July 15th, 2010
The Circadian Rhythm is an inherent physiological system that regulates our daily wake-sleep cycles, also called the “biological clock” in mammals. [Learn more about the Circadian Rhythm here.] This system of wake-sleep is crucial to our sleep patterns, and can also be a critical factor to well-being, and as studies are showing, may lead to serious health disorders if not functioning properly.
A researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center has discovered through animal research that a disruption in the circadian rhythm can cause the onset of diabetes. In the study, mice who experienced disruptions in their circadian rhythm went on to develop pancreatic problems. This resulted in the inhibition of the release of insulin – thus, causing a diabetic condition. The study and its profound implications was published in the medical journal, Nature.
Co-author of the study, Dr. Joseph Takahashi, comments: “These studies are important because they show a direct link between the clock in pancreatic beta-cells and glucose regulation. This should aid our understanding of the causes of glucose abnormalities. These results indicate that disruption of the daily clock may contribute to diabetes by impairing the pancreas’ ability to deliver insulin.”
Source: Medical News Today
More resources on the Circadian Rhythm:
- Society for Research on Biological Rhythms
- The Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology
- eMedicineHealth.com: Sleeplessness and Circadian Rhythm Disorder
This post currently has
one comment.
July 15th, 2010
Check out the latest “Up Close” video from People.com, starring Bethenny Frankel from the hit reality shows Real Housewives of New York City and Bettheny Getting Married. When asked how she juggles it all, her reply? Sleep!! Evidence that the rich and famous do indeed need sleep to survive!
Check out the video of Bethenny talking about her need for sleep, and her future plans!
This post currently has
no comments.
July 12th, 2010
A new study was recently published in the journal Neuroscience, that shows a significant link between brain energy and sleep. The research was performed on rats, and revealed that during the initial stages of sleep there is a dramatic increase in cellular energy levels in brain regions that are active during waking hours. The findings suggest that this energy boost reinvigorates brain processes that are required for normal functioning while awake. [Source: HealthDay]
This study shows that sleep is not only a crucial part of our overall physical well-being, but it is also a significant contributor to full mental alertness and capacity. Though it has been surmised for some time that sleep helps replenish our mind, this research is one of the first of it’s kind that shows a direct link between REM sleep and energy currency of brain cells.
This post currently has
one comment.
July 10th, 2010
More and more Americans are suffering from sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. Statistics show that 1 in 8 people suffer from a sleep disorder – a statistic that is increasing drastically with each year. Though this wide-ranging ailment has touched the lives of many, it has struck many of our veterans.
The Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics has recently seen an increase in the number of veterans being treated for sleeping problems. Veterans Affairs reports that nationally, more than 63,000 veterans are receiving benefits for sleep apnea. The symptoms of these sleep disorders include nightmares, chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, severe snoring, restless leg syndrome and sleep cycle disturbances. These disorders can be difficult to treat as they often indicate underlying stress or mental trauma. In fact, many sleep problems in active and retired veterans are often a result of post traumatic stress disorder – an unfortunate result of the experiences our veterans have in their missions overseas.
Physicians are treating these sleep disorders by helping veterans adopt better sleep habits and routines. The most common treatment plan includes the avoidance of caffeine and exercise in the evening, setting sleep schedules and using the bedroom only as a place for sleeping. Melatonin supplements have also been used as a healthy, natural solution to help veterans regulate their sleep patterns. Doctors also understand that sleep disorders in veterans are usually complex situations, and choose to use cognitive behavioral therapy in their treatment plans. This type of therapy can lessen stress and anxiety by helping patients identify disturbing thoughts and patterns of thought and then replace them with more positive, healthier ways of viewing their world.
This post currently has
one comment.
July 8th, 2010
Dallas, TX mattress retailer Sleep Experts is hosting it’s second annual “Cash for Clunkers” event, where they are offering customers a store credit of $750 when customers bring in their old mattresses. This trade-in seems like a pretty nice deal! Not does this allow customers to take advantage of a better mattress, but the old mattresses are recycled and refurbished for donation to underprivelaged families. The event begins July 7 and will end when the company reaches its goal of collecting 2,000 donated beds.
“During Cash for Clunkers, we want to reward our customers who trade in their old mattresses and thank them for helping us share the gift of sleep with local families who are victims of abuse, or struggling with homelessness, poverty, or illness, ” said Christine Cook, President of Sleep Experts. “Last year we collected more than 1,200 mattresses, and this year we won’t stop until we reach our goal of 2,000 donated beds.”
For more information on the “Cash for Clunkers” event, visit the Sleep Experts website: www.sleepexperts.com
This post currently has
no comments.
July 7th, 2010
When middle age creeps up on us, we can’t help but notice that things start to change. Our bodies aren’t as supple and youthful, our skin begins to sag and you may notice a few extra pounds around your mid-section. It’s all part of the aging process, and despite what the media says, it’s natural – it happens!
As with all other changes in our physical form in middle age, weight gain and a slower metabolism is to be expected – but only at minimal levels. It is important to eat a healthy diet while maintaining a regular exercise program at least three times a week. If you find that you are unable to regulate your weight gain while living a healthy lifestyle, the problem you may be experiencing could be due to your sleep patterns.
Studies have shown that people who have trouble sleeping at night are more prone to weight gain in ages 40 – 60. The results are especially prominent in women. A recent study that focused on this trend, published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that the women in their research who struggled with sleep problems, gained an average of 11 pounds in a year’s time. The men in their studies were not affected at all. Though the research cannot claim a direct cause-effect relationship between sleep and weight gain, it does highlight a very significant link between the two – suggesting that quality of sleep may be directly related to weight fluctuations for females.
This can be powerful information for women fighting the battle of the bulge in their middle age. By adopting a healthier sleep routine, one may be able to avoid the unnecessary issues that come along with the aging process. Sleep is known to positively (or negatively!) impact every facet of our physical state. Taking care to tackle insomnia and other sleep disturbances will certainly help with your overall well-being, not to mention your waistline!
This post currently has
one comment.
July 2nd, 2010
This post currently has
no comments.
July 2nd, 2010
When flying over the sea, or just making a quick connection, you may consider your time on a plane as a perfect opportunity to catch some zzz’s. Though you’re guaranteed to have plenty of down time, there can be many distractors and nuisances that make it difficult to actually fall asleep or stay asleep on a plane. There are ways to improve your chances of getting to sleep while flying. See below some of our tips for sleeping on a plane.
- Don’t drink alcohol. You may be tempted to lull yourself into slumber by drinking a few glasses of wine. Though alcohol may slow you down a bit, the alcohol itself will actually keep you awake. Once your body begins to process and eliminate the alcohol from your system, your heart rate speeds up – causing you to awaken.. An effect that is couterproductive to your original agenda!
- Reserve a window seat in advance. Having a seat by the window will lessen the need to be bothered by your seat mates and ongoing traffic in the aisles. It will also allow you to rest your head on the side of the cabin, while controlling the window shade and the amount of light coming into your area.
- Dress comfortably. Sure, we see snapshots of celebrities all the time in the airport looking like they’re about to walk in a fashion show. They set the standards pretty high, and make unreasonable expectations for 99.9% of real-world travelers. If you want to have a pleasant flight and a pleasant nap, you must dress comfortably – throw those platform shoes into your carry-on! Sleep is next to impossible if you’re confined by the limitations and discomfort of your outfit.
- Prepare for sleep before you board the plane. This means limiting your caffeine intake several hours in advance. Also try not to nap earlier in the day, and try to get in some exercise. These advance preparations will help you in the end, while encouraging your body to relax into sleep once you’re in the air.
- Wear earplugs and an eyemask. The benefits of this are two-fold: the noise of the flight attendants and disruptive neighbors is limited, and you’re not bothered by the light of the cabin or the goings-on of the events happening around you. By eliminating these distrations, you allow your senses a bit of a break – which in turn, helps your body to wind down and fully relax.
This post currently has
one comment.
June 28th, 2010
During the week, you may find yourself wishing that you had the chance to crawl under your desk and snatch a few zzz’s. Why is it that nap time is scheduled only for children – we adults need it too! As the pressures of work and life take hold of our every minute and drain our energy levels, feeling weary may start to feel normal. Naps can certainly provide relief for the weary, but is it healthy to sleep during the day? And is it really the cure for a hectic, draining lifestyle?
The answer is yes – but only if you do it right. Napping can actually be a great boost for your body and your mind, but only if you nap for no more than 20 minutes. The mid-afternoon 20-minute nap is coined by pop culture as the the Power Nap, and according to scientists is part of a biphasic sleep system. Some famous nappers in American history include: Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Reagan. If these super powers are believers in the Power Nap, it can’t hurt – right?
A recent study performed by researchers from the University of California, suggests that brief napping during the day can result in some powerful brain-boosting effects. One finding of the study suggests napping may help your brain make more room for new information. Considering the fact that sleep is needed to clear the brain’s short-term memory storage, napping allows us to process and store new data. This makes a great argument when suggesting nap-time to your boss. 
If you find yourself yearning for a nap, do it the right way! See below some tips on clocking a brain boosting siesta:
- Schedule your nap eight hours after you wake up, and make sure you sleep no more than 30 minutes. A 20-minute nap is ideal, and if you oversleep the 30-minute maximum your body enters a groggy hard-to-awaken state, which may be worse than not napping at all.
- Nap in a comfortable, safe environment that has dim lighting, cool temperatures and most importantly – an alarm!
- Don’t feel guilty. Napping isn’t just for babies – it has actually been a common practice for some of the most brilliant minds in history. By taking the time to power nap during the day, you are boosting your brain for optimal performance and giving your body a much-needed break from the stressors of your day.
- If you are in an environment where napping is not possible, opt for a 20-minute meditation session instead. Studies show that meditation can have the same positive effects as napping, as it allows your mind to unwind and reset. The quiet, still time will also allow your body to rest and relax.
This post currently has
no comments.
June 28th, 2010
This post currently has
one comment.
