July 20, 16:00

Personal experience of fighting chronic insomnia and methods to overcome it

Chronic insomnia, which affects at least 60% of the population, is characterized by difficulties falling asleep. This is a state of the brain where overly active centers promoting wakefulness prevent the calming of sleep centers.

Causes and symptoms of sleep disorders

The consequences of severe insomnia can manifest as reduced energy levels, impaired concentration, or daytime drowsiness. There are many factors that cause sleep disorders, including stress, anxiety, body aches, poor sleep hygiene, consumption of caffeine and alcohol, certain medications, and for women—hormonal changes associated with menopause. Studies also point to the possible influence of low vitamin D levels on the development of insomnia.

The author shares their experience of searching for the causes of the condition using the process of elimination. Caffeine consumption was ruled out, and hormone replacement therapy was used during menopause. Despite periodic mild stress and anxiety, a specific primary cause could not be found, which prompted them to consult a sleep specialist. The therapist suggested various techniques, such as counting backward from one hundred, which improved counting skills, and counting sheep. However, the attempt to count sheep led to the mind wandering to the process of shearing sheep, resulting in abandoning this exercise and stopping visits to the therapist.

Among the methods suggested by the therapist were meditations involving visualizing a walk across a field and counting clouds, hypnosis, and the use of special sleep candles. The author decided to explore other ways to naturally stimulate sleep. The most reliable method is considered to be preparing for sleep one to two hours before going to bed, which is called 'winding down.' This process includes making a list of tasks for the next day and visualizing the plan. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk may also be beneficial, although the scientific basis for their sedative properties is lacking; perhaps the ritual itself is important.

iol.co.zaJuly 21, 12:42

Western Cape Province Receives National Recognition in Forensic Toxicology

The Western Cape Province has become the first in South Africa to launch a public toxicology laboratory, achieving international accreditation.

Accreditation and its Significance

The Department of Health's forensic toxicology laboratory in the Western Cape received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation following an assessment conducted by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). This marks a significant step forward for forensic science in the country. The laboratory is located at the Observatory.

This accreditation covers methods for detecting carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as identifying and measuring drugs in forensic samples. These analyses are used in investigating fires, suspected poisonings, possible drug overdoses, and sudden or unexplained deaths.

Assistance to Families and Justice

Mireille Wenger, Minister of Health and Wellness for the Western Cape, noted that forensic toxicology can provide answers to families when the cause of death is not obvious. She emphasized that toxicology plays a vital role in uncovering circumstances in such cases.

Wenger stated that the accreditation guarantees independent confirmation that the toxicological data obtained by the unit meets internationally recognized standards. The results of these studies are used by forensic pathologists, police investigators, prosecutors, and courts in medico-legal and criminal investigations.

Structure and Quality of Work

The forensic toxicology unit is part of the Provincial Department of Health and Wellness's Forensic Pathology Service and supports death investigations in the Western Cape. Toxicologists work directly within the Forensic Pathology Service, which has improved collaboration, increased testing reliability, and reduced turnaround times for results.

Although testing was conducted before receiving certification, the accreditation independently confirms that the laboratory's methods and quality control meet international requirements. Before accreditation, the method undergoes rigorous testing to determine its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. The laboratory also participates in international proficiency testing and conducts continuous quality assurance assessments.

Commitment to Quality

Chief Forensic Toxicologist and Scientific Manager of the unit, Bronwen Davis, stated that the accreditation demonstrates a commitment to maintaining reliable services and continuously improving the laboratory's operations. She called this achievement a promise of quality and reliability, strengthening the Western Cape's healthcare system.

Wenger added that forensic pathology stands at the intersection of healthcare and the justice system. The work of scientists helps authorities determine causes of death, support investigations, and identify new public health threats, which is an important confirmation of the quality of forensic science in the Western Cape's public sector.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 21, 11:15

Delhi High Court allows transfer of Sonam Wangchuk from hospital

Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk received permission from the Delhi High Court on Tuesday to be transferred from Safdarjung Hospital to a private clinic. This decision was made against the backdrop of his prolonged hunger strike, which is linked to the alleged leak of NEET examination materials.

Court Proceedings and Central Government's Stance

The court's decision followed an appeal by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, against a single judge's order that denied his transfer from Safdarjung Hospital. During the hearings, the Centre informed the court that it had 'no objections' to Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta Hospital but requested that constant medical supervision be ensured.

Court Requirements and Suggestions

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that 'the Centre has no objection to Sonam Wangchuk being transferred to Medanta Hospital,' but strongly recommended that Wangchuk 'remain under constant medical observation and not be discharged except upon the recommendation of Medanta doctors.' The court also proposed transferring Wangchuk along with all his medical documentation from Safdarjung Hospital and announced that the formal order would be issued after lunch.

Continuation of Protests

On Tuesday, Wangchuk entered his twenty-fourth day of continuous hunger strike. The 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) intensified its protest against the Centre over the NEET material leak and renewed its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters also returned to Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where the sit-in demonstration continued for another day. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke joined the group at the protest site, promising to continue his campaign until the demands are met.

noticiasaominuto.comJuly 21, 09:57

DRCongo reports increase in deaths to 967 due to Ebola outbreak

According to the latest bulletin released by the executive, based on data collected up to July 19, the number of Ebola-related deaths has risen to 967. The current recorded fatality rate is 39.9%.

Current status of the outbreak

During this period, 734 individuals are in isolation or hospitalization, while 469 people have recovered from the disease. Furthermore, the contact tracing rate reached 81.1%.

Affected areas and government response

So far, five provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been impacted by the Ebola epidemic: Ituri, considered the epicenter of the outbreak, along with North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele (located in the east), and Tshopo (located in the north-central).

The DRCongo Government stated that health teams maintain continuous surveillance, assistance, and contact monitoring operations to prevent the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, the Congolese National Institute of Public Health (INSP) issued an alert in the bulletin, indicating that the results obtained from contact follow-up are still insufficient, which requires reinforcement of surveillance.

Transmission and geographical expansion

The presented data points to 'continuous community transmission' and the recent geographical expansion of the outbreak, which, according to the INSP, highlights the need to maintain intensive interventions in the epicenter while carrying out preparation activities in adjacent provinces.

International impact and history of the epidemic

The epidemic, which was declared on May 15 in the province of Ituri—a border region with South Sudan and Uganda—has also expanded to Uganda. However, Uganda discharged the last hospitalized patient on Thursday after recording a total of 20 confirmed cases, 15 of which were classified as imported from the DRCongo, including two deaths. With this, Uganda began a 42-day countdown without new cases, a necessary step to declare the end of the outbreak.

The current epidemic is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, whose fatality rate varies between 30% and 50%. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no authorized vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, and the WHO classifies the risk of the outbreak spreading in Sub-Saharan Africa as 'high', but 'low' globally.

This episode represents the third worst Ebola epidemic ever documented and is the 17th to affect the DRCongo. Comparatively, the previous epidemic in West Africa, which occurred between 2014 and 2016, resulted in approximately 11 thousand deaths and 28 thousand infections. The one that occurred in eastern Congo, between 2018 and 2020, caused 2,299 deaths and 3,481 cases.

The Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people or animals and causes severe symptoms such as hemorrhagic fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding.