Clipmarks | AScomputer's 'sleep' clips

Certain, caffeine will keep you up at night, but it doesn’t compare to the stare-at-the-ceiling powe

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:54:38 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer

Certain, caffeine will keep you up at night, but it doesn’t compare to the stare-at-the-ceiling power of stress. In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers discovered that untamed tension increases the odds of insomnia by 43 percent. Maybe that explains why Fresno, not New York, is the city that never sleeps: It has a 12.7 percent unemployment rate. By comparison, the most-rested address, Honolulu, has a jobless rate of just 5.9 percent.

We know this because we stayed up late sifting through stats. These included Simmons market research on the percentage of people in each city who average 7 or fewer hours of sleep a night, the number who’ve suffered from insomnia, and the percentage who report popping sleeping pills; and, from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the number of sleep-disorders centers per capita. We learned that while not that many people are sleepless in Seattle, an awful lot are tired in Texas.

Tags: sleep, tips

No More Sleep can lead to No More New Brain Cells

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:02:20 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Missing out on sleep may cause the brain to stop producing new cells show a new study

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

No More Sleep can lead to No More New Brain Cells

Missing out on rest can harm brain cell making.

Missing out on sleep may cause the brain to stop producing new cells show a new study.

A team from Princeton University found a lack of sleep affected the hippocampus, a brain region involved in forming memories. The research in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science showed a stress hormone causes the effect. UK expert said it would be interesting to see if too little rather than no sleep had the same consequence.

The researchers compared animals that were deprived of sleep for 72 hours with others who were not.

They found those who missed out on rest had higher levels of the stress hormone corticosterone.

They also produced significantly fewer new brain cells in a particular region of the hippocampus.

When the animals’ corticosterone levels were kept at a constant level, the reduction in cell proliferation was abolished.

Tags: sleep, health

Foods for Sleep: Bedtime Snacks That Make You Sleepy

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:42:24 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: The best bedtime snacks are high in protein, fiber, complex carbs, minerals, and the amino acid tryptophan. To ensure a good night’s sleep, be sure to eat a light snack about 90 minutes before your anticipated bedtime.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

Foods for Sleep: Bedtime Snacks That Make You Sleepy

The best bedtime snacks are high in protein, fiber, complex carbs, minerals, and the amino acid tryptophan. To ensure a good night’s sleep, be sure to eat a light snack about 90 minutes before your anticipated bedtime.

The best bedtime snacks that help you sleep:

- Cottage cheese and fruit.

- A string cheese and a few whole grain crackers.

- A small serving of salmon and brown rice.

- A bowl of oatmeal with almonds.

- Yogurt, fruit, and wheat germ.

- 6-8 oz container of non-fat, flavored yogurt topped with 2 tablespoons low-fat granola cereal

- Peanut butter on whole grain toast.

- One egg and a piece of whole grain toast.

- A fruit smoothie with protein powder.

- A small bowl of high fiber cereal and milk.

- A handful of raw cashews, peanuts, or other nuts.

- Half an avocado and whole grain chips.

- Half a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread.

- 3 tablespoons of hummus and veggies or a few whole grain chips.

Tags: bedtime, snack, food, sleepy

7 Things to Do When You Can’t Sleep but You are Sleepy

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:16:36 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: If you’ve ever experienced a sleep problem, you know how exasperating it can be. The harder you try to make sleep come, the more sleep eludes you. Instead of counting sheep, sometimes the best way to handle persistent sleeplessness is to stop fighting it. There are lots of things you can do to for a good and quick sleep.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

7 Things to Do When You Can’t Sleep but You are Sleepy

If you’ve ever experienced a sleep problem, you know how exasperating it can be. The harder you try to make sleep come, the more sleep eludes you. Instead of counting sheep, sometimes the best way to handle persistent sleeplessness is to stop fighting it. There are lots of things you can do to for a good and quick sleep.

If you are having trouble sleeping, the following tips might help:

1. Drink a glass of warm milk.

2. Try a peaceful mind exercise.

3. Read a book or listen music.

4. Make Your Bedroom Dark.

5. Avoid medications to help you sleep.

6. Try sex.

7. Get out of bed after 20 minutes of trying to fall asleep.

Tags: sleep, insomnia, sleepy

The Connection Between Sleep Loss and Weight Gain

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:25:53 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Physiologic studies suggest that sleep constraint has metabolic effects that predispose to weight gain. The authors investigated the association between self-reported usual sleep duration and subsequent weight gain in the Nurses’ Health Study.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

The Connection Between Sleep Loss and Weight Gain

Physiologic studies suggest that sleep constraint has metabolic effects that predispose to weight gain. The authors investigated the association between self-reported usual sleep duration and subsequent weight gain in the Nurses’ Health Study.

These associations remained significant after inclusion of important covariates and were not affected by adjustment for physical activity or dietary consumption. These data suggest that short sleep duration is associated with a modest increase in future weight gain and incident obesity.

Sleep, Hormones and Weight Gain

Leptin and Grehlin are hormones that help the body control appetite and weight gain and loss. Leptin suppresses appetite, while Grehlin increases appetite and may prevent a person from losing weight.

Tags: sleep, weight

How to Take a Power Nap for More Productivity

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:15:26 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: If you not have time for a full-out siesta but even naps as short as 20 minutes can make a big difference in your energy level, ability to concentrate, and general outlook.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

How to Take a Power Nap for More Productivity

If you not have time for a full-out siesta but even naps as short as 20 minutes can make a big difference in your energy level, ability to concentrate, and general outlook. Scientists have long researched the positive effects of napping, and now there is growing evidence to suggest that power napping can increase productivity levels and even uplift your spirit.
A powerful way to combat a daily fatigue is by learning how to effectively power nap during the day to recharge and go into round two with full energy.

If you want to take a nap at work, I suggest trying a few of the following tips:

- Announce your nap to yourself and your colleagues

- Get comfortable

- Collect your equipment

- Eat right

- Control your nap environment

- Don’t feel guilty.

- Be prepared for grogginess when you wake up.

- Wake up on time

Tags: nap, power nap, sleep, tips

Ergonomics Healthy Tips: How to Save and Relax Your Back

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:16:16 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: While the majority of people act automatically to minimise self-harm while working, the science of ergonomics goes further in considering quite specifically how task configuration and tool design can decrease the likelihood of injury.

Clip Source: www.egodevelopment.com

Ergonomics Healthy Tips: How to Save and Relax Your Back

While the majority of people act automatically to minimise self-harm while working, the science of ergonomics goes further in considering quite specifically how task configuration and tool design can decrease the likelihood of injury.

Here are a few tips for a good health of your back:

- Always seek to keep the natural curves and perfect shape in your back.

- Warming Up for Work

- Get as comfortable as you can in the car.

- Keep objects close.

- Stay in good shape. Exercise.

- Listen to your body! Be careful!

- Sleep on a firm mattress providing good support.

How Can I Improve My Good Sleep Hygiene?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:29:12 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Good “sleep hygiene” means everything that helps maintain your health by keeping your mind and body rested and strong.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

How Can I Improve My Good Sleep Hygiene?

Good “sleep hygiene” means everything that helps maintain your health by keeping your mind and body rested and strong. The idea of sleep hygiene is like a dental hygiene. Both rely on nightly or daily rituals for consistently good hygiene. Just as you get in the habit of brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, you must implement a nightly routine of healthy habits to improve your sleep hygiene. Follow these sleep hygiene tips to help assure a good night’s sleep.

- Eat lightly to induce sleep.

Wait until you are sleepy before going to bed

- Create the right environment.

- Pre-sleep rituals help to initiate relaxation each night before bed.

- Don’t nap.

- Avoid sleeping pills, or use them cautiously. Avoid drugs.

- Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.

Tags: sleep, good sleep, sleep hygiene

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You ?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:53:31 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: The most common sleeping positions and corresponding personality

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You ?

You may not achieve the comfort levels and sleep position you are used to in your bed at home, but look around the cabin next time you fly to see the many different positions we adopt whilst asleep.
A study by sleep expert Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, suggested a correlation between six common sleeping positions and the personality traits of the sleepers themselves. Preferred sleeping positions are seen as a sort of subconscious body language that reflects our inner traits. The study was commissioned by a large hotel group.

The most common sleeping positions and corresponding personality- identified were:

The Foetus:

Log (15%):

The yearner (13%):

Soldier (8%):

Freefall (7%):

Starfish (5%):

The remainder of those in the poll said the position they fell asleep varied or did not know.

Tags: sleep, personality

10 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:47:37 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: These 10 tips not only improve your brain health, they also strengthen your memory & cognitive ability:

Clip Source: www.egodevelopment.com

10 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

The brain is the most important organ in our body, playing a role in every action and in every thought. As you age, some brain cells can be deteriorate or function less efficiently, potentially affecting your speed of mental processing and ability to retrieve information rapidly. However, many factors besides aging affect mental ability. Depression, stress, sleep disorders, poor health and certain medications are among the most common.

These 10 tips not only improve your brain health, they also strengthen your memory & cognitive ability:

1. Do “neurobic” exercises.

2. Ginkgo biloba .

3. Exercise.

4. Limit your alcohol intake.

5. Eat fruits and vegetables.

6. Sleep well-treat sleep disorders.

7. Socialize with people.

8.Exercise your mind.

9. Omega-3 fatty acids.

10. Quit smoking.

Tags: brain, mind, health

Top 10 Natural Remedies for Insomnia

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:49:20 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Treatment for insomnia is many-sided and incorporates many techniques including herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, lifestyle changes, improved sleep hygiene, massage therapy, behavioral therapy, meditation, diet, exercise, hypnosis, acupuncture, relaxation, guided imagery, and homeopathy.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

Top 10 Natural Remedies for Insomnia

Insomnia is categorized by the inability to fall asleep when you go to bed and, or, waking during the night and not being able to get back to sleep.

Treatment for insomnia is many-sided and incorporates many techniques including herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, lifestyle changes, improved sleep hygiene, massage therapy, behavioral therapy, meditation, diet, exercise, hypnosis, acupuncture, relaxation, guided imagery, and homeopathy.

In such cases herbs can be quite helpful, not only in helping to get some sleep, but in nourishing the nervous system as well.

Here is a top 10 natural remedies for insomnia:

1. Melatonin.

2. Chamomile.

3. Lavender.

4. Kava

5. Honey.

6. Passion flower.

7. Lettuce.

8. California poppy.

9. Valerian.

10. Thiamine.

Tags: natural, herbal, insomnia

What is the optimal number of hours of your sleep?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:49:22 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: The amount of sleep required differ from person to person and depends on a number possible of factors including, age, genetic make-up, the amount of exercise you get, what you do during the day, the quality of your sleep and whether you are still growing.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

What is the optimal number of hours of your sleep?

The amount of sleep required differ from person to person and depends on a number possible of factors including, age, genetic make-up, the amount of exercise you get, what you do during the day, the quality of your sleep and whether you are still growing.

On average we need about 8 hours of sleep. There are short sleepers who only need 4 and also a few long sleepers who may need 12. The average hovers around 8.
Our biological clocks run on a 25 hour cycle, rather than the 24 hours we have tuned our daily lives around. This is why it is easier for most people to go to bed later, than it is to wake up early.

A lot of people have no difficulty sleeping at all and may even sleep excessively and still feel fatigued. They ask: ‘How much sleep do I need?’ Because they assume that there’s always a link between the amount of sleep attained and the amount of energy they have.

Tags: sleep, how much, hours

Insomnia in Children: Causes and Treatments

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:02:56 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Like adults, children with insomnia either have trouble going to sleep, staying asleep, or are simply not well rested after what should be a normal amount of time sleeping.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

Insomnia in Children: Causes and Treatments

Like adults, children with insomnia either have trouble going to sleep, staying asleep, or are simply not well rested after what should be a normal amount of time sleeping.

There are a number of symptoms that shows insomnia in children:

memory troubles

- hyperactivity

- aggressiveness

- a decreased attention period

- irritability

- mood swings

Common causes of insomnia can include:

- poor sleep habits

- caffeine

- stress

- obstructive sleep apnea (snoring)

- side effects of medications, including stimulants used to treat ADHD, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants

- asthma (coughing)

- eczema (itching)

- depression

- anxiety

- restless legs syndrome

- neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, mental retardation, and Asperger’s syndrome

Tags: insomnia, kids

Sexsomnia - the Ultimate Sleep Disorder

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:42:07 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Sleep sex or sexsomnia is a form of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnia (similar to sleepwalking) that causes people to commit sexual acts while they are asleep.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

Sexsomnia - the Ultimate Sleep Disorder

Sleep sex or sexsomnia is a form of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnia (similar to sleepwalking) that causes people to commit sexual acts while they are asleep.

Sexsomnia occurs when a person is asleep and yet proceeds to initiate sexual activity with their bedmate. Sexsomnia is also known as “somnambulistic sexual behaviour”.

According to new study a lot of sleep disorders involve sexual behaviours and people with sleep disorders might also suffer from abnormal sexual behaviours.

The report by psychiatrists at the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center in Minneapolis suggests that a wide range of sleep disorders are associated with a tendency to perform numerous sexual behaviours from masturbating and moaning, to actually making a sexual advance towards your partner, while in a state between sleep and wakefulness.

Tags: sexsomnia, sleep, disorder

Mobile Phone Radiation Can Damage Your Sleep

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:21:34 GMT

clipped by: AScomputer
clipper's remarks: Radiation from mobile phones delays and reduces sleep, and causes headaches and confusion.

Clip Source: www.sleep-aid-center.com

Mobile Phone Radiation Can Damage Your Sleep

Radiation from mobile phones delays and reduces sleep, and causes headaches and confusion, according to a new study, reports The Independent.

The research, sponsored by the mobile phone companies themselves, shows that using the handsets before bed cause people to take longer to reach the deeper stages of sleep and to spend less time in them, interfering with the body’s ability to repair damage suffered during the day.

The findings are especially alarming for children and teenagers, most of whom – surveys suggest – use their phones late at night and who especially need sleep. Their failure to get enough can lead to mood and personality changes, ADHD-like symptoms, depression, lack of concentration and poor academic performance.

The study – carried out by scientists from the blue-chip Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University in Sweden and from Wayne State University in Michigan, USA – is thought to be the most comprehensive of its kind.

Tags: mobile, sleep, radiation