Articles By Health Topic
Read the latest blog posts from lifestyle medicine experts at Stanford University covering health topics across our 7 pillars.
5 Simple Changes to Your Bedroom for Better Sleep
By Sharon Brock, MS, MEd If getting consistent sleep seems elusive, you’re not alone. Roughly 60 million Americans experience insomnia each year, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, before making an appointment with a sleep clinic, trying sleeping pills, or undergoing sleep therapy, the first step is to ensure your bedroom environment is conducive to falling—and staying—asleep. “The bedroom should be like a cave—dark, cool, and quiet,” says Cheri D. Mah, MD, MS, a sleep physician and co-head of...
How to Beat Jet Lag and Get Better Sleep While Traveling
By Sharon Brock, MS, MEd Before we go on a big trip, we plan itineraries, book sightseeing tours, and search for the best restaurants. However, we don’t always plan how to achieve quality sleep, which is crucial for getting the most out of our vacation. When it comes to sleep and travel, there are so many factors to consider: How many time zones are we crossing? Are we traveling eastward or westward? How long will we be in the new...
Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
By Sharon Brock, MS, MEd Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the airway becomes momentarily blocked by the tongue or soft tissue at the back of the throat, causing pauses in breathing (called apnea), as well as snoring, gasping, and multiple brief awakenings throughout the night. Estimates show that nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. struggle with OSA, although the vast majority don’t recognize snoring as a sign of illness and therefore don’t seek treatment....
Jumping into the Ice Bath Trend! Mental Health Benefits of Cold Water Immersion
By Maya Shetty, BS Key Takeaways Research shows that cold water immersion (CWI) may improve mental health by increasing endorphin and norepinephrine levels. CWI may also improve resilience to stress by decreasing cortisol levels. CWI can be adapted to meet different wellness goals, whether for immediate relief or long-term mental health benefits. For individuals seeking a quick boost in mood, daily cold water face immersions and occasional full-body plunges might be beneficial. For those aiming for long-lasting benefits such as...
Supplements for Elite Athletic Recovery
By Caitlin Aguirre, Adrian Vallejo, Matthew Kaufman, MD This blog is part of our Supplements newsletter. If you like this content, sign up to receive our monthly newsletter! Key Takeaways: It is recommended to consult with a medical professional before taking the supplements listed in this blog. Branched Chain Amino Acids stand out as a well-supported supplement for athletic recovery, aiding in faster physical recovery, decreased fatigue perception, and maintenance of lean mass. Recommended dosages range from 10 - 30 grams...