Artificial intelligence has made its way into drug development, surgery and medical advice — and now it’s helping people improve the quality of their sleep.

The Artificial Intelligence in Sleep Medicine Committee, which is part of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, recently published a paper that highlights how AI is contributing to the field of sleep medicine. 

The committee looked at how AI is assisting in three areas: clinical applications, lifestyle management and population health. 

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Clinical applications involve the use of AI to diagnose and treat sleep disorders, while lifestyle management focuses on the use of consumer technology to track sleep data.

In the third area, population health, AI technology reveals a new approach to public health regarding sleep, according to Dr. Anuja Bandyopadhyay, chair of the Artificial Intelligence in Sleep Medicine Committee at Riley Children’s Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine. 

“Good quality and quantity of sleep is essential for good health,” Bandyopadhyay said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“As sleep medicine doctors, we have been recommending that for years, but sleep is often the first thing to be sacrificed to make time for other competing interests.”

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For years, patients didn’t have access to tools to track their sleep or sleep habits, Bandyopadhyay said — which made it difficult for doctors to get the data they needed to assess the quality and quantity of sleep. 

“With the advent of AI, we now have the ability to track sleep, identify patterns and recognize changes in other physiological parameters that can inform the clinician if something isn’t right,” she said. 

“At the same time, this technology can help patients track their sleep and understand their sleep habits in a better way, empowering them to make positive changes for their own benefit.”

6 examples of AI in action for better sleep

Bandyopadhyay shared some specific examples of how AI can be used to help improve the quantity and quality of sleep.

No. 1 – Personalized sleep monitoring

“AI-powered devices can monitor sleep patterns more accurately through wearable technology and smart devices,” Bandyopadhyay told Fox News Digital. 

“AI-powered devices can monitor sleep patterns more accurately through wearable technology and smart devices,” a sleep expert told Fox News Digital.  (iStock)

“They can analyze data such as movement, heart rate and breathing to provide detailed insights into sleep quality.”

No. 2 – Sleep disorder diagnosis

AI algorithms can assist in diagnosing sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea and narcolepsy by analyzing large datasets from sleep studies more efficiently than traditional methods, the expert noted.

No. 3 – Sleep recommendations

“AI can offer personalized sleep recommendations based on individual sleep patterns, lifestyles and health data,” Bandyopadhyay said.

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“This could include advice on sleep hygiene, optimal sleep times and relaxation techniques.”

No. 4 – Predictive analytics

AI can predict potential sleep issues by analyzing patterns and data trends, allowing people to take preventative measures before problems become severe.

“AI can be integrated into smart home systems to create environments conducive to better sleep,” according to the sleep expert.  (iStock)

No. 5 – Smart sleep environments

“AI can be integrated into smart home systems to create environments conducive to better sleep,” said Bandyopadhyay. 

This might include recommendations for adjusting lighting, temperature and sound based on individual sleep cycles.

No. 6 – Mental health integration

“Given the strong link between sleep and mental health, AI can help by providing holistic health insights and integrating sleep data with mental health assessments to offer comprehensive wellness solutions,” said Bandyopadhyay.

Risks, limitations of using AI for sleep

While advances in AI technology have been shown to help humans optimize everyday tasks and functions, experts urge caution.

“It is still a complex algorithm that requires sufficient training and supervision,” Bandyopadhyay said.

FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP, TRY EATING MORE OF THESE FOODS, RESEARCHERS SAY

“It would be naive to assume that AI can be autonomous and replace clinical expertise.”

All sleep disorders are different, the expert noted, with differences in symptoms and responses to various therapies. 

“It is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” she said. “Hence, relying only on an AI-enabled algorithm to diagnose complex disorders may not be a good idea.”

Using AI to assist with sleep could help reduce physician burnout and improve access to care, according to experts. (iStock)

It’s also important to have layers of security in place, so that AI can be used in a responsible manner without compromising patient privacy, according to Bandyopadhyay. 

“As generative AI gains popularity, we also need to think about ethical concerns and discuss who is responsible for the clinical contents or decisions,” she added.

Future of AI in sleep medicine

Sleep medicine is “well-positioned” to incorporate AI, Bandyopadhyay said, as it involves interpreting body signals and “complex psychosocial processes” that work in tandem with the environment.

“AI forms the perfect triad between clinicians and patients.”

“Untreated sleep disorders can lead to adverse cardiometabolic and neurocognitive outcomes, making the ability to monitor one’s sleep in a meaningful manner and utilize that clinical data to improve sleep a critical need for our field,” she said.

If used correctly, AI can also help to alleviate physician burnout and improve patients’ access to care, she said.

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“In the U.S., the estimated patient-to-physician ratio among sleep medicine doctors is 43,000 to 1,” Bandyopadhyay noted. 

“There aren’t enough physicians, and that leads to poor access to care.”

In the U.S., the estimated patient-to-physician ratio among sleep medicine doctors is 43,000 to 1, according to one expert. (iStock)

“If I had a tool that could screen my patients for poor quality or quantity of sleep, summarize that data for me, help me document my conversations with the patient, and alert me if my patient is not using the therapy as prescribed, then I would certainly be able to direct all my time and effort into improving the care I provide to my patients.”

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While AI is a powerful tool, Bandyopadhyay said clinicians must make sure to use it for “the right patient and the right cause.”

“AI forms the perfect triad between clinicians and patients, bridging the gap and empowering patients and clinicians to optimize good sleep health.”

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The Mediterranean diet has long been linked to a bevy of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and more — and now a new study has revealed a very specific new advantage for women.

In a long-running Harvard study published in JAMA Network Open, women who adhered to the heart-healthy, plant-focused diet were found to have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause.

The researchers attributed this lower mortality risk to improved cardiometabolic risk factors, according to the published study.

​​FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP, TRY EATING MORE OF THESE FOODS, RESEARCHERS SAY

The study included data collected from 25,315 healthy women who participated in the Women’s Health Study over a period of 25 years, from April 1993 to January 1996. 

Their average age was 54.

Researchers analyzed the women’s blood samples, biomarker measurements and self-reported dietary information from June 2018 to Nov. 2023.

Previous studies have also found associations between the Mediterranean diet and increased longevity, the researchers noted.

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“Another meta-analysis of 21 cohort studies, which included 883,878 participants, reported that higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with 21% reduced risk of CVD mortality,” they wrote.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based nutrition plan that mimics the regional cuisines of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece. 

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Primary foods in the diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs and spices, according to Mayo Clinic’s website. 

Olive oil is the primary source of added fat.

Olive oil is the primary source of added fat in the Mediterranean diet. (iStock)

Other foods — including fish, poultry and dairy — can be incorporated in moderation. 

The diet limits red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks.

The Mediterranean diet’s health benefits stem from limiting saturated fats, refined carbohydrates (including sugars) and sodium, as well as promoting healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and antioxidants, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website.

Experts highlight diet’s benefits

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the study but said it “confirms what we already know — that the Mediterranean diet decreases mortality.”

Siegel also told Fox News Digital, “Monounsaturated fats and antioxidants (polyphenols), which are high in the Mediterranean diet, decrease inflammation and are heart-healthy.”

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He added, “The alternative — saturated fats, salts and sugars — are not heart-healthy and increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer, all of which increase mortality risks.”

Processed foods and ultra-processed foods, which also increase mortality, are not found in the Mediterranean diet, he also noted.

Primary foods in the Mediterranean diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs and spices. (iStock)

New Jersey-based registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade also reflected on the longevity-boosting benefits of the Mediterranean diet in a conversation with Fox News Digital.

“One big reason that the Mediterranean diet can improve overall health and reduce mortality risk is the benefit it has on visceral fat, or belly fat,” said Palinksi-Wade, who was not involved in the research.

Women who adhered to the Mediterranean diet were found to have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause.

“High levels of fat in the midsection have been found to worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of disease from type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease,” she added.

By making dietary changes to reduce visceral fat, which include the eating principles of the Mediterranean diet, it is possible to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce disease risk, according to Palinski-Wade.

“One big reason that the Mediterranean diet can improve overall health and reduce mortality risk is the benefit it has on visceral fat, or belly fat,” a dietitian said. (iStock)

This diet is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, she said, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. 

This can help to reduce the risk of future disease, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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“The Mediterranean diet also has a positive impact on blood sugar balance, mood and even sleep, all of which can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall quality of life,” she added.

“In addition, when mood and sleep improve, many individuals find it much easier to be more physically active, which can play a large role in reducing mortality risk as well.”

The Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.  (iStock)

The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

“The study participants were middle-aged and older, well-educated female health professionals who were predominantly non-Hispanic White individuals, which may limit the generalizability of the findings,” they wrote.

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Because the women’s dietary intake was self-reported through questionnaires, there was some potential for misrepresentation.

Fish, poultry and dairy can be incorporated in moderation. The diet limits red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks. (iStock)

Another limitation is that the researchers only had access to the blood samples provided at baseline, as follow-up samples were not collected.

There is also the possibility that other factors, such as high blood pressure and high BMI, could have impacted the outcomes.

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“Future studies should examine other pathways that could potentially mediate the Mediterranean diet–associated lower mortality as well as examine cause-specific mortality,” the researchers wrote.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Harvard researchers requesting comment.

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• Scientists have identified the genetic basis of a disorder causing intellectual disability, affecting approximately one in 20,000 young people.
• The disorder is characterized by symptoms including short stature, small heads, seizures and low muscle mass.
• The discovery is expected to facilitate the development of a new diagnostic method, providing answers to affected families.

Scientists have found the genetic root of a disorder that causes intellectual disability, which they estimate affects as many as one in 20,000 young people. And they hope their discovery leads to a new diagnosis that can provide answers to families.

Those with the condition have a constellation of issues, which also include short stature, small heads, seizures and low muscle mass, said the researchers, who published their findings in the journal Nature Medicine on Friday.

“We were struck by how common this disorder is” when compared with other rare diseases linked to a single gene, said Ernest Turro of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, senior author of the study.

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Syndromes like these can go unnoticed because the traits are sometimes so subtle doctors can’t recognize them by just looking at patients, said Dr. Charles Billington, a pediatric geneticist at the University of Minnesota who was not involved in the study.

“So certainly this wasn’t something that we necessarily had a name for,” he said. “We’re learning more about these syndromes that we recognize only once we are seeing the cause.”

Researchers said the mutations occurred in a small “non-coding” gene, meaning it doesn’t provide instructions for making proteins. Until now, all but nine of the nearly 1,500 genes known to be linked to intellectual disability in general are protein-coding genes. Most large genetic studies so far have used a sequencing technology that typically leaves out genes that don’t code for proteins.

This study used more comprehensive “whole-genome” sequencing data from 77,539 people enrolled in the British 100,000 Genomes Project, including 5,529 with an intellectual disability. The rare mutations researchers found in the gene, called RNU4-2, were strongly associated with the potential to develop intellectual disability.

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The finding “opens the door to diagnoses” for thousands of families, said study author Andrew Mumford, research director of the South West England NHS Genomic Medicine Service.

More research is needed, Mumford said. How the mutation causes the disorder remains unclear and there is no treatment. But Billington said labs should be able to offer testing for this condition relatively quickly. And researchers said families should be able to find and support each other – and know they’re not alone.

“That can be incredibly comforting,” Mumford said.

If you notice your hands are swelling, it could be both uncomfortable and unsettling, but in most instances the cause could be situational — caused by factors such as temperature, exercise, diet, medications you’re taking or certain health conditions.  

You may notice your rings aren’t fitting correctly, among other things.

To find out more about the condition, Fox News Digital asked two doctors what causes hand swelling and what can be done to treat it. 

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Here’s what you need to know.

What causes hand swelling?

Most commonly, hand swelling is due to fluid buildup in the soft tissue. 

“Soft tissue swelling, or edema, is not always a cause for concern, and can occur with weather changes or fluid shifts in the body,” said Amy Kehl, M.D., RhMSUS, a board-certified rheumatologist with Saint John’s Physician Partners in Santa Monica, California.

Most patients observe some degree of soft tissue swelling or edema with hot weather and with exercise, according to Kehl.

Fluid shifts can also occur with too much salt intake, she noted, which can lead to increased hand or foot swelling, she said.  

“Certain medications can contribute to soft tissue swelling in the hands or feet.”

“Additionally, certain medications, such as blood pressure medications like amlodipine; steroids such as Prednisone or Medrol; or hormone treatments, can contribute to soft tissue swelling in the hands or feet,” Kehl added. 

What are the more serious causes of hand swelling?

If a person notices an increase in hand or foot swelling that is not reversible or intermittent — or if the hand swelling is also accompanied by leg swelling with marked elevations in blood pressure or shortness of breath — medical attention should be sought, Kehl said. 

ASK A DOCTOR: ‘IS IT DANGEROUS TO SWALLOW GUM?’

A person “should ensure they have had proper medical evaluation to assess both kidney and cardiac function, as hand or foot swelling can be an indicator of kidney dysfunction, protein loss in the urine, or cardiac dysfunction,” she cautioned. 

“Soft tissue swelling or edema is not always a cause for concern, and can occur with weather changes or fluid shifts in the body,” said one medical professional. But in some cases, patients should consult with their doctors to get to the root of the issue.  (iStock)

“Your doctor may order tests to assess your kidney function, urine studies or, in some cases, an echocardiogram.” 

Diuretics may be needed to remove the excess fluid if it is related to cardiac dysfunction, she said.  

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Another possible cause of fluid build-up is lymphedema, which can occur if the patient has had surgery, such as a lymph node resection for breast cancer treatment, according to Kehl.

“This may be treated with local lymphatic drainage treatments, arm elevation, compression sleeves and exercise,” the doctor said.

“Patients should seek medical attention right away if new and asymmetric swelling and pain develops.”

Individuals should also be cognizant of other symptoms. 

“Certainly, if the hand swelling is associated with joint pains, this may indicate an underlying inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis,” Kehl told Fox News Digital. “Again, an examination may be warranted to distinguish soft tissue swelling from articular or joint swelling.”

If a patient notices hand swelling in association with face or lip swelling, this warrants immediate medical attention, said one health professional. (iStock)

Patients should also be aware if the swelling is asymmetric. 

“This can be a sign of something more serious, such as a blood clot, and patients should seek medical attention right away if new and asymmetric swelling and pain develops,” Kehl warned. 

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If a patient notices hand swelling in association with facial or lip swelling, this warrants immediate medical attention, she said.

What are some ways to reduce hand swelling? 

If the hand swelling is deemed to be due to “benign causes,” this is typically reversible, Kehl noted.

“For instance, to reduce hand swelling after exercising, elevating the hands and performing arm circles may be helpful to increase the blood flow to the hands,” she said. 

To help alleviate swelling, movement can help. “Stretch both arms up, move your hands and wrists, and make fists several times,” said one doctor. (iStock)

Similarly, it may be necessary to review your medication list with your medical provider to identify any pharmaceutical culprits. 

“Typically, with discontinuation of the offending medication, the swelling should subside,” Kehl said.

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Diet should also be monitored. 

“Staying well-hydrated can help keep fluids circulating.”

Maintaining the proper balance of salt and water is important, and reducing salt intake and following a low-sodium diet may be advisable for some patients, the expert noted.

Lifestyle changes, such as movement, can also be incorporated to help alleviate the swelling. 

Maintaining a proper balance of salt and water is important, as is reducing salt intake and following a low-sodium diet.  (iStock)

“Stretch both arms up, move your hands and wrists, and make fists several times,” Beth Oller, M.D., a family physician with Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kansas, told Fox News Digital. 

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Running your hands under cool water may help, she said, and taking off jewelry or constricting clothes while exercising can also help prevent swelling due to temperature changes. 

“Staying well-hydrated can also help keep fluids circulating,” Oller added.

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Pregnancy is another common cause of swelling. In that case, Oller said that moving the extremities can help. 

“If swelling in pregnancy occurs suddenly or is extreme, talk to your physician immediately, as this can be a symptom of elevated blood pressure,” she also said. 

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As summer travel season gears up, 77% of Americans expect to pack a prescription medication for the trip — but nearly half don’t check to see whether it’s even legal to bring those meds into other countries.

Additionally, more than a quarter of Americans have had medications confiscated during international travel, according to a May 2024 survey of 1,048 respondents by SingleCare, a free prescription savings service.

“Certain medications that are commonly prescribed in the United States might be illegal or strictly regulated in other countries,” Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a pharmacy and health expert based in Dallas-Fort Worth, told Fox News Digital.

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Here are some important details on this topic.  

4 types of medications that may be illegal for international travel

“Generally, medications that have a high potential for abuse or dependency are more likely to face strict regulations,” Bourgeois warned.

These include controlled substances, which are tightly regulated because of their potential for addiction and misuse, she said.

Stimulants, which are used for conditions such as ADHD and are considered illegal in some countries, are also included in that category.

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Bourgeois shared the following list of prescription drugs that may be illegal to transport across the border.

No. 1: Narcotics and opioids

Medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and codeine are heavily regulated or banned in many countries due to their potential for abuse, according to Bourgeois.

No. 2: Psychotropic drugs

Drugs for mental health conditions, such as amphetamines (Adderall), benzodiazepines (Xanax) and certain antidepressants, may be restricted.

As Americans gear up for summer travel this year, 77% expect to pack a prescription medication — but nearly half don’t check to see whether it’s even legal to bring along those meds to other countries, a survey found. (iStock)

No. 3: Medicinal cannabis

“Even if they are legal in some U.S. states, cannabis and cannabis-derived products are illegal in many countries,” Bourgeois cautioned.

No. 4: Strong painkillers

Some countries restrict strong painkillers, such as tramadol, which is an opioid sold under the brand names ConZip and Ultram, to treat moderate to severe pain.

How to check legality before traveling

“Bringing prohibited medications into a foreign country can have the potential for serious consequences, such as confiscation of medications, fines and possible arrest,” Bourgeois warned. 

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“In severe cases, travelers may be detained, prosecuted and even jailed.”

Legal issues can also lead to delays and complications in travel plans, she added.

All medications should be kept in your carry-on luggage instead of in checked bags, an expert recommended. That way, if there are unforeseen travel delays, you’ll still be able to access your medications. (iStock)

Before packing your prescriptions when traveling abroad, Bourgeois recommends checking your destination country’s embassy or consulate websites and laws regarding medication. 

“You may also consult with your doctor, pharmacist or travel agent, who may be able to provide advice tailored to your destination,” she added.

If there are specific restrictions for your medication in the country you plan to visit, it’s best to follow the directions from the country’s embassy so you can continue to take your medication while traveling. 

“Bringing prohibited medications into a foreign country can have the potential for serious consequences.”

“For instance, many countries allow only a 30-day supply of certain medicines, and require that you carry a prescription or a medical certificate from your health care provider,” said Bourgeois.

If you know that you’ll need a refill of your prescription while you are away, check with your pharmacy two weeks before you leave.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends making an appointment with your health care provider or a travel health specialist at least one month before you leave, as stated on its website.

Before packing your prescriptions when traveling abroad, check with your destination country’s embassy or consulate websites for laws regarding medication, an expert recommends.  (iStock)

“The pharmacist may need to request refills or a ‘vacation override’ from your insurance,” Bourgeois noted. 

If your medication is absolutely not allowed in the destination country, Bourgeois suggests consulting with your health care provider to discuss alternatives and potential adjustments to your treatment plan.

What to know before packing prescriptions

Even if your medications are permitted in the country you’re visiting, it’s still important to follow some basic guidelines when traveling internationally, according to Bourgeois.

First, it’s important to always have a copy of your prescription or a medical document signed by your doctor explaining why the medication is essential for you to have.

“Exceeding personal use quantities can raise suspicions.”

On its website, the CDC also recommends leaving a copy of your prescriptions at home with a family member or friend in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.

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“Also, keep all medications in their original packaging to clearly display the prescription label,” Bourgeois advised.

Additionally, she said, make sure the name on the prescription matches the name on your passport.

“Carry only the quantity you need for the duration of your trip, plus a small buffer,” Bourgeois said. “Exceeding personal use quantities can raise suspicions.”

Even if your medications are permitted in the country you’re visiting, it’s still important to follow some basic guidelines when traveling internationally. (iStock)

Also, be sure to declare your medications at customs if required by the destination country, she said.

All medications should be kept in your carry-on luggage instead of in checked bags. That way, if there are unforeseen travel delays, you’ll still be able to access the medicine you need.

5 additional medication travel tips

Bourgeois shared the following additional things to consider when bringing medication across the border.

No. 1: Keep time zones in mind

“Taking daily medications for chronic conditions can be confusing when you travel across the world,” she cautioned.

“In severe cases, travelers may be detained, prosecuted and even jailed.”

“Pay attention to time-zone differences and take the medication according to your last dose, not the local time of day.”

No. 2: Check OTC rules

“It is important to check your destination country’s laws for over-the-counter medications, too,” Bourgeois said.

“Carry only the quantity [of medicine] you need for the duration of your trip, plus a small buffer,” an expert advised. “Exceeding personal use quantities can raise suspicions.” (iStock)

“For example, pseudoephedrine — commonly known as the brand drug Sudafed, which is purchased over the counter in the U.S. — is prohibited in Japan and Mexico.”

No. 3: Don’t buy from non-pharmacy sellers

If you are traveling internationally, don’t buy any medications that are not sold at the pharmacy, Bourgeois said. 

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“Counterfeit drugs are common in many developing countries and quality is not ensured.”

No. 4: Stock up on staples

Before traveling, stock up on over-the-counter medications and travel-sized items from the pharmacy, said Bourgeois. 

“Talk to your pharmacist about vaccine-preventable diseases and request a travel health consultation to ensure you are protected,” an expert recommended. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa)

Common over-the-counter medications for travel include antidiarrheals, motion sickness meds, allergy medicines and medications for pain and fever.

No. 5: Understand disease risks

If you are traveling outside the U.S., it is important to understand the risk of diseases in the countries you plan to visit. 

“Diseases such as Hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid can be prevented through vaccinations,” Bourgeois said.  

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“Talk to your pharmacist about vaccine-preventable diseases and request a travel health consultation to ensure you are protected,” she continued. 

“It’s vital that you do not wait until the last minute to get your vaccinations, as it typically takes up to 14 days for antibodies to build.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comment.

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