This program is only available in the northern part of Santa Barbara County. If you are outside Santa Barbara County, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for information. Carol Powell, Cooperative Extension. More support has emerged that zinc lozenges may shorten the duration and severity of the common cold. The duration of coughing differed the most, lasting only three days, in the zinc group compared to six days in the placebo group.
Sleep deprivation can add up to negative effects.
100,000 car accidents were blamed on sleep deprivation in 1999. Though not well understood, the body restores and heals itself during sleep. It repairs damaged muscle tissue and replenishes the immune system. Research from Belgium and the University of Chicago shows that forgoing sleep can lead to elevated levels of steroid hormone cortisol in the evening, and a prolonged increase in blood insulin levels. The time shift in hormone release could contribute to alterations in blood sugar metabolism, possibly resulting in insulin resistance and obesity.