Health Highlights: Feb. 28, 2008

Mar. 24 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

Many U.S. Adults Don't Get Enough Rest or Sleep

Only 29.6 percent of adults in four states (Delaware, Hawaii, New York and Rhode Island) reported no days of insufficient rest or sleep in the past 30 days, and 10.1 percent reported insufficient rest or sleep every day during the past month, according to a study that analyzed 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor data collected in those states.

The study also found that 24.8 percent of adults unable to work were more likely to have insufficient rest or sleep. The findings are outlined in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The article noted that 50 million to 79 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Sleep disorders and sleep loss may be associated with mental distress, depression, anxiety, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain risk behaviors such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, the article added.

More studies and data are needed to assess the prevalence and national impact of insufficient rest or sleep on adults, the article said. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

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FDA Approves Nexium for Young Children

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The drug Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) has been approved for short-term treatment of children ages one to 11 years with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

The approval includes delayed-release capsule and liquid forms of the drug.

Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which decrease stomach acid production and help heal erosions in the lining of the esophagus (erosive esophagitis).

The FDA said children prescribed this drug should be monitored by their doctors for side effects, which may include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, constipation, dry mouth and sleepiness.