Consumer Reports on Health – September 2025

Summary

Coppertone Water Babies Lotion SPF 50 scored a perfect 100 in CR's lab tests, but not all sunscreens protect equally, and the September 2025 Consumer Reports On Health explains why. This issue delivers 6 data-backed features on sleep, cholesterol screening, neck pain, hidden sugars, hearing aids, and the surprising sleep benefit of 5 cups of vegetables daily.

Up to 70 percent of older adults struggle with sleep, and CR's September issue leads with a 3-page guide on why — and how to fix it. Meir Kryger, MD of Yale School of Medicine notes two-thirds of people 65+ report trouble sleeping, yet older adults need the same 7-8 hours as everyone else. The feature covers CBT-I, CPAP for sleep apnea, and why sleeping pills raise fall risk. Other highlights include a deep dive on 4 advanced cholesterol tests beyond the standard lipid panel, a neck pain relief strategy from Saloni Sharma, MD at Thomas Jefferson University, and a sugar-hunt through ketchup, vanilla yogurt, sorbet, and coffee shop drinks with Amy Keating, RD.

Regular columns like Health Wire serve up quick research-based news: eating 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day links to a 16 percent improvement in sleep quality, wearing a step tracker plus 10-minute daily mindfulness boosted weekly activity by 76 minutes, and new Medicare Part D changes cap oral cancer drug costs at $2,000 annually. The Surprising Benefit of Vegetables column and an additives report on potassium bromate, phosphates, and sugar substitutes round out the practical advice. CR accepts no advertising, keeping every recommendation independent.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Feature / Sleep Health

p.4 · Why You Can't Get Enough Sleep
Brienne Miner, MD, a geriatrician at Yale, explains that older adults spend less time in deep sleep and wake more easily from pain or the need to urinate. The article covers obstructive sleep apnea — where even mild cases can cause memory problems, says Jeffrey Iliff, PhD — and restless legs syndrome, now linked to iron deficiency. Skip sleeping pills: they raise fall risk in older adults and may be linked to dementia. Instead, try CBT-I, limit liquids 2-4 hours before bed, and use a 10,000 lux light box for 30 minutes in the evening if you're sleepier earlier than you'd like.

▸ Health / Nutrition

p.10 · Where Sugar Hides
Amy Keating, RD names four shocking sources of added sugars: a Starbucks Grande Vanilla Latte packs about 20 grams from syrup alone, Talenti raspberry sorbet has 30 grams per half-cup, Dannon Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt contains 14 grams in 3/4 cup, and a tablespoon of Sweet Baby Ray's Original barbecue sauce delivers 8 grams. The average adult consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily against the AHA's recommended limit of 6 for women and 9 for men. Switch to plain yogurt with vanilla extract, choose condiments with under 3 grams per tablespoon, and skip the syrup pumps at coffee shops.

▸ Health / Medical Tests

p.6 · 4 Cholesterol Tests You Might Need
Beyond the standard annual lipid panel recommended for adults over 65 by the NIH, CR evaluates four deeper screening options: Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) for more accurate LDL particle count, Lipoprotein(a) for inherited risk, C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) for inflammation-driven heart attack risk, and Coronary Artery Calcium scoring. Jeff Meeusen, PhD of the Mayo Clinic says ApoB is most useful when LDL levels are normal but family history suggests higher risk. Discuss with your doctor which tests are covered by insurance — hs-CRP and CACS generally are.

▸ Fitness / Pain Management

p.7 · How to Stop Your Neck From Hurting
A 2025 systematic review found that 4 or more hours of sedentary behaviour daily increases neck pain likelihood by 60 percent. Saloni Sharma, MD recommends changing position every 30-60 minutes, shrugging shoulders, and keeping screens at eye level. David Pavao, DPT emphasises movement over drugs: walking, strength training, and chin tucks help. For acute pain, OTC lidocaine patches or diclofenac gel work; ice for fresh injuries, heat for chronic. If pain persists over two weeks or disrupts sleep, see a doctor.

▸ Health / Wellness

p.3 · Important News About Hearing Aids
New over-the-counter hearing aid options have entered the market since the FDA's 2022 ruling, and CR provides guidance on selecting the right device. The brief also notes that hearing aids may ease loneliness in older adults, citing recent research. CR members can access full ratings at CR.org.

▸ Health / Nutrition

p.3 · The Surprising Benefit of Vegetables
A new study in Sleep Health (May 2025) found that eating 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily links to a 16 percent improvement in sleep quality. The research, based on CDC dietary guidelines, suggests plant-based fibre and nutrients support deeper, more restorative sleep.

▸ Regulars / Health Wire
Short research-based news items: shingles vaccine may offer a big perk beyond shingles protection; doing chores in the morning is healthiest; nap for a sharper brain; an easy way to boost your walking routine with a step tracker and 10-minute mindfulness program (76 minutes more weekly activity after 30 days). Medicare Part D now caps oral cancer drug costs at $2,000 annually, saving patients $1,333 more than in 2024.

▸ Health / Food Safety

p.8 · How to Eat Cleaner
CR reports on food additives including potassium bromate (banned in numerous countries, California banned it starting 2027), phosphates linked to cardiovascular disease risk, and sugar substitutes such as Ace-K, sucralose, and stevia. J. Wesley McWhorter, RD advises eating more whole plant-based foods, choosing shorter ingredient lists, and comparing brands. About half of foods Americans purchase contain three or more additives.

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Editor's Take

This is a lean, evidence-packed issue that earns its "Truth About What's Good for You" tagline. The sleep feature is the standout — it names specific experts, quantifies risks (70 percent of older adults affected), and gives actionable fixes without promoting products. The cholesterol tests guide fills a genuine knowledge gap for older readers. What's weaker: the neck pain and sugar articles are solid but cover well-trodden ground for regular CRH subscribers. And at 12 pages of editorial, the issue reads more like a newsletter than a magazine — subscribers may finish it in 15 minutes.

Strengths
• Sleep feature with named specialists, specific numbers, and no pill-pushing
• Cholesterol deep-dive fills a practical information gap for adults 65+
• Zero advertising keeps every recommendation fully independent

Weaknesses
• Thin issue — only 6 feature articles, finishes too quickly
• Neck pain and hidden sugar topics are retreads for long-time readers

Verdict: Recommended — A tight, trustworthy 12-page brief for older adults who want actionable health evidence without fluff.