A psychologist's five habits may ease short spells of bad sleep

1Cannabis use was linked to more reported strokes in a big survey

The problem. Cannabis use is growing in the US. In 2024, about 1 in 6 adults had used it in the past month, up from 1 in 10 in 2020. Many people wonder what it means for the heart.

What they found. Researchers looked at a US phone survey of about 440,000 adults, run from 2020 to 2024. People who used cannabis on 1 to 5 days a month had 40% higher odds of saying they had had a stroke. Heavy users had 25% higher odds. The survey found no clear link with heart attack.

Try this. Next time a health headline worries or excites you, look for two things. How many people were studied, and does it show a link or proof?

How sure is this? Early research from one survey, based on what people recalled. It shows a link, not proof, and cannot tell which came first.

Source: ScienceDaily¹

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2A psychologist suggests five habits for short spells of poor sleep

The problem. Many people go through a spell of bad sleep. In the US, about 1 in 3 people has one in a given year. It is hard to know what helps, and tiredness makes everything else harder.

What they found. A psychologist describes five habits from CBT-I (a talking therapy for poor sleep). They include a steady wake-up time, a calm hour before bed, and leaving bed after about 20 minutes awake. The author also cites one trial of a single session. Within a month, 60% of that group had recovered, compared with 15% of the comparison group.

Try this. Tonight, pick one calming activity, such as reading or soft music, and start it an hour before your usual bedtime.

How sure is this? One psychologist's advice, backed by one trial. The page does not say how big that trial was, so this is a good sign, not firm proof.

Source: Psychology Today²

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3A 75-year-old finished the Athens Marathon barefoot as time ran out

The problem. Running can feel out of reach after illness, injury or the passing years. It is easy to decide the finish line is only for other people.

What they found. Idomeneas Avramakis, 75, from Crete, was the last finisher of the Athens Marathon. He ran barefoot, dressed as an ancient Greek warrior. He reached the stadium at 6:15 pm, right at the eight-hour limit. About 18 years ago he spent a month in a coma. A road accident later badly hurt one leg.

“Run, so that others don’t make you run”

Idomeneas Avramakis, 75-year-old runner (his Greek motto, in English)

Try this. Walk for 10 minutes at a pace that suits you today, and notice how you feel at the end.

How sure is this? This is one runner's story, not research. His training details come from his own account to a journalist in 2024.

Source: Marathon Handbook³

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