BOSTON -- In Tuesday's medical news, NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported on seniors and sleep, Viagra and heart disease and the fitness of young Americans.

Young And Unfit

Young Americans are unfit and at risk of major disease, according to a study out of Northwestern University.

About one-third of teens and 14 percent of adults under 49 have a low level of cardiovascular fitness and perform poorly on treadmill tests.

The researchers said those who scored the worst on the fitness tests were more likely to be overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol and show early signs of diabetes.

Heart Woes And ED

Men who have erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Texas researchers evaluated more than 8,000 men for seven years and found those who had ED had a 25 percent increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest pain.

The connection isn't clear, but researchers said the finding suggests men who see their doctor for impotence should also be screened for heart trouble.

Seniors And Sleep

Sleeping pills may not be the solution for seniors who have trouble getting a good night's rest, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles reviewed 23 other studies of non-drug treatments for insomnia in people over the age of 55.

They found behavioral changes like relaxation exercises and restricting the amount of time or quantity of sleep works better, especially in those who wake up frequently during the night.

Poor sleep is one of the most common complaints among the elderly, according to experts. The researchers said while pills will help some, making simple behavioral changes can help keep seniors sleeping soundly.