Sleep Disorders, Stress / 27.03.2025

Relationship Between Sleep and Stress Stress can negatively affect your sleep and contribute to feelings of anxiety. By understanding how sleep and stress are connected, you can take steps to manage your stress and improve your overall health. This article gives you some tips to get there. When stress keeps you on high alert, it can hinder your ability to fall asleep, leading to fragmented and unrefreshing rest. Recognizing this relationship provides an opportunity to break the cycle. By addressing stress effectively, you can enhance the quality of your sleep and promote a more restful and restorative night.

Understanding the Stress-Sleep Link

Constant stress can disturb the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and prevent sleep or sleep initiation. An underlying physiological response to stress, for example, increased heart rate and alertness, may prevent deep sleep necessary for recovery. It may eventually lead to chronic sleep deprivation and increased stress. The racing thoughts and anxiety associated with stress can keep the mind active and prevent relaxation. Stress can also create physical symptoms like muscle tension and headaches that interrupt sleep. By identifying these sleep disturbances caused by stress, people can begin to manage stress and improve their sleep. This may involve lifestyle changes, relaxation and a sleep-friendly environment. The connection between stress and sleep goes both ways. If you don't get good sleep, it can ramp up your stress levels, creating a tough cycle to escape. A night of tossing and turning, for instance, can leave you feeling cranky and unready to tackle the day, which only adds to your stress. Both sides of this relationship, stress reduction and sleep improvement, can help you get back in balance. Smaller, consistent efforts like learning relaxation techniques or changing your sleeping environment can add up over time. With proactive steps, you can break this cycle towards better sleep and lower stress. (more…)
Occupational Health, Stress / 17.03.2025

Stress and burnout often build up without warning. The pressures of daily life gradually wear down both mental and physical health. Ignoring the early signs can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and even long-term health problems.  What can be done to prevent this spiral? Small changes like improving sleep, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care may help, but are they enough?  Some people focus on creating a healthier routine with exercise, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques. Others explore alternative approaches like seeking guidance from a holistic medicine practitioner.  This article discusses effective ways to manage stress and take control of your well-being. (more…)
Health Care Workers, Nursing, Stress / 12.03.2025

stress-management-healthcare.jpg   The nursing profession, renowned for its demanding nature, requires healthcare professionals to perform consistently at high levels of considerable stress. Nurses and other healthcare workers encounter numerous psychological and physical challenges daily, ranging from long shifts to emotionally charged patient interactions. Developing simple yet effective habits can significantly impact nurses' ability to manage stress, maintain optimal health, and deliver exceptional patient care.

The Importance of Healthier Habits in Nursing

Healthcare environments frequently test the resilience and mental stamina of nurses. According to recent research from the American Nurses Association, nearly 70% of nurses report experiencing chronic workplace stress, contributing to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and compromised patient care quality. Addressing this widespread issue through proactive health management habits is essential for sustaining both personal well-being and professional performance. (more…)
Stress / 11.03.2025

Stress is a normal part of life, but too much of it can impact overall health. The body responds to stress by releasing hormones that help in tough situations. Short bursts of stress can sometimes be helpful, keeping people alert and focused. However, when stress sticks around for too long, it can start to take a toll on both the body and mind. How Stress Affects the Body and Mind The body reacts to stress by triggering a “fight-or-flight” response. This natural reaction releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which increase heart rate and sharpen focus. While this response is useful in high-pressure situations, it can be harmful when activated too often. Long-term stress can lead to physical discomfort, including muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues. Sleep problems are also common, as stress can make it difficult to relax before bed. Emotionally, stress may cause mood swings, frustration, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Some people find it hard to focus on daily tasks, while others struggle with motivation. When stress continues without relief, it can start to affect relationships and productivity. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent stress from becoming too overwhelming. Seeking healthy ways to manage stress can make daily life more manageable and improve overall well-being. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 10.02.2025

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally drained and wondered how to regain balance? Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Whether you're dealing with daily stressors, managing anxiety, or recovering from addiction, taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. In California and beyond, many people are seeking ways to support their mental wellness, especially with the growing awareness around mental health issues. Mental health challenges can range from mild stress to more severe conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, or addiction. Fortunately, there are various ways to support your mental health, whether through lifestyle changes, professional help, or simple daily practices. In this blog, we will share practical strategies to help you on your mental health and wellness journey.

Prioritize Regular Physical Activity

Physical activity is not only great for your body; it’s great for your mind, too. Exercise releases endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in your brain, which can improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. You don’t need to run marathons to see benefits. Simple activities like walking, dancing, or even stretching can have a positive impact. Consistency is key. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could be as simple as a morning jog, a yoga session, or an after-dinner walk. Regular movement can help clear your mind, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem, all of which support better mental health. (more…)
Depression, Stress / 07.02.2025

Have you ever been in a situation where one comment, one memory, or one unexpected event sent your emotions into overdrive? Maybe it was a family argument that brought up old wounds or a stressful work situation that left you feeling overwhelmed. Emotional triggers are those moments that make our hearts race, our patience vanish, and our reactions feel bigger than the situation itself. In today’s fast-paced world, stress is everywhere. The news cycle is relentless, social media keeps us on edge, and personal challenges pile up faster than we can process them. It’s no surprise that emotional triggers are more common than ever. Some people react by shutting down, others lash out, and many feel trapped in a cycle of frustration, sadness, or anxiety. Learning how to handle these moments is essential for mental well-being, relationships, and overall peace of mind. While we can’t control every stressful situation, we can control how we respond to them. In this blog, we will share practical strategies for managing emotional triggers, helping you stay calm and in control even when life gets overwhelming. (more…)
addiction-treatment, Mental Health Research / 19.12.2024

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. emotional-trauma.jpg Let’s face it—life is unpredictable, and the likelihood of encountering problems that can be traumatizing are never zero. Although emotional trauma is commonly associated with mental health, symptoms can occur beyond the brain too. Whether it be surviving a car crash or experiencing abuse, the human body will tend to display an array of physical symptoms as a response to emotional trauma developed from highly stressful events. With 70% of American adults experiencing a traumatic event during their lifetime, exploring the physical responses that signify emotional trauma is an important conversation to have.  

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a long term emotional response to severely stressful events that can physically, emotionally and mentally overwhelm the affected person. Trauma can significantly affect our daily lives through our sense of self, safety, and ability to manage our emotions and relationships. In fact, traumatic events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Statistics highlight that about five out of every 100 adults in the United States have PTSD in any given year. Women are also more likely to develop PTSD than men. This is partly due to the kinds of traumatic events that women are more likely to encounter, such as sexual assault.  (more…)
Mental Health Research / 13.12.2024

This post discusses mental health.
  • If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.govor call 800-662-HELP (4357).
  • S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.
  • The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
  Why are more people experiencing anxiety? Stressful lifestyles and uncertain times often contribute to rising mental health challenges. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to provide relief and support. Let us explore why anxiety is a growing concern and how treatment can help.

Understanding the Rise in Anxiety

Many individuals struggle with anxiety due to various factors. Increased anxiety from work, family responsibilities, and economic pressures often play a role. Anxiety treatment Lakewood professionals has observed that societal changes also contribute to heightened mental health issues. Social isolation, digital pressures, and health concerns increase emotional challenges. With proper care, professionals can address these root causes, offering effective support. Awareness of these issues is the first step toward improvement.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting daily life, and recognizing them is essential for seeking help in significant ways. Physical symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, and muscle tension are common. Emotional signs include excessive worry, irritability, and feelings of dread. Anxiety can cause concentration issues, disrupted sleep, and behavioral changes, such as avoiding certain situations. These symptoms impact relationships, work, and overall well-being. Recognizing these signs encourages individuals to seek help, and early intervention leads to better outcomes. Understanding treatment options is crucial for managing and alleviating anxiety effectively. (more…)
Nursing, Stress / 04.12.2024

Burnout and stress have become alarmingly common in the nursing profession. The demanding nature of healthcare, long hours, the emotional toll of caring for patients, and constant pressure to give their best often leave nurses physically and emotionally drained. These challenges can impact job performance, personal well-being, and even patient care. Therefore, recognizing the signs of burnout early and adopting proactive strategies is essential not just for maintaining job satisfaction but also for sustaining a fulfilling career. This article explores seven effective ways for nurses to prevent burnout and stress while preserving their passion for the profession.
  1. Self-care Should be a Top Priority
As a nurse, you spend your days caring for others, but do you care for yourself? Self-care is a fundamental yet often neglected aspect of a nurse's routine. Without it, physical and mental exhaustion can creep in, eventually leading to burnout. Prioritizing self-care doesn’t have to mean drastic lifestyle changes—it’s about creating small, sustainable habits that support your overall well-being. Start with the basics: eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and committing to regular exercise. Even a short walk or a quick stretching routine can refresh your mind and body. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your day can also make a big difference. Practices like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation help manage stress and center your thoughts. Remember, self-care is anything but selfish. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others. (more…)
Mental Health Research, Stress / 02.12.2024

If you’re running late for a vital meeting, or stuck in traffic, your hypothalamus, a small control system in your brain, triggers the stress hormones to release. These hormones are akin to those that initiate your body’s “fight or fight” response. Consequently, your heart starts pounding, your breath rate increases, and your muscles are ready for action. Such a response was catered to safeguard your body in an emergency by letting you react instantly. But the moment stress response keeps increasing, it could endanger your health. Stress symptoms might impact your health, even though you may understand it. You might blame sickness for that frustrating headache, your sleeping issues, your feeling sick, or your lack of focus at the workplace. But stress is what negatively affects your body and your overall health! Causes of Stress Anything can cause you stress based on the condition and your coping capability. Below are some of the everyday stressors:
  • Money and finances - Exorbitant bills, bill collectors, credit card debt, checking your account balance, identity theft, and deception can all boost stress. Money is essential for most individuals; others struggle to make ends meet while others are under or unemployed.Tensions  may swirl around how to pay bills, buy groceries. Surviving with stress is highly challenging.
  • Family and relationships - Children, separation, the liability of caring for a family, and loneliness can inspire stress. For those going through a loved one’s demise or ailment or playing the role of caregiver for an elderly family member, stress plays a vital role in health and wellness.
(more…)
Mental Health Research / 23.11.2024

  vacationing-somewhere-new.png Do you sometimes feel like life is caught in some loop? Every day blends into the next and never seems to end. Most of us find ourselves stuck in this cycle of routine, responsibility, and deadlines, taking hardly any time to explore something different from our normal scenery.    What if breaking up and holidaying in a completely new place was the secret to easing stress, summoning joy, and rejuvenating mental well-being? Travel to a new destination is more than a physical getaway; it is an opportunity to recharge the mind and reset perspective, with fresh inspiration.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Often, traveling to a new place reduces the levels of stress and anxiety. Studies show that changing environments help in creating relaxation in the brain by keeping away from the usual run-of-the-mill stressors.    Entry into a new space usually “distracts” one from day-to-day pressures, allowing the mind and body to fully embrace the present moment. This refreshing shift is often sparked by the best eSim for international travel, which keeps you connected seamlessly and allows you to explore with ease. The chilling newness of views, experiences, and surroundings keeps the mind alert while offering an opportunity to unplug from repetitive patterns and chronic stressors. In such a state, cortisol levels typically decrease, leading to a more relaxed and balanced feeling overall. (more…)
Insomnia / 13.11.2024

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). As with any supplement, it’s important to research and consult with a professional to find the right fit for you.   your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. Managing stress and getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a real challenge. Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or just life’s endless to-do list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And when stress piles up, sleep tends to suffer, creating a frustrating cycle that’s hard to break. "The good news is there are simple, natural ways, like using gummies for sleep, to help take back control and help your body and mind unwind.". Why Natural Remedies? While over-the-counter solutions or prescriptions can be helpful, they often come with side effects or the risk of dependency. Natural remedies focus on supporting your body’s ability to relax and reset, rather than masking symptoms. Plus, they’re easy to incorporate into your life and can be a great first step before exploring other options. (more…)
Complementary Medicine, Mental Health Research, Psychological Science, Stress / 05.11.2024

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.govor call 800-662-HELP (4357). The relationship between mental and physical health has been a topic of increasing interest, highlighting how closely our minds and bodies interact. This connection, often referred to as the "mind-body connection," underscores the significant impact that mental well-being can have on physical health. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can cause a range of physical symptoms, from fatigue and headaches to digestive issues and chronic illnesses. As people continue to learn more about this link, there is growing evidence that caring for mental health can lead to improved physical wellness and vice versa. A fascinating aspect of this connection is how mental health struggles can trigger the body's stress response, leading to heightened levels of cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone." While this response can be helpful in short bursts—preparing us for challenges—it can lead to harmful effects if sustained over long periods. Understanding and prioritizing mental health care, therefore, is crucial in promoting overall wellness and helping individuals manage both physical and emotional challenges. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Stress / 14.10.2024

Addiction recovery is a challenging journey that often comes with its own set of stressors. Managing stress effectively is crucial for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. Stress can trigger cravings and lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, potentially derailing the progress made in recovery. However, by implementing proven stress management techniques, individuals in recovery can build resilience and develop healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. This article presents seven practical tips to help those in addiction recovery effectively manage stress, promoting long-term success in their sobriety journey. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can create a strong foundation for lasting recovery and improved overall well-being. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation In managing stress during addiction recovery, the practice of mindfulness and meditation is considered beneficial. Mindfulness encourages staying present in the moment, which can reduce stress by limiting focus on past substance use or concerns about the future. Engaging in meditation for as little as 20 minutes per day has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress and anxiety. These practices enhance self-awareness, aiding individuals in recognizing and regulating their emotions, an important aspect of addiction recovery. Regular mindfulness practice can also decrease the intensity of cravings, offering healthier coping mechanisms. Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines may improve overall well-being and build resilience against stressors that could lead to relapse. An example of a drug rehab that incorporates mindfulness and meditation techniques into their treatment programs is New Chapter Faith Recovery, which provides addiction treatment in New Jersey. They recognize that these practices enhance self-awareness, aiding individuals in recognizing and regulating their emotions, which is crucial in addiction recovery. (more…)
Stress / 04.09.2024

Stress and burnout in the workplace can take a heavy toll on employees.  Chronic job stress can lead to exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced productivity. Many workers struggle with heavy workloads, long hours, and poor work-life balance. Companies like Adventure Games are helping to address this by offering team-building activities that reduce stress and promote a healthier work environment.   workplace-team-building   Team building activities can play a key role in reducing workplace stress and preventing burnout. When done right, team building helps foster connections between coworkers, improves communication, and creates a more positive work environment. This can boost moral e and engagement while giving employees much-needed social support. Effective team building goes beyond just fun activities. It should focus on building trust, promoting collaboration, and helping employees develop stress management skills they can use daily. When organizations invest in meaningful team building, it shows they value their employees' well-being. This can lead to a less stressful workplace culture overall.

Key Takeaways

 
  • Chronic job stress often leads to employee burnout and reduced productivity
  • Team building activities can foster connections and create a more positive work environment
  • Effective team building should focus on trust, collaboration, and stress management skills
(more…)
Circulation Issues, Nursing, Stress / 01.09.2024

Vein health is a crucial aspect of wellness that often gets overlooked. As nurses, understanding the intricate relationship between stress and vein health is vital, not just for your well-being but also for the patients you care for. Let's debunk some common myths surrounding stress and vein health to ensure you have the accurate information needed to educate and support your patients. Getting to Know Vein Health Vein health might not be the first thing on your mind when you think about wellness, but it's more important than you might realize. Our veins play a crucial role in keeping our blood circulating and ensuring our bodies function properly. Let's dive into what vein health really means and why it's so vital. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Mental Health Research / 11.07.2024

The mental health of an individual relates to emotional, psychological, and social well-being and it has to do with how well the person can manage stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Because mental health is a dynamic state, many variables can cause it to alter over time. The connection between physical activity and mental wellness is becoming more and more prominent in society as it is difficult to keep a healthy balance between physical activity and mental health in the busy world. This blog delves into the complex connection between mental health and physical fitness, emphasising the significance of a healthy balance between both. It also explores the value of the Mental Health Course in comprehending and resolving Mental Health Issues in the framework of a comprehensive strategy.  Table Of Contents 
  • The Mind-Body Connection 
  • Stress Reduction and Cortisol Regulation 
  • Improved Sleep Patterns 
  • Enhanced Cognitive Function and Memory 
  • Social Interaction and Community Engagement 
  • The Role of Mental Health Courses 
  • Creating a Holistic Wellness Plan 
  • Individualized Approaches to Mental Wellness 
  • Conclusion 
(more…)
Health Care Workers, Mental Health Research / 10.06.2024

Social work demands emotional resilience and dedication, since it often involves dealing with complex and challenging situations, ranging from supporting individuals in crisis to navigating the intricacies of social systems and policies. This constant exposure to stress can take a toll on a social worker. Therefore, this guide covers various practical strategies for stress management to help social workers continue to perform their vital roles while safeguarding their well-being.

Stress in Social Work and Its Impact

how-to-handle-stress pic Engin_AkyurtStress in the workplace is the body's response to the demands and pressures encountered in professional situations. It can manifest as acute stress, which is short-term and often related to specific events, or chronic stress, which persists over a long period due to ongoing challenges.  Common sources of stress for social workers may include high caseloads, administrative burdens, exposure to traumatic situations, and the emotional demands of supporting clients. Signs of stress can vary. You may have physical indicators like fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension. On the other hand, you may also have emotional and psychological signs like anxiety, irritability, and feelings of helplessness. (more…)
Mental Health Research, Social Issues / 26.12.2023

In the fast-paced, interconnected world we now live in, the prevalence of burnout has become a concerning reality for many. The term was first coined in the 1970s to describe the chronic workplace stress that led to physical and emotional exhaustion. Since then, if you are feeling run down and exhausted you may well be yet another victim of modern-day fatigue. Here is a look at the nuances of burnout and some key factors contributing to this pervasive problem. Burnout goes beyond the workplace While burnout traditionally has its roots in a professional workplace setting, modern-day pressures means that the phenomenon now extends beyond the confines of the workplace. Burnout now encompasses a holistic exhaustion that permeates various aspects of life. These include personal relationships, social interactions, and even leisure activities. We have even reached a point where The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as a syndrome in the International Classification of Diseases, emphasizing its impact on overall well-being. (more…)
Author Interviews, Environmental Risks, JAMA, McGill, Mental Health Research / 06.11.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Niki Hosseini-Kamkar PhD Postdoc, McGill University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our primary question was: Do adults with a history of childhood trauma have altered brain responses to psychological challenges? Previous evidence indicated that this can occur in laboratory animals, but it has been unclear whether it occurs in humans. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Microbiome, Nature, OBGYNE, UCLA / 25.07.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Bridget Callaghan Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology UCLA Dr. Callahan studies interactions between mental and physical health across development.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: A growing body of evidence links the gut microbiome to brain and immune functioning, and changes to that community of microorganisms is likely among the ways that hardship affects children’s socioemotional development. Limited evidence in humans has demonstrated the adversities experienced prenatally and during early life influence the composition of the gut microbiome, but no studies had examined whether stress experienced in a mother's own childhood could influence the microbiome of the next generation of children. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Stroke / 06.12.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Professor Andrew Smyth MB, BCh, BAO, MMedSc, MRCPI, PhD Professor of Clinical Epidemiology NUI Galway Director of the HRB-Clinical Research Facility Galway Consultant Nephrologist at Galway University Hospitals MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We know that there are multiple medium to long-term risk factors for stroke, as people with conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes mellitus (high blood glucose levels) and those with risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, poor diet quality and others) are at increased risk of stroke. However, we still find it difficult to predict who will have a stroke. We were interested in exploring if short-term exposures to anger or emotional upset or a period of heavy physical exertion might lead to, or ‘trigger’ a stroke. We looked at this previously for myocardial infarction (heart attack) in a study called INTERHEART. Some smaller studies have looked at this before, with less people experiencing a stroke and often confined to one country or geographical region. Here, in INTERSTROKE, we included over 13,000 people who had a stroke and asked about the one hour period before the onset of the stroke and also about the same period on the day before.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Neurological Disorders, Neurology, Pain Research / 11.05.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Holly Yancy, DO Headache medicine specialist Banner – University Medicine Neuroscience Institute Phoenix, AZ Dr. Yancy comments on the recent Neurology journal article on the potential impact of yoga on migraine.  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How might yoga reduce migraine intensity or frequency?  Response: The authors of this trial have studied the benefits of yoga when added to medical management of episodic migraine. They expand on prior, smaller reports of the potential benefit of yoga and mindfulness to migraine patients with a well-designed study that shows yoga, as an adjunct to preventive medication, can lower the intensity, frequency and impact of migraines. Participants even used less abortive medication. The authors propose multiple potential mechanisms of action, including an increase in parasympathetic / decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, decreased muscle tension, and stress management. (more…)
Author Interviews, Emory, Heart Disease / 13.09.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD Wilton Looney Professor and Chair in Cardiovascular Research Dept. of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health Professor, Dept. of Medicine, School of Medicine Emory University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Psychological stress has been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms have not been clear. One hypothesis has been that chronic or repeated exposure to psychological stress can cause a phenomenon of “wear-and-tear” of the vascular system due to activation of the neuroendocrine stress systems, eventually leading to accelerated plaque formation and adverse cardiovascular events. However, this has never been demonstrated in humans. In some individuals, psychological stress can induce a transitory impairment of the endothelium, a phenomenon known as endothelial dysfunction. A healthy endothelium is essential in blood flow regulation and in maintaining cardiovascular health. (more…)
Author Interviews / 20.08.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: William R. Lovallo, Ph.D. Reseacher, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We have been interested for some time in why some people are at high risk for alcoholism.  Most work in the field of addictions is focused on persons who are already impacted by their exposure to alcohol or drugs.  We wanted to know what they were like before that phase of their  lives.  So, in 1999 we began the Family Health Patterns Project to study healthy young adults 18-30 years of age with and without family histories of alcoholism but who were not alcoholics themselves.  A family history is the best known, and perhaps strongest, risk factor for future drinking problems. We asked ourselves are the two family-history groups different?  And if so, how are they different?  There was at that time little literature to build on so we decided to look at as many things as we could.  We began recruiting volunteers for our family-history positive and negative groups and evaluating them with a standard psychiatric interview, personality tests, measures of depressive mood and neuroticism, and measuring physiological reactivity to stress.  In doing so we also began collecting DNA and studying basic genetic variants to see if any of those might be revealing. (more…)
Author Interviews, Environmental Risks / 26.07.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Patricia Pendry Ph.D. Associate Professor of Human Development Graduate Faculty in Prevention Science Washington State University CAHNRS Pullman, WA 99164  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Over the last decade, university students have reported increasingly high levels of academic stress, depressive symptomology, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This is a serious problem as students who report these symptoms tend to have lower GPAs and are more likely to drop out of college. Since academic stress is considered an inevitable part of college life, it is important that we identify effective academic stress management programs. One stress management approach that has been enthusiastically received by University administrators and students is the use of campus-based Animal Visitation Programs (AVPs). Established in nearly 1,000 U.S. college campuses to date, most AVPs provide the general student population the opportunity to engage in 5-30 minutes of petting of animals in small-group settings. While students much enjoy these types of programs, relatively little sound scientific evidence is known about the efficacy of such programs to actually reduce stress. We thus embarked on a study that experimentally teased out the effects of hands-on interaction from the effects of waiting in line while watching others engage in hands-on interactions, sitting quietly without social media or other stimuli, or watching pictures of the same animals on students’ level of salivary cortisol, a stress hormone that has been linked to various physical and mental health outcomes. (more…)