What We’re Reading: New Behavioral Health Model; Potential Long COVID Explanation; Consistent Sleep Over Sleep Duration

CMS Unveils New Behavioral Health Model

CMS announced the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model on Thursday, a new approach designed to test for improving outcomes for adults with mental health and substance use disorders, according to Fierce Healthcare. The IBH model is intended to funnel adults in Medicare and Medicaid to the behavioral, physical, and social supports they need. CMS explained that the IBH model is different from others due to the approach as it is a community-based effort that weaves physical health needs into behavioral health organizations. Also, the IBH model embraces a “no wrong door” approach, allowing people to obtain all the services they need regardless of how they first seek out care; screenings, assessments, and referrals to other services will be available. CMS explained that the practice participant enrollment period begins this year, but the implementation period takes place from 2027 to 2032.

Potential Long COVID Explanation Paves Way for Possible Tests, Treatments

A new study published in Science revealed that patients with long COVID show prolonged activation of the immune system’s complement system after an acute infection, according to NBC News. The study followed 113 patients with COVID for up to 1 year after their first infection, along with 39 healthy controls. At the 6-month mark, 40 patients had developed long COVID symptoms. In these patients, blood samples showed that a group of proteins indicated that the complement system remained activated long after it should have returned to normal, which could result in it damaging healthy cells, causing tissue damage and blood clots. These findings could help explain what causes debilitating long COVID symptoms, like persistent fatigue and brain fog, as well as pave the way for future diagnostic tests and treatments.

Scientists Find Consistent Sleep a Major Health Indicator Over Sleep Duration

A new study published in Sleep reported that scientists now believe our bodies benefit most when our sleep is consistent, not just long, according to USA Today. The study followed the sleep habits of 60,000 people to explore the link between premature mortality and sleep patterns. The researchers found that participants with the most regular sleep, meaning the time they went to bed and the time they woke, had up to a 40% lower risk of death by any cause, including cancer and cardiometabolic conditions. They noted that sleep duration is still important to maintaining good health and longevity, but sleep duration should be paired with a consistent sleep schedule as it is a strong predictor of mortality risk.