What to know about sleeping with earplugs Reviewed by Aaron Kandola & Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA Earplugs are generally safe to use while sleeping. However, it is possible that frequent use can lead to some minor problems in the long run, such as earwax buildup. Sometimes, noise from the environment can disrupt sleep. For example, having a bedroom that faces a busy street can affect sleep duration. However, disrupted sleep may also be a problem when trying to sleep in different environments, such as on a plane. Earplugs can significantly reduce the amount of sound entering the ears, which may help people get to sleep in noisy environments. This article will discuss the safety of earplugs and the benefits they can provide. Safety Using earplugs while sleeping can block out surrounding noises. Using earplugs is a great way to block out surrounding noises that can disturb a natural sleep pattern. Not all noises have a negative effect on sleep. For exa...

How does exercise support health later in life? By Chiara Townley Fact checked by Jasmin Collier New research shows that older adults who exercise regularly can perform everyday tasks more easily and gain independence. Swimming is a great way to stay fit in older age. Insufficient physical activity causes around 3.2 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These declining levels of physical activity may be due, in part, to an increase in sedentary behavior, heavy traffic areas, pollution, and a lack of parks and facilities. For adults aged 65 and above, experts define physical activity as a combination of everyday tasks, such as work duties (if applicable), transportation, chores, and exercise they do during leisure time, such as walking, swimming, and gardening. The WHO recommend that older adults get 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activ...

What are the Causes of swollen hands Reviewed by Claire Sissons & Elaine K. Luo, MD Swelling happens when fluid builds up inside tissues. Numerous factors can cause it, including temperature change and underlying conditions. If swollen hands are due to a medical issue, treating it should resolve the swelling. A person may notice their fingers or hands appearing larger than usual. The skin may look puffy or shiny, and a dent may appear when a person presses the skin. Swelling in the hands often goes away without treatment. Making some lifestyle changes can help to reduce the frequency of swelling. Swollen hands may occur at certain times of day or have a link to particular activities. Making a note of when swelling happens can help pinpoint the cause. It may be a good idea to keep a record of the time of day and circumstances when the hands appear swollen. Some simple home remedies can reduce swelling in the hands. Treatment aims to encourage fluid to flow thro...