June 24th, 2010
Facts: Teens and Sleep
Teenage years are all about change and development. Horomones begin to fluctuate and the body begins to shape into it’s adult form. It is normal to see physical changes in these adolescent years, though it can be alarming at times. You begin to wonder, “Is this normal?!”. The truth is yes – change is normal, and you are not alone! To feel comfortable with the changes that accompany your body’s development, you must arm yourself with knowledge. Read along as we hope to provide some of this knowledge and insight when it comes to how your sleep patterns change during your young adult life.
- Insomnia is not and adult problem – it strikes all ages! This goes for all sleep disorders, to include sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. If you are truly struggling with problems sleeping, reach out to an adult and have a doctor assess the issue. Sleep problems aren’t just a product of adulthood, and you should be sure to seek out help if you’re not able to get the sleep your body needs.
- Teens need more sleep than adults. Medical professionals recommend that adults get about 8 hours of sleep, while recommending teens get 9.5 hours of sleep. It makes sense if you take into consideration that your body is in overload with all of the growth and development that’s going on. Be sure to give you body enough down time so that you’re not only healthy, but able to function at your peak performance the next day!
- Teens find it difficult to fall asleep before 11:00 p.m. If this is happening to you, it doesn’t mean you’re a night owl or a rebel trying to break your bedtime curfew. As your biological clock begins to change, so does your sleep patterns. You may find it difficult to fall asleep in the early evening hours – and this is completely natural.
- Sleep deprived teens are more irritable. If you find yourself snapping at your teachers or yelling at your parents, you may want to consider whether you’re getting enough sleep. This is a crucial time in your life where your body is in much need of downtime – if you’re getting less than 9 hours of sleep each night, then you’re setting yourself up for a rough road. Being sleep deprived is a big contributor towards stress, moodiness and irritability, and that is certainly no fun!
- Acne can flare up if you’re not getting enough sleep! As if we haven’t already made the point that sleep is incredibly important, we must also add that sleep can be helpful in keeping a clear complexion. If you are sleep deprived, especially as a teen, you may experience more skin irritation and acne flare ups. And really, who needs that
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June 17th, 2010
Sleeping in the Lap of Luxury May Cost You $33,000!
If you’ve ever watched MTV’s show Cribs, or Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, you know that celebrities and millionaires love to overspend on the daily commodities that we “normal folk” don’t think much about. I mean, who really needs a 24k gold toilet? Can’t you get the job done on a regular $100 porcelain toilet? But such is the life of the rich; their taste for the fab life and luxury items is all part of the job.
The latest trend of luxury spending lies within the boudroir. E.S. Kluft & Co. is an American company that caters to the high demands of the rich and famous, with their exquisitely designed mattresses – costing $33,000. Oh, and let’s not forget their latest model to be showcased later this year, starting at $44,000. The first question here is, what makes these mattresses so darn special? Well, it’s all in the guts – that is, the 2,000 inner coils and 10 layers and more than 10 pounds of cashmere, mohair, silk and New Zealand wool that has been washed, dried and crimped. But don’t let this price tag alarm you – in Europe, luxury mattresses go for over $69,500 – roughly the price of a Porsche Cayenne S hybrid SUV!
Though sleep may be more pleasant on a luxury mattress, it is not often necessary to do so… sleep can be had at a much lower price and more mediocre standards. Unless you’re swimming in the bucks, we advise that you stick with the regular ‘ol Sealy and let the rich do the splurging. Quality sleep does not come at the price of a broken wallet!
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June 17th, 2010
Sleep and Carbs – Why they may be your friend!
Carbohydrates have lately been targeted by American social media as the evil conspirator against your waistline. All of the fad diets preach about the pitfalls of carbs, and some diets even outlaw carbs completely. This is obviously an unhealthy approach, as carbohydrates are indeed a health and necessary part of a daily diet. It is the base of the food pyramid, afterall.
Not only are carbohydrates essential to your life and diet, but they may also prove to be helpful in your sleeping patterns as well. Studies by medical researchers have shown that eating starchy carbohydrates before bed can actually help you to sleep. One study in particular from the University of Sydney, was able to prove that carbohydrates with a high glycemic index – or rather, carbs that raise your blood sugar – are most effective for inducing sleep when eaten 4 hours before bedtime. Though the exact cause of this remains somewhat of a mystery, researchers believe it is because such carbohydrates release tryptophan and serotonin – two powerful chemicals in the body, that make way for sleepy time!
If you’re wondering what kinds of carbohydrates may be helpful to your sleep routine, check out the list below. Remember, the key is to eat the food 4 hours before your expected bedtime. If you eat and then go to bed immediately afterwards, you may be in for a long, frustrating night!
- Jasmine Rice
- Potatoes
- White Bread
- Carrots
- Corn
- Peas
- Puffed Cereal
- Honey
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June 11th, 2010
New Trend in Spa Treatments: Sleep!
The latest trend in luxury spas across the globe is sleep health. Though more popular in Europe and Asia, sleep health consultations are becoming an integral part of the relaxing repertoire of spas everywhere. Considering the fact that sleep disorders are becoming more and more common in today’s society, spa owners are taking notice of their customers’ need for ambiance and a little sleep therapy.
One spa in particular that offers sleep health services, is The Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge, Illinois. For a price of $150, you can opt to receive a 60-minute massage with a 15-minute restorative nap afterwards. Another well known spa company in New York named Yelo, plans to build air-conditioned sleep chambers in their Chicago spa locations in the upcoming year. Kohler’s business director comments on the newfound focus on sleep therapies: “We are seeing so many of our guests coming in that are having trouble sleeping at night. This is a way for us to really extend an opportunity for them to have total relaxation.”
If you’re interested in trading your massage and pedicure time for a bit of relaxation and sleep therapy, check out one of these great spas that offer sleep services:
- Canyon Ranch, AZ and MA: Sleep Enhancement/Insomnia Relief program run by physicians. Overnight sleep studies.
- Chiva-Som, Thailand: Known as a Destination Spa, they offer Natural Insomniac Treatment programs as part of their anti-aging program. They also offer acupuncture for sleep improvement and a 3-month melatonin regulation program.
- Cucumba- The Urban Pit Stop, London: They are popular for offering Snooze Booths to go along with massages, manicures, pedicures, etc.
- The Greenhouse Spa, TX: Luxury resort-like spa with a specialty Sleep Clinic.
- Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Australia: They offer programs where your afternoons have a scheduled “Dream Time” for rest and naps.
- Lodge at Woodloch, PA: They offer a “Healthy Sleep Program” to include meditation and herbs. They also boast a post-treatment relaxation lounge to encourage napping.
- Miraval Resorts, AZ: They offer a Whole Person Healing Program, with a focus on sleep and dreams.
- Red Mountain Spa, UT: They hold several Sleep Retreats throughout the year, including zFactor Sleep Skills Workshops with Robert Stefano
- Royal Day Spa, UK: They provide guests a post-treatment relaxation bedroom designed specifically to sleep after a service.
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June 10th, 2010
Green Tea Helps Protect Against Sleep Apnea Effects
Green tea is known to have many health benefits, and is even thought to decrease cancer rates and other serious health problems. It is packed with antioxidants and even has less caffeine than coffee drinks. Green tea may be a helpful agent in treating health problems, but can this powerhouse help with sleep disorders as well?
A study published by American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine shows the effects of green tea consumption and sleep disorders. The researchers found that green tea helps the brain when it is affected by lower oxygen levels caused by sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Though scientists don’t know how the proponents of green tea aide the body in oxygen depletion, they are quite surprised to find yet another benefit of the powerful drink. More research is needed to better understand the relationship, but it is great news for those who suffer from sleep apnea as it offers insight into how we can protect the body and the brain from damage or performance issues.
To learn more about Green Tea, take a look at these great resources:
- Green Tea Expert
- BBC: Tea Healthier Than Drinking Water
- Health Mad: 10 Great Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
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June 8th, 2010
Trade out your coffee for an apple!
The majority of people rely on the brute force of coffee to wake them up in the mornings. Caffeinated drinks force your body into motion with the jolt of caffeine, as they increase your heart rate and stimulate your alertness. All of these effects can simulate the feeling of wakefulness, though it’s all at the price of a forced, unnatural physical reaction. Coffee and espressos make you think you’re more awake, when your body is simply responding to copious amounts of caffeine and sugar. Sure it may work, but there are better ways of doing it.
Eating an apple in the morning instead of drinking caffeinated drinks can be a great way to ease your body into the day, without being harsh or unnatural. One reason is that the actual experience of eating an apple can stimulate your senses. Apples are crisp and juicy, and biting into the texturous tissue sets your taste buds and teeth into motion. The nutritional aspect of apple eating is not something to forget as well. When your body is waking up and preparing for the day, it is in dire need of essential vitamins and nutrients to fuel it along for the road ahead. The natural sugars in apples also contribute to a higher energy level. Unlike the sugar in your coffee, the sweetness of an apple is a healthy way to get your heart pumping and your metabolism flowing and doesn’t work by jolting your body into submission. The natural sugars in apples are absorbed at a more gradual rate, and help you to wake to alertness with greater ease. By eating an apple, there are no adverse effects such as the sugar crash or caffeine addiction that some people experience from coffee or energy drinks. All in all, apples make the better morning companion.
Eating an apple in the morning has its definite benefits, but doesn’t lend to the glamorous lifestyle that so many people are drawn to. People in today’s society are led to believe that our bodies’ natural processes, such as waking up, are reliant upon Starbuck’s and a double shot espresso. The answer to waking up is much more simplistic than this, and can save you a pretty penny – not to mention 300 or more unwanted calories! If you’re looking for a solution to early morning drowsiness, look no further than the produce section. Apples may be more simple than a double foam latte, but keep in mind that your body really only needs the simple elements to work properly. Take a healthy approach to your day, but starting off in a healthy way. Drop the caffeine and enter the world of healthy sustinence. Your body (and wallet) will thank you later!
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June 4th, 2010
What does it mean when you dream of death?
Dreams can be a bit unnerving sometimes, especially if they’re about death or dying. You wake up feeling just awful, and carry around with you the rest of the day a fear of what underlying message could be lurking behind your spooky dream?
Most experts believe that dreams of death aren’t spooky at all. In fact, dreaming of dying can actually be a good thing! The meaning behind such dreams is actually related to closure, and new beginnings. Such dreams can indicate that your subconscious mind is working through a significant life change. Examples of this would be starting a new job, dating someone new, or moving away to college. In essence, dreaming of death is a symbol of new beginnings while the past is being closed and put behind you.
So try not to translate your dreams into literal meanings or a forecast of things to come. Dreams are mostly delivered in symbolic terms. The next time you dream of something as dark and unnerving as death, try to look past the surface level and see how your current life events and underlying feelings could be contributing. Your dreams may give you more insight and self-knowledge than you think!
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June 3rd, 2010
Is it bad to sleep with wet hair?
For all of you wetheads out there, this article’s for you!
You may have wondered at some point in your life whether it is bad to sleep with wet hair. The quick and dirty of it: it won’t kill you, make you go blind, or cause 7 years of bad luck. Most people, women in particular, who go to sleep with wet hair do so for the sake of convenience. It’s easier to jump out of the shower and right into bed. Blow drying hair is not only damaging to your hair, but also takes quite a bit of time and effort. Why go through all of that when you can skip it alltogether and take that wet hair straight to bed?
Though sleeping with wet hair may be incredibly convenient and easy, there can be some pitfalls. For one, sleeping on with wet hair means sleeping on a wet pillow. Not so nice, especially if you share the bed with another person. Try rolling over in the middle of the night to find a cold wet spot from your partner’s wet hair. Ick! Another negative to sleeping with wet hair is that you are prone to causing damage to your hair as it is more susceptible to the elements – your tossing and turning throughout the night could reek havoc on your wet, tender tresses. You may also wake up in the morning to find a head full of knots, flat helmet head or the classic cowl lick. Is sleeping with wet hair worth a bad hair day?
Making the choice to sleep with wet hair is something you must decide for yourself, and is not necessarily a bad thing… just be sure the pitfalls don’t outweigh the convenience, especially if it interferes with your sleep.
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