Common bedroom mistake could be quietly taking a toll on your health, experts say

A new study from Tulane University is raising fresh concerns about sleeping with a light on, linking nighttime light exposure to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers found that exposure to more than 3 lux of light — roughly the brightness of moonlight — was associated with increased risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation (irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm), heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death.

Experts spoke with Fox News Digital about the potential risks associated with sleeping with a nightlight.

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Sleep is partially controlled by the circadian rhythm, the brain’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness, according to sleep expert and neuroscientist Chelsie Rohrscheib, Ph.D., a sleep expert and neuroscientist based in Michigan.

"The circadian rhythm is strongly influenced by light entering the eyes – light exposure signals the brain to suppress melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate the timing of sleep, while low light levels signal the brain to produce more melatonin," she told Fox News Digital.

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"As melatonin levels rise in the evening, they help prepare the brain and body for sleep. Light pollution from various sources in our bedroom can trick the brain into producing less melatonin, which can negatively impact sleep quality."

Consistent light exposure will chronically reduce overall sleep quality, Rohrscheib warned.

"Sleep plays an essential role in many biological processes, including body and brain restoration, hormone release, immune system functioning, cognitive processes such as memory consolidation, brain waste clearance and metabolic regulation," she said.

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"When sleep is consistently poor, these processes do not function optimally, which in turn elevates the risk for many chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, certain cancers and mood disorders."

A 2022 Northwestern Medicine study found that just one night of sleeping with moderate light exposure (100 lux) disrupted glucose regulation while increasing heart rate and sympathetic nervous system activity, as reflected by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), Rohrscheib noted.

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Sleep impairment is also linked to increased risk of mortality, according to Ashley Curtis, PhD, sleep researcher and assistant professor at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

"Emerging evidence even suggests that it affects the gut microbiome, everything from digestion to immunity," she told Fox News Digital. "While the immediate evidence is strongest for disrupted sleep health, the downstream risks to your long-term health are substantial."

Certain groups may be more sensitive to nighttime light than others, experts agree.

"Shift workers, children, older adults and individuals with insomnia or mood disorders are especially vulnerable to the effects of light on sleep depth," Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified sleep medicine doctor and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

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Curtis noted that older adults often become less sensitive to light, meaning bright or short-wavelength light has a weaker effect on suppressing melatonin than it does in younger adults.

"The caveat, however, is that older adults also experience a higher baseline prevalence of sleep disruption, which can bidirectionally impact the circadian system," she added.

There is also some evidence showing that bright light has a more pronounced impact on melatonin suppression in men, the expert noted.

For people with insomnia, who already experience chronic sleep disruption, bright light exposure before bedtime can make these underlying problems worse, as it further interferes with the biological circadian rhythm, Curtis warned.

Blue wavelength light from TVs and phones is the most disruptive because people’s retinas are most sensitive to it, and it maximally suppresses melatonin, according to Dimitriu.

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"Dim, warm, red-toned night lights cause far less circadian impact – these are natural sunset colors one would see in the evenings," he told Fox News Digital.

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Curtis agreed that warmer, dimmer light, which has a longer wavelength, doesn't have as much impact on melatonin production.

"Research shows that even if dim light impacts melatonin initially, it allows time for the body to recover," she said. "Therefore, it doesn't disrupt your sleep to the degree that brighter light does."

"While blackout curtains are recommended for optimal sleep, you don't need to have absolute darkness to maintain a healthy sleep environment," Curtis said.

The experts recommend implementing the following changes to cultivate a healthy sleep environment – even if it’s not pitch black.

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Deadly bacteria detected as NYC orders emergency cleaning of cooling towers

Health officials ordered the immediate remediation of 10 rooftop cooling towers in the South Bronx after preliminary testing detected Legionella bacteria amid a growing Legionnaires’ disease cluster that has sickened nine people and left one dead.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued orders to clean and disinfect the sites. Among the affected structures are cooling towers at major hubs, including Yankee Stadium and Lincoln Hospital.

As public health workers work to clean the equipment, experts note that recurring outbreaks in these neighborhoods highlight deeper systemic vulnerabilities.

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"When we look at outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, in New York City, we almost always see it in the Bronx or Harlem," Dr. Tyler Evans, CEO of the Wellness Equity Alliance and former first chief medical officer for New York City, told Fox News Digital.

"A lot of times, we see risk of infections taking place in historically marginalized communities."

The department identified the cluster following a surge in cases dating back to late August. Tests confirmed traces of Legionella in 10 of 24 sampled towers, according to city health officials.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests return results quickly, but cannot distinguish between live and dead bacteria. Culture tests to confirm live bacteria can take up to two weeks, prompting city health officials to order immediate cleaning out of caution.

Late-summer weather has compounded the issue. High temperatures create ideal breeding grounds for bacteria inside industrial air-conditioning systems, which add water to the surrounding air, Evans noted.

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"Record-breaking temperatures lead to accelerating the risk of the bacteria basically cooking, getting out to become vaporized, and then producing exposure to other people," he said.

Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, cannot be spread between people, nor is it contracted by drinking tap water, the expert noted. Most healthy individuals are not sickened by exposure, but high-risk populations can face severe health consequences.

"In terms of people ... to be concerned about, it's really older adults — typically 65 and older — or people living with comorbid conditions," Evans said, pointing to underlying factors like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or compromised immune systems.

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Health officials urge anyone who has lived in, worked in or visited ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 since late August to monitor their health.

Key symptoms to watch for include high fevers, severe shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up bloody mucus.

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Evans noted that early medical care is crucial, as the illness responds well to standard antibiotic treatments when caught early.

"Infections fall into different buckets — bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites," he said. "Bacteria are alive. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria because you can kill them, which makes it very treatable."

While city officials have taken quick action to inspect and clean the structures, Evans emphasized that long-term prevention requires sustained public investment.

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"Could we test all cooling towers across New York City on a regular basis during times of risk when it's hotter? Yes," Evans said.

"City health officials do an amazing job, but it costs money. When federal funds are removed from public health, it's very hard to do more when you have less."

Fox News Digital reached out to Yankee Stadium and Lincoln Hospital requesting comment.

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Woman loses best friend to ovarian cancer, then receives same devastating diagnosis months later

A Minnesota woman whose best friend died from ovarian cancer was stunned when she was diagnosed with the same disease less than a year later.

Becky Drexler was there to support her best friend, Connie Dahl, when she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in April 2015 at age 51. After a courageous battle, Dahl passed away in September 2017.

During her friend's cancer fight, Drexler began volunteering with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA).

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After retiring in 2017, Drexler was making plans to travel, garden, volunteer and spend more time with family and friends – but those plans were interrupted by her own diagnosis in July 2018.

"I was diagnosed with stage 3B high-grade serous ovarian cancer," Drexler, now 65, told Fox News Digital.

Like her best friend, Drexler dismissed her own symptoms – including frequent urination, constipation, bloating and hip pain – as common signs of aging. She put off seeing a doctor at first.

"By early summer, I felt I was getting signs from Connie to nudge me along," she wrote in an essay sent to Fox News Digital. "Dragonflies represent Connie to me since she passed, and I saw them everywhere. I recall one afternoon being on my patio thinking, ‘Should I go see the doctor?’ when a couple dragonflies in my flower garden just wouldn’t leave me alone. I said out loud, ‘OK, Connie, I’ll go in and talk to the doctor.’"

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On Drexler's 57th birthday, her doctor called to say a CT scan had detected masses on both ovaries. After meeting with an oncologist, she had surgery four days later.

Drexler underwent six chemotherapy treatments (carboplatin and taxol) from September 2018 to January 2019.

"Those months were difficult but also filled with the support, love and laughter of family, friends, care team and MOCA," she said. "I knew Connie was part of my team as well – just in a different way."

Throughout Drexler’s cancer fight, she drew inspiration from her friend’s vow to "be positive, and to live, laugh and love to the fullest every day."

"This helped me greatly, as did attending MOCA support group meetings and talking to women who had or were experiencing the same things I was," she said. "There were times I wished Connie was still here so I could talk to her about what I was feeling physically and emotionally."

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In August 2020, Drexler’s cancer returned. She had surgery to remove the new tumor from her pelvic area.

"We discussed treatment options with my oncologist – she provided the pros and cons of standard chemotherapy, radiation, and no treatment, only monitoring," she shared.

Ultimately, Drexler decided on targeted radiation, with chemotherapy as a backup option if radiation did not work or if there was another recurrence. After radiation was completed in January 2021, Drexler was again considered to have "no evidence of disease" (NED).

"I then began taking Lynparza, a PARP inhibitor maintenance treatment – something that was not even available for ovarian cancer patients when Connie was dealing with her cancer," she said.

From January 2021 until February 2026, while taking Lynparza, Drexler remained in NED status – "although there was always the concern in the back of my mind about when I would recur again."

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In winter 2026, after experiencing gastric symptoms, Drexler underwent a PET scan. The scan revealed a tumor around her small intestine that had grown large enough to require surgery.

"Once the tumor was removed, it was confirmed to be a recurrence of my ovarian cancer," she said. "After recovering from surgery, I had another PET scan, which indicated a couple of spots were still present."

In May 2026, Drexler began an 18-week treatment cycle including carboplatin, taxol and avastin, which is expected to be completed at the end of September.

"I had a PET scan halfway through (late July), which indicated the treatment is working," she shared. "We were happy to learn that the spots were no longer visible and no new spots had appeared."

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Depending on the results of her next PET scan, Drexler said her next treatment will likely be an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) maintenance plan, a recently-approved targeted cancer therapy that has shown "exceptional results."

Throughout her cancer journey, Drexler has continued volunteering with MOCA, serving on its board of directors, participating on committees and reviewing grants for ovarian cancer research.

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"It does make me think back to when Connie was dealing with her cancer and the treatments that were not available to her but are now available for me and other women," Drexler said.

"I believe I am still here because of the advancements in treatments. Developing a reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer remains one of the most critical research goals."

Ovarian cancer was once known as the "silent killer," meaning that women would get it and not know anything until the disease was in advanced, more aggressive stages, according to Brian M. Slomovitz, M.D., director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

About 75% of women are diagnosed with stage 3 or stage 4 disease, according to the doctor.

In recent years, researchers have identified that ovarian cancer actually does have symptoms, noted Slomovitz, who is also deputy director of the Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"The problem is they are sort of non-specific symptoms, things that could occur in everyday life – stomach pains, abdominal bloating, things like that."

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"There may be an increase in abdominal girth, meaning patients complain that their pants are too tight or they're noticing something different in the way their body's shaped," the doctor said.

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Those symptoms can also come with weight loss and decreased appetite, he noted: "They could oftentimes mimic gastroenteritis or eating a bad meal."

Any symptoms that persist or worsen over a period of one or two weeks should be checked out, the doctor advised.

To other women who may be experiencing worrisome symptoms, Drexler urges them to listen to their bodies.

"The early symptoms both Connie and I had were vague, like they are for most women," she said. "They seem like normal things that we can excuse away – we are aging, we are just stressed, we just need to eat better or lose weight."

"If something isn’t feeling right or a seemingly minor issue persists, and you think you might be concerned, see your doctor. Advocate for yourself."

For those who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Drexler emphasized that it’s important to see a gynecologic oncologist, as they have additional training in diagnosing and treating cancers.

Researchers have spent decades studying early detection and screening for ovarian cancer, Slomovitz said – "but unfortunately, no reliable method has been identified to diagnose women at an earlier stage."

There is currently no recommended routine screening test for ovarian cancer in women at average risk, because available tests have not been shown to reliably detect the disease early enough to improve outcomes.

When ovarian cancer is detected at stage 1, the cure rate approaches 90%, Slomovitz said, underscoring the need for continued research into earlier detection.

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Popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs linked to potentially deadly brain disorder

Researchers are warning about a rare but potentially life-threatening brain condition that may be linked to popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

A new study, published in Clinical Nutrition, identified 15 reported cases of Wernicke encephalopathy, a neurological disorder caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency, in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Most of the reported cases involved semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

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Researchers found 15 cases through the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), published medical literature and their own medical center.

Most patients reported gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional issues, including weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite or malnutrition, the study noted.

Reports of the disorder appeared more often among people taking GLP-1 medications than among those taking other drugs, the researchers found. They emphasized, however, that the study cannot prove the medications caused the condition.

Vitamin B1 plays an important role in brain function, the researchers said. Severe deficiencies can cause confusion, trouble walking, balance problems and vision changes. If left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

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Karthik Achari, a Chicago-based clinician and founder of PepMD who was not involved in the study, said the findings should be viewed in perspective.

"Researchers went through adverse event reports and the medical literature and found a small number of cases, 15, of Wernicke encephalopathy in people taking GLP-1 drugs," Achari told Fox News Digital. "That's out of millions of people on these medications. So this is rare."

"But it's real, it's serious, and the mechanism makes sense," he added.

GLP-1 medications can reduce appetite while also causing nausea and vomiting, making it easier for some people to become deficient in vitamin B1, Achari said.

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"The drug shrinks your appetite. It doesn't shrink your body's requirements," he said. "You can now eat very little without feeling it, which is the point of the medication, but your need for protein, vitamins, and fluids didn't go anywhere."

People with persistent nausea and vomiting, those losing weight very quickly while eating little, people with a history of bariatric surgery and those who use alcohol heavily may face a higher risk, Achari said.

Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based nutritionist and author of "The Sleepdemic Solution," said proper nutrition and hydration should be considered part of treatment while taking GLP-1 medications.

"GLP-1 medications can dramatically reduce appetite, but that also means people may unintentionally under-eat the very things their bodies need most, especially protein, fiber and fluids," she told Fox News Digital.

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Palinski-Wade said ongoing vomiting or diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration and kidney problems. She urged patients to seek medical guidance if those symptoms continue for roughly 24 hours.

"Don't assume every side effect is just part of being on a GLP-1," Palinski-Wade said. "Severe or persistent symptoms deserve attention."

The researchers acknowledged that the study relied largely on reports submitted to the FDA and cannot prove GLP-1 medications caused the condition. They called for additional research, and experts said patients should not stop taking prescribed GLP-1 medications based on these findings alone.

Fox News Digital reached out to Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and the researchers for comment.

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‘Food divorce’ trend among couples could drive them apart, experts warn

Between differing diet plans, food intolerances and conflicting work schedules, some couples are choosing "food divorce" — a term circulating on social media for partners who intentionally cook, order and eat their meals separately.

While taking separate paths at mealtime might solve logistical headaches, experts warn that splitting up at the dinner table can come at a cost to the relationship.

According to health institutions like Mayo Clinic, shared family meals can help people reconnect, build stronger emotional bonds and reduce stress. For couples, experts say regularly eating apart could become a concern if it reflects broader emotional distance or reduces opportunities to spend meaningful time together.

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Nutrition experts emphasize that the issue is often less about the food itself and more about the lost opportunity for a built-in daily checkpoint.

"I think it reflects many people's very busy schedules," Tanya Freirich, a North Carolina-based registered dietitian nutritionist, told Fox News Digital.

"Mealtime can be a time to unite, to communicate, to build social relationships and foster a connection," she went on. "If we're eating completely alone or at different times than important people in our lives, it may foster a little bit of disconnection."

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Experts say that eating separately can contribute to a "roommate dynamic." Without regular time to reconnect and discuss the day, couples may have fewer opportunities for communication.

The practice can also contribute to isolation, according to Freirich.

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"Communities all around the world for thousands of years have come together around mealtimes," she said. "If so many Americans are eating every meal alone for many days or most of their days, that certainly can't be great for mental health or well-being."

There can also be practical drawbacks, as preparing separate meals or ordering from different restaurants may increase grocery costs, preparation time and kitchen cleanup.

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Additionally, eating solo can impact individual dietary habits. Studies show people dining alone are more likely to eat quickly, mindlessly scroll on their phones, or settle for heavily processed convenience foods compared to when they share meals with others.

Couples can accommodate different dietary needs without preparing entirely separate meals. 

For those navigating specific calorie targets, plant-based diets or medical restrictions, Freirich recommends building "modular" or "choose your own adventure" meals as a more efficient method.

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"Something like a deconstructed taco night, grain bowls, a pasta or noodle night, or even a sheet pan meal where you're creating each food on its own," the expert suggested.

"So the protein, the carb, the veggies are being cooked separately. And then you get to decide your portions and make your own meal from those ingredients that can meet everyone's needs."

When conflicting schedules or caregiving duties make daily dinners impossible, experts recommend prioritizing quality over frequency. Even sharing a quick weekend breakfast or setting aside one designated night a week can help maintain connection.

"Be very intentional to connect when you can," Freirich suggested.

"Make that a really special meal. Be intentional with your connection. Put the phone away and actually enjoy the other person's company."

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Nighttime bathroom trips could reveal hidden health issues — here's when to worry

Getting out of bed once during the night to use the bathroom is common, but repeated trips could signal underlying issues, health experts warn.

Waking up more than once a night to urinate can meet the clinical definition of nocturia, which affects about half of adults over 50 and becomes more common with age, according to a recent StudyFinds report. The International Continence Society’s formal definition of nocturia includes even one nighttime trip, but frequency, disruption and a change from a person’s usual pattern all matter.

"Everyone has a baseline of what’s normal urinary frequency for them," Dr. Ali Dabaja, a urologist at Henry Ford Health in Michigan, told the outlet. "But if you wake at least twice to go to the bathroom during eight hours of sleep, that’s considered nocturia."

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Nocturia isn't simply a bladder issue, according to Dr. Jeffrey Chester, a licensed physician and medical director of The Ohana Luxury Addiction Treatment Center in Hawaii.

"A change in nighttime urinary patterns is definitely worth mentioning to a physician or healthcare provider, especially when it begins suddenly, becomes more frequent, or disrupts a person's sleep," Chester told Fox News Digital.

Alcohol and caffeine intake, the amount and timing of fluid consumption, and certain medications can all contribute, he added.

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Waking up once isn't a cause for concern, agreed Catherine Darley, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Skilled Sleeper in Seattle, but more than once can be "concerning," she told Fox News Digital.

Experts note that it can raise the risk of falls, especially for those with mobility or balance challenges. Research shows two or more nightly trips to the bathroom are linked to a higher risk of fall-related injuries, StudyFinds reported.

Sleep disorders can also be a factor, Darley said, including obstructive sleep apnea, which can affect hormones involved in suppressing urine production overnight. Restless legs syndrome could also contribute to nighttime urination and is more common with age, Darley added.

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She advised starting with your primary care provider to look for an underlying cause, and checking in with doctors and pharmacists to see if medications could be involved in frequent bathroom trips. In some cases, they could adjust the timing to prevent late-night wake-ups.

Other issues could be the cause, too, according to StudyFinds, including diabetes, an overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate and fluid buildup.

For some people, simple habits can help, including not drinking for roughly two hours before bedtime and stopping alcohol about three hours before bed, Darley said.

She also suggested keeping floors clear of rugs and clutter, using gentle amber lighting, sitting on the edge of the bed before standing to avoid getting dizzy and installing grab bars for extra support.

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Political fights can rip couples apart — therapist shares 3 ways to save a relationship

More than one-third of Americans report having ended a relationship over political differences, according to recent research – and experts say those divisions may also be straining some marriages.

Some high-profile couples, including Democratic strategist James Carville and his wife, Republican political consultant Mary Matalin, have remained together despite their differing views – but experts say navigating those differences isn't always easy.

Dr. Anna Elton, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, said she has counseled couples on different sides of the political aisle.

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"A lot of couples come in and they want to work on communication, and politics can come up in our sessions," Elton, author of "The Formula of Desire," told Fox News Digital.

"I work with a number of couples who are in this place where they have a family, they have kids, but they can't talk about politics."

For many singles, Elton said, political compatibility is now something they consider early in the dating process.

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She referenced a recent study that found younger adults tend to make assumptions about religion, gender roles, empathy and other characteristics based on political affiliation.

"So, before you get to know the person, you’ve already created this assumption of who this person is."

"I've definitely been hearing from my younger clients who are saying, ‘I want to know which political party this person belongs to, and then I'll see if I want to even be going on a date and wasting my time with this person.’"

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For couples who have been married for decades, today's political divisions may present challenges that didn't exist when their relationships began, Elton noted.

The expert offered the following three tips for navigating politically charged conversations with a partner in a healthy way.

Come up with rules for the conversation and set the tone before it starts, Elton suggested, noting that the first three minutes of a discussion typically predict the outcome.

Conversations that begin with a harsh tone or accusatory language are unlikely to be productive, she said. "So, before you talk, say, ‘Okay, these are our boundaries for this conversation.’"

Those boundaries can also extend to media habits, Elton said, including limiting how much political content couples consume, especially on social media.

"You read certain things and then all of a sudden, you keep scrolling on your social media and you see similar content coming up over and over and over again," Elton said. "And at this point, it creates an illusionary effect."

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Hearing the same information repeatedly may lead people to gradually accept it as true, according to Elton. "Now think about two people who are in their echo chambers, and they're exposed to certain information that is contradicting each other."

As a general rule, Elton said couples should be mindful not to spend more time on their phones than they do engaging with each other. Excessive screen time can reduce face-to-face connection, leaving less room for eye contact, conversation and other shared experiences.

Also, when someone is constantly consuming political content, it can become the primary topic they want to discuss, creating tension when partners hold different views, she cautioned.

To help reduce conflict, Elton recommended limiting when political news or posts are consumed. She also suggested setting aside one phone-free date night each week to encourage face-to-face connection.

While couples with differing political views are unlikely to agree on every issue, "agreeing to disagree" can help prevent hostility.

"We can still love each other," Elton said. "It's not going to affect our relationship."

"As soon as it gets to the point of seeing your partner through the lens of ‘if you believe this, this is who you are, and I can’t believe that I'm still in a relationship with you,’ that becomes a problem."

Elton urged couples not to take political disagreements personally and instead approach them with curiosity. She also recommended looking at the same information together, allowing each partner to ask questions and draw their own conclusions rather than jumping into a heated debate.

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The therapist also encouraged couples to focus on areas of common ground rather than viewing disagreements in black-and-white terms.

After a disagreement or failure to compromise, it’s important to always reconnect with your partner, she emphasized.

Sharing reassuring words like "I love you" and "you matter to me more than anything else" can be helpful, she said.

"I feel like you always need to say, ‘Hey, I hear what you're saying, but I'm not agreeing, and that's okay.’"

When politics come into play in a relationship, it can have an impact on more than just the couple.

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Elton encouraged partners to consider how sharing certain opinions can impact other loved ones, especially if one person confides in a family member or friend about the other's views.

"You can create this triangulation where you're connecting with someone against your partner, and you don't want that," she warned.

"Talk to your therapist, vent to your therapist … because if you start venting to your family and friends, then they start forming certain opinions about your partner, and it can affect how they talk to them, how they interact with them."

Before making any drastic decisions, such as ending a relationship over political discord, Elton suggested slowing down and returning to a more grounded state.

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"We hear certain things and we fill in the gaps," she said. "When we hear someone's political affiliation, we often make assumptions about who they are without really hearing them out."

Rather than making assumptions based on the media or podcasts a partner consumes, for example, Elton encouraged couples to ask questions, stay curious and remain open-minded.

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