Oxytocin: a key hormone in attachment and emotional regulation
Oxytocin is an essential hormone involved in attachment, reproduction and social interaction.
It promotes trust,
Reduces stress
And modulates pain.
Its role in motherhood and fidelity is well documented, but its influence varies between men and women.
GABA: a natural brake on neuronal excitation
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system.
It promotes relaxation,
Reduces anxiety
And maintains the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.
GABA-A receptors: Immediate anxiolytic effect by promoting chloride (Cl-) entry into the neuron. GABA-B receptors: slower modulation, with a muscle relaxant and antispastic effect via action on calcium (Ca²⁺) and potassium (K⁺).
Oxytocin and stress regulation
By influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, oxytocin plays a key role in stress and emotion management. Certain practices, such as meditation, the placebo effect or certain fragrances, are thought to stimulate its release, thus promoting well-being.
The interaction between oxytocin and GABA
While GABA acts as a brake on stress, its effectiveness also depends on a balance with other neurotransmitters, including oxytocin. In the case of oxytocin deficiency, the stress response may be less well regulated, despite the action of GABA.
Oxytocin and GABA interact in key brain regions, such as the amygdala and hypothalamus, modulating anxiety and stress responses.
An essential balance for well-being
The action of GABA alone is not always sufficient to regulate stress if oxytocin release is impaired. This interaction underlines the importance of an optimal neurochemical balance for lasting well-being. A better understanding of these mechanisms opens the way to new therapeutic approaches for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common form of diabetes, but little is known about the impact of blue light on its development.
A study of 471,686 participants from the UK Biobank analyzed whether exposure to blue light (via TV screens, computer screens and video games) could promote the onset of diabetes.
What did the study reveal?
After 13 years of follow-up, 18,738 cases of diabetes were recorded. The results show that:
People with high exposure to blue light have an increased risk of developing diabetes (+17% compared to those with lower exposure).
This effect is observed even in those with good sleep habits, who exercise or spend time outdoors.
People with a genetic predisposition to diabetes are particularly vulnerable to this effect of blue light.
Why is this important?
Before reaching the stage of diabetes, many people go through a pre-diabetes phase, when blood sugar levels start to become too high. This phase is reversible, and these findings suggest that limiting screen time, especially in the evening, could be a simple strategy for reducing risk.
In short
Too much blue light could influence metabolism and promote the onset of diabetes, even in healthy people.
Adapting our screen exposure habits could therefore be a way of better protecting our glycemic balance and preventing pre-diabetes.
The association between blue light exposure and incidence of type 2 diabetes: A prospective study of UK biobank. Wang C, Zhao Y, Hong Q, Lei Y, Wang S, Wang W, Wei W, Sun C, Han T. Environ Res. 2024 Apr 1;246:118070. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118070.
Light plays a fundamental role in regulating our sleep-wake rhythm, a process largely influenced by two essential hormones: cortisol and melatonin. While daylight is a natural synchronizer of our internal clock, exposure to certain artificial lights, in particular blue light from screens and LEDs, can desynchronize these biological processes and alter sleep quality.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: the link between light and hormones
Our circadian cycle relies on fine coordination between the central nervous system and the endocrine system. Exposure to light acts on the hypothalamus, which sends signals to the pituitary gland to modulate cortisol production via the adrenal glands. This cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone”, is essential for waking up and staying awake during the day.
Blue light, particularly when perceived in the morning, strongly stimulates this HPA axis, increasing cortisol and promoting cognitive and physical activity. However, late exposure can disrupt this system by delaying the production of melatonin, the hormone that prepares the body for sleep.
Effects of blue light on sleep
Research shows that blue light has contrasting effects depending on the time of day:
Morning:Exposure to blue light stimulates cortisol production and promotes wakefulness, improving alertness and mood.
During the day: Its impact remains moderate, although some studies suggest that high light exposure can stabilize circadian rhythms.
Evening: Blue light inhibits melatonin secretion, making it harder to fall asleep and disrupting sleep quality.
Special case of the elderly: Increased vulnerability
As we age, our sensitivity to light diminishes, which can lead to sleep disorders and fragmentation of sleep-wake cycles. A recent study showed that exposure to blue light in the morning improved circadian rhythm stability and reduced night-time awakenings in the elderly. Evening exposure, on the other hand, delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep quality.
Blue light filters: an effective solution?
Faced with the risks of overexposure to blue light in the evening, screen manufacturers have developed night modes that reduce the emission of this wavelength. However, a study showed that only 9.7% of users regularly activated these filters, with no significant effect on overall sleep quality. Anti-blue-light glasses, on the other hand, appear to offer more effective protection by filtering light directly at source.
What to remember?
Morning: Exposure to intense blue light promotes wakefulness and alertness.
Evening: Reducing exposure to blue light improves sleep quality.
Seniors: Early morning exposure to blue light can help stabilize their sleep-wake rhythm.
Filters: Filtering applications are not very effective, but physical solutions (glasses) offer more reliable protection.
By adapting our exposure to blue light, we can optimize our biological rhythms and improve our sleep on a daily basis.
Intermittent fasting (IF) encompasses several approaches, such as the 5:2 diet, alternate-day fasting and time-restricted eating (TRE). These methods alternate periods of fasting with free meals, offering flexibility that can be easier to follow than traditional diets.
5:2 diet: Reduces calories for two non-consecutive days a week. It's simple and requires no calorie counting, making it accessible and sustainable.
Time-restricted diet (TRE): restricts meals to a time window, often 8 hours (16:8), which aligns with biological rhythms and promotes better regulation of blood sugar, digestion and weight. While these approaches promote fat loss, they can also lead to a reduction in muscle mass. Physical exercise, particularly walking, jogging and swimming, is therefore recommended to preserve muscle mass and improve cardiovascular and mental health
The studies
A review of 23 studies analyzed the combined effects of intermittent fasting and exercise over at least 4 weeks. The results show that this combination reduces body fat, irrespective of initial weight.
However, the impact on muscle mass and metabolic health varies according to the type and intensity of exercise.
IF does not interfere with the benefits of exercise and may even improve certain physical capacities, such as endurance and explosive strength.
Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Health
Intermittent fasting could improve health by reducing visceral fat, decreasing waist circumference and improving certain metabolic markers such as blood glucose, triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure. Compared with continuous calorie restriction, IF appears to be slightly more effective in reducing body fat and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. However, both methods are effective for weight loss and metabolic health.
The effects of IF vary according to method and duration, which underlines the importance of tailoring the approach to each individual.
The role of exercise and the environment
In addition to promoting weight loss, exercise improves liver function and cardiovascular health. It is recommended to limit sedentary lifestyles, sleep well, stop smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Neurodegeneration and Intermittent Fasting
IF may also offer a promising solution for neurodegenerative diseases, by reducing inflammation, improving mitochondrial function and promoting neuronal regeneration. Research suggests that it improves the blood-brain barrier and reduces the accumulation of toxic proteins, which could prevent or slow the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Limits and outlook
Current research has several limitations:
Small sample size and short study duration (less than 12 weeks).
Lack of diversity in participants, often excluding women, the elderly and at-risk populations.
Adherence to fasting and exercise is often poorly measured.
Longer, more diversified and better-controlled studies are needed to better understand the impact of intermittent fasting and exercise, particularly for chronic diseases.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting, in combination with exercise, shows promising results for weight management and overall health. However, better-quality research is needed to confirm its effects on chronic diseases and better target the populations that benefit most
“Does stress really influence your desire without you being aware of it?”
Stress is part of our modern lives, but did you know that it can also have an impact on your intimacy? Decreased desire, erectile dysfunction, pleasure at half-mast... How can you explain this phenomenon and, above all, how can you rediscover a fulfilled sexuality despite the stresses of everyday life?
Is stress the enemy of your libido?
When stress sets in, libido suffers. The body's reactions become slower, and pleasure may seem less intense.
For women, chronic stress is a real brake on arousal. It can reduce lubrication and make orgasm harder to achieve. Even if the desire is there, the body doesn't always follow. A young mother recently recounted how, after the birth of her first child, she felt desire for her partner, but her body remained “on standby”. Her mind was preoccupied with everyday preoccupations, a common phenomenon after childbirth.
In men, daily pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction and reduced desire. One study revealed that high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) reduce testosterone, which can affect the frequency of sexual intercourse.
A corporate executive recently testified:
“During periods of high pressure at work, I felt so exhausted that the very idea of intercourse seemed like an extra task rather than a moment of pleasure.”
Eroticism, a natural antidote
All is not lost! One study shows that erotic stimuli can reduce stress response. Watching a sensual scene or recalling a pleasurable intimate moment reduces cortisol production and promotes relaxation.
One woman recently confided that, after a stressful day, she read erotic novels to “awaken” her desire. The result? More spontaneous moments, less parasitized by the tensions of the day.
What influences the frequency of intercourse?
Several factors come into play in a couple's intimate life:
Age: the frequency of intercourse tends to decrease slightly with age.
Lifestyle: shifting working hours reduce intimacy.
Physical activity: men who play sport regularly have more intercourse.
Mental health: anxiety and depression reduce the frequency of lovemaking.
One couple recounted how, when they were trying to have a child, the pressure of conception stressed them so much that they paradoxically had less intercourse. They had to learn to let go and rediscover their natural complicity.
Rediscovering serene sexuality: 3 essential keys
Take time to relax: meditation, sport, a hot bath... all ways to release the pressure.
Communicating with your partner: expressing your feelings helps remove many blockages.
Call in a professional: a sexologist or therapist can suggest suitable strategies.
Stress doesn't have to be an obstacle to sexual fulfillment. By learning to manage it and cultivating pleasure, the bedroom can once again become a space for relaxation and complicity. And you, are you ready to do your desire some good? What do you think about it?
Sugar activates the brain's dopaminergic reward system, in a similar way to addictive substances such as nicotine.
When sweet foods are consumed, dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens, a region involved in pleasure and motivation. This activation provides a feeling of well-being that encourages the repetition of the behavior, reinforcing the consumption of sugar.
Over time, dopaminergic receptors become desensitized, requiring higher doses of sugar to obtain the same sensation of pleasure, a phenomenon comparable to that observed in drug and tobacco addictions.
Sugar also influences insulin and leptin, hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism.
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, a key factor in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and disrupt appetite regulation by reducing sensitivity to leptin, thus promoting weight gain and obesity.
Sugar, obesity and prediabetes
The rapid rise in blood sugar levels following ingestion of refined sugars leads to a spike in insulin, which promotes fat storage, and a sharp drop in blood glucose levels, generating feelings of hunger and a craving for sugar. This vicious circle contributes to weight gain and obesity.
Excess abdominal fat aggravates insulin resistance. In addition, excessive sugar consumption alters the intestinal microbiota, further disrupting metabolism and increasing chronic inflammation.
Link between sugar and other addictions (tobacco, alcohol, mobile gaming, etc.)
Studies show a strong correlation between sugar consumption and that of other addictive substances such as tobacco. Smokers tend to consume more sugar and sweetened beverages, while former smokers, deprived of nicotine, may compensate by increasing sugar consumption.
The underlying mechanism relies on common dopaminergic circuitry, explaining why apparently different substances can provoke similar addictive behaviors.
How to reduce sugar addiction
Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber,
Eat proteins like lean chicken, eggs or nuts to curb sweet cravings and stabilize your blood sugar,
A missing link: The interdependence between sugar-sweetened beverage and cigarette consumption from China. Liu L, Chen K. PLoS One. 2025 Jan 24;20(1):e0316891. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316891.
Interaction effect of mobile gaming addiction and excessive sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on overweight and obesity among schoolchildren: Evidence from a large population-based study in Guangzhou, China. Jin Z, Ge W, Bao W, Liang J, Zhang Y, Hu L, Pu Y, Liu M, Chen J, Yang X, Wu Z, Chen Y. J Behav Addict. 2025 Jan 24. doi: 10.1556/2006.2024.00086.
Childhood obesity, sugar, and Early Childhood Caries: the sweet trap. Colombo S, Paglia L. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2024 Dec 1;25(4):254-255. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2024.25.04.01.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures.
Although several factors such as genetic predisposition, infection or brain injury can cause it, stress is a well-known trigger for many people with epilepsy.
Whether acute or prolonged, stress can make seizures more frequent and severe.
Up to 50% of people with epilepsy report stress as their main seizure trigger. What are the links between trauma and epilepsy?
How does stress influence epilepsy?
When we're stressed, our bodies release cortisol, the stress hormone. In excess, this hormone can promote epileptic seizures by altering the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In addition to cortisol, stress stimulates the production of neurosteroids, natural substances with calming effects.
These molecules, such as allopregnanolone and THDOC (allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone), act on GABA-A receptors, which are essential for inhibiting excessive neuronal activity and preventing seizures.
Is there a physiological role for the neurosteroid THDOC in stress-sensitive conditions?
However, chronic stress reduces the production of these neurosteroids, weakening their protective effect. Less of a brake on neuronal activity means an increased risk of seizures.
It is for this reason that certain molecules, such as benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam), which reinforce the effect of GABA on its receptor, are used to treat seizures.
Can epilepsy cause stress?
The diagnosis of epilepsy can be a major source of stress. Uncertainty about the occurrence of seizures and loss of control often generate anxiety, which in turn can worsen seizure frequency. This vicious circle between stress and epilepsy is a challenge for many patients.
“In more than half of all cases, epilepsy is associated with psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety disorders (34.4%), dysphoric disorders (22%), or depression (16%)."
But stress is the most common trigger reported by patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. It can have a real effect on seizure frequency.”
How can you better manage stress?
If stress impacts your state of health and encourages seizures, here are a few strategies to better control it:
Split tasks to make them more manageable
Plan ahead to avoid forgetfulness and reduce anxiety
Eat a diet rich in nutrients, particularly anti-inflammatory and antioxidants
Engage in regular physical activity
Get enough sleep
Challenge negative thoughts
Limit alcohol consumption
Practice relaxing and pleasant activities
Talk to a loved one or healthcare professional
Follow a stress management program
If stress becomes too difficult to manage, don't hesitate to consult your doctor, a neurologist or an epilepsy nurse. They will be able to guide you towards suitable solutions to reduce the impact of stress on your health.
Is there a physiological role for the neurosteroid THDOC in stress-sensitive conditions? Reddy DS. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Mar;24(3):103-6. doi: 10.1016/S0165-6147(03)00023-3.
In the 1930s, Otto Warburg highlighted a singular characteristic of cancer cells: their increased dependence on glucose.
Unlike normal cells, which use mitochondrial respiration in the presence of oxygen, cancer cells favor glycolysis, even under aerobic conditions.
This phenomenon, known as the Warburg effect, enables tumor cells to:
Rapidly produce energy to meet their metabolic needs.
Generate essential elements (lipids, amino acids, nucleotides) required for rapid proliferation.
Transcription factors such as HIF-1 (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1) and specific signaling pathways are involved in this mechanism. This dependence on glucose offers a unique opportunity to develop targeted therapies that disrupt the energy metabolism of cancer cells.
Stress, blood sugar and cancer: a vicious circle
Chronic stress, common in cancer patients, plays a crucial role in blood glucose regulation. It triggers excessive release of the stress hormone cortisol, which :
- Aggravates inflammation and compromises treatment efficacy.
Thus, stress indirectly contributes to supplying cancer cells with glucose, reinforcing their growth and survival. Managing stress therefore becomes an essential issue in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and limiting tumor cells' access to glucose.
During treatment : Eat according to your needs Priority to a diet that maintains energy and pleasure, while managing side effects (nausea, fatigue). Choose protein-rich foods to maintain muscle mass, and foods that are well tolerated.
Sugar: neither forbidden nor unavoidable Total elimination of sugar is not recommended. A moderate framework, limiting excesses and favoring low-glycemic index sugars (fruit, wholegrain cereals), is preferable. Excessive sugar restriction can lead to a drop in energy and negatively affect well-being (reduced serotonin).
Intelligent food combinations Combine carbohydrates, fiber and protein to slow glucose absorption and prevent glycemic spikes. Limit ultra-processed foods in favor of nutritious, complete options.
The key role of healthcare professionals
Support from doctors or nutritionists is essential for :
Adapt diet during treatment to individual needs.
Guide patients towards a balanced and sustainable diet during remission, while integrating the pleasure of eating.
Conclusion: a global approach to living better with cancer
Managing blood sugar levels in cancer is a delicate balancing act that requires :
A comprehensive approach integrating nutrition and stress management.
A pragmatic and flexible diet, adapted to each stage of the treatment process.
Blue Monday”, which takes its name from the English expression ‘to feel blue’, meaning to be depressed, is supposed to be the third Monday in January, the saddest day of the year.
But where does this concept come from, and is it really true?
In 2005, Cardiff University psychologist Cliff Arnall published a study in which he presented a formula for determining this particular “sad” day. According to this theory, “Blue Monday” results from the convergence of several negative factors: the start of the week, waiting for the month's paycheck, cold weather and long January nights, the post-holiday period marked by unpaid Christmas debts, and the abandonment of good resolutions.
However, this formula proved to be totally unfounded. Arnall himself admitted a few years later that he had created this theory at the request of travel agency Sky Travel, which was looking to boost sales during this slack period. The aim was to get people to book travel by making them believe that “Blue Monday” was a depressing peak, an excuse to get away from it all.
Monday and soul sickness: a reflection on suicide and the weight of days
Monday, often perceived as a brutal return to routine, carries a depressing reputation, symbolizing the end of the weekend and the weight of obligations. But is it really the day when dark emotions reach their peak, particularly in relation to suicides?
A study carried out in South Korea between 2012 and 2017 on over 1.6 million deaths, including almost 80,500 suicides, reveals that 16% of these suicides occurred on a Monday, a higher percentage than observed on Saturdays (12.4%) or Sundays (13%).
This figure might suggest that Monday is a particularly vulnerable day.
However, after adjusting the results for factors such as age and gender, it appears that this trend is not unique to suicides, but generally concerns a higher number of deaths on this day.
Why monday?
Monday marks the abrupt transition from weekend rest to the pressures of everyday life. This change of pace can increase stress and make psychological difficulties even more difficult to bear, especially for those already at risk. Monday thus becomes a symbolic day of emotional vulnerability, a time when the weight of the week ahead seems particularly heavy.
Solutions for a smoother start to the week
Although the study does not prove that Monday is specifically the riskiest day for suicides, it does highlight the need for preventive measures:
Strengthen mental health resources from Monday onwards: intervention teams, helplines, or awareness campaigns specifically geared towards the start of the week could provide important support.
Adapting work environments: corporate mental health programs aimed at reducing workload-related stress and fostering employee well-being could help alleviate this pressure.
A call for understanding
Monday, a symbol of recovery, can also be a time to reach out. Whether through genuine professional support or a simple gesture of caring, every action counts. Reducing the stigma surrounding depression and suicidal ideation is essential to tackling these issues in a more humane and preventative way.
Whether it's Monday or any other day, every moment is an opportunity to prevent suicide and support those who feel the weight of it. It's not just a question of talking about “Blue Monday”, but of understanding that every day offers an opportunity to provide essential support to those who need it. reinforce social skills, to reduce hypersensitivity and enable the creation of soothing relationships.
Psychosis is a condition that alters the perception of reality, causing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don't exist) or delusions (mistaken beliefs).
Before the onset of psychosis, some people show warning signs. These people are more vulnerable to triggers such as psychosocial stress and interpersonal hypersensitivity.
Psychosocial stress includes the pressures of difficult life events (trauma, conflict) and stressful social interactions (discrimination, criticism).
Vulnerable people often suffer from past and recent traumas. Those who have experienced abuse or negative experiences in childhood are more sensitive to stress and are at greater risk of developing psychosis.
Repeated minor hassles, such as misunderstandings or failures, have a cumulative impact that amplifies symptoms.
Researchers observe that the more intense and frequent the stress, the more psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) worsen.
According to the stress-vulnerability model, chronic stress overloads the body and activates an underlying biological vulnerability.
The stress-vulnerability model emphasizes that a favorable outcome to a psychiatric disorder is more likely when several factors are taken into account:
Reduction or effective management of environmental stress,
Rigorous adherence to prescribed medication and avoidance of substances such as alcohol and drugs.
Interpersonal hypersensitivity corresponds to excessive sensitivity to judgment or social interaction. Hypersensitive people easily feel rejected or criticized, even in innocuous situations.
They tend to brood over their interactions, constantly worrying about what others think. They avoid social relationships to avoid the stress they cause, which compounds their isolation.
This hypersensitivity generates a vicious circle:
It increases the stress felt in relationships,
And this stress aggravates psychotic symptoms in vulnerable people.
Psychosocial stress and interpersonal hypersensitivity are closely linked and play a central role in the risk of psychosis. Stress amplifies the severity of psychotic symptoms.
Hypersensitivity makes relationships stressful, promoting social withdrawal and reducing the likelihood of receiving help.
To prevent psychosis, it is essential to reduce psychosocial stress, through therapies that teach how to better manage emotions and daily challenges, and to reinforce social skills, to reduce hypersensitivity and enable the creation of soothing relationships.
Georgiades, A., Almuqrin, A., Rubinic, P. et al. Psychosocial stress, interpersonal sensitivity, and social withdrawal in clinical high risk for psychosis: a systematic review. Schizophr 9, 38 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41537-023-00362-z
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