Why you should sleep in the dark

PLUS: Aphasia is more common than you think [View this email online]( [NPR Health]( April 3, 2022 by Suzette Lohmeyer Happy Sunday, Health fam! Hope April is starting off right for you. This week, we look at how even a little [light while you sleep is bad]( for your health. Plus, the brain disorder [aphasia is more common]( than you think and when it's OK to [dial down COVID precautions]( (along with a mini-zine!). --------------------------------------------------------------- Turn out the lights for better health [light image]( Source: Becky Harlan/NPR It's not the dark we need to be afraid of. It's the light. Just one night of sleep with a moderate amount of light (TV or computer on, glaring streetlight) may have adverse effects on our cardiovascular and metabolic health. One night! The findings tie into a broader body of evidence that indicates [light at night may be harmful]( in a variety of ways and could predispose people to chronic diseases. --------------------------------------------------------------- Understanding aphasia [Bruce Willis image]( Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images Legendary actor Bruce Willis announced his departure from the big screen following his diagnosis with aphasia, which is "impacting his cognitive abilities," according to his family. So what is the condition exactly and how is it treated? Here's [what you need to know]( — including how many people are living with the brain disorder. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- When and how to dial down COVID precautions [mini zine image]( Malaka Gharib/ NPR If COVID case numbers are dropping in your area, you've probably started to think about readjusting your personal precautions. Is it OK to (gasp) go to a party, a movie, the gym? This week's coronavirus FAQ [helps you figure out]( the precautions you should keep and the ones you can drop – all in a cool, printable mini-zine by NPR's Malaka Gharib. [PLUS: Do you really need another booster? It depends](. [BONUS STORY: More evidence against using ivermectin to treat COVID](. How working parents can reclaim their time [working parent time image]( Tilda Rose for NPR Let's be real: being a working parent can be really hard! Whether you have one kid or seven, caring for a human while trying to maintain relationships at work and at home is a lot to juggle. For so many parents and caregivers it just feels like there isn't enough time in the day to get it all done – or done well. Here are [actionable tips to help you reset]( your mindset and reclaim your time. Before you go [brain surgery image]( Simon & Schuster - Stone Age brain surgery? It might have been [more survivable]( than you think. - Physician-assisted death in Oregon is [no longer limited]( to just state residents. - Even with risky survival rate, shortages of ECMO [machines cost lives](. - As medication abortion becomes dominant, [red states restrict pills](. We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of [NPR's health journalism]( on Shots and follow us on Twitter at [@NPRHealth](. All best, Suzette Lohmeyer and your Shots editors --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [shots@npr.org](mailto:shots@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]