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• Q: How important is sleep for teens?
Dr. Eri Shimizu, Internist and Functional Medicine, Olena Center for Health and Wellness: Getting enough sleep is very important for teens -- it's linked to improved academic performance, better health, more energy and even improved mood and relationships. But many teens struggle to get enough high-quality sleep.
Some of this is due to physical changes. Peoples' natural circadian rhythm tends to shift during the teen years, which means they feel more alert at night and sleepy in the morning. When this conflicts with school schedules, it can leave them feeling tired. Kids may also feel a bit invincible at this age and believe they don't need sleep as much as they actually do.
I think this is a great time to talk with teens and educate them about the importance of sleep. For example, getting enough sleep improves memory and cognition. If they're preparing for a big test, they're more likely to retain what they've learned if they study for a few hours and get a good night's sleep than if they stay up all night cramming. By understanding why sleep is important and how it can help them feel and perform better, teens can begin taking responsibility for their own sleep needs -- a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.
There are several ways you can help your teen get better sleep. Teach them about good sleep hygiene, such as keeping the bedroom cool and dark at night, and limiting screen time before bed. If they have to be on a screen because they're doing homework, using blue light glasses can reduce the impact on their sleep.
You can support natural circadian rhythm by spending time in bright sunlight in the morning, and keeping strong artificial lights to a minimum at night. Talk to your teen about how getting regular exercise can help them sleep better. Diet is important too; eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods and fruits and vegetables can actually support the body's production of melatonin, a natural sleep hormone.
And no matter how much they may like to lounge around in their time off, make sure they know that late-day napping can interfere with nighttime sleep.
Sleep is incredibly important for teens' physical and mental well-being. By adopting healthy sleep habits now, your teen will reap the benefits for many years to come.
Dr. Eri Shimizu is a hospitalist at Maui Memorial Medical Center and practices functional medicine at Olena Center for Health and Wellness.
• Q: What are the early warning signs of type 2 diabetes?
Jessica Acop, RN, Program Director, Maui Memorial Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Therapy: Diabetes is a common health condition that affects thousands of people in Hawaii, but the early signs can be easy to miss. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, can come on gradually and cause mild symptoms that go unnoticed for months or even years. It's crucial to be aware of these warning signs so you can catch diabetes early and manage it effectively.
With Type 2 diabetes, your body has a harder time using insulin, the hormone that helps you absorb glucose, a blood sugar that gives you energy. As it progresses, glucose slowly builds up in your blood, causing symptoms.
One of the main signs of diabetes is unusual thirst and frequent urination. If you find yourself thirstier than usual and making more trips to the restroom, it could be a sign that your body is signaling you to drink more water to try to rid itself of excess glucose.
Hunger and fatigue are also common early symptoms caused by your body's difficulty in turning glucose into energy. Dry mouth and itchy skin may follow, due to dehydration from increased urination.
Another sign to be mindful of is blurred vision. This is caused by changes in fluid levels in your body, which can affect the lenses in your eyes. You may also notice sores or cuts that are slow to heal, a result of poor circulation. Pain or numbness in the feet can also be a warning sign of nerve damage, a long-term effect of high glucose levels.
You can be tested for diabetes with a simple blood test. Medical guidelines recommend getting regular screenings for diabetes, especially after age 45, or if you have other risk factors. And if you are noticing any signs or symptoms of diabetes, talk with your doctor about getting checked.
* Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana'i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.