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BTS named their new album Arirang. What is so striking about their choice?

BTS named their new album Arirang. What is so striking about their choice?

The title is loaded with meaning for all Koreans, and will give fans globally an insight into the folksong culture that shaped the world’s biggest K-pop group BTS announced their long-awaited comeback and world tour this week, with their first full-length album in nearly four years set for release on 20 March. On Friday, the K-pop group revealed its title – Arirang – a choice that carries profound emotional weight for Koreans. So what does it mean, what is its significance for the Koreas, and why did BTS choose it? Continue reading...

This Common Sleep Issue Could Have Dire Consequences For Your Health

This Common Sleep Issue Could Have Dire Consequences For Your Health

A study from June 2025 suggested there’s one issue that’s clearly linked to a whopping 172 diseases. Perhaps even scarier, it’s a common one: disrupted sleep patterns. Researchers looked at more than 88,000 people’s data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database in Britain, and found that poor sleep was associated with a higher risk of many conditions. Before we go any further, it’s important to note that, as with many studies, these findings are possibilities – not confirmed facts. At the same time, they’re worth careful attention. “This study is observational and doesn’t prove causation,” said Daniella Marchetti , a clinical psychologist specialising in behavioural sleep medicine. “Instead, the study shows that as sleep suffers, the likelihood of these diseases is also likely to increase in a way that is not coincidental.” The 172 diseases affect a variety of bodily systems, including the metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. More specifically, researchers were looking at Type 2 diabetes , Parkinson’s disease , kidney failure, liver diseases, heart disease, stroke, metabolic disorders, respiratory conditions and more. Pretty extensive, right? Especially for something as common as poor sleep, which can stem from many everyday experiences: stress, blue light from screens, shift work, social media-related FOMO and more. “In a world that never seems to switch off, sleep has become one of the most quietly endangered pillars of human health,” said Dr Martin L. Hopp , an otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon who specialises in sleep apnoea diagnosis. “Once regarded as a passive state of rest, sleep is now understood as a highly active biological process … Disrupted sleep patterns are increasingly common, and the health consequences are proving difficult to ignore.” Ahead, sleep experts explain what disrupted sleep can look like, its causes, how it can lead to disease, and how to get better sleep. What ‘disrupted sleep patterns’ can look like “Disrupted sleep patterns” is just a fancy way of saying “sleep irregularities,” according to Marchetti. Maybe you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Maybe you always wake up at 3am without meaning to do so. Those are a couple of examples. “For shift workers and frequent travellers, sleep may occur at biologically ‘wrong’ times, conflicting with the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm,” Hopp added. “Even individuals who believe they are sleeping enough may suffer from poor-quality sleep caused by frequent awakenings, breathing disturbances or environmental interruptions, such as noise and light.” Marchetti clarified that the aforementioned study focused on irregular bedtimes and wake times (which is all too relatable, am I right?), as well as low stability of sleep-wake rhythm and sleep fragmentation, aka waking up throughout the night. While “ doomscrolling ” on TikTok or chugging an energy drink at night can contribute to that, other causes are more complicated – and concerning. “Disrupted sleep patterns can be due to a variety of issues, including disrupted circadian rhythm, insufficient sleep, sleep apnoea , insomnia or other medical/psychiatric disorders that affect sleep quality and duration,” said Dr. Sarathi Bhattacharyya , a pulmonologist, critical care medicine specialist, sleep medicine specialist and medical director of MemorialCare Sleep Disorders Center. Disrupted sleep can lead to a host of health issues, recent research suggests. How disrupted sleep patterns can lead to many diseases As Marchetti suggested, disrupted sleep patterns don’t automatically mean you’re going to contract 172 diseases (or even one). Correlation does not equal causation. With that said, she seemed to believe this finding made sense, “based on what we know about other behavioural sleep medicine research”. She shared the following examples: Circadian misalignment, or going to bed at irregular times, disrupts the body’s internal clock, which affects hormone release, glucose metabolism and immune function. Sleep fragmentation, or waking up frequently throughout the night, impairs restorative processes, including metabolic waste clearance and inflammatory regulation. Rhythm instability, or unstable sleep-wake rhythms, alters core physiological processes involved in cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous system health. Bhattacharyya gave the example of sleep apnoea, saying it most commonly leads to increased long-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmias and stroke risk . Hopp spoke about how irregular or insufficient sleep can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It can do this by disrupting insulin sensitivity and appetite-regulating hormones. He also noted the brain’s vulnerability, saying long-term sleep disruption is associated with depression, anxiety and impaired memory. Additionally, it could contribute to neurodegenerative diseases , such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, by interfering with the brain’s ability to clear toxic waste products during deep sleep. These examples only scratch the surface. In a world that never seems to switch off, sleep has become one of the most quietly endangered pillars of human health. Dr. Martin L. Hopp, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon The specific disease(s) you might get as a result of disrupted sleep depend on what is causing the disruption. Regardless, not getting solid sleep is a serious problem worth addressing. “Any condition that affects sleep quality and/or duration results in a reduction of a very important period for human physiology,” Bhattacharyya concludes. “Hormone regulation and immune function can be impaired with poor sleep, as can mood, concentration and memory.” Sleep experts share their most effective sleep tips Sometimes, knowing how to get good sleep and actually getting good sleep are two different things. If you’ve tried all the “hacks” and still can’t get enough Zzzs, seeing a sleep specialist may be your best option, as sleep hygiene tips (detailed below) aren’t always enough. But otherwise – and as a good starting point – doctors want to make sure you’re doing the following, which can help you get the best possible sleep: Have a consistent routine for winding down and going to bed (such as reading, stretching and/or doing breathing exercises). Wake up at the same time every day to keep your circadian rhythm on a regular schedule (yes, this includes weekends!). Don’t eat or drink (especially alcohol or caffeine) at least three hours before bed. Avoid exposure to bright light in the evening hours, and get adequate light exposure within 30 to 60 minutes of waking. Wind down to a relaxing TV show (keyword: “relaxing”). Address causes of nocturnal awakenings, like restless leg syndrome and needing to pee in the middle of the night . Keep your bedroom cool and dark at night, using blackout curtains and/or an eye mask and a fan if necessary. Exercise during the day, but not within two to three hours of bedtime. Beyond that, research points to a certain type of therapy. “Based on the scientific evidence, the most highly effective, research-aligned approach to treating chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I),” Marchetti said. She recommended that people find a CBT-I provider and a credentialed sleep specialist if the aforementioned sleep hygiene tips haven’t worked after two weeks of consistent practice. Besides incorporating sleep hygiene, CBT-I can help by changing the way you think and feel about sleep, strengthening the bed as a cue for sleep and encouraging a relaxing activity if you can’t fall asleep within the first 20 minutes of being in bed. While pursuing better sleep may add yet another item to your to-do list, it’s crucial. Good, solid sleep (not “ junk sleep ”) is vital for your health and well-being – perhaps more than previously thought. “As research continues to uncover the far-reaching effects of disrupted sleep, one message is becoming clear: Restoring healthy sleep patterns may be one of the most effective (and overlooked) ways to prevent disease and protect long-term health,” Hopp said. “The cost of losing sleep is proving far higher than once imagined.” Related... Science Says Kiwis Can Improve Your Sleep, So I Tried It To Find Out If Your 3- Or 4-Year-Old's Sleep Has Suddenly Gone Haywire, It's Time To 'Zoom Out' You Should Make Better Sleep Your Main New Year's Resolution

This Common Sleep Issue Could Have Dire Consequences For Your Health

This Common Sleep Issue Could Have Dire Consequences For Your Health

A study from June 2025 suggested there’s one issue that’s clearly linked to a whopping 172 diseases. Perhaps even scarier, it’s a common one: disrupted sleep patterns. Researchers looked at more than 88,000 people’s data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database in Britain, and found that poor sleep was associated with a higher risk of many conditions. Before we go any further, it’s important to note that, as with many studies, these findings are possibilities – not confirmed facts. At the same time, they’re worth careful attention. “This study is observational and doesn’t prove causation,” said Daniella Marchetti , a clinical psychologist specialising in behavioural sleep medicine. “Instead, the study shows that as sleep suffers, the likelihood of these diseases is also likely to increase in a way that is not coincidental.” The 172 diseases affect a variety of bodily systems, including the metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. More specifically, researchers were looking at Type 2 diabetes , Parkinson’s disease , kidney failure, liver diseases, heart disease, stroke, metabolic disorders, respiratory conditions and more. Pretty extensive, right? Especially for something as common as poor sleep, which can stem from many everyday experiences: stress, blue light from screens, shift work, social media-related FOMO and more. “In a world that never seems to switch off, sleep has become one of the most quietly endangered pillars of human health,” said Dr Martin L. Hopp , an otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon who specialises in sleep apnoea diagnosis. “Once regarded as a passive state of rest, sleep is now understood as a highly active biological process … Disrupted sleep patterns are increasingly common, and the health consequences are proving difficult to ignore.” Ahead, sleep experts explain what disrupted sleep can look like, its causes, how it can lead to disease, and how to get better sleep. What ‘disrupted sleep patterns’ can look like “Disrupted sleep patterns” is just a fancy way of saying “sleep irregularities,” according to Marchetti. Maybe you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Maybe you always wake up at 3am without meaning to do so. Those are a couple of examples. “For shift workers and frequent travellers, sleep may occur at biologically ‘wrong’ times, conflicting with the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm,” Hopp added. “Even individuals who believe they are sleeping enough may suffer from poor-quality sleep caused by frequent awakenings, breathing disturbances or environmental interruptions, such as noise and light.” Marchetti clarified that the aforementioned study focused on irregular bedtimes and wake times (which is all too relatable, am I right?), as well as low stability of sleep-wake rhythm and sleep fragmentation, aka waking up throughout the night. While “ doomscrolling ” on TikTok or chugging an energy drink at night can contribute to that, other causes are more complicated – and concerning. “Disrupted sleep patterns can be due to a variety of issues, including disrupted circadian rhythm, insufficient sleep, sleep apnoea , insomnia or other medical/psychiatric disorders that affect sleep quality and duration,” said Dr. Sarathi Bhattacharyya , a pulmonologist, critical care medicine specialist, sleep medicine specialist and medical director of MemorialCare Sleep Disorders Center. Disrupted sleep can lead to a host of health issues, recent research suggests. How disrupted sleep patterns can lead to many diseases As Marchetti suggested, disrupted sleep patterns don’t automatically mean you’re going to contract 172 diseases (or even one). Correlation does not equal causation. With that said, she seemed to believe this finding made sense, “based on what we know about other behavioural sleep medicine research”. She shared the following examples: Circadian misalignment, or going to bed at irregular times, disrupts the body’s internal clock, which affects hormone release, glucose metabolism and immune function. Sleep fragmentation, or waking up frequently throughout the night, impairs restorative processes, including metabolic waste clearance and inflammatory regulation. Rhythm instability, or unstable sleep-wake rhythms, alters core physiological processes involved in cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous system health. Bhattacharyya gave the example of sleep apnoea, saying it most commonly leads to increased long-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmias and stroke risk . Hopp spoke about how irregular or insufficient sleep can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It can do this by disrupting insulin sensitivity and appetite-regulating hormones. He also noted the brain’s vulnerability, saying long-term sleep disruption is associated with depression, anxiety and impaired memory. Additionally, it could contribute to neurodegenerative diseases , such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, by interfering with the brain’s ability to clear toxic waste products during deep sleep. These examples only scratch the surface. In a world that never seems to switch off, sleep has become one of the most quietly endangered pillars of human health. Dr. Martin L. Hopp, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon The specific disease(s) you might get as a result of disrupted sleep depend on what is causing the disruption. Regardless, not getting solid sleep is a serious problem worth addressing. “Any condition that affects sleep quality and/or duration results in a reduction of a very important period for human physiology,” Bhattacharyya concludes. “Hormone regulation and immune function can be impaired with poor sleep, as can mood, concentration and memory.” Sleep experts share their most effective sleep tips Sometimes, knowing how to get good sleep and actually getting good sleep are two different things. If you’ve tried all the “hacks” and still can’t get enough Zzzs, seeing a sleep specialist may be your best option, as sleep hygiene tips (detailed below) aren’t always enough. But otherwise – and as a good starting point – doctors want to make sure you’re doing the following, which can help you get the best possible sleep: Have a consistent routine for winding down and going to bed (such as reading, stretching and/or doing breathing exercises). Wake up at the same time every day to keep your circadian rhythm on a regular schedule (yes, this includes weekends!). Don’t eat or drink (especially alcohol or caffeine) at least three hours before bed. Avoid exposure to bright light in the evening hours, and get adequate light exposure within 30 to 60 minutes of waking. Wind down to a relaxing TV show (keyword: “relaxing”). Address causes of nocturnal awakenings, like restless leg syndrome and needing to pee in the middle of the night . Keep your bedroom cool and dark at night, using blackout curtains and/or an eye mask and a fan if necessary. Exercise during the day, but not within two to three hours of bedtime. Beyond that, research points to a certain type of therapy. “Based on the scientific evidence, the most highly effective, research-aligned approach to treating chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I),” Marchetti said. She recommended that people find a CBT-I provider and a credentialed sleep specialist if the aforementioned sleep hygiene tips haven’t worked after two weeks of consistent practice. Besides incorporating sleep hygiene, CBT-I can help by changing the way you think and feel about sleep, strengthening the bed as a cue for sleep and encouraging a relaxing activity if you can’t fall asleep within the first 20 minutes of being in bed. While pursuing better sleep may add yet another item to your to-do list, it’s crucial. Good, solid sleep (not “ junk sleep ”) is vital for your health and well-being – perhaps more than previously thought. “As research continues to uncover the far-reaching effects of disrupted sleep, one message is becoming clear: Restoring healthy sleep patterns may be one of the most effective (and overlooked) ways to prevent disease and protect long-term health,” Hopp said. “The cost of losing sleep is proving far higher than once imagined.” Related... Science Says Kiwis Can Improve Your Sleep, So I Tried It To Find Out If Your 3- Or 4-Year-Old's Sleep Has Suddenly Gone Haywire, It's Time To 'Zoom Out' You Should Make Better Sleep Your Main New Year's Resolution

Has a Nazi theorist’s vision of a world divided into 'great spaces' found a new advocate in Trump? | Brendan Simms

Has a Nazi theorist’s vision of a world divided into 'great spaces' found a new advocate in Trump? | Brendan Simms

Carl Schmitt wanted empires that dominated the small countries in their orbits. But the US president’s chaotic actions are not that strategic It is axiomatic to many of his critics that the US president, Donald Trump, is a fascist. Indeed, some have seen echoes of the work of the Nazis’ “crown jurist” and political theorist, Carl Schmitt , in the Trump administration’s domestic policies, particularly his doctrine of “ the exception ”, which can be used to suspend certain constitutional rights. After a tumultuous few weeks in geopolitics, his work is being discussed for its contemporary relevance again. In the wake of the release of the new US National Security Strategy in 2025, its raid on Venezuela, the president’s rhetoric on Greenland, Panama, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba , and his apparent indulgence towards Vladimir Putin’s Russia, the question now being asked is whether Trump is also an advocate of aspects of Schmitt’s concept of “great space”. Brendan Simms is director of the Centre for Geopolitics at Cambridge University and author of Hitler: Only the World Was Enough Continue reading...

Cloth wraps treated with ‘dirt cheap’ insecticide cut malaria cases in babies

Cloth wraps treated with ‘dirt cheap’ insecticide cut malaria cases in babies

Soaking fabrics in a commonly used insect repellent is a simple and effective tool as mosquito bites become more common during daytime, study shows From Africa to Latin America to Asia, babies have been carried in cloth wraps on their mothers’ backs for centuries. Now, the practice of generations of women could become a lifesaving tool in the fight against malaria. Researchers in Uganda have found that treating wraps with the insect repellent permethrin cut rates of malaria in the infants carried in them by two-thirds. Continue reading...

‘If you’re flushing the toilet with grey water, people should know’: how China turned rain into an asset

‘If you’re flushing the toilet with grey water, people should know’: how China turned rain into an asset

Architects and designers have recycled ancient practice of collecting rainwater to make buildings ecologically friendly When the legendary Taiwanese rock band Mayday were due to perform in Beijing one evening in May 2023, some fans were worried that the rainy weather could affect the show. Mayday were taking to the stage in Beijing’s National Stadium , also known as the Bird’s Nest, built for the 2008 Olympics. Like the real-life twig piles that give the building its nickname, the stadium is built with an intricate and highly porous lattice, made of steel. “Don’t worry too much,” reassured an article published by the official newsletter for China’s ministry of water resources. “The Bird’s Nest also has its ‘secret weapon’!” Continue reading...

Death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s son prompts calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare sector

Death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s son prompts calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare sector

Pleas for scrutiny of system fraught with accusations of negligence after one-year-old’s death in hospital Nigerians have called for urgent reforms to the healthcare sector after the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son prompted an outpouring of grief and accounts of negligence and inadequate care. In a leaked WhatsApp message, the bestselling author said she had been told by a doctor that the resident anaesthesiologist at the Lagos hospital treating her son Nkanu Nnamdi had administered an overdose of the sedative propofol. Continue reading...

The pub that changed me: ‘It was close. It served Guinness. And it had (just about) functioning toilets’

The pub that changed me: ‘It was close. It served Guinness. And it had (just about) functioning toilets’

Every week my DisOrient FC team and I would show up at the Park Tavern, our second home, drown our sorrows after a five-a-side match and forge ongoing friendships Whatever else you might say about the Park Tavern, you can unequivocally say this: it is, without question, the closest pub to the five-a-side pitches where my team DisOrient FC used to play every Tuesday night from 2011 to 2016. Continue reading...