Dr. Vijayvergia stresses that marriage itself is unlikely to be driving this. “If you take away the lifestyle factors that are linked with marriage, I think you may have different findings,” she says. “This is simply proof that preventative behaviors are important to prevent cancer.”
Unmarried people aren’t destined to develop cancer.
Of course, not everyone meets the right person or even wants to get married. Plenty of people also have long-term, committed relationships without being married, or have thriving social lives as a single person. If you fall into any of those categories, doctors stress that you’re not destined to develop cancer.
It’s not necessarily marriage itself that provides a protective effect, according to Dr. Pinheiro. “Marital status is really a marker of a bundle of exposures,” he says.
The data didn’t separate out people in long-term partnerships or those who are living with someone—those were classified as never married, Dr. Pinheiro points out. “If those partnerships provide similar levels of support and shared behaviors, then some of the same patterns could apply, and the differences we observe may be somewhat underestimated,” he says.
Dr. McNeill agrees. “I do think that being in a committed relationship likely confers similar benefits of reduced cancer risk to those married, in as much as those in a committed relationship are less likely to experience social isolation [and have] increased social support, which is also a protective of cancer incidence, and are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors,” she says.
Social support likely plays a role too. “Social support, whether through a partner, family, or community, can influence health behaviors, access to care, and adherence to screening and prevention,” Dr. Pinheiro says. “Marriage is one way to capture that at the population level, but it is not the only way. Strong support systems outside of marriage may confer advantages, but that requires more work.”
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
I absolutely love a low-effort hair hack, and this one has quickly become a staple in my routine. I recently discovered these overnight blowout rods on Amazon, and while they’re incredibly affordable, they’ve genuinely impressed me in terms of both design and results.
If you’re into heatless styling or just want an easier way to get that soft, bouncy blowout look and extend time between washes, these are definitely worth knowing about.
What Are Overnight Blowout Rods?
Overnight blowout rods are soft, flexible hair tools designed to create a voluminous, blow-dried effect without using heat.
This particular set comes as a pack of three rods. They’re slim, a really manageable length, and perfect for wrapping the hair either in sections or as a full ponytail. The rods are covered in a soft velvet material, which means they don’t snag or catch on the hair at all.
They also feature a really convenient hook-and-eye fastening system, so you can secure them easily without needing extra clips or grips.
As a nice added extra, they come with a silk-style scarf, which is ideal if you want to protect your hair while you sleep.
How I Use Overnight Blowout Rods
I’ve actually found my own way of using these, and it’s made them even more practical.
Overnight Blowout Rod In Place – top of head
Instead of using all three rods, I tend to use just one and create a “unicorn ponytail” right at the top/front of my head.
From there, I either:
Wrap the ponytail directly around the rod, or
Lightly curl the hair first and then wrap it
Once it’s wrapped, I secure it so the bun sits right on the very top of my head.
Overnight Blowout Rods – Ponytail technique
This is a complete game-changer for comfort because:
There’s nothing pressing into my head while I sleep
It doesn’t touch the pillow at all
I can lie completely flat without anything bothering me
It’s also really practical during the day. I can wear it for Peloton or Pilates and it stays totally out of the way.
Overnight Blowout Rods – Ponytail technique
How I Use These to Extend Time Between Washes
One of the biggest benefits I’ve found with these overnight blowout rods is how they help me stretch my hair between washes.
Instead of reaching for heat tools to revive my style, I can just wrap my hair up in the evening and wake up with refreshed volume and movement.
I’ve been pairing them with the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist, which I’ve also been testing recently, and the combination works really well. I’ll lightly mist the hair before wrapping, which helps to reactivate the style and gives a bit of added polish and bounce.
What I love about this approach is that it feels much gentler on my hair. I’m not piling on heat day after day, and I’m still getting that soft, “done” finish that makes everything feel more put together.
It’s become a really easy way to get an extra day (or two) out of my hair without it looking flat or tired.
Overnight Blowout Rods Review
Overnight Blowout Rods – End Result
I’ve been testing these overnight blowout rods for a while now, and once I found my preferred way to use them, they quickly became a really handy part of my routine.
Here’s a full breakdown of how they perform:
Design & Ease of Use
These are really well thought out for such an affordable product.
The rods are soft, flexible and easy to bend into shape, which makes wrapping the hair very straightforward. I especially like the velvet covering. It means there’s no snagging or pulling, and everything feels very gentle on the hair.
The hook-and-eye fastening system is also a nice touch. It makes securing the rod quick and fuss-free, without needing extra grips or clips.
Comfort (Especially for Sleeping)
This is where they really stand out for me. Because I use just one rod and position it right on top of my head, I can sleep completely comfortably. There’s nothing pressing into my scalp or interfering with the pillow, which is something I personally can’t tolerate.
It also means I can lie flat, turn over easily, and not even notice it’s there.
Results & Finish
The finish you get really depends on how you use them. Using one rod (my preferred method) gives a soft, bouncy, blown-out look. It’s more about volume and movement than tight curls, which makes it perfect for everyday wear.
If you use all three rods and section the hair, you can achieve a much more defined, curlier result. It’s nice to have that flexibility depending on the look you want.
I also find it’s a great way to revive my hair the next day, which really helps extend time between washes without needing heat styling.
Versatility
I love that you’re not limited to one technique with these.
You can:
Wrap a full ponytail for a loose blowout effect
Section the hair for tighter curls
Use them on damp or dry hair depending on the finish you want
They’re also practical beyond just overnight use. I’ve worn mine while exercising and it stays completely out of the way.
Value for Money
This is one of the biggest selling points. They’re incredibly affordable, especially considering you get three rods plus a scarf included. It feels like a very low-risk purchase, and the quality is genuinely better than you might expect at this price point.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think these overnight blowout rods are a brilliant little find.They’re easy to use, comfortable (when styled the right way), and give a really soft, voluminous finish without any heat. For the price, they’re a very worthwhile addition to any hair routine.
Do Overnight Blowout Rods Really Work?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a soft, voluminous, heatless finish.
They won’t give you super tight curls unless you use them in sections, but for that effortless, bouncy blow-dry look, they work really well, and without any heat damage.
Are They Worth It?
If you’re into heatless styling or just want a simpler way to achieve a blowout look, I think these overnight blowout rods are well worth trying.
They’ve become a really easy, reliable option in my routine, and I love how low-effort they are for the results they give.
FAQs
Can you sleep in overnight blowout rods comfortably?
Yes, especially if you place them on the top of your head like I do. That makes a huge difference in comfort.
Do you have to use all three rods?
No, not at all. I mostly use just one for a softer, more relaxed blowout effect.
Do overnight blowout rods work on damp or dry hair?
Both: Damp hair = more hold and definition. Dry hair = softer, looser results.
How long do the results last?
For me, they last all day, especially if I start with a bit of styling product.
Can overnight blowout rods help extend time between washes?
Yes, they’re great for refreshing volume and shape without using heat. I like to pair them with a lightweight styling mist to revive the hair and make it feel freshly styled again.
Video: How to Use Overnight Blowout Rods
I’ll embed my demo here so you can see exactly how I use them. For a full list of products used, click here*.
Where to buy them
I bought my Overnight Blowout Rods from Amazon for £7.99. Shop now via the link below:
The wellness industry loves a hero ingredient. 2025 was the year protein dominated grocery aisles, appearing in everything from popcorn to soda and even water. Now, fibermaxxing is coming for its glory, with the humble nutrient promising not only smoother, more satisfying poops but also benefits for metabolic health, heart health, and then some. But where do probiotics—another gut-health darling that had its own heyday as the supplement du jour a few years back—come into play?
If you’re trying to optimize your gut health and digestion, is it fiber or probiotics that’ll do most of the heavy lifting? Below, experts help us unpack these two gut health all-stars and share which one reigns supreme. But first: a quick refresher on both.
The benefits of fiber
Found in plant foods, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest—but your gut bacteria can. “When diverse dietary fibers reach your colon, your bacteria ferment them and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs),” says Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist and the author of Plant Powered Plus. Butyrate is one important SCFA that helps to not only strengthen your gut barrier and protect your body against pathogens. Beyond the colon, SFCAs also “regulate blood sugar, help manage cholesterol, and trigger the release of appetite-suppressing hormones like GLP-1 and PYY,” says Dr. Bulsiewicz. “They even optimize your immune system and reduce inflammation.” Beyond SCFA production, fiber helps beneficial bacteria thrive and supports the transit and absorption of nutrients in the gut, says Federica Amati, PhD, MPH, RNutr, head nutritionist at ZOE.
And of course, most of fiber’s fame derives from its benefits for digestion, no matter if your issue is too many or too few trips to the toilet…or just a generally uncomfortable experience once you’re there. “Fiber improves bowel irregularity and makes stools bulkier and softer, helping things move through the digestive tract more smoothly,” Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, MSc, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, tells SELF.
Depending on your digestive woes, it can also help to get specific about the type of fiber you’re getting. That’s right: There are two kinds—soluble and insoluble fiber—and each serves a different purpose. The former dissolves in water and can help slow digestion, which Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says is helpful for diarrhea and managing blood sugar. (“It can also lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids, which can be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity,” she adds.) Insoluble fiber, meanwhile, doesn’t dissolve in water and can help boost transit in the bowel, thus addressing constipation.
Is mandelic acid more gentle than glycolic acid or lactic acid?
Yes, mandelic acid is generally considered gentler than glycolic and even lactic acid. “It can be helpful for sensitive skin since it is less irritating than other AHAs,” says Dr. Moy. Its larger molecular size means it penetrates the skin more slowly, minimizing any sting and the likelihood of irritation. You’re still getting the smoothing, brightening benefits of an AHA—just without the intensity that can come with its faster-acting counterparts.
How often should you use mandelic acid serum?
There’s no need to rush it. “It is generally recommended to start using a mandelic acid serum two to three times a week and increase frequency based on skin tolerance,” says Dr. Moy. In practice, that means easing it into your routine, seeing how your skin responds, and only dialing it up if things stay calm.
Can mandelic acid be used with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes, mandelic acid can be used alongside retinol or vitamin C—but this is where pacing matters. As Dr. Moy puts it, “mandelic acid can be used with retinol and vitamin C, but it’s best to start with lower concentrations and monitor your skin’s tolerance.” This simply means don’t pile them all on at once. Ease in, see how your skin behaves, and adjust as you go.
Is mandelic acid safe for deeper skin tones?
“Mandelic acid products are safe for deeper skin tones because of their lower risk of causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Moy. Since it works more gradually than stronger exfoliants, it’s less likely to trigger the kind of irritation that can lead to discoloration, so you get the benefits without setting off a whole other issue.
Meet the experts
Whitney Hovenic, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgeon, and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Portland
Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist of Moy MD based in Beverly Hills, California
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best mandelic acid serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Now, watch the Forbidden Fruits cast spill secrets after sipping the truth serum:
“Gia pretty much gave me an ultimatum, said ‘If you don’t delete them then I am out’. She pretty much just walked out. I don’t know what to do, it is s***.” Gia later clarified in an interview that the reason she was so angry at finding the photos was that Scott’s ex was wearing only lingerie in them. Ouch.
Before walking out of the dinner party, he read out a letter he had written about what had happened between himself and Gia to his remaining castmates. “I came into this experiment with the highest hopes of finding someone that I would have something real with,” he read.
“I was so excited about the person I would be meeting and what our relationship would become, knowing I’d be committing myself wholeheartedly.”
Nine/Seven.One Studios/Channel 4
“I’ve felt throughout this experience I’ve tried to be the best man I can be for Gia,” he said. “I’ve cared deeply for her during our time together and naturally my feelings were forming for her and our relationship.
“Sadly, though, this was never enough to appease Gia. I’ve been met with daily criticisms, belittling comments and threats of being left single.”
“I’ve come to realise though that no matter what I do or say it will never change who Gia is. At this point enough has been done and said to let me and everyone else know who Gia is and what she stands for,” he said. “Morally, we aren’t aligned. We hold different values of what a relationship should be. I can’t be with a woman who, behind my back, proclaims to the first guy, ‘I can’t be with a guy who doesn’t have money and will pay for everything’.
“I’m not sure what you’re looking for Gia, but I can tell you’re not the one for me. We are a different calibre of people.”
What have Gia and Scott said about their relationship?
It is safe to say shots have been fired from both camps in interviews and on social media. “You never cared when we broke up,” Gia posted about Scott on social media. “You never cared at all. You literally ghosted me after the show because there were no more cameras, so why don’t you shut up? And I would be saying more, but number one, I’m cut off from publicity, number two, I actually am in love and in the best relationship I’ve ever been in, in my life.”
Scott also said in an interview with Australian publication Nine.com.au that Gia criticised him during Homestays week when she came to visit. “She pointed out a lot more [problems] when the cameras weren’t there,” he said. “When someone tries to degrade you like that, it makes you feel pretty s**t to be honest.”
Heat styling can weaken hair over time, but using the right techniques and heat-protective products helps reduce damage across all hair types.
Repairing hair regularly with OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment strengthens bonds and supports healthier hair before and after heat styling.
Tailoring heat styling methods to your hair type (straight, wavy, or curly) helps minimize breakage while maintaining your desired style.
Jump to
Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can help you achieve sleek, smooth, or voluminous styles, but the frequent thermal styling can weaken hair over time. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, using the right techniques and repair-focused products can help protect hair from heat damage and maintain long-term hair health.
Why Does Thermal Styling Damage Hair?
Heat styling can damage hair by weakening the cuticle and breaking down the protein bonds that give hair strength and structure. Over time, excessive heat can cause dryness, brittleness, breakage, and dullness, especially without proper heat protection and repair.
How often you can safely heat style depends on your hair type, current damage level, and the products you use. If you have very damaged hair, you might want to limit heat styling whenever possible; however, all hair types benefit from spacing out thermal styling and using bond-repair treatments regularly.
Prep with Heat Styling Hair Products
Protecting hair from heat damage starts before you ever turn on a styling tool. Repeated exposure to high temperatures can weaken the hair’s cuticle and internal bonds, leading to dryness, breakage, and dullness over time. Building a routine that focuses on repair, protection, and prevention helps to keep the hair strong and resilient.
Use treatments like OLAPLEX® Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment weekly to repair past thermal damage, reinforce hair strength, and support long-term hair health. As the new formulation of the iconic Nº.3 Hair Perfector®, Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is designed for fast, in-shower use that addresses damage from past styling while strengthening hair against future stress.
Another fantastic way to protect hair from damage is to use a heat-protecting serum before using hot tools. Applying OLAPLEX Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to damp or dry hair before blow-drying, curling, or straightening provides protection from heat up to 450ºF/232ºC while also helping reduce static, tangles, and environmental stress. Always avoid using heat on wet hair, and when possible, choose the lowest effective heat setting to minimize damage.
Heat Styling Tips for Straight Hair
While straight hair may appear smooth, it can also be prone to heat damage, especially when styled frequently for volume or curling.
Blow Drying Hair for Body and Bouncer
For a healthier-looking blowout, prep the hair with OLAPLEX Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, which adds lightweight body and bounce without the stiffness. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots or flip the hair upside down to create natural volume while minimizing repeated hair exposure. Do you need another tip for a smooth blowout? Use OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™.
Curling Straight Hair
If you’re using a curling wand or iron, always be sure to start with completely dry hair, as damp strands are more vulnerable to heat damage. Check your styling tools to ensure they have adjustable heat settings and keep temperatures as low as possible while still achieving your desired style. After curling, allow the hair to cool fully before brushing to help the curls set and reduce unnecessary heat stress.
Heat Styling Tips for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair benefits more from techniques that enhance natural texture while also limiting or lowering excessive heat exposure.
Blow Drying Wavy Hair
To maintain a healthy wave pattern, attach a diffuser to your blow-dryer and work in smaller sections rather than blow-drying your hair all at once. Blow dry on medium heat, medium speed, and avoid touching the hair during the drying process. If you follow this method, you can dry to 100% dry and will not get heat damage or frizz and the curl will be set.
Straightening Wavy Hair
When straightening wavy hair, start by detangling thoroughly so heat can glide evenly through each section. Work in small sections and avoid too many repeated passes with a flat iron. Before styling, apply OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ to help protect from heat and smooth frizz. Adding OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ after styling also adds an extra boost of shine and smoothness.
Heat Styling Tips for Curly Hair
Curly hair types are more prone to dryness, making heat protection especially important.
Blow Drying Curly Hair
Before blow-drying, remove excess water by gently squeezing the hair. Use medium to low heat settings with low air flow, and attach a diffuser to help preserve curl shape or gently form curls with fingers as needed. Limit touching hair with hands to prevent frizz. Focus the diffuser near the roots for volume and stop drying when the hair is mostly dry to prevent frizz and overexposure to heat. If you find that your hair is prone to breakage, it may be beneficial to do a hair mask once a week. The Rich Hydration Mask seals the cuticles to hydrate medium to coarse hair, making routine blow drying more effortless.
Straightening Curly Hair
To safely straighten curls, begin by gently detangling the hair with a wide-tooth comb and blow-dry in small sections with a round brush using moderate heat before flat-ironing. Using a boar bristle brush maintains hair health and controls the temperature from being too hot. Blow drying the hair smooth reduces the need for flat iron heat. Finish with OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ to smooth flyaways, enhance shine, and help protect hair from environmental stressors.
Style Your Hair Without the Damage
Heat styling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your hair health; you can have great hair that’s healthy from the inside out. Pairing smart styling habits with bond-building care like OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment helps you repair your hair’s foundation, so you can achieve the looks you love and still minimize damage over time.
Take the Hair Quiz to get a personalized routine for your healthiest hair.
In an industry filled with “miracle cures” and overnight promises, finding the truth can feel like navigating a maze. At 100% PURE, we believe in Radical Trust. We know there is significant confusion regarding how to treat uneven skin tone, and today, we’re clearing it up.
There is a world of difference between brightening and bleaching. To us, brightening is an act of health—it’s about restoring your skin’s natural ability to reflect light. Bleaching, however, is often an act of harm. We’re here to ensure you never have to sacrifice the health of your skin for the sake of a glow.
The Hidden Cost of Harsh Lighteners
When you look at conventional “lightening” products, you’ll often find ingredients like hydroquinone or aggressive synthetic acids. As an expert guide in Science-Backed PurityI want to share the “Professor Authority” on why these are a concern.
Many of these harsh lighteners work by suppressing melanin production so aggressively that they can lead to thinning skin, increased sun sensitivity, and a compromised moisture barrier. Our founder, Susie Wang, experienced an “ethical rupture” early in her career when she witnessed a common cosmetic chemical melt through industrial plastic. Her conclusion was simple and remains our mandate today: if an ingredient is powerful enough to warp plastic, it has no business being on your beautiful face. We prioritize Pure Safe validation—ensuring every formula is high-performing without being high-risk.
Nature’s Brightening Architects: Sake, Licorice, and Vitamin C
How do we achieve clinical-level results without the “plastic-melting” chemicals? We turn to Nature’s Brightening Architects. Our Brightening Serum is a masterclass in this approach, utilizing cutting-edge plant science to create a more even, radiant tone.
Under the guidance of our R&D team, we utilize the natural power of Sake (fermented rice water) and Licorice Root.
Sake: Naturally rich in kojic acid, sake gently helps to brighten the appearance of dullness and soften the skin’s texture.
Licorice: This soothing botanical works to balance the appearance of dark spots and redness without causing the irritation associated with synthetic alternatives.
This is Active Sovereignty in action—we don’t just use “natural” ingredients; we use the most potent, bio-available versions of them to ensure your skin looks transformed and feels nourished.
The Multi-Correctional Approach
Brightening isn’t just about targeting a single “spot”; it’s about the way your skin handles light. This is why our Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask takes a multi-correctional approach to radiance.
While the fruit enzymes lift away the “dust” of dead skin cells, we infuse the formula with CoQ10 and vitamin E. These antioxidants support cellular health and help protect your skin from the oxidative stress that leads to future dullness.
When you follow this treatment with our Vitamin C Face Cream and Vitamin C Eye Creamyou aren’t just “covering” your skin—you are feeding it the stabilized nutrients it needs to build a natural, lasting glow from the inside out.
Conclusion: Beauty Without Compromise
Our Brand Belief is simple: we want you to love the way your skin looks, and we want you to feel even better about what’s inside the bottle. You deserve a routine that is as effective as it is ethical.
By choosing the Radiance Renewal Systemyou’re choosing a path of health, intentionality, and high-performance beauty. Let’s move away from the harshness of the past and step into a brighter, more radiant future together.
FAQ Section
Can I use brightening products if I have a darker skin tone?
Absolutely! Unlike “bleaching” products which can be risky for deeper complexions, our brightening products are designed to enhance your natural radiance and even out discoloration without altering your natural skin tone. Ingredients like licorice and sake are safe and effective for all skin tones, helping to bring out your most vibrant, healthy-looking glow.
Are fruit acids as strong as synthetic AHAs?
Fruit acids (like those from papaya and pineapple) are highly effective but work with a different “intelligence”. While synthetic AHAs can sometimes be too aggressive and lead to redness, fruit enzymes specifically target the dead proteins on the skin’s surface. This gives you the smooth, bright results you want with a much lower risk of irritation.
Why is stabilized vitamin C safer for daily use?
As we’ve shared in our history, Vitamin C is prone to oxidation, which can make it pro-oxidative and irritating. Our patented oil-stabilization ensures the vitamin C in our Face and Eye Creams stays fresh and active. This means it delivers a consistent, gentle dose of antioxidants every single day, protecting your skin’s vitality without the “hidden costs” of unstable formulas.
Consistent sleep also encourages your cardiovascular system to “downregulate” and reset at night, which ultimately supports good cardiovascular health, W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine, tells SELF.
Having an irregular bedtime and sleep schedule can also throw off a range of elements linked to good heart health, Dr. Winter says. “Irregular sleep timing is closely tied with irregular exercise, irregular eating, etc., and that inconsistency can wildly disrupt metabolism, cognitive abilities, mood, endocrine functioning, neurological processing, and yes, cardiovascular health,” he says.
Ultimately, “it’s not just about how long you sleep, but how consistent your sleep timing is in a very real, physiologic way,” Dr. Sobti says. “Your circadian rhythm doesn’t need perfection; it needs consistency,” she adds.
How to set (and stick to) a bedtime.
Everyone’s ideal bedtime is slightly different, which is why Dr. Malow recommends listening to your body when it comes to figuring out the perfect bedtime for you. “Go to bed when you are feeling tired,” she says. “If you try to go to bed too early, your body may be too alert.” And, of course, if you go to bed too late, you’ll end up shortchanging your sleep.
You can also start with a standard wake time and work your way backward, if your schedule allows, Dr. Winter says. “Make that consistent,” he says. “Working back seven to eight hours from there is probably a good place to start in terms of a bedtime.”
While you’re at it, Dr. Malow recommends being careful of having caffeine or alcohol in the evening, or using screens too close to bedtime—all of those can throw your sleep out of whack.
Ultimately, Dr. Malow suggests just making it a point to create and stick with a bedtime that works for you. “Do your best to choose a consistent bedtime, even if you have to deviate from it some nights,” she says. Dr. Winter agrees. “It’s not about being perfect, but rather being better than you were before,” he says.
Related:
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We all know that avocados are good for us – in fact, they’re rich in the very nutrients that are often lacking in our day-to-day diets. As a pregnant woman going through a period of stress and fatigue, I was looking to up my nutrient intake; something that will give me back all the nutrients I need in one go, and avocados seemed like a no-brainer. I asked nutritionist Laura Merten for the low-down on avocados, and if they’re something I should be introducing into my diet every day (spoiler alert: I ate them every day for a month).
How healthy are avocados really?
“Avocados have many health benefits thanks to their nutrients,” says Laura Merten. “For example, they support general gut health and the growth of good gut bacteria. They also increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), which is important for the heart.” But that’s not all, according to experts. Avocados also contain many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, can help protect against eye damage, and may even help protect against osteoporosis (bone loss). Avocados contain many important nutrients, especially in everyday life, but also during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What nutrients do avocados contain?
“Avocados provide healthy fats and fibre plus some vitamins and minerals,” explains Laura Merten. “One avocado can provide just under half of the recommended daily fibre intake of 30 grams. Fibre is particularly important for digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and many other bodily functions.” So it’s worth taking a closer look at the nutritional values.
These are the nutritional values of an avocado (approx. 200 g)
Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 30 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids: 20 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 4 g
Saturated fatty acids: 4 g
Cholesterol: 0 g
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Dietary fibre: 14 g
Vitamin C: 22 % of the daily requirement
Vitamin E: 28 % of the daily requirement
Vitamin K: 35 % of the daily requirement
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 20 % of the daily requirement
Vitamin B3 (niacin): 22% of the daily requirement
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 56% of the daily requirement
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 30% of the daily requirement
Folate: 41% of the daily requirement
Magnesium: 14 % of the daily requirement
Potassium: 21% of the daily requirement
Copper: 42% of the daily requirement
Manganese: 12% of the daily requirement
According to nutritionists, vitamin B5, folate, and copper stand out in particular. Vitamin B5 is important for mental performance and helps to reduce tiredness. Folate supports the immune system, normal blood formation and is also needed for mental function and performance. Pregnant women in particular have an increased need for folic acid. Copper is important for your skin, hair and the immune system. Avocados are, therefore, real nutrient bombs for general health.
11 best folic acid supplements for pregnancy, reviewed by Glamour’s wellness writer
So, I gave up dating apps for Lent. That’s a whole 40 days of Hinge, Breeze, Feeld, etc., free. I’d just been ghosted for the third time since my break-up, and for the first time in 2026, from a Hinge match after five really good dates, and I decided enough was enough. For the rest of Q1 at least.
It felt entirely cathartic, vindicating and freeing to remove them. Feelings which lasted a good 96 hours or so, before one evening I’d exhausted all of my social media apps, hadn’t had a notification (AKA a serotonin microdose) in a few hours, and went to check my Hinge likes. Although, of course, I couldn’t.
This was, for sure, the biggest difficulty with deleting the apps, which I realised I’d come to rely on as a kind of emergency dopamine reserve on my phone. What’s a girl to do when she’s got no texts, no DMs, no likes, and also can’t go and hunt out validation and interaction from anxious-avoidant strangers on dating apps?
As the days turned into weeks, what had started as a way to reclaim my power over my love life and self-worth became a slippery slope into a strange kind of hopelessness. It was still the depths of winter, my social life had come to a natural ebb, and I was feeling pretty lonely. I began to realise just how much I’d been plugging the gaps on lonely evenings or boring weekends with the synthetic connection I found in my Hinge matches and Feeld pings.
Courtesy of Robyn Eugene
I had moments where I thought, “Lent, shment,” and almost redownloaded Hinge. It was only the fact that I’d told all my friends and set myself this silly little challenge that stopped me.
On the other hand, the negative reinforcement from not having these apps on my phone was blissful. You know those moments where you’re feeling really single. Not “out with your hot friends, baddest girl in the world” single. But despairingly, boringly, “I am the only person in the world not in love” single.
But then you remember the countless stories from friends, colleagues, acquaintances about how they met their soulmate online. So you muster the tiniest flicker of hope that tonight will be the night you join the club of the lucky-in-love. You’ll open an app and, after just two swipes (it’s always just two swipes), you find the love of your life, talk deep into the night, meet the following weekend, and then every weekend after until suddenly you’re walking down the aisle and telling people “we actually met on Hinge”.
.jpeg "How an Inconsistent Bedtime Could Harm Your Heart")
