August News 2026
Sleep apnea is linked to a surprising change in muscle health
MindBodyGreen
Sleep apnea often flies under the radar, especially in people who don’t fit the typical stereotype. It can show up as snoring, yes, but also as daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or waking up feeling like you didn’t sleep at all, despite hours in bed. Over time, those nightly disruptions can create a low-grade strain on the body, including the muscles.
New research suggests sleep apnea may be affecting your muscle health. And not just how much muscle you have, but how well it actually functions day to day. Sleep quality, not just sleep duration, plays a role in how your body holds onto and uses muscle.
Cleveland Clinic sleep expert explains why it's harder to sleep during the summer
WCNC
In the summer months, you may notice that it’s harder to fall and stay asleep. Sleep experts explain this is due to your body having trouble lowering its core temperature.
Cleveland Clinic Sleep Psychologist Alicia Roth the sweet spot for sleep is generally between 60 to 67 degrees in your bedroom. Longer days can also play a role because more evening sunlight can delay the body’s release of melatonin, the hormone that helps signal it’s time to sleep, making it feel harder to wind down. “We don’t have more sunlight – we just have a shift in the timing of the sunlight,” said Dr. Roth. “And this could make a big difference on your circadian rhythm – your sleep wake schedule.”
Dr. Roth offers tips for sleeping during the warm summer months.
Why sleep is important for brain health
Cleveland Clinic
A good night’s sleep does more than leave you feeling well-rested. Sleep experts from Cleveland Clinic say it helps your brain work at its best both now and as you age.
“It's critically important that we sleep to restore every cell in every organ of our body, including the brain. We have plenty of data to support how our brain, mood and psychiatric function decline in the absence of chronically good sleep,” said Nancy Foldvary, DO, a sleep specialist for Cleveland Clinic.
If being sleep deprived becomes a habit, it can impact memory and make problem-solving more difficult. An underlying sleep disorder could be contributing to the problem, and getting diagnosed can help lead to an effective treatment plan.