Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Alcohol-Linked Liver Disease Deaths On Rise Among Women And Young Adults

Alcohol related deaths on the rise among women and young adults

Deaths due to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are climbing at an alarming rate across the United States, with certain groups being disproportionately affected. A new study published on June 11 in JAMA Network Open found that ALD-related deaths rose nearly 9% each year between 2018 and 2022—more than double the rate of increase seen from 2006 to 2018.

Experts believe this sharp uptick is partly linked to increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other contributing factors include chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension, which can worsen liver health. “It puts numbers to what we’re seeing in the hospital, in the clinic,” said Dr. Brian Lee, a liver specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, in a report to STAT News.

<h4>Worsening Trends Among Women and Indigenous Populations</h4>

While men still experience more deaths from ALD—17 per 100,000 in 2022—women’s death rates have risen more sharply. In 2022, 8 out of every 100,000 women died from alcohol-related liver disease, a significant jump from 3 per 100,000 at the beginning of the study period. Women’s mortality rate grew at approximately 4.3% per year—almost twice the rate seen in men.

The study also revealed a devastating impact on Indigenous communities. American Indian and Alaska Native adults had the highest cirrhosis death rate in 2022, at 33 per 100,000 people. Additionally, alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths in these groups more than doubled between 2010 and 2022.

Dr. Nasim Maleki, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that although the pandemic has eased, its long-term effects—particularly in marginalized communities—are still unfolding. “The pandemic itself came under control, but the disparities that came with it continued and lingered,” she said.

<h4>Young Adults at Higher Risk Than Before</h4>

A particularly troubling trend is the increase in alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths among people aged 25 to 44. This condition can develop quickly and is marked by symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and liver pain—even in individuals who haven't been heavy drinkers for long.

Liver experts warn that the worst effects of pandemic-related drinking might still be ahead. “Alcohol-related cirrhosis takes time to develop. So we may not see the true extent of the consequences until five, probably 10, years from now, which is very concerning,” said Dr. Robert Wong of Stanford University.

One reason for the sharper rise among women lies in biology. Cisgender women metabolize alcohol differently than cisgender men, which means their organs may suffer more damage from lower levels of alcohol consumption over time. That’s why current federal guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, compared to two for men.

“You’d be surprised by how shocked people are when they hear that drinking more than two drinks per day is considered heavy drinking by federal definitions,” Dr. Lee added.

<h4>Public Health Response and the Way Forward</h4>

In 2021, over 12,000 deaths from “unspecified liver cirrhosis” were linked to excessive drinking, although that may not always be evident from death certificates. Marissa Esser, who previously led the alcohol program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted this hidden toll before the program was disbanded earlier this year.

The American Medical Association is now calling for more public education on alcohol’s risks, including its link to breast cancer. It is also urging clearer labeling on alcoholic beverages to help consumers make informed choices.

Though some data suggests a slight drop in alcohol use since its peak in 2020, it remains uncertain whether this will reduce deaths in the coming years. For now, ALD continues to be the leading reason for liver transplants in the U.S., and alcohol-associated hepatitis is the fastest-growing cause.

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alcohol deaths rise in women

alcohol deaths rise in young adults

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Deaths due to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are climbing at an alarming rate across the United States, with certain groups being disproportionately affected. A new study published on June 11 in JAMA Network Open found that ALD-related deaths rose nearly 9% each year between 2018 and 2022—more than double the rate of increase seen from 2006 to 2018.Experts believe this sharp uptick is partly linked to increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other contributing factors include chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension, which can worsen liver health. “It puts numbers to what we’re seeing in the hospital, in the clinic,” said Dr. Brian Lee, a liver specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, in a report to STAT News.Worsening Trends Among Women and Indigenous PopulationsWhile men still experience more deaths from ALD—17 per 100,000 in 2022—women’s death rates have risen more sharply. In 2022, 8 out of every 100,000 women died from alcohol-related liver disease, a significant jump from 3 per 100,000 at the beginning of the study period. Women’s mortality rate grew at approximately 4.3% per year—almost twice the rate seen in men.The study also revealed a devastating impact on Indigenous communities. American Indian and Alaska Native adults had the highest cirrhosis death rate in 2022, at 33 per 100,000 people. Additionally, alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths in these groups more than doubled between 2010 and 2022.Dr. Nasim Maleki, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that although the pandemic has eased, its long-term effects—particularly in marginalized communities—are still unfolding. “The pandemic itself came under control, but the disparities that came with it continued and lingered,” she said.Young Adults at Higher Risk Than BeforeA particularly troubling trend is the increase in alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths among people aged 25 to 44. This condition can develop quickly and is marked by symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and liver pain—even in individuals who haven't been heavy drinkers for long.Liver experts warn that the worst effects of pandemic-related drinking might still be ahead. “Alcohol-related cirrhosis takes time to develop. So we may not see the true extent of the consequences until five, probably 10, years from now, which is very concerning,” said Dr. Robert Wong of Stanford University.Why Women Face Unique RisksOne reason for the sharper rise among women lies in biology. Cisgender women metabolize alcohol differently than cisgender men, which means their organs may suffer more damage from lower levels of alcohol consumption over time. That’s why current federal guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, compared to two for men.“You’d be surprised by how shocked people are when they hear that drinking more than two drinks per day is considered heavy drinking by federal definitions,” Dr. Lee added.Public Health Response and the Way ForwardIn 2021, over 12,000 deaths from “unspecified liver cirrhosis” were linked to excessive drinking, although that may not always be evident from death certificates. Marissa Esser, who previously led the alcohol program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted this hidden toll before the program was disbanded earlier this year.The American Medical Association is now calling for more public education on alcohol’s risks, including its link to breast cancer. It is also urging clearer labeling on alcoholic beverages to help consumers make informed choices.Though some data suggests a slight drop in alcohol use since its peak in 2020, it remains uncertain whether this will reduce deaths in the coming years. For now, ALD continues to be the leading reason for liver transplants in the U.S., and alcohol-associated hepatitis is the fastest-growing cause.

alcohol-linked liver disease deaths on rise among women and young adults

AI Therapy Gone Wrong: How Chatbots Are Failing Vulnerable Teens

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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

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Accelerated Biological Aging Could Make You At Risk For Dementia: Study

accelerated biological aging could make you at risk for dementia: study

<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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Alcohol-Linked Liver Disease Deaths On Rise Among Women And Young Adults

Quick Stories

AI Therapy Gone Wrong: Psychiatrist Reveals How Chatbots Are Failing Vulnerable Teens

Memory Issues In Dementia & Parkinson’s Patients Linked To Natural Mouth & Gut Bacteria

Lack Of Sleep Can Alter A Teen's Brain And Also Cause Behavioral Issues: Study

Health Conditions A-Z

AI Therapy Gone Wrong: Psychiatrist Reveals How Chatbots Are Failing Vulnerable Teens

Does Hair Oiling Help Your Scalp? Ayurvedic Oils For Healthy Hair

Memory Issues In Dementia & Parkinson’s Patients Linked To Natural Mouth & Gut Bacteria