Busy schedules can lead to less sleep, but a method called sleep banking might help you stay ahead of it.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Sleep banking can help with getting some rest in advance

Sleep banking means saving or banking sleep, so you can use it later.  In the medical world, we call it sleep extension.

Heres how it works: you intentionally get more sleep even just 15 minutes more each night in the days leading up to when you expect to sleep less. And that can really make a difference.

Studies show it can improve cognition and recognition related to vigilant attention.

Vigilant attention is your ability to stay alert and react quickly without mistakes, especially during long or boring tasks like driving or monitoring a screen.

Now, the people who benefit the most are those who have limited control over their schedules. That would include anyone working long shifts like doctors, nurses, firefighters and paramedics. Also, students cramming before big exams or professionals facing a project deadline can benefit from it occasionally. 

There are limits. Sleep banking hasnt been proven to help with more complicated thinking like executive functioning tasks. Executive functioning refers to the brain skills you use to plan, make decisions, multitask and handle complex daily activities. Its different from basic alertness or reaction speed.

That said, sleep banking is much better than getting less sleep. A sleep debt can take a toll on you mentally and physically. Not only can it cause daytime sleepiness and impair mental function, but it can also affect mood, safety, performance and reduce immune function. It may increase the risk of health issues like diabetes, obesity and heart problems.

If you do try sleep banking, its best to avoid making it a long-term habit. For most healthy adults, the goal is still seven to nine hours of sleep every night and going to bed and waking up at the same time.

As for who shouldnt try it, anyone who struggles with insomnia should avoid sleep banking. Going to bed early and lying awake for long periods doesnt help and can make frustration worse. 

So, use sleep banking occasionally if your schedule demands it, but then return to your normal routine as soon as you can. Great sleep hygiene is still the best strategy for your overall health.

In todays Health Alert, a new approach to childhood nearsightedness is now available in the U.S. after years of use overseas. Parents are already asking what it means for their kids and how well it works.

What to know about FDA-approved glasses that can slow nearsightedness in kids

Myopia is what most people call nearsightedness. That means you can see things up close, but objects far away look blurry. Its actually becoming more common among school-aged children. Genetics plays a role, but researchers say spending more time indoors and doing close-up activities, like reading or using screens, may be contributing to the increase.

Over time, myopia can cause the eye to stretch and grow longer. It usually progresses while kids eyes are still growing. It can make vision worse and increase the risk of retinal tears, which is basically damage to the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye thats needed for clear sight.

Until recently, there were not many options for treatment. But now, the FDA has approved special lenses called Stellest. Theyre designed to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 6 to 12. They use tiny, raised dots arranged in 11 rings to redirect light onto the retina. In company studies, the kids wearing Stellest lenses had about a 71% slower change in their prescription and about a 53% reduction in how much their eyes elongated.

The FDA didnt find serious side effects. Some kids in the study did notice visual symptoms, such as blur and halos, when wearing the glasses.

As for cost, the price is estimated at $450. However, most vision insurance plans are expected to cover the lenses if the child meets the criteria.

Now, we all know eyesight is really important. But many parents dont realize that by the time kids finish high school, an estimated 30% to 40% will have developed myopia. So if you hear kids complaining they cant see the whiteboards in class, or if you notice theyre squinting, blinking a lot, rubbing their eyes, or sitting very close to the TV or tablet, it may be time for an eye exam.

If myopia isnt treated, it can get worse and lead to high myopia. And that increases the risk of serious problems later - like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and other damage to the retina.

In todays Health Alert, a fast-moving stomach bug is spreading as the holiday season gets underway.  New CDC data shows norovirus cases have risen in recent weeks. 

Cases of fast-moving stomach bug norovirus rise across U.S.

Norovirus can be a nasty bug it inflames the stomach and intestines. Its the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S.

Now, as of the middle of November, nearly 14% of tests were coming back positive for norovirus. Thats more than double what we saw three months ago, when positivity was about 6%. This data comes from the CDC, which collects reports from labs, hospitals, and health departments across the country.

But its not just the CDC seeing this trend. Data from WastewaterSCAN shows norovirus is rising across the US, especially in states like Louisiana, Indiana, and here in Michigan, too.

Is this expected? Yes. Norovirus usually peaks between November and April particularly as we move into the busy holiday season.

Norovirus is incredibly contagious. You can get it from direct contact with someone whos sick, by eating or drinking contaminated food, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth.

And heres something people dont always know norovirus can still spread for two weeks or longer after a person feels better. So now, to protect yourself while youre shopping, traveling, and gathering for the holidays:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water dont use hand sanitizer by itself as it isnt very effective against this virus. Clean and disinfect common surfaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Wash produce and cook shellfish thoroughly.

But if you do get sick, there is no specific medication for norovirus. So its important to drink plenty of liquids and watch older adults, young children, and anyone with a weakened immune system, as theyre at higher risk for dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration can include less frequent urination, dry mouth or throat, and dizziness when standing. In children, look for tearless crying or being unusually sleepy or fussy.

Every year, the virus causes over 100,000 hospitalizations and around 900 deaths. Those most likely to die are people aged 65 and older. But usually, people will feel much better between one and three days.

No one wants a stomach bug this holiday season. Taking precautions can help lower your risk and slow the spread of norovirus through our communities.

In todays Health Alert, theres new research about fluoride in drinking water.  A recent government report raised concerns about possible risks.  But this new study points in a different direction, suggesting it may benefit kids learning. 

Fluoride in drinking water: New study suggests it may benefit kids' learning

There was some worry after the National Toxicology Program study suggested that high fluoride exposure could be linked to lower IQ in children. But that study looked at total fluoride from all sources, not just drinking water. It only saw a possible link at levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter more than twice the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter in tap water.

Now, this new research focused on the fluoride levels most of us actually get in tap water the typical, recommended amounts. The study was based on a program that started in the US Department of Education. It followed nearly 27,000 people over four decades from their teens into adulthood. The researchers matched each persons high-school test scores in math, reading, and vocabulary to the fluoride levels in their communitys drinking water.

And heres what they found: kids who had fluoride in their water for part of their childhood scored higher than kids who never had any. And kids who had fluoride in their water throughout their entire childhood scored the highest.

On top of that, when this group reached their 60s, follow-ups showed no link between fluoride and cognitive decline.

IQ tests are designed to measure overall intellectual ability. Cognitive tests like math or reading exams measure how well someone is thinking and how much theyve learned. So theyre connected, but not the same.

However, this research shows that fluoride can make a difference. One possible reason is dental health. Pain from tooth decay can make it tough for kids to focus, and severe cavities can mean missed school days. That pain and lost learning can add up.

Now, the CDC still recommends 0.7 milligrams per liter as the optimal amount. And the American Dental Association strongly supports water fluoridation - its been used safely since the 1940s.

So for families, tap water remains one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect childrens teeth. And this new study adds to the evidence that recommended fluoride levels do not appear to harm cognitive development.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Esophageal cancer is a lethal disease, with most patients not surviving beyond the first year of diagnosis.  Dr. Partha Nandi, MD, discusses how it develops and ways to prevent it.  A guest shares his powerful story of battling this cancer and undergoing a transhiatal esophagectomy, where part of his esophagus was removed and his stomach reattached.  Also, Jennifer Nagy from the American Cancer Society joins to discuss whos most at risk and why early detection is critical.  Tune in this Sunday, November 23rd at 5 pm.

In todays Health Alert, there's a major change that could impact millions of women experiencing menopause symptoms. The FDA is removing its black box warning from many hormone therapy drugs - the strongest type of safety alert on medications.

FDA removing 'black box' warnings from many hormone therapy drugs

This is really good news, because hormone therapy can make a huge difference for women dealing with menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and poor sleep.

Now, this black-box change affects products that contain both estrogen and progesterone, as well as estrogen treatments such as patches, creams, pills, and sprays.

The warning was added back in 2003, after a large government study linked hormone therapy to higher risks of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. But heres the problem: that study mostly involved older women in their early 60s. Menopause often starts during the 40s or 50s. So the study didnt reflect what happens when therapy is started earlier.

Fast forward two decades, and new research shows that starting hormone therapy around the time of menopause, or before age 60, can lower the risk of the leading cause of death in women - heart disease. Why? Because estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible if started soon after a womans estrogen levels drop. And it can also help protect bone health, as menopause speeds up bone loss and increases the risk of osteoporosis. It may even help reduce cognitive decline or the risk of Alzheimers.

Current evidence shows that no clinical trial has ever demonstrated that hormone therapy increases a womans risk of dying from breast cancer. That said, studies show that women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who take systemic hormone therapy have a much higher risk of recurrence. Doctors usually advise women with any breast cancer to avoid it, as well as those with a history of blood clots or uterine cancer.

As for non-hormonal options, the FDA has approved two medications - Veozah and Lynkuet - that target the brain pathways controlling body temperature. So they can help manage hot flashes and night sweats without using hormones.

At the end of the day, its about personalized care. Women should discuss their age, symptoms, family history, and overall health with their doctor to find the safest, most effective plan for them.

In todays Health Alert, as we enter cold and flu season, many parents are concerned about whether they should treat their childs fever. When should parents worry?

Ask Dr. Nandi: Should you treat a kid's fever?

A fever is a common sign of illness and actually one of the bodys natural ways to fight infection. When a virus or bacteria enters the system, the body raises its core temperature to make it harder for those germs to survive.

Now, in most healthy children, the body is pretty good at keeping that temperature in a safe range.

As a dad of four kids, I know how stressful it can feel when your childs temperature spikes. But what matters most is how your child looks and acts. If theyre alert, fairly active, and drinking fluids, you can usually let the fever run its course. But if they look unwell, are listless, acting cranky, and not eating or drinking, thats when you may want to help bring the fever down.

A fever can cause them to lose fluids faster. And that can lead to dehydration. Signs include a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or fewer wet diapers.

Acetaminophen - thats the active ingredient in Tylenol - is one of the most common and effective ways to bring down a fever or ease pain. It works by changing how the body senses pain and by helping cool it down.

Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics says theres no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism in children or during pregnancy. They emphasize its safe when dosed correctly and used under a pediatricians guidance.

Typically, acetaminophen can be given every four to six hours as needed, but no more than four doses in 24 hours. And never mix it with any other medicine that contains acetaminophen. Be sure to offer plenty of fluids and keep them comfortable - but dont overdress them or try cold baths or ice packs.

Babies younger than 12 weeks shouldnt be given acetaminophen unless their doctor says its ok. Parents should call the doctor if their infant is under three months and has a fever over 100.4 degrees. The same goes for any child with a fever over 104, or who looks seriously ill, unusually sleepy, or very fussy.

I tell parents all the time - treat the child, not just the fever. And of course, if you ever have questions or concerns, its best to reach out to your pediatrician.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

More Americans are choosing a vegan lifestyle - and for many, its about more than just food. Dr. Partha Nandi, MD, explores what drives people to go vegan and the health benefits that can come with it. Guest Jeffery Shillman shares how a family history of heart disease inspired him to make the switch and how its changed his cholesterol, energy, and overall well-being. Cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn joins Dr. Nandi to break down the real advantages, potential nutritional risks, and practical tips for anyone thinking about making the move to a vegan diet. Tune in on Sunday, November 9th at 5 PM.