New Delhi: Sleep debt and night shifts increase the risk of several common infections, according to a study on Monday. According to researchers from Norway, sleep debt, defined as the gap between sleep need and actual sleep duration, increased infection risk in a dose-dependent manner. The study, published in the journal Chronobiology International, examined the effects of sleep patterns and shift work on the immune system among 1,335 nurses from Norway. The findings showed that shift work -- particularly night shifts -- was associated with a higher risk of several infections, including the common cold. The risk of pneumonia/bronchitis was 129 per cent higher for nurses with moderate sleep debt and 288 per cent for severe sleep debt.
Both sinusitis and gastrointestinal infections also showed higher risks with increasing levels of sleep debt.
"These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to reduce infection risks among healthcare workers," said Siri Waage, from the Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen.
"Sleep debt and irregular shift patterns, including night work, not only compromise nurses' immune health but could also impact their ability to provide high-quality patient care," Waage added.
In the study, the participants -- mostly female nurses (90.4 per cent), with an average age of 41.9 years -- reported their sleep duration, sleep needs, shift work patterns, and how often they had experienced specific infections over the past three months.
Nurses with moderate sleep debt (one to 120 minutes less sleep than needed) had a 33 per cent higher risk of the common cold, while those with severe sleep debt (more than two hours) had more than double compared to those with no sleep debt.
The analysis also revealed that night work was linked with an increased risk of the common cold, but was not associated with any of the other infections examined. The study emphasises the importance of adequate sleep and shift management in reducing susceptibility to infection. (IANS)
lodipine, a common blood pressure medication, significantly reduced hyperactivity.
To confirm its effects the team tested amlodipine in zebrafish, an important model for studying brain function sharing about 70% of genes with humans. The results showed that amlodipine also reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity—core symptoms of ADHD—in these fish. Further analysis of the fish revealed that amlodipine crosses the blood-brain barrier for the first time, meaning it can directly influence brain function.
The researchers then turned to human genetic data and found that, remarkably, ADHD is linked to the same calcium channels in the brain as the targets for amlodipine. This suggests a potential target brain pathway for treatments. Finally, an analysis of UK-wide patient data showed that people taking amlodipine reported fewer mood swings and less risk-taking behaviour, further supporting its potential as a new ADHD treatment.
Dr Matthew Parker, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, said, “Repurposing amlodipine, a well-established blood pressure medication, offers a promising and swift pathway to address ADHD symptoms. Our research indicates that, due to its existing approval and safety profile, amlodipine could be rapidly redeployed as a treatment option for ADHD, potentially providing relief to patients sooner than developing new medications.”
Current ADHD medications are effective but come with significant side effects: from appetite loss, high blood pressure, headaches and sleep disturbance and carry a risk of misuse. Amlodipine, which is already widely used and well-tolerated, could offer a new, safer treatment option for ADHD.
Around 25% of patients do not respond well to any current ADHD medication, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options. (ANI)
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