The You Docs Tip of the Day: Sleep, friends can both keep you healthy

BY MICHAEL ROIZEN, M.D., AND MEHMET OZ, M.D. - KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

Published: 12/05/08


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What's the better choice for keeping your body young: Staying up all night talking to friends or going to bed early? It turns out both reduce your levels of an inflammatory protein that's been linked to Alzheimer's, bone thinning, heart trouble, rheumatoid arthritis and even some kinds of cancer.

Usually, the inflammatory protein known as IL-6 (interleukin-6), acts as an immune-system helper, but excess levels have been linked to a whole string of age-related diseases. Researchers studying older women found two natural ways to help keep IL-6 at healthful, not harmful, levels: solid sleep and good friends. Not even a good diet and regular exercise can do that (though they can do plenty of other things to turn back your body clock).

The best news: If you're loaded with bosom buddies but struggle with sleep - or vice versa - you're as protected as if you have both. So spending all night talking with your friends is fine ... at least as far as this protein is concerned (and friends are good for staving off depression and some other agers, too). But ideally, you should spend quality time with your pillow, too. Get both by meeting your friends for brunch, a daytime football game or a morning hike sometimes.

The You Docs - Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz - are authors of the best-selling "You: The Owner's Manual" and "You: On a Diet." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com.

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