Health
Disrupted sleep, plus nightmares could be linked to autoimmune diseases, experts say
Those who experience vivid nightmares and odd hallucinations might have an underlying autoimmune disease, a new study suggests.
An international research team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge and King’s College London explored the potential link between nightmares and hallucinations and systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
The study, published in March in the journal eClinicalMedicine, included 676 people with lupus and 400 people from the medical field, as well as interviews with 69 people living with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, SWNS reported.
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Those with autoimmune diseases were asked about the timing of their neurological and mental health symptoms, such as disrupted sleep, hallucinations, depression and loss of balance.
Of the 29 symptoms listed, the participants were asked to rank such symptoms in the order in which they occurred relative to their disease flare-ups.
The study found that three in five people experienced “vivid” and “distressing” nightmares that involved being trapped, attacked or falling — resulting in disrupted sleep.
One-third of those immune-compromised participants said they noticed the trend over a year before their lupus onset.
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Lupus is defined as “a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
One in four participants stated that they noticed hallucinations — although 85% said they didn’t experience the symptoms until the disease onset or later.
Three in five people with lupus and one in three with other rheumatology-related conditions said they noticed an uptick in sleep disruptions just before their hallucinations would begin, according to SWNS.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Melanie Sloan of the University of Cambridge, noted in the study that in many cases, patients and doctors will not discuss mental health or neurological symptoms in relation to these diseases.
Three in five people with lupus noticed an uptick in sleep disruptions just before their hallucinations began.
“It’s important that clinicians talk to their patients about these types of symptoms and spend time writing down each patient’s individual progression of symptoms,” she said.
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Misdiagnosis was also mentioned in the study, as some participants said lupus and other autoimmune diseases were overlooked at first, SWNS reported.
For example, a participant from Scotland was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at age 18 before being diagnosed with lupus at 19.
“It was all very close together,” the participant said — noting that it was just a six-month period between “when my borderline personality disorder got under control and my lupus got under control,” SWNS said.
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Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a California-based chief medical adviser for Sleepopolis, was not involved in the study but shared reaction to the findings with Fox News Digital.
Dasgupta, who is quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal and critical care medicine, said the study supports the perspective that a “high prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as headaches, mood and fatigue” are commonly linked to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
SLE is a “chronic disease that can affect any organ, including the nervous system,” Dasgupta noted.
“This study also supports the fact that patients with SLE are subject to complications of its treatment, including steroid-related psychosis,” he added.
Misdiagnosis was also mentioned in the study.
Sleep issues are common in people with SLE, said Dasgupta, with over half of patients experiencing restlessness, poor sleep quality and difficulty falling asleep.
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“These issues can be caused by pain, medication effects and the disease’s impact on the brain,” he said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the eClinicalMedicine journal for further information.
Sleepoplis consists of a team of writers, product reviewers and sleep experts who provide reviews and sleep health content, per the company’s website.
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Health
More people sent to hospital as mushroom-infused 'microdosing' chocolate faces ongoing FDA probe
“Microdosing” chocolate bars designed to give consumers “peace of mind” have sent more and more people to hospitals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported.
The FDA published an initial advisory message about Diamond Shruumz, a company that produces “microdosing” chocolate bars and gummies, on June 7. At the time, six people who had consumed the products were hospitalized.
The FDA now reports that at least 10 people have been hospitalized after eating the products. An additional two people sought medical care but were not hospitalized.
“Do not eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz-Brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars,” the FDA’s site warns.
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“[The] FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering the appropriate next steps,” the statement added. “More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The products are distributed nationally. The FDA’s website said hospitalizations were reported in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Four hospitalizations were recorded in Arizona, and two were reported in Indiana.
The consumers who ate the “microdosing” products experienced “severe” symptoms, officials reported.
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“People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting,” the FDA says.
“Microdosing” is when drug users take a minuscule amount of hallucinogenic drugs to increase creativity and boost their mood without having a psychedelic trip. Even though the Diamond Shruumz products are marketed as “microdosing,” the company reports that its products have no psilocybin in them.
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“There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience,” Diamond Shruumz’s website says. “Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience.”
“This allows you to indulge in a uniquely crafted blend designed for your pleasure and peace of mind.”
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the products. Fox News Digital reached out to Diamond Shruumz for comment but did not hear back.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
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