Health and Me

Ishita Roy

High PCOS Prevalence Found Among Young Women In Delhi, Finds Study

A recent study has revealed that 17.4% of college-going women aged 18-25 in Delhi are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (<span>PCOS</span>), marking the second-highest prevalence rate recorded in the country. The study, partly funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Health. It included a cross-sectional survey of 1,164 participants and a systematic review of studies conducted between 2010 and 2024 across India in similar age groups.

<h4>PCOS: A Widespread Yet Under-Researched Disorder</h4>

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a range of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and obesity. Despite being widespread, the disorder remains under-researched, especially in young women.

The study points out that the pooled prevalence of PCOS across India in this age group, based on similar diagnostic criteria, stood at 8.41%. By comparison, Delhi’s figure of 17.4% is significantly higher, highlighting a concerning urban health trend. Previous data from the Ministry of Science and Technology has shown that PCOS prevalence in India can vary between 3.70% and 22.50%, depending on region, setting, and socio-cultural factors.

The researchers observed a higher prevalence of PCOS in urban areas with heterogeneous and migrating populations. Many young women move to cities like Delhi for academic and career opportunities, which often leads to psychological stress, disrupted sleep cycles, and unhealthy dietary habits. These factors, in turn, may contribute to the increasing incidence of PCOS.

“This displacement and the resulting lifestyle changes — juggling education, work, and home responsibilities — seem to be closely linked to the rise in PCOS cases,” the study noted.

The research was conducted by Apoorva Sharma, Naorem Kiranmala Devi, and Kallur Nava Saraswathy from the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University, along with Dr. Yamini Swarwal from Safdarjung Hospital. According to Prof. Saraswathy, ethical clearance for the fieldwork was obtained from Delhi University, and the data collection process spanned two years.

Of the 1,164 women surveyed, 70.3% had already been diagnosed with PCOS, while 29.7% were newly diagnosed during the course of the study. The researchers also facilitated ultrasound testing for women who displayed symptoms but had not yet been diagnosed.

<h4>Socio-Demographic and Caste-Based Disparities</h4>

The study found that women from upper and upper-middle socioeconomic classes, as per the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale, were at higher risk. Researchers attributed this to a “nutrition transition” involving increased consumption of processed foods, fats, and sugars, alongside reduced physical activity. This shift has led to increased insulin resistance and obesity—factors known to be linked to PCOS.

Interestingly, the highest prevalence of PCOS was recorded among Scheduled Tribes (21.4%), followed by women from the General Category (19.9%), with lower rates among Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes. The authors suggest that this might reflect broader inequalities in healthcare access and lifestyle, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health interventions and greater awareness.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

PCOS

health and wellness

pcos/pcod

women's health

womens health

Is 'Histamine Intolerance' The Hidden Reason Behind Your Bloating And Brain Fog?

New Cancer Therapy Increases Survival Rate By 40%: Study

Drinking Even In Moderation Can Increase Your Cancer Risk In This Organ, Finds Study

Health & Wellness

What Should You Avoid For Your Bladder?

Lower-Body Exercises For Strong Foundation

Healthy Drinks That Improve Your Digestion

World Tobacco Day: Unexpected Ways Smoking Can Affect You

Seasonal Mood Swings? How Weather Affects Mental Health

Is Calorie Counting Healthy? Dos And Don’ts

Heat-Related Illnesses That You Should Know

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Tips On Period Hygiene

​Add These High Protein Vegetarian Meals To Your Diet​

Top 10 Workouts That Burn Most Calorie

Makhana Season – Healthy &amp; Quick Foxnut Recipes

Monsoon Ahead – Tips On Building Rainy Season Immunity

Do You Have Prickly Heat Rash – Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Healthy No-Cook Recipes You Can Try

How Do You Calorie Count – Numbers And Nutrients

Unexpected Signs Of Dehydration – Safety And Precaution Measures

Leg Exercises You Can Do At Home To Build Strength

Foods That Promote Skin Elasticity

Must-Do Chest Exercises You Can Try At Home

What Are The Symptoms Of JN.1 COVID-19 Strain?

Why Does Sleeping Become Harder As You Age?

High-Fiber Healthy Drinks You Should Try

10 Dumbbell Exercise Variations For Upper-Body Strength

A Parent’s Guide To Pets: Important Points To Consider For Your Child’s Health

Food Anxiety Is Real – How Your Food Intake Affects Your Anxiety

World Osteoporosis Month: Ways To Strengthen Your Bones

Brain Exercises To Keep You Cognitively Sharp

Easy Recipes To Make When You Don’t Wish To Cook

Physical Signs Of High Cortisol

9 Healthy Plant-Based Protein Rich Dishes To Try

What Happens When You Have Low Blood Pressure?

Throw These Toxic Bathroom Items Away To Protect Your Health

This Is What Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli Eats In A Day

Signs You Are Experiencing Sensory Overload

Shoulder Exercises You Should Do For Defined Shoulders

Best Foods To Eat When You Are Fasting

​Ghee For Ayurveda: Why It Should Be A Part Of Your Diet​

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer You Should Know

Yoga Poses That Can Build Core Strength

Biotin-Rich Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

A recent study has revealed that 17.4% of college-going women aged 18-25 in Delhi are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), marking the second-highest prevalence rate recorded in the country. The study, partly funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Health. It included a cross-sectional survey of 1,164 participants and a systematic review of studies conducted between 2010 and 2024 across India in similar age groups.PCOS: A Widespread Yet Under-Researched DisorderPolycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a range of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and obesity. Despite being widespread, the disorder remains under-researched, especially in young women.The study points out that the pooled prevalence of PCOS across India in this age group, based on similar diagnostic criteria, stood at 8.41%. By comparison, Delhi’s figure of 17.4% is significantly higher, highlighting a concerning urban health trend. Previous data from the Ministry of Science and Technology has shown that PCOS prevalence in India can vary between 3.70% and 22.50%, depending on region, setting, and socio-cultural factors.Urban Lifestyle and Its RoleThe researchers observed a higher prevalence of PCOS in urban areas with heterogeneous and migrating populations. Many young women move to cities like Delhi for academic and career opportunities, which often leads to psychological stress, disrupted sleep cycles, and unhealthy dietary habits. These factors, in turn, may contribute to the increasing incidence of PCOS.“This displacement and the resulting lifestyle changes — juggling education, work, and home responsibilities — seem to be closely linked to the rise in PCOS cases,” the study noted.The research was conducted by Apoorva Sharma, Naorem Kiranmala Devi, and Kallur Nava Saraswathy from the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University, along with Dr. Yamini Swarwal from Safdarjung Hospital. According to Prof. Saraswathy, ethical clearance for the fieldwork was obtained from Delhi University, and the data collection process spanned two years.Diagnosis and TestingOf the 1,164 women surveyed, 70.3% had already been diagnosed with PCOS, while 29.7% were newly diagnosed during the course of the study. The researchers also facilitated ultrasound testing for women who displayed symptoms but had not yet been diagnosed.Socio-Demographic and Caste-Based DisparitiesThe study found that women from upper and upper-middle socioeconomic classes, as per the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale, were at higher risk. Researchers attributed this to a “nutrition transition” involving increased consumption of processed foods, fats, and sugars, alongside reduced physical activity. This shift has led to increased insulin resistance and obesity—factors known to be linked to PCOS.Interestingly, the highest prevalence of PCOS was recorded among Scheduled Tribes (21.4%), followed by women from the General Category (19.9%), with lower rates among Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes. The authors suggest that this might reflect broader inequalities in healthcare access and lifestyle, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health interventions and greater awareness.

high pcos prevalence found among young women in delhi, finds study

Aarushi Bhadury

Colon Cancer Is Rising In Millennials- But This One Symptom Still Feels Too Embarrassing To Talk About

colon cancer is rising in millennials- but this one symptom still feels too embarrassing to talk about

More Than A Diagnosis: Cancer Survivors Share The Small Wins That Helped Them Heal

national cancer survivors day: 'more than a diagnosis' - cancer survivors share the small wins that helped them heal

drinking even in moderation can increase your cancer risk in this organ, finds study

Nutrition

This 'Sweet and Sour' Fruit Juice Can Help Ease Sore Throat While Reducing Your Cancer Risk

this unexpected fruit juice can not only help with sore throat but also reduce cancer risk, study suggests

<span>Cancer</span> research has come a long way, although dreams of curing cancer as a whole persist. Researchers have found ways to get the disease under control, as well as how to help people become cancer free. The treatment options available for cancer patients are radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, as well as surgeries to cut out or treat targeted areas. However, a groundbreaking study has helped researchers develop a new cancer treatment, that has increased the rate of survival by 40%.

Researchers from Peking University Cancer Hospital &amp; Institute in China, whose findings were published in The Lancet medical journal, stated that this method "could represent a paradigm shift" in care. These exciting results were shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago. 

This study is the first-ever randomized controlled trial to investigate CAR-T therapy for solid tumors. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for proving whether a treatment is effective. 

Now, a significant study presented at the world's largest cancer conference has revealed that CAR-T therapy could also fight solid tumors, which make up about 90% of all adult human cancers. The research, involving over 100 patients with advanced stomach or gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, showed that those treated with CAR-T therapy lived 40% longer on average than patients who received standard care.

CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy where the treatment cells are made by the patient’s own T-cells, which are white blood cells that protect our bodies from infections. These cells are used to fight cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Experts call it the “living drug”, as the T-cells are collected from the patients blood, and modified to produce a special protein called chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs. These cells then latch onto the antigens present in the cancer cells. They also enhance the ability of T-cells to kill cancer.

Specifically, patients who got CAR-T cell therapy survived for an average of 7.9 months, compared to 5.5 months with standard care. They also had 3.3 months without their cancer getting worse, compared to 1.8 months for those on standard care. 

<h2>What Does This Mean For Future Cancer Treatments? </h2>

Experts are hailing this as a "groundbreaking milestone" for using CAR-T therapies to treat solid tumors. Some found the results "exciting," calling it a crucial moment that should motivate the cancer research community to keep pushing forward. 

A director of research and partnerships at a prominent cancer research organization found it "encouraging" to see early signs that CAR-T cell therapy could help patients with solid tumors. They noted that while more extensive trials are needed before it can be widely used, it could mark an important step ahead for patients who have had limited treatment options so far. 

Researchers highlighted that the treatment only extended survival by about two months. They also emphasized the importance of finding ways to lower the cost of CAR-T therapy to make it widely accessible. Despite this, they expressed encouragement that this represents another potential treatment option for gastric cancer patients, whose prognosis is generally very poor, hoping it could offer "meaningful longevity." 

leap for solid tumorsnow

New Cancer Therapy

Cancer Therapy Increases Survival Rate

cancer survival rates

Cancer

treatment options for cancer

Cancer research has come a long way, although dreams of curing cancer as a whole persist. Researchers have found ways to get the disease under control, as well as how to help people become cancer free. The treatment options available for cancer patients are radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, as well as surgeries to cut out or treat targeted areas. However, a groundbreaking study has helped researchers develop a new cancer treatment, that has increased the rate of survival by 40%.Researchers from Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute in China, whose findings were published in The Lancet medical journal, stated that this method "could represent a paradigm shift" in care. These exciting results were shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago. This study is the first-ever randomized controlled trial to investigate CAR-T therapy for solid tumors. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for proving whether a treatment is effective. Major Leap for Solid TumorsNow, a significant study presented at the world's largest cancer conference has revealed that CAR-T therapy could also fight solid tumors, which make up about 90% of all adult human cancers. The research, involving over 100 patients with advanced stomach or gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, showed that those treated with CAR-T therapy lived 40% longer on average than patients who received standard care.CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy where the treatment cells are made by the patient’s own T-cells, which are white blood cells that protect our bodies from infections. These cells are used to fight cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Experts call it the “living drug”, as the T-cells are collected from the patients blood, and modified to produce a special protein called chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs. These cells then latch onto the antigens present in the cancer cells. They also enhance the ability of T-cells to kill cancer.Specifically, patients who got CAR-T cell therapy survived for an average of 7.9 months, compared to 5.5 months with standard care. They also had 3.3 months without their cancer getting worse, compared to 1.8 months for those on standard care. What Does This Mean For Future Cancer Treatments? Experts are hailing this as a "groundbreaking milestone" for using CAR-T therapies to treat solid tumors. Some found the results "exciting," calling it a crucial moment that should motivate the cancer research community to keep pushing forward. A director of research and partnerships at a prominent cancer research organization found it "encouraging" to see early signs that CAR-T cell therapy could help patients with solid tumors. They noted that while more extensive trials are needed before it can be widely used, it could mark an important step ahead for patients who have had limited treatment options so far. Researchers highlighted that the treatment only extended survival by about two months. They also emphasized the importance of finding ways to lower the cost of CAR-T therapy to make it widely accessible. Despite this, they expressed encouragement that this represents another potential treatment option for gastric cancer patients, whose prognosis is generally very poor, hoping it could offer "meaningful longevity." 

new cancer therapy increases survival rate by 40%: study

This Essential Nutrient Is Often Ignored In High-Protein Diets— Why That’s A Big Mistake?

this essential nutrient is often ignored in high-protein diets— why that’s a big mistake?

Health News

Type 2 Diabetes And High Blood Pressure Now Affect 1 In 8 Americans, Study Links Combo To Early Death Risk

type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure now affect 1 in 8 americans, study links combo to early death risk

From time and again doctors have said that no amount of <span>alcohol</span> is good for you. Alcohol, in fact, is a carcinogen. As per the National Human Genome Research Institute, a carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing <span>cancer</span>. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies alcohol as Group 1 carcinogen, which means, there is enough evidence to conclude that it causes cancers in human. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consume, and the risk stats from the first drink. 

As per a new study, it is also linked to <span>pancreatic cancer</span>. While for the longest, the scientific community had "limited" or "inconclusive" connection on it. However, a large study by the World Health Organization's (WHO) IARC looked at data from around 2 million people across 30 studies in four continents. This was done for over 16 years. 

The study found a slight rise in pancreatic cancer risk linked to alcohol consumption, regardless of gender or smoking status. The increase was more pronounced in women consuming 15 grams or more of alcohol daily, and in men who drank 30 grams or more per day.

The study has been published in PLOS Medicine, and it found a modest yet consistent link between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. 

The study found that for every 10 grams of alcohol that is consumed by a person on a daily basis, which amounts to a small glass of wine, the pancreatic cancer risk increases by 3 percent. 

Among women who consumed between 15 and 30 grams of alcohol per day, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by 12 percent compared to those with only light intake (0.1–5 grams/day). In men, the danger climbed more steeply—those drinking 30 to 60 grams daily faced a 15 percent higher risk, while men consuming over 60 grams saw their risk surge by a striking 36 percent.

Put simply, if your daily wind-down routine involves more than the occasional drink, it may be worth thinking twice about what that glass is really costing your health.

<h4>How Does Alcohol Pave Way For Pancreatic Cancer?</h4>

Triggers Inflammation: Long-term alcohol use can irritate and inflame the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatitis. Over time, this chronic inflammation becomes a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Damages Genetic Material: When alcohol breaks down in the body, it turns into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound that’s notoriously harsh on DNA. It can lead to mutations and interfere with your body’s natural ability to repair damaged cells.

Disrupts Glucose Balance: Alcohol interferes with glucose metabolism and insulin function. Since the pancreas plays a central role in both, this disruption puts it under considerable stress and may increase the likelihood of tumour development over time.

<strong>Drives Oxidative Stress: </strong>Drinking introduces oxidative stress—an unhealthy imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants. This imbalance harms cell structures and creates an environment in which cancer can thrive.

Lowers Immune Defences: Consistent alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to detect and eliminate abnormal or potentially cancerous cells before they multiply.

That said, the study isn’t without limitations. It measured alcohol intake only once during the study period and had limited data from Asian populations. It also didn’t explore lifetime drinking patterns or compare the impacts of occasional binge drinking with regular consumption.

While pancreatic cancer ranks twelfth in global cancer incidence, it is far deadlier than its ranking suggests—contributing to roughly 5 percent of all cancer-related deaths worldwide.

alcohol and cancer

cancer

alcohol

pancreatic cancer

From time and again doctors have said that no amount of alcohol is good for you. Alcohol, in fact, is a carcinogen. As per the National Human Genome Research Institute, a carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies alcohol as Group 1 carcinogen, which means, there is enough evidence to conclude that it causes cancers in human. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consume, and the risk stats from the first drink. As per a new study, it is also linked to pancreatic cancer. While for the longest, the scientific community had "limited" or "inconclusive" connection on it. However, a large study by the World Health Organization's (WHO) IARC looked at data from around 2 million people across 30 studies in four continents. This was done for over 16 years. What Did The Study Find?The study found a slight rise in pancreatic cancer risk linked to alcohol consumption, regardless of gender or smoking status. The increase was more pronounced in women consuming 15 grams or more of alcohol daily, and in men who drank 30 grams or more per day.The study has been published in PLOS Medicine, and it found a modest yet consistent link between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. The study found that for every 10 grams of alcohol that is consumed by a person on a daily basis, which amounts to a small glass of wine, the pancreatic cancer risk increases by 3 percent. What Does "Modest Risk" Mean?Among women who consumed between 15 and 30 grams of alcohol per day, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by 12 percent compared to those with only light intake (0.1–5 grams/day). In men, the danger climbed more steeply—those drinking 30 to 60 grams daily faced a 15 percent higher risk, while men consuming over 60 grams saw their risk surge by a striking 36 percent.Put simply, if your daily wind-down routine involves more than the occasional drink, it may be worth thinking twice about what that glass is really costing your health.How Does Alcohol Pave Way For Pancreatic Cancer?Triggers Inflammation: Long-term alcohol use can irritate and inflame the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatitis. Over time, this chronic inflammation becomes a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.Damages Genetic Material: When alcohol breaks down in the body, it turns into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound that’s notoriously harsh on DNA. It can lead to mutations and interfere with your body’s natural ability to repair damaged cells.Disrupts Glucose Balance: Alcohol interferes with glucose metabolism and insulin function. Since the pancreas plays a central role in both, this disruption puts it under considerable stress and may increase the likelihood of tumour development over time.Drives Oxidative Stress: Drinking introduces oxidative stress—an unhealthy imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants. This imbalance harms cell structures and creates an environment in which cancer can thrive.Lowers Immune Defences: Consistent alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to detect and eliminate abnormal or potentially cancerous cells before they multiply.That said, the study isn’t without limitations. It measured alcohol intake only once during the study period and had limited data from Asian populations. It also didn’t explore lifetime drinking patterns or compare the impacts of occasional binge drinking with regular consumption.While pancreatic cancer ranks twelfth in global cancer incidence, it is far deadlier than its ranking suggests—contributing to roughly 5 percent of all cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Could Sparkling Water Be Causing Stomach Pain And Digestive Distress?

drinking sparkling water if you have this condition may be causing you stomach symptoms

You Can Reduce Dementia Risk By Walking Only These Number Of Steps

reduce dementia risk by walking these number of steps

Boost Your Brain Power With These “Focus Foods”

boost your brain power with these “focus foods”

Coffee has been hailed one of the best drinks to start your morning with by many people. Some even claim they can’t get their morning started without their cup of coffee. However, does it actually energize you or does it affect the way your body functions to accommodate more awake hours? 

Your daily coffee might help you power through the day, but could it be keeping your brain too active at night, even while you sleep? A new study suggests that caffeine doesn't just affect your energy levels; it may also change how your brain works during sleep, especially if you're in your twenties. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Caffeine's Impact on Sleeping Brains</span> </h2>

Researchers in Canada found that drinking caffeine before bed might keep your brain in a more active state all night. This study, published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, utilized electroencephalography (EEG) and artificial intelligence to see how caffeine changes the brain's behavior during rest. 

The researchers explained that advanced statistical analysis and AI were used to identify subtle changes in neuronal activity. The results showed that caffeine made brain signals more complex, meaning the brain's activity was more dynamic and less predictable. This was especially true during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase of sleep, which is really important for memory and getting your brain ready for the next day. 

<h2>How <span rel="noindex">Super Alert Caffeine State</span> Affect Us </h2>

The study also found that caffeine boosted something called "criticality." The researchers explain that criticality as a state where the brain is perfectly balanced between order and chaos. In this state, the brain works at its best, processing information well, adapting quickly, learning, and making decisions easily. 

But this super-alert state isn't good for sleep. While caffeine helps you focus during the day, this heightened state could mess with your rest at night. Your brain might not truly relax or recover. 

<h2>What Caffeine Does to <span rel="noindex">Brain Waves</span> </h2>

To see these effects, researchers watched 40 healthy adults as they slept. Participants took either caffeine pills or fake pills before bed. The researchers discovered that caffeine increased beta brain waves, which are linked to being awake and mentally engaged. At the same time, it weakened slower brain waves like theta and alpha, which are connected to deep, restorative sleep. 

These changes suggest that even when you're sleeping, your brain stays more active and less rested if you've had caffeine. Jerbi noted that this change in brain activity might explain why caffeine affects how well your brain recovers at night, potentially impacting your memory. 

The effects of caffeine were much stronger in young adults aged 20 to 27, compared to middle-aged adults between 41 and 58. This difference might be because of adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a chemical that builds up during the day, making you feel sleepy. Caffeine blocks these receptors to keep you awake. Younger adults have more of these receptors, so caffeine has a stronger effect on them. 

These adenosine receptors naturally decrease, which reduces caffeine's ability to block them and boost brain complexity. This could partly explain why caffeine had less of an effect on the middle-aged participants. 

Since so many people use caffeine daily to fight tiredness, the researchers say more studies are needed to understand its long-term effects on brain health and to give personalized advice for different age groups. 

Caffeine's Impact on Sleeping Brains

brain waves

coffee for energy

Caffeine's and health

Super Alert Caffeine State

Caffeine and how it affects our brain

Coffee has been hailed one of the best drinks to start your morning with by many people. Some even claim they can’t get their morning started without their cup of coffee. However, does it actually energize you or does it affect the way your body functions to accommodate more awake hours? Your daily coffee might help you power through the day, but could it be keeping your brain too active at night, even while you sleep? A new study suggests that caffeine doesn't just affect your energy levels; it may also change how your brain works during sleep, especially if you're in your twenties. Caffeine's Impact on Sleeping Brains Researchers in Canada found that drinking caffeine before bed might keep your brain in a more active state all night. This study, published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, utilized electroencephalography (EEG) and artificial intelligence to see how caffeine changes the brain's behavior during rest. The researchers explained that advanced statistical analysis and AI were used to identify subtle changes in neuronal activity. The results showed that caffeine made brain signals more complex, meaning the brain's activity was more dynamic and less predictable. This was especially true during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase of sleep, which is really important for memory and getting your brain ready for the next day.  How Super Alert Caffeine State Affect Us The study also found that caffeine boosted something called "criticality." The researchers explain that criticality as a state where the brain is perfectly balanced between order and chaos. In this state, the brain works at its best, processing information well, adapting quickly, learning, and making decisions easily. But this super-alert state isn't good for sleep. While caffeine helps you focus during the day, this heightened state could mess with your rest at night. Your brain might not truly relax or recover. What Caffeine Does to Brain Waves To see these effects, researchers watched 40 healthy adults as they slept. Participants took either caffeine pills or fake pills before bed. The researchers discovered that caffeine increased beta brain waves, which are linked to being awake and mentally engaged. At the same time, it weakened slower brain waves like theta and alpha, which are connected to deep, restorative sleep. These changes suggest that even when you're sleeping, your brain stays more active and less rested if you've had caffeine. Jerbi noted that this change in brain activity might explain why caffeine affects how well your brain recovers at night, potentially impacting your memory. Why Age Matters with Caffeine The effects of caffeine were much stronger in young adults aged 20 to 27, compared to middle-aged adults between 41 and 58. This difference might be because of adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a chemical that builds up during the day, making you feel sleepy. Caffeine blocks these receptors to keep you awake. Younger adults have more of these receptors, so caffeine has a stronger effect on them. These adenosine receptors naturally decrease, which reduces caffeine's ability to block them and boost brain complexity. This could partly explain why caffeine had less of an effect on the middle-aged participants. Since so many people use caffeine daily to fight tiredness, the researchers say more studies are needed to understand its long-term effects on brain health and to give personalized advice for different age groups. 

Drinking Coffee Doesn't Affect Your Energy - It Changes The Way Your Brain Functions

drinking coffee doesn't affect your energy - it changes the way your brain functions

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

High PCOS Prevalence Found Among Young Women In Delhi, Finds Study

Quick Stories

New Cancer Therapy Increases Survival Rate By 40%: Study

Drinking Even In Moderation Can Increase Your Cancer Risk In This Organ, Finds Study

Drinking Coffee Doesn't Affect Your Energy - It Changes The Way Your Brain Functions

Health Conditions A-Z

Is 'Histamine Intolerance' The Hidden Reason Behind Your Bloating And Brain Fog?

New Cancer Therapy Increases Survival Rate By 40%: Study

Drinking Even In Moderation Can Increase Your Cancer Risk In This Organ, Finds Study