Sleep Science and Health Debates

This week, we’ve taken a dive into the abortion debate in Indian Country, sleeping in heat, truly dangerous bed rails and the health implications of gun violence. For our full weekly health newsletter, subscribe for free at mindfulobserver.com.

By the Numbers

• 285,000: Several bed rail brands for elderly people and those with medical conditions have been recalled because they’ve caused serious injury and even death. This article lists specific models of the 285,000 recalled rails and incidents, so take a look and learn more.
• 31 million: Monkeypox has spread in Africa for decades, but only now people are worried, experts say. The WHO might send some of its 31 million smallpox vaccines to wealthier nations as treatment. If resources were available, why have none been sent to African countries?

The News

1. “Medical Emergency”

If the Supreme Court repeals Roe v. Wade, several states are likely to ban abortion access except in the case of medical emergencies — but the language defining these emergencies remains vague. If women must carry unviable pregnancies or be on the brink of death to have an abortion, it could put them in dangerous situations, some health professionals say. Some lawmakers are also eyeing ways to restrict access to birth control — in particular, emergency contraception and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

How is the abortion debate playing out in Indian Country? In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt claimed on Fox News that tribes might attempt to set up “abortion-on-demand,” which tribes have said is unfounded speculation. This article from Native News Online details how the argument is really an attack on tribal sovereignty.

2. Sleeping in Heat

In the list of things impacted by global warming, we can now add sleep. In the largest study to date, researchers detail the loss of sleep globally, who is affected most and varied health impacts, like increased heart attacks, mental health crises, and accidents and injuries.

Are you struggling to sleep despite the temperature? Scientists say a nighttime routine can help calm the mind and body down for sleep. Each person’s routine will differ, but check out this article from NPR for some best practices you could try out, like a relaxation or meditation app and creating a sleep hygiene routine.

MO Recommends

For a small section of children with autism, by adolescence or sometimes earlier, they become unmanageable for their parents, and no amount of parental patience or devotion can change it. Sabrina Benedict is one of those children. This New York Times story details her parents’ search for help and the lack of options available. It’s a moving read, and the payoff at the end is worth it.

— for our full newsletter, subscribe for free at mindfulobserver.com —

By Claire Cleveland, science writer
Edited by Shannon Mullane, senior editor