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Are You Keeping Up with the Self-Health Management Trend?

Welcome to Wellcare! We're thrilled to share insights from our recent experience at the Medica 2023 trade show. We conducted a survey and observed some exciting trends in self-health management, especially concerning chronic disease management and sleep quality. Let’s dive into our findings and explore how you can enhance your health and well-being at home.

Self-Health Management: A Lifestyle for Preventing and Managing Chronic Diseases

Self-health management is more than just a trend; it’s about taking control of your health and lifestyle. Imagine your home as a sanctuary, a VIP recovery space where you can relax and rejuvenate. Creating a spa-like environment with proper skincare, hydrotherapy, and a stress-free atmosphere can significantly enhance your well-being.

Key Insights from Medica 2023

1. Your Home, Your Fortress: Your home should be a place of comfort and healing. Think of it as your personal retreat where you can focus on self-care and recovery.
2. Sleep Quality is Essential: Managing chronic diseases starts with improving your sleep quality. The right balance of temperature, humidity, and breathability in your bedding can make a world of difference.
3. Engage with Nature: Spending time outdoors and engaging with nature can inspire creativity and relaxation. It’s essential to step away from screens and immerse yourself in the natural world.
4. Digital Tools for Health: Leveraging digital tools for education and self-health management can break down barriers and enhance your health routine.
5. Innovative Solutions: Discover the benefits of Wellcare’s innovative electric blankets designed to create the perfect bed climate for a restful night’s sleep.

The Connection Between Sleep, Chronic Diseases, and Self-Health Management

The post-pandemic era has brought new challenges and opportunities for self-health management. While some have returned to their pre-pandemic routines, others continue to face issues like long COVID, which can exacerbate chronic conditions.

Understanding Long COVID and Sleep Issues

Symptoms of long COVID, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, body aches, and sleep disturbances, affect a significant portion of the population. It is said that 31% of long COVID patients experience sleep problems, which can lead to chronic issues if not addressed[1].

Boosting Health Awareness Post-Pandemic

Heightened Awareness and Action Towards Self-Health Management

The pandemic has been a wake-up call for many, highlighting the importance of self-care and self-health management. As people witnessed the health struggles of themselves or their loved ones, there's a growing realization of the need to take proactive steps towards better health. At the Medica 2023 trade fair, under the theme "Where Healthcare Is Going," we explored the close relationship between health and sleep.

Our survey at Wellcare's booth during Medica 2023, which focused on "Managing chronic diseases and improving sleep quality are crucial for a healthy life," provided us with valuable insights. We engaged with visitors through interactive questionnaires and feedback sessions. These participants, ranging from buyers, medical professionals, consultants, to industry leaders and CEOs, represented a diverse spectrum of the healthcare sector from Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Oceania.

A big thank you to all the visitors who took the time out of their busy schedules to interact with Wellcare. Your participation has been invaluable. This small yet significant sample of 30 participants has allowed us to observe trends and gather first-hand data.

Wellcare aligns with the goals of World Sleep Day and the "Healthy People 2030" initiative. We hope to spark interest and collaboration with more professionals, emphasizing non-pharmaceutical methods to help more individuals implement effective self-health management practices early on.

Key Observations:

1. Global Engagement: Our survey participants spanned multiple continents, highlighting the universal importance of health and sleep.
2. Diverse Expertise: The feedback came from a wide range of professionals, indicating varied but interconnected perspectives on health management.
3. Proactive Health Measures: There is a notable trend towards non-pharmaceutical approaches in managing health, aligning with global health initiatives.

By sharing these findings, we aim to contribute to the broader conversation on health and well-being, encouraging more people to take charge of their health through improved sleep and proactive self-care.

Addressing the Chronic Disease Crisis: Tips and Insights

Are You Concerned About the Chronic Disease Crisis? Here’s a Helpful Tip!

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are long-lasting health conditions that typically progress slowly. These conditions are significant contributors to death and disability worldwide. In Europe, chronic diseases account for 77% of the total disease burden and 86% of all deaths[2].

Fig.1

 According to the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) conducted in 2020, 36% of people aged 65 and older had at least two chronic diseases on average across EU countries[3]. This statistic underscores the widespread impact of chronic illnesses on the aging population.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chronic Disease Management

Recent research reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. This disruption has not only worsened the long-term health outcomes for these patients but also posed a substantial risk to community health and healthcare systems as a whole. The pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of self-care skills for patients, alongside public health initiatives and advancements in telehealth technologies.

Fig.2

Our survey (Fig.2) at Wellcare's booth during Medica 2023 focused on the critical connection between managing chronic diseases and improving sleep quality. The findings emphasized that a significant portion of respondents (86.67%) agreed that poor sleep quality exacerbates chronic diseases. This insight aligns with global health research that suggests around 80% of chronic diseases are preventable through early self-care management and lifestyle adjustments[4].

Key Takeaways for Managing Chronic Diseases

1. Understanding Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that worsen over time. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the leading causes of death in Europe.
2. Importance of Self-Care: The pandemic has shown that self-care skills are vital for managing chronic conditions effectively. Regular health check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, and incorporating physical activity into your routine are essential components of self-care.
3. Role of Technology: Telehealth and digital health tools have become crucial in providing continuous care and support for patients with chronic conditions, especially during times of restricted physical access to healthcare facilities.

Proactive Steps to Improve Your Health

1. Enhance Sleep Quality: Improving your sleep environment can significantly impact your overall health. Ensure your bedding is breathable and maintains an optimal temperature and humidity level.
2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help prevent and manage chronic diseases.
3. Regular Health Monitoring: Keep track of your health metrics such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol. Regular monitoring can help you stay on top of your health and catch any issues early.

By incorporating these insights and tips into your daily routine, you can take proactive steps towards better health and well-being, effectively managing and preventing chronic diseases.

The Link Between Sleep Quality and Chronic Disease Management

Can Poor Sleep Quality Worsen Chronic Diseases?

Not only as previously mentioned, 86.67% of the participants agreed that poor sleep quality does, in fact, worsen chronic diseases. Moreover, over three-quarters (78.57%) of respondents believe that hereditary chronic diseases are preventable (Fig.3).  This aligns with research indicating that 80% of chronic diseases can be prevented through early self-health management.

Fig.3

Importance of Early Self-Health Management

Preventing chronic diseases starts with proactive self-health management. This includes maintaining good sleep quality, which plays a crucial role in managing and preventing these conditions. Ensuring that you get adequate, restful sleep can help you avoid the escalation of chronic diseases and improve your overall health.

Wellcare’s Solutions for Better Sleep

Wellcare’s BBC (Best Bed Climate) Design series is designed to help you achieve better sleep. Our products, such as electric blankets and heating pads, ensure the optimal temperature and breathability, enhancing your sleep quality and contributing to better health management.

Explore our products here and start your journey towards improved sleep and health today.

Tackling Sleep and Mental Health Challenges: Practical Tips and Insights

Struggling with Falling Asleep or Waking Up? Learn About DSPD

Are you having trouble falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning? You might be experiencing Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD). Small changes in your daily routine can significantly improve your DSPD condition and overall health.

Tips to Improve DSPD:

• Avoid exposure to screens before bedtime.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Learn more about improving sleep health: Why you shouldn’t sleep with the light on.

Feeling Depressed or Anxious? Nature and Outdoor Activities Can Boost Happiness

Do you feel depressed or anxious? Spending time in nature or engaging in outdoor activities can elevate your mood and enhance your well-being.

According to Gallup, nearly 40% of adults aged 15 and above globally experience severe depression or anxiety, or have a close friend or family member who does. In North America, about 22% of adults have faced depression or anxiety so severe that they had to discontinue daily activities for at least two weeks.[5] This trend is consistent with global rates, where approximately 19% of individuals in Western Europe report similar experiences.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with a 25% increase in global cases of depression and anxiety. The impact is particularly severe among young people, who are more prone to self-harm and suicidal behavior. Additionally, the pandemic has had a more profound effect on women than men[6].

However, there’s still some good news: spending more time outside during the day can significantly lower your risk of depression and improve your mood. Learn more about the benefits of nature.

Benefits of Outdoor Activities:

• Reduces the risk of lifelong severe depression.
• Increases the occurrence of positive emotions.
• Enhances overall happiness.

Embrace Self-Care for Better Health

More and more people are incorporating self-care practices into their daily routines to improve their health. These practices range from dietary adjustments and yoga to sleep aids and personalized health coaching.

Effective Self-Care Strategies:

• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and controlled carbohydrates.
• Practicing yoga and regular exercise.
• Using sleep aids and relaxation tools.
• Spending time in nature to reduce stress and boost creativity.

According to Wellcare’s survey, over 96% of participants agree that self-care is an effective strategy for managing chronic disease risks (Fig. 4).

Fig.4

By integrating these self-care methods into your daily life, you can improve your health and well-being, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing your overall quality of life.

Take the first step towards better health by exploring Wellcare’s range of products designed to help you sleep better and live healthier.

Balancing Work, Life, and Sleep Quality: Practical Advice

Separate Work from Daily Life, Exercise Regularly, and Get Enough Natural Light

COVID-19 has significantly impacted people's sleep and overall quality of life. Those with pre-existing sleep disorders are experiencing worsening physical and mental health. Struggling with insomnia can lead to obesity, anxiety, depression, and other health issues over the long term.

Survey Insights from Medica 2023

At Wellcare’s booth during Medica 2023, we asked participants about their sleep quality. The survey revealed that 25% of respondents experience poor sleep "very often" (once or twice a month). This feedback from professional buyers worldwide underscores the growing concern among sleep experts (Fig. 5).

Fig.5

The New Normal: Working from Home

Working from home has become a widespread practice since the pandemic. However, sleep experts warn that blurring the lines between work and home can lead to decreased physical activity and less exposure to natural light—both of which are essential for maintaining good sleep quality. While working from home saves commute time, it’s crucial to maintain a routine that includes regular exercise and sufficient natural light.

Key Recommendations for Better Sleep

1. Separate Work and Home Life: Clearly delineate your work area from your relaxation and sleep areas.
2. Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine to enhance sleep quality.
3. Get Enough Natural Light: Ensure you spend time outdoors or near windows to maintain your body’s natural rhythm.

Sleep as a Key to Managing Chronic Diseases

Sleep plays a vital role in managing and reducing the burden of chronic diseases. In our survey, over 86% of participants agreed that poor sleep quality worsens chronic diseases (Fig. 2).    Furthermore, around 96% of respondents believe that good sleep quality helps manage chronic conditions effectively (Fig. 6). 

Fig.6

Globally, about one-third of adults are diagnosed with Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCC)[7]. These conditions often cluster together, such as depression with stroke or Alzheimer's, and tuberculosis with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The burden on patients includes decreased quality of life, high out-of-pocket expenses, inability to work, and the significant toll on caregivers.

Importance of Sleep for Health

Sleep is not merely a passive state but a crucial process for brain and body restoration and regulation. Insufficient sleep disrupts vital neurological processes and impairs cognitive function. Experts highlight that sleep might be key to alleviating the burden of chronic diseases.

Healthy People 2030 underscores that healthy sleep involves not just sufficient duration but also good quality, proper timing, regularity, and addressing sleep disorders.

Wellcare’s Solutions for a Better Sleep Journey

The Wellcare BBC Design series includes products like electric blankets, snuggly heating cushions, cell heating pads, neck & shoulder heating pads, and foot warmers.  These products are designed to enhance your home’s comfort and improve your sleep quality.

Explore our range of products to help you sleep better: Wellcare Solutions.

For more insights on anxiety and sleep: Anxiety and Sleep: What You Need to Know.

Addressing Breathing Issues and Sleep Disorders: Essential Tips

Do You Have Email Apnea?

The fast-paced work life can cause breathing problems like shortness of breath, breath holding, or shallow breathing while using email or a screen. This phenomenon is known as "email apnea" or "screen apnea."

To combat this, remind yourself to check your breathing regularly. When taking breaks, truly disconnect by avoiding your phone to ensure you get genuine rest. Reserve some time for yourself, and use Wellcare's cell-shaped heating pad to create a quiet, relaxing moment. Slow down your breathing and take good care of yourself.

Learn more about email apnea: Watch Video

Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep? It Increases Your Risk of Dementia

Sleep disorders are closely linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The worldwide prevalence of AD is expected to rise dramatically from 50 million individuals in 2018 to 152 million by 2050[8].

Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep are common issues among older adults globally. Evidence suggests that sleep disorders may accelerate neurological degeneration. There is a significant correlation between sleep deprivation and the buildup of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Recent studies also highlight the role of glial cells in the progression of AD and their impact on sleep regulation[9].

Research, such as the Whitehall II study involving 7,959 participants over 25 years, indicates that sleeping for six hours or less at the age of 50 and 60 significantly increases the risk of developing dementia, which is often diagnosed after the age of 70[10].

Studies show that short sleep duration (< 6 hours) and long sleep duration (> 9 hours) are both associated with a higher risk of dementia[11]. Participants who maintained an average sleep duration of 7 hours had the lowest risk of developing dementia. A 2024 study also reports that sleeping for more than 8 hours is linked to a 64% increased risk of incident dementia and 2-fold higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, short sleep duration (< 7 hours) is linked to a higher risk of dementia in adults under 70[12].

• Long sleep duration(>8 h) was associated with 64 % and 2-fold higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
• Long sleep duration (>8 h) was associated with 64 % increased risk of incident dementia and 2-fold high risk of AD compared to ideal sleep duration (7–8 h).

Learn more about the link between sleep and dementia: Wellcare Blog

Key Takeaways:

• Email Apnea: Regularly check your breathing and take genuine breaks to avoid screen apnea.
• Sleep Duration and Dementia: Aim for an average sleep duration of 7 hours to minimize the risk of dementia.
• Wellcare Products: Use Wellcare's heating pads and other products to enhance your relaxation and improve sleep quality.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can improve your overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic health issues.

The Secrets to a Good Night's Sleep: Temperature, Breathability, and Humidity

Discover Wellcare BBC (Best Bed Climate) Design and Products

A good night's sleep depends on your bed's temperature, breathability, and humidity. Learn more about how Wellcare BBC (Best Bed Climate) Design and products can improve your sleep quality.

Sleep experts agree that the ideal bed climate, which includes breathable and warm bedding, can significantly enhance sleep quality. Would you give it a try? According to our survey, 100% of participants were willing to try products designed to create the perfect sleep environment (Fig. 7).

Fig.7

Addressing Common Issues with Electric Blankets

Some electric blanket users enjoy the warmth but find that after a few hours, the heat accumulates, causing stuffiness and disrupting sleep. This excess heat often leads to mid-sleep awakenings.

Wellcare BBC Design not only considers the temperature under the covers but also features hundreds of small, breathable circular holes in the blanket. These tiny windows act as vents for temperature and humidity, providing “ample breathability.” They help you avoid the unnoticed heat buildup under the covers and improve issues like feeling stuffy, waking up halfway, and itchy skin caused by poor airflow.

Features of Wellcare’s Electric Blankets

1. Temperature Regulation: Hundreds of small holes ensure optimal breathability and prevent heat accumulation.
2. 2-Hour Timer: Wellcare's electric blankets are equipped with a 2-hour timer, which helps maintain the best bed climate by automatically turning off after completing a sleep cycle (90-120 minutes). This feature ensures a comfortable and uninterrupted sleep journey.
3. Clinical Verification: Studies show that 100% of female and 75% of male participants experienced improved sleep quality using Wellcare's electric blankets. On average, the use of Wellcare’s 4D DWF Electric Blanket increased slow-wave sleep by 108%.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Sleep Quality

Our survey during Medica 2023 revealed that factors such as temperature (24.32%), light (21.62%), and sound (16.22%) significantly affect sleep quality (Fig.8).

Fig.8

Living in urban areas often means dealing with various noise disturbances like barking dogs, traffic sounds, and airplanes. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to noise can exacerbate poor sleep quality, lead to burnout, and result in physical and mental health issues, ultimately reducing the quality of life[13].

Solutions for Noise-Related Sleep Issues

Sound perception is subjective and varies among individuals. If ambient noise is causing stress or affecting your sleep, seeking professional advice is recommended. Wellcare’s Naturcare sound relaxation system mimics natural sounds such as sea waves, brooks, birdsong, and white noise to create a relaxing environment. This can help mask unwanted noise and reduce stress.

Learn more about Naturcare sound relaxation: Wellcare Naturcare Sound Ball.

By integrating these tips and Wellcare’s innovative products into your routine, you can significantly enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Discover Less-Known Tips for Easier and Faster Sleep

Helps People Fall Asleep Quicker

Fig.9

One of the notable advantages of using an electric blanket, as highlighted by our 2023 MEDICA questionnaire, is its ability to help people fall asleep quicker. When asked, "In your opinion, what is the advantage of an electric blanket?" the top three responses were:

1. Keep hands and feet warm to warm up extremities: 47.06%
2. Helps people fall asleep quicker: 14.71%
3. Improve heat dissipation from the skin and reduce the difference between the core body and distal skin temperature, and save the electricity bill: 11.76%

These benefits demonstrate the importance of using breathable electric blankets to enhance sleep quality.

Conclusion: Achieving a Healthy Life with Wellcare

Managing chronic diseases and improving sleep quality are crucial for a healthy life. Our insights from Medica 2023 emphasize the significant role of sleep in overall health and well-being. By integrating self-health management practices, utilizing Wellcare's innovative products, and making small lifestyle changes, you can take proactive steps towards better health.

Download our comprehensive eBook for more detailed content and start your journey to better sleep and health today.

Discussion and Limitations

This questionnaire involved interactive sessions with visitors at Medica 2023. While we ensured minimal interference with participants' answers, the open setting might have influenced their responses. The sample size of 30 participants, with each taking about 5-7 minutes to complete the survey, presents some limitations.

By embracing these insights and utilizing Wellcare’s products, you can significantly enhance your sleep quality and manage chronic diseases more effectively. Take the first step towards a healthier life by exploring our range of products designed to improve your sleep and overall well-being.

[1] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/covid-19-and-sleep/covid-insomnia

[2] https://alliancechronicdiseases.org/chronic-disease-policy/

[3] https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/health-at-a-glance-europe-2022_851d74d6-en

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28523941/

[5] https://news.gallup.com/poll/505745/depression-rates-reach-new-highs.aspx

[6] https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30406006/

[8] https://www.alzint.org/u/WorldAlzheimerReport2018.pdf

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35303225/

[10] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22354-2

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5373785/

[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124000453

[13] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38218481/