How many nights have you spent lying in the dark, your mind churning over problems on the job, squabbles with coworkers, or critical career decisions? If the answer is more than a handful, you're part of a growing number of Americans who are having work-related stress steal their sleep, with potentially severe consequences for their health and productivity.

A new American Journal of Industrial Medicine report finally reveals that job-related stress is significantly responsible for sleep disturbances. According to senior researcher and UCLA professor of work and health Dr. Jian Li, this is an illustration of how desperate the situation is and how there is an imperative need for workplace interventions to support sleep health.

More than 1,700 US midlife workers were followed for up to nine years on average in this study. For sleep disturbances, researchers assessed symptoms of insomnia that included difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, waking too early, and feeling unrested during the day.

The findings are striking: every method used to measure job strain showed a clear and significant link to higher rates of sleep disturbances. Dr. Li emphasizes that redesigning workloads and promoting worker autonomy are key strategies that could improve sleep health and overall well-being among employees.

About 1 in 7 adults in the U.S. report difficulty falling asleep, and 1 in 6 experience difficulty staying asleep," the scientists pointed out. These numbers characterize the more extensive public health challenge of insufficient sleep.

Why Does Stress Disrupt Sleep?

Stress interferes with sleep by extending the time required to fall asleep and causing constant awakenings throughout the night. According to the experts, most of this has to do with the overactive mind.

When people are stressed, their minds are usually running on responsibilities such as work, family, or money. For students and young adults, the source of stress usually revolves around exams or deadlines. These racing thoughts continue even when the body is trying to sleep, which creates a problem in sleep patterns.

Stress also activates the body's stress response system, leading to increased cortisol. This hormone heightens alertness but also causes further fragmentation of sleep, which creates a vicious cycle.

How Chronic Sleep Deprivation Affects the Human Body

Sleep deprivation is not just a nuisance; it has serious health consequences. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to the following:

- Impaired learning and memory

- Reduced metabolism

- Endocrine dysfunction

- Increased risk of accidents due to impairment during the day, especially when driving or operating machinery.

This would further point to the importance of dealing with root causes, of which workplace stress is one.

Also Read: Waking At 3 AM Every Night? It's Not A Ghost—It’s Your Body’s Warning Signal

Simple and Effective Tips for Better Sleep

Poor sleep is physically demanding. In fact, evidence indicates that small habits and environment modifications can be impactful if workplace stress impacts sleep. These are the suggestions of experts and researchers as part of evidence-based strategies:

1. Improve sleep hygiene

Good sleep hygiene is foundational to restful sleep. This includes:

- Avoiding caffeine in the evening.

- Reducing screen time before bed. Blue light from electronic devices disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Use blue-light filter apps or settings if screen use is unavoidable.

- Creating a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment.

2. Adopt Relaxation Techniques

Wind down after a busy day with calming activities such as yoga, warm baths, or guided meditation. Apps offering breathing exercises can also help quiet a racing mind. 3. Keep a Consistent Schedule

Consistency is key to regulating your internal clock. Aim to sleep and wake at the same time every day, including weekends.

4. Use Stimulus Control Therapy

If you wake up and find yourself lying awake, then try writing down your thoughts before bed. This will help declutter your mind and make it easier to relax.

5. Manage Responsibilities Strategically

Consider offloading some daytime tasks by using delivery services or delegating responsibilities. Carving out sufficient time for rest is essential for maintaining balance.

Should You Seek Professional Help for This?

While lifestyle adjustments can be effective, chronic sleep issues may require professional intervention. Insomnia can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions such as sleep apnea, mood disorders, or chronic pain. If your sleep problems lead to significant daytime impairment, consult a healthcare provider.

Experts advise against the use of over-the-counter products such as melatonin, as they may not treat the underlying cause of sleep disorders. A sleep specialist can offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.

The study's authors point out that employers have a place in alleviating work-induced sleep disruptions. Other policies and programs devoted to reducing the job strain, like flexible schedules, workload management, and employee wellness initiatives, can also bring in huge benefits to both employees and the organization.

Workplace stress and sleep disturbances are closely linked, but they do not have to rule your nights-or your life. Healthier habits, support, and changes in the workplace can break the cycle of stress and sleeplessness. Your sleep is not just a personal matter; it is a cornerstone of your overall health and productivity. Taking steps to protect it is an investment in your future well-being.

Alternative Formulations of Job Strain and Sleep Disturbances: A Longitudinal Study in the United States. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2025

Morton manager Dougie Imrie announced the death of his baby daughter, who was born 14 weeks premature and weighed 1ib and 4 ounces. His daughter, Remi was 20 day old when she left the world. Remi was also put in neonatal intensive care unite at Wishaw Hospital and on Wednesday the announcement of her passing away was made.

He made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: "Our girl got tired in the early hours of Tuesday morning & decided it was time to rest 'If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever'.

He also wrote: "20 days of loving you, Remi, I hope you know how much you were loved, and we will cherish the short time we got to spend with you, a true wee fighter from the minute you were born."

The Greenrock Morton Football Club also paid tribute, calling it a "profound loss". The club wrote: "The Greenrock Morton Football Club family are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Remi Imrie. The heartfelt condolences of all associated with the club go to Dougie Imrie, his partner Lauren and the full family at this extremely sad time. Greenock Morton at this time requests the privacy of the family as they try to come to terms with this profound loss, and we will continue to provide our full support."

Are Premature Babies Prone To Risks?

When a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm or a premature birth. The earlier the birth, the more serious the health risks to the baby. In most cases, preterm babies require special care in a NICU.

Some of the most common health conditions that can affect a premature baby are:

• Anemia, or not having enough healthy red blood cells
• Apnea of prematurity or temporary pauses in breathing
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respiratory distress syndrome or underdeveloped lungs
• Intraventricular hemorrhage, or bleeding in their brains
• Newborn jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia, which means there are high levels of bilirubin in their blood.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis, or inflammation of their intestines
• Neonatal sepsis, or blood infection
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or abnormal blood flow in their hearts
• Retinopathy of prematurity, or underdeveloped blood vessels in their eyes

ALSO READ: Your Baby’s First 28 Days Are Critical, 5 Neonatal Health Problems Parents Can’t Afford To Miss

Premature babies are also at a higher risk of developmental challenges during childhood, which includes:

• Cerebral palsy
• Hearing and vision problems
• Learning disabilities
• Poor growth
• Problems with communication or social development

Some other risks that lure upon the mother who delivers a preterm baby are:

• Anxiety
• Postpartum depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Problems bonding with their baby

"Premature babies are born with most of their organs, but their organs are not mature enough to function," notes Dr Avneet Kaur, neonatologist and Pediatrician at the Apollo Cradle Hospital. "So we have to give them that much maturity till they reach that level of maturity themselves and maintain all those organ functions," she explains.

While the premature babies are in NICU, they are kept in incubators, explains the doctor. The babies are also given infusion drips so enough nutrition also reaches their bodies. The infusion drip is used to allow essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, etc., which a baby who is not born preterm would not need. "Preterm babies are functionally fragile, so we have to support them in every manner," she says.

Just a day after "the nicest judge in the world", Judge Frank Caprio, 88, asked his followers from a hospital bed for their prayers, his relatives confirmed his death on Wednesday. His popular social media pages had already announced his death after a cancer diagnosis.

He earned his nickname "the nicest judge in the world" for his years on the Emmy-nominated show "Caught in Providence", and also for his social media presence. He had millions of followers. He crossed 3.3 million followers on Instagram and 1.6 million on TikTok.

The post that announced his death read: "He will be remembered not only as a respectable judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we strive to bring a little more compassion into the world - just as he did every day."

The Cancer Journey Of "The Nicest Judge In The World"

It was in 2023, that Caprio announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive types. He finished his radiation treatments in 2024 and published a new book. He soon returned to social media, and announced that his cancer has come back.

He said, "Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it's very obvious that you did, because I came through a very difficult period. Unfortunately I've had a setback and I'm back at the hospital." He also added: "I believe the almighty above is watching over us. So please remember me."

Read: TV’s ‘Nicest Judge’ Frank Caprio Shares Heartbreaking Cancer Update: ‘Keep Me In Your Prayers’

For almost 40 years, Caprio presided over hearing in Providence, Rhode Island. He was appointed in 1985 to the Providence Municipal Court and served as a chief judge until his retirement in January 2023. He had been hearing everyday from individuals who were saddled by parking tickets, small infractions and personal dilemmas. He had waived off fines for the low-income groups, is known for his sharp humor to calm the worried defendants. One of the things he would say was: justice can be more than just punishment, it can also be compassion. His motto was to find a human behind every case. This is what has earned him the nick of "the nicest judge in the world".

Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence

According to Florida's Moffitt Cancer Center pancreatic cancer recurrence can develop after a patient completes an initial course of treatment and experiences a period of time during which there is no evidence of cancer being present.

However, there is always a chance that some cancer cells will survive treatment. Over time, residual cells begin to grow and form recurrent cancer.

Where Can It Reappear?

The cancer can reappear locally within the pancreas, or regionally within nearby lymph nodes or distantly in other parts of the body. This is why it is important for a pancreatic cancer patient to have regular medical checkups to ensure that any health changes are identified, evaluated and treated.

As per a 2023 study published in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology, Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most common forms of pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, with surgical resection offering the only potential chance of cure.

Yet, notes the study, recurrence remains a major concern, often occurring early and drastically reducing survival prospects.

The study analyzed 403 patients who underwent surgery for PDAC shed light on how and why recurrence happens. Over a median follow-up of about 26 months, nearly 70% of patients experienced recurrence, with timing proving to be a crucial factor. Roughly 15% saw the cancer return within the first six months, 23% between six and twelve months, while the rest either recurred later or did not experience recurrence at all.

What Are The Risk Factors For Early Recurrence

The study identified several clinical features strongly linked to early recurrence. Elevated levels of the tumor marker CA19-9 before surgery, a higher modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) reflecting systemic inflammation and poor nutritional status, and positive peritoneal cytology were all associated with recurrence within the first 6 months.

For recurrence within 12 months, positive peritoneal cytology remained an important risk factor. In addition, lymph node metastasis and the absence of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery were also significant contributors. Patients who received chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy before surgery showed the same pattern of risk, suggesting these factors are consistent across treatment strategies.

Health officials in California have confirmed that a South Lake Tahoe resident tested positive for the plague, the centuries-old disease that killed millions during the Black Death. The individual is believed to have contracted the infection after being bitten by an infected flea while camping near the Lake Tahoe Basin. According to El Dorado County Public Health, the patient is receiving care and recovering at home.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting public health director. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”

Though most people associate the plague with medieval Europe, the bacterium that causes it—Yersinia pestis—still circulates in parts of the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates an average of seven human cases occur each year nationwide.

Also Read: What History Teaches Us About Plague? Are There More Than One Type?

Most of these cases are sporadic, linked to fleas feeding on infected wild rodents such as ground squirrels and chipmunks. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado report the majority of cases. While the disease is now treatable with common antibiotics, untreated infections remain dangerous and potentially fatal.

In El Dorado County, plague activity is not unusual. State monitoring programs have detected Y. pestis exposure in at least 45 wild squirrels and chipmunks in the Lake Tahoe Basin since 2021. Most recent human case of plague in the region occurred in 2020 and was due to flea exposure.

How The Plague Spreads?

Most common way of transmission is by being bitten by an infected flea, but people can also get infected through handling infected animals or less commonly from pets like cats and dogs that are infested with fleas. There are three main forms of plague.

Bubonic plague – Most frequent, resulting from flea bites. The signs and symptoms are painful, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, chills, headache, and weakness.

Septicemic plague – What happens when bacteria multiply in the blood, leading to bleeding beneath the skin, pain in the abdomen, and shock.

Pneumonic plague – Rarest but deadliest variety. It occurs when infection reaches the lungs and can be spread person to person through respiratory droplets.

More than 80% of U.S. cases are bubonic. If diagnosed early, antibiotics such as streptomycin, doxycycline, or ciprofloxacin can cure the disease. Without treatment, however, mortality remains high.

The term "plague" usually brings to mind the Black Death that caused an estimated 25 million deaths in Europe in the 14th century. That epidemic spread quickly from rat and flea populations in densely populated cities.

In the United States, the most recent rat-to-human plague outbreak took place in Los Angeles in 1924–1925. Since then, cases have been mostly confined to rural settings where people come in contact with wild rodents.

Only last month, an Arizona patient succumbed to pneumonic plague, highlighting that though unusual, the illness remains dangerous, especially when diagnosis is late.

How Did Lake Tahoe Become A Hotspot for Plague

Lake Tahoe’s mix of wilderness, high elevation, and rodent populations makes it one of California’s plague monitoring hubs. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) routinely tests rodent populations, especially ground squirrels and chipmunks, for signs of Y. pestis exposure.

Officials stress that the presence of plague in wildlife does not mean widespread human danger. Instead, it highlights the importance of preventive measures for campers, hikers, and residents. Recommended precautions include:

• Using insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors
• Wearing long pants tucked into boots to minimize flea exposure
• Avoiding contact with wild rodents, dead animals, or their burrows
• Never feeding squirrels or chipmunks
• Keeping pets leashed or at home, and treating them with flea prevention

The South Lake Tahoe patient’s infection is believed to stem from a flea bite during a recent camping trip. Local health officials are investigating the case and have issued public advisories to remind residents and visitors about safety practices.

While the patient’s identity has not been disclosed, officials confirmed that they are receiving proper medical care and are expected to recover. The case has sparked renewed efforts to remind the public that while plague is rare, awareness is essential.

Is Plague Still A Cause Of Concern?

Globally, plague continues to cause outbreaks, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. The World Health Organization reports several hundred cases per year, with Madagascar being one of the most affected countries.

In the United States, where public health infrastructure and antibiotics are readily available, cases are usually isolated and treatable. Still, experts say that ignoring plague entirely would be a mistake. Rodent populations are reservoirs for the bacterium, and climate change, increased outdoor recreation, and human encroachment into wildlife habitats may increase opportunities for transmission.

The South Lake Tahoe case is a reminder that ancient diseases are not fully relegated to history books. But unlike the Middle Ages, modern medicine provides effective tools to treat and contain outbreaks.

For residents and visitors, the takeaway is practical rather than alarmist: enjoy the outdoors but take precautions. For health authorities, it is a call to continue surveillance, public education, and rapid response when rare cases occur.

As Kyle Fliflet put it, “Plague is naturally present in many parts of California…It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors.”