Health

Deep sleep (N3) is a restorative stage of non‑REM sleep that supports repair and immune regulation; typical nightly amounts fall with age—for example, babies about 90–150 minutes, adults about 45–90 minutes, and older adults about 30–60 minutes.

Susie Wiles announced an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis and said she will begin treatment soon while remaining at work.

The American Heart Association issued updated cholesterol management guidance stressing early lifestyle measures and medication when needed, noting about one in four adults have high LDL cholesterol. A separate study found some AI-generated diet advice for teenagers can recommend dangerously low-calorie meal plans.

A 24-year-old Arizona woman developed botulism after eating a small piece of fermented swordfish and is recovering in a Phoenix rehab center after receiving treatment.

A randomized trial of more than 1,700 adults found that people given daily vitamin D3 for four weeks showed a modestly lower rate of persistent symptoms at eight weeks (21% vs 25%); researchers reported no difference in acute COVID severity, hospital visits, or deaths between the vitamin D and placebo groups.

Bill Gifford's Hotwired examines human sweating and its evolutionary role, and cites studies that link heat exposure and sauna use to cardiovascular, cellular and mood-related findings.

A NIH‑supported randomized trial found weekly injectable extended‑release buprenorphine produced higher rates of abstinence from illicit opioids during pregnancy than daily sublingual buprenorphine, and serious maternal adverse events were less common; neonatal withdrawal outcomes were similar.

An Australian tech entrepreneur used AI tools to help design a personalized mRNA vaccine for his dog, which a university lab manufactured and which the owner says reduced the tumor burden by about 75% and improved the dog's mobility.

Research distinguishes passive screen use, such as prolonged TV viewing, from active use like internet searching or learning on tablets; studies have linked high TV time to faster memory decline and higher dementia risk in some samples while other research finds active, purposeful digital use is associated with slower cognitive decline.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an established medical treatment that increases oxygen delivery to tissues, and it is now being promoted in wellness circles for anti‑aging and longevity. The article reports that these longevity and cognitive claims lack robust research support and that safety incidents at private clinics have raised concerns.

A data engineer used AI tools including ChatGPT and AlphaFold with university researchers to design a personalized mRNA vaccine for his dog Rosie; the tumor reportedly shrank by about 75% after treatment.

Merit Medical announced the US commercial release of the Resilience Through-the-Scope Esophageal Stent on March 16, 2026; it is indicated for treatment of esophageal fistulas and strictures caused by malignant tumors.

Americans are increasingly obtaining and using unapproved, compounded, or repackaged drugs — from Vyleesi being taken by men to a growing market for peptides and GLP-1 variants — often via online vendors and compounding pharmacies.

Steve Gaines, a former Southern Baptist Convention president and longtime pastor, has been placed in hospice care as he continues his battle with kidney cancer, his church and Baptist Press reported.

Mirasol's café in Dartmouth launched a collagen-based "Collagen Crush" latte on March 2, and the iced version has been popular with customers.

A substitute teacher and her boyfriend were indicted in Texas on multiple child sex-related charges after arrests in December 2025; both suspects had their bonds increased following grand jury indictments.

A randomized trial by Mass General Brigham found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a small difference in reported lingering symptoms eight weeks after infection (21% vs. 25%) and did not change short-term illness severity or healthcare visits.

Sleep specialists identified tart cherries as a natural source of melatonin, and a 2025 review of seven studies reported improvements in sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and time to fall asleep.

The World Health Organization released $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria; allocations include $1 million for Lebanon and $500,000 each for Iraq and Syria.

Experts report that deep sleep declines with age and that aligning time in bed with actual sleep ability — rather than simply extending time in bed — can improve sleep efficiency and support restorative sleep.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released updated cholesterol guidelines published March 13 that replace the 2018 guidance and emphasize earlier screening — including in some people in their 30s — and a shift toward assessing lifetime cardiovascular risk with a new PREVENT-ASCVD calculator.

Two sleep experts note that seven hours falls within recommended ranges for many adults and that waking during different points in sleep cycles, plus sleep regularity and oversleeping, can influence morning grogginess.

Sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta outlines bedroom changes that address mattress and pillow fit, room temperature, darkness and noise control, and air quality as factors tied to sleep quality.

A writer with mild obstructive sleep apnea used an app-based program of orofacial exercises and recorded a reduction in snoring frequency and volume, though the benefits lessened after the exercises stopped.

A 2026 Vitality–LSE study reported that keeping bedtimes within a one-hour window and getting 7+ hours of sleep was associated with lower mortality risk and up to four extra years of life. Sleep experts describe six circadian anchors—consistent wake time, morning light, regular meals, daytime activity, a bedtime routine and reduced evening light—to support sleep regularity.

The NHS is marking one year since patients began receiving medicines made from plasma donated in the UK, and some patients report symptom stabilisation after monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions.

A GoFundMe for 78-year-old DoorDash driver Richard Pulley has raised more than $884,000 after a viral video; donors praised the community's support.

Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, clarified in written responses that she believes people should get the measles vaccine; the CDC reported 1,362 cases across 31 states as of March 12, 2026.

A board-certified neurologist explains that regular moderate-intensity swimming can improve sleep for people aged 65 and over by increasing sleep drive, easing pain, supporting mood, and offering social interaction; the article cites a practical target of about 20–40 minutes of pool time three times a week, earlier in the day.

About 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023, according to an analysis of National Health Interview Survey data published in NEJM Evidence.