UF Health Podcasts

About one in three Americans experiences excessive daytime sleepiness — that feeling of overwhelming drowsiness even after a full night’s sleep. And while nodding off at your desk might feel like a personal problem, researchers are beginning to uncover that there’s more to it than just being tired.

A new study from Mass General Brigham identified seven molecules in the blood that are linked to the condition. Known as metabolites, these naturally occurring compounds reflect a person’s diet, hormone levels and other internal processes.

Essentially, what you eat and how well your body hums along may be playing a key role in why you’re struggling to stay awake. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 6,000 participants in a large health study of Hispanic and Latino populations. They also looked at questionnaire responses measuring how often participants nodded off during the day — think watching TV, reading or listening to a training module at work. These findings held up when tested in additional studies across the U.S., UK and Finland.

Among the standout results, researchers noted that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, common in Mediterranean-style diets, were linked to a lower risk of excessive daytime sleepiness. On the flip side, tyramine [tye-ruh-meen] (found in fermented or overripe foods) was associated with greater sleepiness in men. Meanwhile, hormonal metabolites like progesterone also appeared to be linked to sleep regulation.

Eventually, researchers believe this could lead to dietary or pharmaceutical treatments, and they are eyeing a clinical trial to keep studying a solution. For now, you might not be the only one reaching for a second cup of coffee to get through the day.

The successful identification of animal abuse – and deaths caused by such abuse – typically involve not just the veterinary forensic pathologist who can confirm the cause of death, but also representatives of various agencies and organizations ranging from animal shelters to law enforcement at multiple levels. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves, Dr. Adam Stern, a veterinary forensic pathologist, will discuss the process through which successful prosecution of animal abusers typically occurs and how members of the public can play a role in bringing such abusers to justice.

High-concentration cannabis products, while often legal, may be riskier than they appear.

A sweeping look at nearly 100 previous studies shows strong links between psychosis, schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder and high-concentration cannabis products.

The worrisome compound is THC, which is short for delta-9-tetrahydracannibinol [tetra-hydra-kuh-nab-buh-nuhl]. It is the ingredient in cannabis that makes those who smoke, eat, vape or otherwise ingest it feel high.

High-concentration cannabis products are now legal in more than half of the United States.

Generally, high-THC content is defined as 20% or higher for dried cannabis flower and up to 50% or more for concentrates, which are often called “wax,” “shatter” or “dab.”

Even states that only allow medical-use marijuana typically allow some high-concentrate THC products. The researchers chose studies of THC concentrate products that exceeded 5 milligrams or 10% THC per serving, or were labeled high concentrate, shatter or dab.

The University of Colorado-led researchers analyzed 99 studies completed between 1977 and 2023.

The team found strong links between the use of high-concentration THC products and psychosis, cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia.

In the studies that were not testing ways to use cannabis as a medical treatment, 53% identified negative associations with anxiety.

Among studies that tested cannabis as a treatment, results were mixed.

The bottom line: The findings bolster previous studies that found negative mental health issues connected with higher THC concentrations. Unfortunately, the researchers say they need more evidence before giving patients firm advice.

You’ve heard the saying “kill them with kindness.” Sadly, a modern version of that old saw might be “kill them with rudeness.”

New research finds that workplace sass not only hinders team productivity but can threaten lives.

A team led by researchers from Indiana University and the University of Florida conducted five studies to gauge how negative workplace interactions impact teams in corporate and medical settings.

In one study, 40 teams were asked to build a bridge out of newspaper and tape, with some subjected to rude comments as they worked.

In another, 24 teams took part in a medical scenario where they tried to save a simulated infant patient while an observer lobbed either neutral or negative comments.

The other studies were online simulations that asked participants to complete virtual team tasks while a rude or neutral observer weighed in.

Researchers used these undoubtedly annoying tactics to measure what is called Social Value Orientation, or the degree to which people put group interests above their own.

They found that rudeness triggered a defensive response, making the team less likely to share information and properly distribute work.

Wherever the negativity came from, researchers found that workplace rudeness consistently made people more self-centered and their team less productive. Adding an element of danger, rudeness contributed to poor task execution, including lifesaving medical procedures.

So, the next time your team is under pressure and you’re tempted to offer a snarky zinger, remember that biting your tongue may hurt in the moment, but will pay off in the end.

Even cockroaches need a good night’s sleep to stay healthy, especially during pregnancy.

We’re talking specifically about Diploptera punctata [dih-PLOP-teh-ruh punk-ta-ta], an odd little species of roach that is similar to humans and other mammals in the way it produces offspring. For one, it produces nutrient-rich milk for its   nymphs.

The species also gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs like other cockroaches.

British and American researchers examined this intriguing pest and reported in a recent study that the cockroach’s pregnancies are thrown out of whack by something many human mothers experience — lack of sleep.

The pregnancies of these bugs last significantly longer, and their bodies struggle to produce the tasty nutrients that keep their offspring healthy. In fact, milk production is cut in half in these sleepy critters.

This is certainly alarming, at least to the cockroaches, since they are well-fed in the lab.

Sleep loss also lengthens their two-month gestation period by 25 days.

Examining pregnancy under tightly controlled laboratory conditions can’t be done for humans. So, the roach offers a potential new way to get insight into mammalian pregnancy. And yes, humans are mammals.

The offers an important reminder that sleep is essential for good health, especially during pregnancy. Chronic sleep loss can lead to cardiovascular complications, among other ills, whether you’re pregnant or not.

In pregnancy, it can also cause miscarriage and, unlike the roach, premature birth.

Science leads to discoveries in some unusual places that can later have profound impacts on humans.

Now, sleep on that.

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. For most people, they’re virtually impossible to completely avoid. Whether it’s a quick snack on the go or a convenient restaurant meal, ultra-processed foods are likely lurking within. While we’ve long been aware that these empty calories aren’t good for us, a new study shows just how damaging ultra-processed foods can be to men’s health.

Researchers looked at healthy men, ages 20 to 35, who adhered to two different diets three months apart. One diet consisted of ultra-processed foods and the other of unprocessed, whole foods. Half of the men were also put on a diet consisting of 500 more calories than their counterparts, whose caloric intake was adjusted for size, age and activity levels.

The men on the ultra-processed food diet gained about 1 kilogram more of fat compared with those on the healthier diet. Both the unprocessed and ultra-processed diets had the same number of calories. This helped demonstrate that men’s weight gain was not attributed to overeating, but to the nature of the foods themselves.

Researchers also noted hormonal disruptions among those consuming ultra-processed foods. Levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone decreased, both of which play crucial roles in reproductive health. In those following the ultra-processed food diet, researchers also discovered higher levels of a certain type of phthalate (pronounced tha-late) — a group of chemicals used in plastics known to disrupt endocrine function.

These findings underscore the idea that it’s not just what we eat, but how our food is processed that matters.

Do you love your pet? No need to answer … of course you do. You cherish your pup’s greeting when returning from work. You appreciate the moments your cat shows affection by brushing against your leg.

We all want our pets healthy and happy. They make us happy, too. Interacting with them lowers our cortisol levels and blood pressure.The American Pet Products Association says nearly two-thirds of Americans have at least one pet. That’s a 10% increase from the number of American households that owned pets in 1988.

Americans spent more than $136 billion on their pets in 2022. You combine that with the fact that we pamper our pets with customized nutrition and accessories, such as knapsack carriers and cat strollers, some animal welfare ethicists and veterinary scientists wonder whether we have gone too far.

The more we treat our furry friends like people, they argue, the more dependent they become on us.

What’s the harm? Well, the health risks for our pets can start in their genes and become behavioral as well. Consider the French bulldog, which often experiences difficulties breathing, among other severe health problems.

Many of us overfeed them. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that about 59 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats are overweight.

Plus, as we bring our pets everywhere — restaurants, the grocery store and in the car — they can experience separation anxiety or act out.

And while head harnesses and electronic collars should keep your pets out of potential danger, they also can limit freedom of expression and movement.

Remember, to ensure our own good health, we need to ensure theirs, too.

When it comes to saving a pet’s life, every second counts. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves, Dr. Jake Wolf, an emergency and critical care specialist, discusses last year’s updates to veterinary CPR standards that are enhancing the quality of emergency care and improving survival rates for our beloved furry companions. As a key contributor to the RECOVER initiative’s updated guidelines, Dr. Wolf shares insights on improved chest compression techniques, safe breathing methods for cats and dogs and critical updates in medication administration and defibrillation.

Orangutans might not have access to nutrition labels or meal plans, but they seem to know a thing or two about balanced eating — and they’re putting us to shame.

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that wild Bornean orangutans have mastered the art of adapting their diets and activity to match their environment.

Led by a scientist from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, researchers spent 15 years observing these great apes in the steamy peat forests of Borneo. The team learned that orangutans instinctively adjust what they eat — and how much they move — based on food availability. During fruit-filled seasons, they pack in carbs and fats, while maintaining adequate protein consumption.

Then, when fruit is scarce, the apes pivot to leaves and bark while also reducing their physical activity and spending more time sleeping. They tap into stored fat and muscle for fuel. In short, they fast intuitively — without ever hearing the phrase “intermittent fasting.”

Unlike most of us, researchers pointed out, the orangutan is not faced with constant access to processed, high-calorie, low-protein foods engineered to be delicious. Orangutans naturally cycle between abundance and scarcity. According to the study, this ebb and flow helps them avoid obesity and metabolic disorders like diabetes. And unlike us, they don’t out-eat their energy needs. Rather, they adjust.

These metabolic and behavioral adaptations offer a powerful lesson for humans: Balance, not abundance, is the secret to long-term health. Who knew the secret to a trim waistline might rest in the overlong, hirsute arms of the orangutan?

Is your newborn getting all the nutrients needed to grow? If you rely on baby food, the answer might surprise you.

According to research by the George Institute for Global Health in Australia, about 60% of packaged baby food sold in the United States does not meet nutritional standards set by the World Health Organization.

Using standards from the 2022 nutrient and promotion profile outlined by the WHO [W-H-O] Regional Office for Europe, researchers found that 70% of commercialized infant food did not meet protein requirements and nearly half exceeded total sugar limits.

As your children grow, food choices are influenced by what they are exposed to. Experts say many foods marketed to children in the United States are high in sugar, fat and preservatives while lacking essential nutrients. For many, this results in an unhealthy diet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that on average, children’s diets have almost twice as much sugar as recommended. And, many sugary foods are associated with a rise in illness in children.

So get your little one on the right path from the get-go. By choosing packaged food that promotes healthy growth and following recommended nutrient guidelines, you can help ensure your baby gets all the important nutrients.

After all, nutrient deficiencies can have a lasting negative impact. Choosing healthy foods for your child that are low in sugar and salt can prepare them for a lifetime of good eating habits.

Of course, you are your child’s best role model. Let them see you nibble on vegetables, fruit or nuts, rather than something out of a box or bag.