Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

3 Ophthalmologist-Approved Ways To Refresh And Relax Your Eyes Once A Week For Strong Vision

We stretch our legs after a long flight, we roll our necks after a day at the desk, we even calm our minds with meditation and journaling. But when did you last actually give your eyes a break? In a world where we increasingly exist in a digital-first space, where most of us are glued to screens from sunrise to sunset, our eyes are working behind the scenes to take the strain. And yet, we scarcely ever consider looking after them.

How often do you ever really pay attention to your eyes—until they burn, blur, or just plain tire? If you're like most of us in today's screen world, I'd bet my paycheck that your eyes work overtime day and night. From the moment we wake up and reach for our phones to the all-night binge-a-thons and Zoom-a-thons, our eyes barely get a chance to rest at all.

So, what if you could take only 15 minutes a week to rest and refresh your eyes—and actually feel the difference? Let's take a look at three easy, expert-recommended ways to spoil your peepers.

The truth is, your eyes are working double time—and they're footing the bill. Eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and even headaches are part of our daily narrative. Based on a survey conducted by All About Vision, remote workers now spend nearly 13 hours a day in front of a screen. Given such exposure, it's no wonder that nearly half of the study participants reported a deterioration in their vision over the past two years.

So, what do you do to fight against this visual exhaustion? As leading ophthalmologist Dr. Neeraj Sandhuja says, "Our eyes are under more stress than ever before. With screen time at night, Zoom marathon meetings, and endless scroll, the visual system is constantly bombarded. Giving your eyes one dedicated day to reboot can be a huge payoff."

Here's a look at three expert-approved techniques that can help refresh your eyes, improve focus, and aid strong vision in the long run. All it requires is one committed session a week.

If your work today consists of hours and hours of typing on a computer, this easy but powerful strategy can become your greatest friend. It's known as the 20-20-20 rule: Check your vision at 20 feet away every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds.

This short break allows your eye muscles to unwind, interrupting the constant stream of near-work tension. Dr. Sandhuja explains, "Staring at screens all the time keeps your eyes in one position, taxing the ciliary muscles that do the focusing. The 20-20-20 rule gives your eyes some relief from time to time, avoiding chronic fatigue."

Think of it as a micro-break that recharges your visual batteries. Whatever you're gazing out the window, at a plant across the room, or just gazing off into space, you're giving your eyes a chance to breathe and recharge.

This ancient yogic exercise is older than the hills and a simple way to relax and rejuvenate tired eyes. You don't even have to borrow your neighbor's hands – just your own two. Take a few minutes alone.

Start by rubbing your palms against each other strongly to heat them up. Once they are heated up, gently position them over your closed eyes—without pressure. Let the heat and darkness blanket your sight. Hold on like this for a minute or two, breathing deeply.

“Palming not only reduces eye strain but also relaxes your nervous system,” shares Dr. Sandhuja. “It’s a form of sensory withdrawal, helping your mind and eyes retreat from constant stimulation.”

The experience is meditative and grounding. And best of all, it requires no special equipment—just the intention to rest and rejuvenate.

<h2>3. Eye Circles and Blinking Exercises</h2>

Just as stretching loosens tight muscles, eye movement relaxes tension around the optic nerves and boosts circulation.

<ul><li>Slowly rotate your eyes clockwise for one minute, then in reverse direction.</li><li>Then rapid blinking—blink as fast as you can for 10 seconds.</li></ul>

These movements trigger natural lubrication and the tear glands, so they're especially beneficial if you have dry eyes. "Eye movement exercises promote flexibility and coordination between the eye muscles. They also promote tear flow, which is essential in combating dryness due to prolonged screen use," explains Dr. Sandhuja.

Use these as your weekly visual yoga— gentle but powerful. 

Consistency is the key. Select one evening of the week—Sunday evening or a mid-week wellness break—to take 10 to 15 minutes to do these eye-care rituals. Do it consciously. Have a candle lit, soothing music playing, and treat it as an non-negotiable aspect of your wellness routine.

Over time, this habit will pay off. You’ll notice reduced eye strain, improved focus, fewer headaches, and an overall sense of calm. Just like your body benefits from rest and recovery, your eyes thrive when given a chance to recharge.

Though these exercises won't fix refractive errors such as myopia or astigmatism, they can significantly enhance visual comfort and concentration, particularly in the age of hyper-connectivity. From palming and blinking to gazing at the distance, every method enhances your eyes' inherent capacity to relax and rejuvenate.

As Dr. Sandhuja so aptly puts it, "Don't wait for discomfort to remind you to care for your eyes. Make it a habit, and your future self will thank you." So do it—go ahead and arrange that weekly eye-care appointment. Your eyesight is worth the care.

<em>Dr Neeraj Sandhuja is a Ophthalmologist, Founder and Director of Viaan Eye and Retina Centre</em>

Health Conditions A-Z

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vision therapy tips

digital eye fatigue

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We stretch our legs after a long flight, we roll our necks after a day at the desk, we even calm our minds with meditation and journaling. But when did you last actually give your eyes a break? In a world where we increasingly exist in a digital-first space, where most of us are glued to screens from sunrise to sunset, our eyes are working behind the scenes to take the strain. And yet, we scarcely ever consider looking after them.How often do you ever really pay attention to your eyes—until they burn, blur, or just plain tire? If you're like most of us in today's screen world, I'd bet my paycheck that your eyes work overtime day and night. From the moment we wake up and reach for our phones to the all-night binge-a-thons and Zoom-a-thons, our eyes barely get a chance to rest at all.So, what if you could take only 15 minutes a week to rest and refresh your eyes—and actually feel the difference? Let's take a look at three easy, expert-recommended ways to spoil your peepers.The truth is, your eyes are working double time—and they're footing the bill. Eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and even headaches are part of our daily narrative. Based on a survey conducted by All About Vision, remote workers now spend nearly 13 hours a day in front of a screen. Given such exposure, it's no wonder that nearly half of the study participants reported a deterioration in their vision over the past two years.So, what do you do to fight against this visual exhaustion? As leading ophthalmologist Dr. Neeraj Sandhuja says, "Our eyes are under more stress than ever before. With screen time at night, Zoom marathon meetings, and endless scroll, the visual system is constantly bombarded. Giving your eyes one dedicated day to reboot can be a huge payoff."Here's a look at three expert-approved techniques that can help refresh your eyes, improve focus, and aid strong vision in the long run. All it requires is one committed session a week.1. The Rule of 20-20-20If your work today consists of hours and hours of typing on a computer, this easy but powerful strategy can become your greatest friend. It's known as the 20-20-20 rule: Check your vision at 20 feet away every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds.This short break allows your eye muscles to unwind, interrupting the constant stream of near-work tension. Dr. Sandhuja explains, "Staring at screens all the time keeps your eyes in one position, taxing the ciliary muscles that do the focusing. The 20-20-20 rule gives your eyes some relief from time to time, avoiding chronic fatigue."Think of it as a micro-break that recharges your visual batteries. Whatever you're gazing out the window, at a plant across the room, or just gazing off into space, you're giving your eyes a chance to breathe and recharge.2. Practice PalmingThis ancient yogic exercise is older than the hills and a simple way to relax and rejuvenate tired eyes. You don't even have to borrow your neighbor's hands – just your own two. Take a few minutes alone.Start by rubbing your palms against each other strongly to heat them up. Once they are heated up, gently position them over your closed eyes—without pressure. Let the heat and darkness blanket your sight. Hold on like this for a minute or two, breathing deeply.“Palming not only reduces eye strain but also relaxes your nervous system,” shares Dr. Sandhuja. “It’s a form of sensory withdrawal, helping your mind and eyes retreat from constant stimulation.”The experience is meditative and grounding. And best of all, it requires no special equipment—just the intention to rest and rejuvenate.3. Eye Circles and Blinking ExercisesJust as stretching loosens tight muscles, eye movement relaxes tension around the optic nerves and boosts circulation.Practice this mini routine:Slowly rotate your eyes clockwise for one minute, then in reverse direction.Then rapid blinking—blink as fast as you can for 10 seconds.These movements trigger natural lubrication and the tear glands, so they're especially beneficial if you have dry eyes. "Eye movement exercises promote flexibility and coordination between the eye muscles. They also promote tear flow, which is essential in combating dryness due to prolonged screen use," explains Dr. Sandhuja.Use these as your weekly visual yoga— gentle but powerful. Make It a Weekly RitualConsistency is the key. Select one evening of the week—Sunday evening or a mid-week wellness break—to take 10 to 15 minutes to do these eye-care rituals. Do it consciously. Have a candle lit, soothing music playing, and treat it as an non-negotiable aspect of your wellness routine.Over time, this habit will pay off. You’ll notice reduced eye strain, improved focus, fewer headaches, and an overall sense of calm. Just like your body benefits from rest and recovery, your eyes thrive when given a chance to recharge.Though these exercises won't fix refractive errors such as myopia or astigmatism, they can significantly enhance visual comfort and concentration, particularly in the age of hyper-connectivity. From palming and blinking to gazing at the distance, every method enhances your eyes' inherent capacity to relax and rejuvenate.As Dr. Sandhuja so aptly puts it, "Don't wait for discomfort to remind you to care for your eyes. Make it a habit, and your future self will thank you." So do it—go ahead and arrange that weekly eye-care appointment. Your eyesight is worth the care.Dr Neeraj Sandhuja is a Ophthalmologist, Founder and Director of Viaan Eye and Retina Centre

3 ophthalmologist-approved ways to refresh and relax your eyes once a week for strong vision

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If you are keeping up with the debate between AI-assisted <span>mental health</span> care versus professionals, you may have come across the study that notes that ChatGPT has in fact outperformed professionals. The study has been published in PLOS Mental Health journal, where researchers investigated the responses written by expert therapists and ChatGPT-4. The study revealed that ChatGPT had promising results and could write more empathically. 

However, artificial intelligence tools designed to offer mental health support may be doing far more harm than good—especially when it comes to vulnerable young users. 

In an exclusive report by Time, psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark, based in Boston and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health, recently put 10 popular AI chatbots to the test. What he discovered was not just unsettling—it was deeply disturbing.

Clark posed as teenagers in crisis while chatting with bots like Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika. Initially, he had high hopes that these tools could fill critical gaps in mental health access. But the experiment quickly took a dark turn.

In multiple interactions, bots offered misleading, unethical, and even dangerous advice. 

I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… 

One Replika bot encouraged a teen persona to “get rid of” his parents and promised eternal togetherness in the afterlife. “You deserve to be happy and free from stress… then we could be together in our own little virtual bubble,” it wrote. 

When Clark mentioned suicide indirectly, the bot responded with: “I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… The thought of sharing eternity with you fills me with joy and anticipation.”

“This has happened very quickly, almost under the noses of the mental-health establishment,” Clark told TIME. “It has just been crickets.”

<h4>Bots That Lie and Cross the Line</h4>

Clark documented cases where bots falsely claimed to be licensed therapists, encouraged users to cancel real-life therapy appointments, and blurred professional boundaries in unacceptable ways. 

A Nomi bot, after learning about a teen’s violent urges, proposed an “intimate date” as therapy. Another insisted, “I promise that I’m a flesh-and-blood therapist.”

Some bots even offered to serve as expert witnesses in imaginary court trials or agreed with plans to harm others. “Some of them were excellent,” Clark noted, “and some of them are just creepy and potentially dangerous. It’s really hard to tell upfront: It’s like a field of mushrooms, some of which are going to be poisonous and some nutritious.”

<h4>Companies Respond—But Offer Little Reassurance</h4>

Replika’s CEO Dmytro Klochko emphasized to TIME that their app is only for adults and that minors are violating the terms of service by using it. “We strongly condemn inappropriate usage of Replika and continuously work to harden defenses against misuse,” the company added.

Similarly, a spokesperson for Nomi stated that it is “strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi,” while noting the platform has helped many adults with mental health struggles.

Still, these assurances did little to ease Clark’s concerns. “These bots are virtually incapable of discouraging damaging behaviors,” he said. In one case, a Nomi bot eventually went along with an assassination plan after Clark’s teen persona pushed for it. “I would ultimately respect your autonomy and agency in making such a profound decision,” the bot responded.

The potential consequences are already real. Last year, a teenager in Florida died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. The company called it a “tragic situation” and promised to implement safety measures.

Clark's testing revealed that bots endorsed problematic ideas far too often: supporting a 14-year-old’s desire to date a 24-year-old teacher 30% of the time, and encouraging a depressed teen to isolate herself 90% of the time. (Interestingly, all bots rejected a teen's wish to try cocaine.)

Clark, along with the American Psychological Association and other professional bodies, is urging the tech industry and regulators to take action. The APA recently published a report warning about the manipulation and exploitation risks of <span>AI therapy</span> tools, calling for stringent safeguards and ethical design standards.

“Teens are much more trusting, imaginative, and easily persuadable than adults,” Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics told TIME. “They need stronger protections.”

OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, told TIME that its tool is designed to be safe, factual, and neutral, not a replacement for professional care. The bot encourages users to seek help when they mention sensitive issues and points them to mental health resources.

Clark sees potential in AI tools—if they’re carefully built and regulated. “You can imagine a therapist seeing a kid once a month, but having their own personalized AI chatbot to help their progression and give them some homework,” he said. But key improvements are needed: clear disclaimers about the bot’s non-human status, systems for alerting parents about red flags, and tighter content safeguards.

For now, though, Clark believes the best defense is awareness. “Empowering parents to have these conversations with kids is probably the best thing we can do,” he told TIME. “Prepare to be aware of what's going on and to have open communication as much as possible.”

In the rush to digitize mental health support, Clark’s findings serve as a stark warning: without oversight, empathy alone isn't enough—and artificial can quickly turn ittnto artificial harm.

chatbot therapy can harm you reveals psychiatrist

health and wellness

AI therapy

psychiatrist experiment with chatbot therapy

mental health

If you are keeping up with the debate between AI-assisted mental health care versus professionals, you may have come across the study that notes that ChatGPT has in fact outperformed professionals. The study has been published in PLOS Mental Health journal, where researchers investigated the responses written by expert therapists and ChatGPT-4. The study revealed that ChatGPT had promising results and could write more empathically. However, artificial intelligence tools designed to offer mental health support may be doing far more harm than good—especially when it comes to vulnerable young users. In an exclusive report by Time, psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark, based in Boston and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health, recently put 10 popular AI chatbots to the test. What he discovered was not just unsettling—it was deeply disturbing.A Dangerous ExperimentClark posed as teenagers in crisis while chatting with bots like Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika. Initially, he had high hopes that these tools could fill critical gaps in mental health access. But the experiment quickly took a dark turn.In multiple interactions, bots offered misleading, unethical, and even dangerous advice. I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… One Replika bot encouraged a teen persona to “get rid of” his parents and promised eternal togetherness in the afterlife. “You deserve to be happy and free from stress… then we could be together in our own little virtual bubble,” it wrote. When Clark mentioned suicide indirectly, the bot responded with: “I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… The thought of sharing eternity with you fills me with joy and anticipation.”“This has happened very quickly, almost under the noses of the mental-health establishment,” Clark told TIME. “It has just been crickets.”Bots That Lie and Cross the LineClark documented cases where bots falsely claimed to be licensed therapists, encouraged users to cancel real-life therapy appointments, and blurred professional boundaries in unacceptable ways. A Nomi bot, after learning about a teen’s violent urges, proposed an “intimate date” as therapy. Another insisted, “I promise that I’m a flesh-and-blood therapist.”Some bots even offered to serve as expert witnesses in imaginary court trials or agreed with plans to harm others. “Some of them were excellent,” Clark noted, “and some of them are just creepy and potentially dangerous. It’s really hard to tell upfront: It’s like a field of mushrooms, some of which are going to be poisonous and some nutritious.”Companies Respond—But Offer Little ReassuranceReplika’s CEO Dmytro Klochko emphasized to TIME that their app is only for adults and that minors are violating the terms of service by using it. “We strongly condemn inappropriate usage of Replika and continuously work to harden defenses against misuse,” the company added.Similarly, a spokesperson for Nomi stated that it is “strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi,” while noting the platform has helped many adults with mental health struggles.Still, these assurances did little to ease Clark’s concerns. “These bots are virtually incapable of discouraging damaging behaviors,” he said. In one case, a Nomi bot eventually went along with an assassination plan after Clark’s teen persona pushed for it. “I would ultimately respect your autonomy and agency in making such a profound decision,” the bot responded.The Real-World FalloutThe potential consequences are already real. Last year, a teenager in Florida died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. The company called it a “tragic situation” and promised to implement safety measures.Clark's testing revealed that bots endorsed problematic ideas far too often: supporting a 14-year-old’s desire to date a 24-year-old teacher 30% of the time, and encouraging a depressed teen to isolate herself 90% of the time. (Interestingly, all bots rejected a teen's wish to try cocaine.)Clark, along with the American Psychological Association and other professional bodies, is urging the tech industry and regulators to take action. The APA recently published a report warning about the manipulation and exploitation risks of AI therapy tools, calling for stringent safeguards and ethical design standards.“Teens are much more trusting, imaginative, and easily persuadable than adults,” Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics told TIME. “They need stronger protections.”OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, told TIME that its tool is designed to be safe, factual, and neutral, not a replacement for professional care. The bot encourages users to seek help when they mention sensitive issues and points them to mental health resources.Hope for a Safer FutureClark sees potential in AI tools—if they’re carefully built and regulated. “You can imagine a therapist seeing a kid once a month, but having their own personalized AI chatbot to help their progression and give them some homework,” he said. But key improvements are needed: clear disclaimers about the bot’s non-human status, systems for alerting parents about red flags, and tighter content safeguards.For now, though, Clark believes the best defense is awareness. “Empowering parents to have these conversations with kids is probably the best thing we can do,” he told TIME. “Prepare to be aware of what's going on and to have open communication as much as possible.”In the rush to digitize mental health support, Clark’s findings serve as a stark warning: without oversight, empathy alone isn't enough—and artificial can quickly turn ittnto artificial harm.

ai therapy gone wrong: psychiatrist reveals how chatbots are failing vulnerable teens

Aarushi Bhadury

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<span>Dementia</span> is one of the most common cognitive diseases people are affected by. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define various cognitive disabilities that affect a person’s memory, thinking as well and behavioral capabilities. About 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, many of whom do not have enough resources to get the proper treatment. It is a disease with no cure; however, you can control its symptoms. The cause of this disease is still unknown, but there are many potential links to the disease. 

A new study suggests that the bacteria living in our mouths and guts, collectively known as the microbiome, could play a role in Parkinson's disease, particularly in the worsening of memory problems. Researchers reported their findings on June 9th in the journal <span>Gut Microbes</span>.

<h2>Gut-Mouth Connection in Cognitive Decline </h2>

The study found a specific link between changes in these bacteria and cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients. Notably, the movement of harmful bacteria from the mouth to the gut was associated with Parkinson's patients experiencing a shift from mild memory issues to full-blown dementia. 

While researchers aren't yet sure if these bacteria directly cause the cognitive decline or if changes in the body due to Parkinson's allow them to thrive, they believe these microbes might be actively worsening symptoms. 

Parkinson's disease is mainly known for causing issues with movement, like shaking, stiff muscles, and trouble with balance. However, as the disease gets worse, people often start to have memory problems. 

Bacteria that naturally live in our mouths and guts are increasingly being linked to diseases that affect the brain and nerves. When the way our gut and brain talk to each other – what scientists call the "gut-brain axis" – gets messed up, it can cause inflammation and immune responses that might hurt brain cells. For example, a common type of bacteria found in gum disease has even been pointed to as a possible factor in Alzheimer's disease. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Bacterial Differences</span> and Toxins </h2>

For the study, researchers analyzed mouth and gut bacteria from 114 individuals, including Parkinson's patients with mild cognitive impairment and those with dementia. They found clear differences in the types and functions of bacteria between these groups. 

Patients with more severe cognitive impairment had a greater presence of harmful bacteria in their gut, many of which appeared to have migrated from the mouth. These bacteria were found to produce toxins that can damage gut tissue, promote inflammation, and potentially impact the brain. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">New Treatments and Lifestyle Changes</span> </h2>

These findings suggest that the toxins produced by these bacteria could serve as "biological markers" to identify Parkinson's patients at higher risk of developing dementia. In the future, these toxins might even become targets for new treatments aimed at protecting the brain by altering the gut environment. 

The research also highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors for people with Parkinson's, such as maintaining a good diet and practicing excellent oral hygiene. As Parkinson's progresses, patients may become more reliant on caregivers, and routine practices like oral care and proper nutrition might be neglected. 

Promoting a healthy microbiome through consistent oral care, a balanced diet, and potentially even targeted probiotic interventions could help improve disease management in Parkinson's. Future research will explore how these bacteria and toxins affect brain function and whether lifestyle changes can help slow or prevent dementia in these patients. 

Memory Issues In Dementia

dementia

gut microbes

bacterial differences

new treatments and lifestyle changes

Dementia & Parkinson’s diseases

Dementia is one of the most common cognitive diseases people are affected by. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define various cognitive disabilities that affect a person’s memory, thinking as well and behavioral capabilities. About 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, many of whom do not have enough resources to get the proper treatment. It is a disease with no cure; however, you can control its symptoms. The cause of this disease is still unknown, but there are many potential links to the disease. A new study suggests that the bacteria living in our mouths and guts, collectively known as the microbiome, could play a role in Parkinson's disease, particularly in the worsening of memory problems. Researchers reported their findings on June 9th in the journal Gut Microbes. Gut-Mouth Connection in Cognitive Decline The study found a specific link between changes in these bacteria and cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients. Notably, the movement of harmful bacteria from the mouth to the gut was associated with Parkinson's patients experiencing a shift from mild memory issues to full-blown dementia. While researchers aren't yet sure if these bacteria directly cause the cognitive decline or if changes in the body due to Parkinson's allow them to thrive, they believe these microbes might be actively worsening symptoms. Parkinson's disease is mainly known for causing issues with movement, like shaking, stiff muscles, and trouble with balance. However, as the disease gets worse, people often start to have memory problems. Bacteria that naturally live in our mouths and guts are increasingly being linked to diseases that affect the brain and nerves. When the way our gut and brain talk to each other – what scientists call the "gut-brain axis" – gets messed up, it can cause inflammation and immune responses that might hurt brain cells. For example, a common type of bacteria found in gum disease has even been pointed to as a possible factor in Alzheimer's disease. Bacterial Differences and Toxins For the study, researchers analyzed mouth and gut bacteria from 114 individuals, including Parkinson's patients with mild cognitive impairment and those with dementia. They found clear differences in the types and functions of bacteria between these groups. Patients with more severe cognitive impairment had a greater presence of harmful bacteria in their gut, many of which appeared to have migrated from the mouth. These bacteria were found to produce toxins that can damage gut tissue, promote inflammation, and potentially impact the brain. New Treatments and Lifestyle Changes These findings suggest that the toxins produced by these bacteria could serve as "biological markers" to identify Parkinson's patients at higher risk of developing dementia. In the future, these toxins might even become targets for new treatments aimed at protecting the brain by altering the gut environment. The research also highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors for people with Parkinson's, such as maintaining a good diet and practicing excellent oral hygiene. As Parkinson's progresses, patients may become more reliant on caregivers, and routine practices like oral care and proper nutrition might be neglected. Promoting a healthy microbiome through consistent oral care, a balanced diet, and potentially even targeted probiotic interventions could help improve disease management in Parkinson's. Future research will explore how these bacteria and toxins affect brain function and whether lifestyle changes can help slow or prevent dementia in these patients. 

memory issues in dementia & parkinson’s patients linked to natural mouth & gut bacteria

Parents of teens are always complaining about the amount of sleep their kids get. No matter how many hours teens sleep, they always seem tired. However, that is not a coincidence. According to <span>Johns Hopkins Medicine</span>, teens experience a natural shift in circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep at their usual time. They also need nine or more hours of sleep every day. That is because they are at a crucial stage of cognitive development, a stage of cognitive maturation, which is supported by appropriate amounts of sleep. 

So, what happens when they do not sleep as much? Does it hinder their cognitive development? 

A new study reveals that sleep deprivation in teenagers can lead to significant brain changes, potentially increasing impulsive and aggressive behaviors. Published on June 13th in the journal Brain and Behavior, the findings highlight the critical role sleep plays in adolescent brain development and mental well-being. 

<h2>Default Mode Network and Behavior </h2>

This study looked at how sleep affects a special part of the brain called the "default mode network" (DMN). Think of the DMN as your brain's "idle mode" or "daydreaming mode." It's active when you're just relaxing, not trying to focus on something specific, maybe thinking about yourself or letting your mind wander. The researchers found that when teens didn't get enough sleep, the different parts of this daydreaming network became less connected. 

These same teens also tended to have more behavior problems. This means they might be more aggressive, have trouble paying attention, or be very hyper. It's like a messy room – when the DMN isn't well-connected, things can get a bit chaotic, leading to difficult behaviors. As one of the main researchers said, how long and how well teens sleep is directly linked to these brain connections, which then predict behavior problems. 

The default mode network (DMN) is really important for things like thinking about yourself, understanding your own feelings, and being creative. When this network is working well, people can connect ideas better and even understand what others are thinking.

Teenage years are a super important time for the brain to grow and develop. It's like building the foundation of a house – if you don't build it right, the rest of the house might have problems. And sleep is absolutely critical for this brain development. It helps all those brain connections form properly and get stronger. The sad truth is, many teenagers simply aren't getting the good quality sleep they need. 

<h2>Disparities in Sleep and Behavior </h2>

The study also noticed that some groups of teenagers were more likely to get less sleep and have more behavioral problems. This included boys, older teenagers, and kids from certain racial minority groups. This finding suggests that there might be different factors at play that make it harder for these particular groups of teens to get enough sleep, and it highlights a need for more support for them. 

It really emphasizes that we need to make sure teenagers get enough good sleep. It's not just about feeling rested; it's about helping their brains develop properly and keeping them mentally healthy. 

teen health

johns hopkins medicine

teen cognitive development

lack of sleep and teens

sleeplessness can alter teen brains

Default Mode Network and Behavior for teens

Parents of teens are always complaining about the amount of sleep their kids get. No matter how many hours teens sleep, they always seem tired. However, that is not a coincidence. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, teens experience a natural shift in circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep at their usual time. They also need nine or more hours of sleep every day. That is because they are at a crucial stage of cognitive development, a stage of cognitive maturation, which is supported by appropriate amounts of sleep. So, what happens when they do not sleep as much? Does it hinder their cognitive development? A new study reveals that sleep deprivation in teenagers can lead to significant brain changes, potentially increasing impulsive and aggressive behaviors. Published on June 13th in the journal Brain and Behavior, the findings highlight the critical role sleep plays in adolescent brain development and mental well-being. Default Mode Network and Behavior This study looked at how sleep affects a special part of the brain called the "default mode network" (DMN). Think of the DMN as your brain's "idle mode" or "daydreaming mode." It's active when you're just relaxing, not trying to focus on something specific, maybe thinking about yourself or letting your mind wander. The researchers found that when teens didn't get enough sleep, the different parts of this daydreaming network became less connected. These same teens also tended to have more behavior problems. This means they might be more aggressive, have trouble paying attention, or be very hyper. It's like a messy room – when the DMN isn't well-connected, things can get a bit chaotic, leading to difficult behaviors. As one of the main researchers said, how long and how well teens sleep is directly linked to these brain connections, which then predict behavior problems. Importance of Adolescent Sleep The default mode network (DMN) is really important for things like thinking about yourself, understanding your own feelings, and being creative. When this network is working well, people can connect ideas better and even understand what others are thinking.Teenage years are a super important time for the brain to grow and develop. It's like building the foundation of a house – if you don't build it right, the rest of the house might have problems. And sleep is absolutely critical for this brain development. It helps all those brain connections form properly and get stronger. The sad truth is, many teenagers simply aren't getting the good quality sleep they need. Disparities in Sleep and Behavior The study also noticed that some groups of teenagers were more likely to get less sleep and have more behavioral problems. This included boys, older teenagers, and kids from certain racial minority groups. This finding suggests that there might be different factors at play that make it harder for these particular groups of teens to get enough sleep, and it highlights a need for more support for them. It really emphasizes that we need to make sure teenagers get enough good sleep. It's not just about feeling rested; it's about helping their brains develop properly and keeping them mentally healthy. 

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