study [include] that it is an international cohort from over six countries with over 100 cases of women included specifically focusing on the use of paclitaxel. They demonstrated safe outcomes for the pregnancies and the mothers,” Dr. Borges said during her presentation.
She went on to highlight several key points that physicians should consider when treating pregnancy-related breast cancer. “We want to achieve prepartum treatment wherever feasible to tackle that cancer before delivery of the child to prevent a pregnancy-related breast cancer from potentially turning into a postpartum breast cancer,” she said.
“If the tumor is ER+/HER2-, we now see we can safely give anthracyclines and taxanes from 12 to about 35 weeks of gestation. We don’t want to get too close to the delivery with chemotherapy. If a patient is HER2+, I prefer to give the anthracycline portion while the person is pregnant and then after delivery incorporate the taxane with the HER2 targeted therapies as there’s some older data showing concurrent therapy looks a bit better than sequential. In triple negative breast cancer, again I prefer to give the anthracycline and delay the taxane and carboplatin to overlap with immunotherapy so we are getting the necessary synergy there as well,” Dr. Borges added.
Fresh pieces of aloe vera. The peels of this plant can be used as a natural pesticide against harmful insects, research suggests. Copyright: Marco Verch, (CC BY 2.0).
Speed read
Aloe peels have bioactive compounds that can ward off bugs
Findings may offer new use for peels that are usually discarded as waste
Could be catalyst for organic farming and traditional medicine
[NEW DELHI] The discarded peels of aloe vera can be used as a natural pesticide, helping farmers protect staple food crops from harmful insects, research suggests.
Globally, between 20 and 40 per cent of crop yields are lost to pests, which has a direct impact on food security and nutrition, according to CABI (the parent organisation of SciDev.Net).
Aloe vera is a stemless, cactus-like plant that is widely cultivated in Australia, China, India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, Tanzania and the US. Its gel-like substance is used to heal wounds, sunburns, and skin diseases, and to prevent baldness.
However, aloe vera peels or rinds are considered worthless and usually disposed of as agricultural waste.
“By repurposing the leftover aloe peels that are currently discarded, aloe production can be made more sustainable and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Debasish Bandyopadhyay, chemistry professor, University of Texas RGV
“It’s likely that millions of tonnes of aloe peels are disposed of globally every year,” says Debasish Bandyopadhyay, an assistant professor in chemistry at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, US, and principal investigator on a study to find ways to add value to aloe while reducing waste.
At a meeting of the American Chemical Society this month (17 August), Bandyopadhyay and his colleagues showed how aloe vera peels can act as a natural insecticide, staving off insects from crops such as maize or millet.
“We proved that [aloe] vera rinds’ derived extracts act as a feeding deterrent and eventually kill agricultural pests,” Bandyopadhyay tells SciDev.Net.
He explains that insects do not like aloe vera peels as it contains phytochemicals (chemicals produced by plants) that are toxic for them.
“Insects may be harmed or killed by natural substances contained in aloe peels,” he adds.
“Exposure to these compounds can cause discomfort, illness or even disruptions in an insect’s ability to travel, eat and reproduce.”
The researchers became interested in the potential use of aloe peels as insecticide after visiting a site where they noticed that insects left aloe leaves alone while attacking the leaves of other plants. They hypothesised that aloe peels have specific defence chemicals.
To investigate, they collected and dried out the peels and then produced extracts from the peels with substances such as dichloromethane (DCM), hexane and methanol.
Univera’s aloe farm in Tampico, Mexico. Researchers have become interested in the potential use of aloe peels in insecticide production. Photo by UNIVERA (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Their experiments showed that the DCM extract of aloe peels had substantial insect-killing properties against farm pests, as did six other compounds from the peels.
Significantly, the compounds did not show toxic properties, suggesting that aloe-peel-based insecticide wouldn’t have significant safety concerns for people.
“By repurposing the leftover aloe peels that are currently discarded, aloe production can be made more sustainable and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Bandyopadhyay tells SciDev.Net, citing Zero Hunger as an example.
Economic potential
Chiranjib Chakraborty, a professor at the School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University in Kolkata, India, believes the findings have huge economic potential and could help promote organic farming and traditional plant medicines.
“The world is now looking at organic farming,” he tells SciDev.Net.
He believes the research findings could support a shift to a more sustainable farming and replacement of chemical-based practice in millions of farms devoted to rice, wheat, maize and millet.
According to a 2021 review published in the journal Molecules, indiscriminate and prolonged use of synthetic pesticides leads to human health issues, water, air and soil contamination, and pest resistance.
Plant-derived pesticides, which are cheap and eco-friendly, are an important alternative to synthetic pesticides, protecting the environment and human health and enhancing crop production.
Chakraborty believes the study opens up avenues for research on other traditional medicinal plants to find scientific evidence of the purported beneficial properties.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and in urology specifically has increased over the past few years, during which time it has enabled optimization of patient workflow, increased diagnostic accuracy and enhanced computer analysis of radiological and pathological images. However, before further use of AI is undertaken, possible ethical issues need to be evaluated to improve understanding of this technology and to protect patients and providers. Possible ethical issues that require consideration when applying AI in clinical practice include patient safety, cybersecurity, transparency and interpretability of the data, inclusivity and equity, fostering responsibility and accountability, and the preservation of providers’ decision-making and autonomy. Ethical principles for the application of AI to health care and in urology are proposed to guide urologists, patients and regulators to improve use of AI technologies and guide policy-making.
You’d be forgiven for missing Denzel Washington’s return to the big screen in 2023, as the third and supposedly final installment of the Equalizer franchise hit theaters amid a historic Hollywood shutdown. Save for the myriad posters of Washington smoldering in shadow as Robert McCall, The Equalizer 3 didn’t have much in the way of promotion. With both the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America on strike, Washington was unable to promote the film.
For what it’s worth, it probably didn’t need it, as Washington is a performer who comes with a built-in fanbase. Few are holding out for an appearance on Hot Ones or a BuzzFeed puppy interview before they buy their ticket (not that we would say no to either). Denzel-heads need only hear of a new starring vehicle, and they’ll turn up in modest droves. This is especially true for the Equalizer saga, the latest of which became the highest-grossing of the trilogy despite a dearth of promotion.
The Equalizer 3 now continues its hot streak on Netflix, the streaming platform that’s given so many blistering B-movies a much-needed second life. Washington reteamed with director Antoine Fuqua (this film marks their fifth collaboration) for this installment, and they took McCall’s virtuous vigilantism abroad.
The eponymous avenger finds himself somewhere along the Amalfi coast after a near-fatal run-in with some Sicilian mafiosos. He’s taken in by a kindly doctor (Remo Girone) in a tucked-away village where McCall nurses his wounds, observes its idyllic life, orders daily at the local café, and gets to know the locals.
From the beginning, it’s clear McCall is having something of a Mamma Mia! moment. He bonds with merchants and flirts with the cafe’s owner (Gaia Scodellaro). He even finds a way to coach a junior CIA agent (Dakota Fanning) through her first case, all without getting his hands dirty. For the first time in a long time, McCall might have finally found some peace. But his vacation is, of course, short-lived.
It doesn’t take very long for McCall to realize that this town, like so many others, is under the control of a vicious mafia cell. The Equalizer 3 wastes no time establishing this new threat, and its hero is just as eager to shed some more blood so his new friends can live without fear.
The Equalizer 3 reunites Washington, Antoine Fuqua, and Dakota Fanning.Sony Pictures
As with so many films of this ilk, the stakes aren’t necessarily high. We all know McCall is going to defeat these villains in spectacularly brutal fashion. We know his adversaries will try to put up a fight by threatening those closest to McCall. And while the fights often feel like live-action homages to Mortal Kombat, it’s much more exciting to watch McCall open up to the idea of a new family.
Despite the inherent brutality of its premise, the Equalizer films have always been deceptively kind-hearted. McCall only does what he does to right injustice and make life easier for the downtrodden. Equalizer 3 leans hard on sentimentality, introducing a handful of endearing Italians that anyone would raise hell to protect. It goes a long way in justifying the pain McCall inflicts, but it also leaves us wondering whether McCall can actually leave this life behind and choose peace for himself when the dust finally settles.
For all his inherent tenderness, McCall has always drifted in and out of people’s lives. Equalizer 3 introduces genuine connections, friction, and tension unlike any of its predecessors. The dynamics presented here still aren’t all that sophisticated, but they help make this final installment feel like a fitting end to McCall’s story. Sure, you’ve seen movies like this before, and you might not even remember this one after the credits roll. But Washington and Fuqua’s partnerships will always be entertaining and, like a good European vacation, they never overstay their welcome.
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