The ongoing pandemic has given rise to a significant and alarming trend of increased alcohol use and abuse – especially among younger adults, males and those who have lost their jobs – according to a new study by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers.

Fitbit data shows that people between the ages of 18 and 24 saw the most variation in sleep during the early months of the pandemic. "Younger adults may live under increased circadian pressure to advance their sleep period to conform to social norms and work schedules. When the opportunity was presented, this age group went to bed later but slept more," wrote Michael A. Grandner, director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.

A unique approach to tackling these two diseases has allowed Dr. Gregory Thatcher to look beyond traditional causes to find novel therapies.

Questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety, speed of vaccine development, side effects, efficacy and variants will be answered by at a free virtual town hall.

Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy says sleep apnea and insomnia are on the rise, and the pandemic has only made matters worse. March is National Sleep Awareness Month.

In a new report about the status of COVID-19 in Arizona, Joe Gerald, an associate professor in the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, said that as case positivity continues to decline and the number of vaccine doses continues to rise, Arizona could see herd immunity by late April or early May, adding that herd immunity is based on several factors including "vaccine efficacy, viral transmissible and natural immunity."

Meredith Hay, a professor of physiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is working with a team of researchers to find out why so many people suffering from COVID-19 report symptoms of brain fog and fatigue.

Tuesday was the last day for COVID-19 vaccinations at Harmon Park. The pop-up site in coordination with Maricopa County, the City of Phoenix, and the University of Arizona Health Sciences is working to reach individuals in underserved communities. Jeffery Hanna, a research coordinator for the University of Arizona College of Public Health says many residents in parts of south Phoenix do not have transportation or internet access. He says they’ve been working with senior and public housing facilities to sign them up.

There is growing interest among Maricopa County's Board of Supervisors to reconsider the county's mandate requiring masks in public. Elected officials need to proceed with caution right now, said Dr. Farshad Fani Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, since lifting a mask mandate "is kind of like giving the full green light to people, to act without caution."