They’re BAA-AACK! Thirty years after bed bugs were believed to be exterminated nationwide, the teeny, insidious bloodsuckers—which feast on sleeping humans—are making a comeback of epidemic proportions.

They’re being spotted in hotels from coast to coast. And not just the expected “fleabag” motels, but posh resorts and upscale chains. In a recent study of 700 mid-priced hotels, 25% were found to host uninvited guests. That gives you a 1-in-4 chance of bunking down with some unexpected roomies on your next trip.

If you awaken with red, itchy welts and irritated skin, you’ve been punked, bed-bug style. Some people even experience allergic reactions.

So, what’s a thoroughly creeped-out traveler to do? You don’t have to cancel your plans. Instead, arm yourself with Rest Easy, an all-natural spray that keeps bed bugs at bay. Made from time-honored essential oils (cinnamon, lemongrass, clove, and mint), it’s people-safe, earth-friendly, and even smells of minty goodness.

Good to know: the presence of cimex lectularius, aka the common bed bug, has nothing to do with cleanliness and everything to do with a transient population. Formerly wiped out in the U.S. by the now-banned pesticide DDT, bed bugs continued to flourish in other parts of the world. As global travel increased, they’ve hitchhiked their way back in on airplanes, luggage, and yes, travelers.

Found wherever people come and go—like hotel rooms, airports, and dorms—the 1/4″ inch long nocturnal pests hide in furniture seams, box springs, and even tiny floor cracks, patiently awaiting a host. (They can live without eating for up to a year.)

The solution: spray Rest Easy around your hotel room when you arrive. It will kill some of them outright, and keep the rest deep in their hidey-holes.

Rest Easy comes in a 2-ounce spray bottle that’s carry-on friendly. A twin pack is available at stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York area. You can buy it online at www.resteasykillsbedbugs.com, where it’s also sold in larger quantities for home use.

In 2006, the city of New York received more than 4,500 bed bug complaints…which, come to think of it, may be why it’s called the city that never sleeps.

Related articles:

• Bed bugs: a nightmare on legs | David Shariatmadari (guardian.co.uk)
• Why Is an Epidemic of Blood-Sucking Bed Bugs Sweeping the Nation? (alternet.org)
• They’re Baaaack: Return of the Bed Bugs (ecosalon.com)

Beware: Real Life Bloodsuckers are Back! is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Oral hygiene is very important and sometimes it is often overlooked. They say that all things are interrelated and that is why medical practitioners are studying the cause of sleep apnea and how maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent sleep disorders.

Dentistry has rapidly evolved into a health centered practice in recent years. The mouth is the gateway to many other problems, and in some cases it’s also the cure. Obstructive sleep apnea is a life threatening condition affecting tens of millions of Americans. Research has called it one of the greatest undiagnosed health risks in our society. It has been documented in medical literature as the cause of countless conditions like; hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, acid reflux and headaches while being linked as a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes. Dentists are now able to work with their medical colleagues to help manage this deadly condition by fabricating oral appliances to stabilize the airway and prevent breathing stoppages during sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently revised their medical practice parameters recognizing appliances as a viable first line treatment for sleep apnea and medical insurance plans now routinely cover the costs associated with this treatment.

Sleep Group Solutions is a medical technology and continuing education company focused on educating and training dentists to be able to offer this service in their practice. As the largest dental sleep medicine company they are able to provide continuing education seminars nationwide and have developed unique and proprietary technology and protocols to assist dentists with the treatment of sleep apnea. www.SleepGroupSolutions.com

“Our dental sleep medicine program has been overwhelmingly successful” says Sleep group Solutions President Rani Ben-David “We are now working full time to expand the SGS network with new initiatives creating referral relationships between our dentists and hundreds of sleep labs and sleep physicians working with us nationwide.” To find more clinicians visit www.1800sleeplab.com

Unlike virtually all other seminars being offered on the subject Sleep Group Solutions is not a dental lab and their instructors do not have a vested interest in one specific appliance. “We take a big picture approach and cover all the basics from initial screenings to diagnosis and proper records. Information is presented in a step-by-step protocol designed so that attendees can immediately return to their practice and begin using what they’ve learned” Sleep Group Solutions Seminars are expending to Europe and the Middle East in the next few months while CEO Tamir Cohen is in Europe finding the right partners.

Related articles:

• Dentist Treating Sleep Apnea with A Dental procedure (prweb.com)
• Sleep Group Solutions, Glidewell Laboratories Partner to Provide Education About Snoring/Sleep Apnea Preventive Care (prweb.com)
• Tongue measurements may help dentists determine oral appliance therapy success for sleep apnea (physorg.com)

How Do Dentists Treat Sleep problems? is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced nationwide availability of the new and improved GoodNites® Underwear – the brand’s most underwear-like pant yet, designed to help Moms give their child an easy night’s sleep.

GoodNites Underwear, parents’ leading choice for bedwetting kids at night, now features a softer and quieter material that provides a comfortable fit under clothes. Plus, the new kid-friendly design moves from underpants to a more underwear-like fit while still delivering the trusted leakage protection GoodNites Underwear ensure.

In recent consumer studies, the newly re-designed GoodNites were selected as the brand that is most comfortable overall – the choice children prefer to wear at home or to a friend’s house and that allows children to sleep with greater confidence.

“We’re proud to be a partner with Moms to help find solutions that ease bedtime anxieties,” said Craig Dunphey, senior brand manager of GoodNites. “We’ve listened closely to what Moms and kids are looking for and with the new and improved design we try to deliver on the goal of providing kids with a better night’s sleep.”

The GoodNites brand is taking a cross-channel marketing approach to support the improved product launch by incorporating half-page print ads, multiple FSIs, in-store support and more. In addition, the GoodNites brand is partnering with Mamapedia.com, an online community dedicated to helping Moms with parenting advice, to extend support and resources to where Moms’ conversations are happening. The GoodNites NiteLite™ Panel will engage Moms by posting articles, answering questions and hosting “office hour” sessions on the Mamapedia Facebook page now through September.

GoodNites Underwear are available in two sizes for a comfortable fit and trusted protection for every user; size Small-Medium (38-65 lbs) and size Large-Extra Large (more than 60 lbs) for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a jumbo pack.

GoodNites brand offers trusted nighttime protection and has been a market leader for parents for more than 16 years. In fact, last year alone, over 2.5 million families trusted the GoodNites brand. These products, available in Underwear-like styles, help create a comfortable night for boys and girls with distinct age appropriate choices to meet your child’s independent needs and personal style. GoodNites Underwear feature comfortable, cloth-like material for soft nighttime protection. Visit www.GoodNites.com to learn more about the products, for information on bedwetting and for advice on how parents can make bedtime quality time with their child.

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people — nearly a quarter of the world’s population — trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company’s 138-year history of innovation, visit www.Kimberly-Clark.com.

Related articles:

• Kimberly-Clark Unveils New and Improved GoodNites Product Design (newswire.ca)
• GoodNites Underwear: Cloud, Hammok, Shark (ibelieveinadv.com)
• The Good Nite Lite Awarded the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal (prweb.com)

Kid’s Underwear Designed to Help Moms and Kids Have a Better Night’s Sleep is a post from: Sleeping Advice

“A good night’s sleep” has long been the intention of millions of people suffering from sleep disorders around the world.  However, this objective is scarcely met with ease.  The reality of this scenario is that many will not seek the professional help to address the serious sleep disorders that plague them, resulting in numerous health consequences.  The World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) will be holding the third annual World Sleep Day on Friday, March 19, 2010.  The event is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee and is regarded as a platform for medical professionals to deliver the message of the importance of healthy sleep to the public.

Sleep is a function in which all vertebrates and some invertebrates participate, however the physiological purpose of sleep has yet to be discovered.  While sleep is necessary to be alert to optimally navigate daily tasks, research shows sleep may also be a factor in growth, regeneration, and memory.  With an estimated one third of adults suffering from clinically recognizable insomnia and approximately 80 additional sleep-related disorders, there is significant concern for the health consequences that occur with the lack of quality sleep.  Studies suggest that a lack of sleep is detrimental to health in ways such as the development of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and other chronic ailments in those who consume less than 6 hours nightly.

The 10 Commandments of Sleep Hygiene listed below make common sense recommendations that are rarely complied with fully.

1. Fix a bedtime and an awakening time.
2. If you are in the habit of taking siestas do not exceed 45 minutes of daytime sleep.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol ingestion 4 hours before bedtime and do not smoke.
4. Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. This includes coffee, tea and many sodas, as well as chocolate.
5. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 hours before bedtime. A light snack before bed is acceptable.
6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
7. Use comfortable bedding.
8. Find a comfortable temperature setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated.
9. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate as much light as possible.
10. Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Don’t use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room.

Violation of these commandments causes poor quality of nocturnal sleep, short duration of sleep, fragmentation of sleep and serious sleep deprivation.  These infringements may lead to poor alertness, lack of attention, reduced concentration, decreased work and academic productivity, and even motor vehicle accidents.  Physical health problems come next.

It is due to the widespread effects of sleep disorders and increasing number of sufferers worldwide, that World Sleep Day dedicates its efforts in 2010 to educate the world on important sleep topics.  The day’s events will take place online, featuring the organization of local groups promoting sleep health, presentation of educational materials, an award presentation to the best creation and exhibition of historic videos.

The third World Sleep Day is co-chaired by Antonio Culebras, MD, professor of neurology at SUNY, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and Liborio Parrino, MD, of Parma, Italy, and WASM’s Executive Director Allan O’Bryan.

World Sleep Day 2010 partners are pharmaceutical companies H. Lundbeck A/S and UCB.  More information regarding partners and affiliates may be obtained at www.worldsleepday.org.

Related articles:

• Sleep Your Way to Better Health (lifescript.com)
• Sleep Disorder Linked to Risk of Dementia (psychologytoday.com)
• How Much Sleep Do Kids Need? (aolhealth.com)

The 10 Commandments of Sleeping Well is a post from: Sleeping Advice

The 2010 Sleep in America poll released today by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) reveals significant differences in the sleep habits and attitudes of Asians, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites. It is the first poll to examine sleep among these four ethnic groups.

NSF’s Sleep in America poll found that more than three-fourths of respondents from each ethnic group agree that poor sleep is associated with health problems (76-83%). These new findings echo lessons learned by former President Bill Clinton who recently admitted that he has adopted a new lifestyle regimen to sleep seven or more hours on the advice of his doctors.

The poll also shows that all groups report disturbingly similar experiences missing work or family functions because they were too sleepy (19-24%).  Among married people or couples living together, all ethnic groups report being too tired for sex frequently (21- 26% of the time).

“As the leading voice of sleep health, we are committed to better understanding people’s sleep needs,” says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “By exploring ethnic and family sleep practices we have gained new insight into why we sleep the way we do.”

Blacks/African-Americans report the busiest bedtime routines

Blacks/African-Americans are the most likely to report performing activities in the hour before going to bed every night or almost every night, specifically watching TV (75%) and/or praying or doing another religious practice (71%).  Whether on weekdays/workdays or non-workdays/weekends, Blacks/African-Americans spend much more time in bed without sleeping than the other ethnic groups (54 minutes on weekdays/workdays and 71 minutes on non-workdays/weekends).

“The hour before bed is an important time to relax and wind-down before going to sleep,” says Thomas J. Balkin, Ph.D., Chairman of the National Sleep Foundation. “For those who are having problems sleeping, it’s a good idea to consider whether your bedtime routines may be too alerting.”

Asians report getting the best sleep, report the least amount of sleep problems and infrequent use of sleep aids

Asians are the most likely ethnic group (84%) to say that they had a good night’s sleep at least a few nights or more a week.  In addition, Asians are about half as likely (14%) to discuss their sleep issues with a healthcare professional, and are half as likely (10%) to report having been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Asians are the least likely to report using sleep medication at least a few nights a week (5% versus 13% Whites, 9% Blacks/African-Americans and 8% Hispanics).

While Blacks/African-Americans report the least amount of sleep, they also say they need less sleep

Blacks/African-Americans report getting the least amount of sleep on workdays/weekdays (6 hours and 14 minutes).  Interestingly, they also say that they need only 7 hours and 5 minutes of sleep each night to perform at their best during the day, which is significantly less sleep than Asians and Hispanics (7 hours and 29 minutes each).

“The finding that Blacks/African-Americans say they need less sleep and get less sleep is instructive for public health professionals,” says Jose S. Loredo, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego. “Their total sleep time and attitudes regarding sleep may be associated with Blacks/African-Americans’ higher rates of sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes and provide sleep-related insight into how to improve awareness and education programs and, very importantly, how to improve therapy compliance rates.”

Hispanics are the most likely to say they are kept awake by financial, employment, personal relationship and/or health-related concerns

Overall, at least one-third of Hispanics (38%) and Blacks/African-Americans (33%) report that any of these concerns disturb their sleep at least a few nights a week, compared to about one-fourth of Whites (28%) and/or Asians (25%).

“So many people are suffering because of economic uncertainty,” says Martica Hall, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. “If you find yourself lying awake worrying, write a note to yourself to work on these issues the next day so you can dismiss those ideas at bed time.  Consider using relaxation techniques and focus on calming activities and thoughts. If your problems persist, you may want to seek out a sleep professional.”

Whites are the most likely to report sleeping with their pets and/or their significant other/spouse

Among those married or partnered, Whites are much more likely (14%) than the other ethnic groups (2% each) to say they usually sleep with a pet.

Among those married or partnered respondents with children, Asians (28%) and Hispanics (22%) are the most likely to report that they sleep in the same room with their children (compared to 15% of Blacks/African-Americans and 8% of Whites).*

“Other studies support the findings that co-sleeping with children is prevalent with Asians,” says Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D., chair of the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America Poll Task Force. “If you are having trouble sleeping, and you sleep with your spouse, your child, your pet or all three, remember that may be contributing to sleep distu

“If you are experiencing problems sleeping,” says Balkin, “take charge of your own sleep. You should critically examine your bedtime routines and pre-sleep activities and make time to ensure your bedroom is conducive to your sleep comfort.  You will spend approximately a third of your life in bed, so it’s worth it to take time to make sure your bed and bedtime routine are right for you. If you continue having problems sleeping for more than a few weeks, it’s advisable to speak with your healthcare professional.”

Healthy Sleep Advice

The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following to improve your sleep:

• Go to sleep and wake at the same time every day, and avoid spending more time in bed than needed.
• Use bright light to help manage your “body clock.” Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.
• Use your bedroom only for sleep to strengthen the association between your bed and sleep.  It may help to remove work materials, computers and televisions from your bedroom.
• Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a warm bath or listening to calming music.
• Create an environment that is conducive to sleep that is quiet, dark and cool with a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
• Save your worries for the daytime. If concerns come to mind, write them in a “worry book” so you can address those issues the next day.
• If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime.

Related articles:

• America Is Not Getting Any Sleep [Trendwatch] (gawker.com)
• Sleep Problems? 10 Myths Debunked (lifescript.com)
• How to Fall Asleep and Stay Asleep (lifescript.com)

Sleep Differences Among Different Ethnic Groups is a post from: Sleeping Advice

With more than a decade of clinical practice and research, SleepQuest, Inc. has announced the introduction of a comprehensive new website dedicated to the millions of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

MySleepQuest.com brings all aspects of Sleep Apnea together in one website by offering important information about this life-long chronic condition. News, videos, educational content, therapy selection and an opportunity to discuss Sleep Apnea with a Sleep Care Specialist are all found on the site.

Most importantly, visitors across the country will be able to find out if they are at risk for Sleep Apnea by submitting an online questionnaire that will be reviewed by Sleep Specialists and Sleep Physicians.

The website is supported by Dr. William Dement, often referred to as the “Father of Sleep Medicine.” Dr. Dement is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and the Division Chief of the Stanford University Division of Sleep.

The doctor is on a decades-long crusade to help people identify the symptoms of Sleep Apnea and dismiss the apprehensions they may have with the diagnostic or therapy process. After helping to establish the first sleep testing center and the field of sleep medicine, Dr. Dement has been supporting the use of at-home diagnostic and therapy services. For more than a decade, Dr. Dement has been the Chief Scientific Advisor for SleepQuest, Inc. and was instrumental in the development of MySleepQuest.com.

Dr. Dement has made exhaustive efforts to educate the public about the importance of a good night’s sleep and how each of us can increase our awareness of sleep deprivation and sleep disorders to help ourselves live a more productive and happier life. “We share a similar vision for better, less expensive and more convenient diagnostic and therapy access for the millions of undiagnosed patients with Sleep Apnea,” said Koenigsberg.

SleepQuest, Inc. is a national provider of comprehensive Sleep Apnea services, with Board Certified sleep medicine physicians overseeing diagnosis, therapy and ongoing clinical support.Accredited by the Joint Commission, their comprehensive and clinically validated “Continuum of Care” approach includes screening, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing patient management to achieve high compliance rates and successful medical and quality-of-life outcomes. For additional information, visit http://SleepQuest.com

Related articles:

• Sleep Apnea Who’s at Risk – Sleep Group Solutions Markets Direct to Patients (prweb.com)
• Losing Sleep Over Snoring (lifescript.com)
• Sleep Apnea Can Lead To Hypertension, Heart Attack or Stroke (eon.businesswire.com)

What you need to know about Sleep Apnea is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Frontier Beverage Co. today announced the launch of Bulldozer™, the second low-calorie, low-sugar relaxation aid introduced by the company within the past few months.  Following in the path of its 12 oz. predecessor, Unwind™, this three-ounce shot allows you to bring on the ultimate state of relaxation.

“We designed Bulldozer to be the most powerful relaxation aid on the market, with the goal of knocking out the effects of energy drinks, caffeine and daily stresses with only three ounces,” said Terry Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Beverage Co.

“But don’t take our word; for a limited time, we will provide one free sample per household so that people can try Bulldozer for themselves,” added Harris.

Ideal for pounding before a long flight, downing after a revitalizing evening workout or chugging at any other time when you need a quick, non-alcoholic and legal way to relax, Bulldozer is a proprietary blend of B vitamins and antioxidant-rich acai and berry juices combined with natural relaxation agents melatonin, rose hips and valerian root.  All of these ingredients, commonly found in health or nutrition stores globally, have been used by herbalists for thousands of years for their curative properties in coping with both anxiety and insomnia.

“Bulldozer is a great alternative for those who have sleep problems,” added Harris. “Some of the customers who have sampled Bulldozer let us know that they had the best night’s sleep of their lives after trying just one serving.”

“What I love is that I not only get a great night sleep, but I also wake up feeling energized and refreshed,” said Michael Kennedy of Henderson, TN. “It is great to be able to start the day clear and well-rested rather than tired or foggy like I used to with other sleep aids; plus, it tastes great!”

“There are times when people don’t want to be flying high on energy-boosting products that speed everyone up, so we wanted to offer people a way to come back down to chill for a while,” continued Harris.  ”After all, the Laws of Physics state that ‘what comes up must come down’; Bulldozer is here to help the process along – with the speed and knock-you-down ability of a bulldozer.”

With a light tropical berry flavor and only 20 calories, Bulldozer is rolling out to markets across the country.  For a limited time, Unwind website visitors can order a free sample, paying only the cost of shipping, to try it out for themselves.

Insomnia is a growing problem in America; in fact, according to the American Sleep Foundation, more than 64 percent of Americans report that they have experienced sleep problems – an increase of more than 13 percent since 2001.

Related articles:

• Sleep Your Way to Better Health (lifescript.com)
• Not Sleeping Sucks: Could Cherry Juice Help Insomnia? (blisstree.com)
• 7 ways to get the best sleep ever (cnn.com)

How to Stop your Head from Spinning is a post from: Sleeping Advice

They say that to build a strong relationship “till death do you part”, the first thing to do is to give intimacy a top priority. Physical contact is a big factor, though of course a long-lasting friendship may matter more in the long run. Most People are losing their intimacy with their partners because they lack communication and sometimes they have to sleep separately in order to get a good night’s sleep. Building a strong relationship is all the harder if you sleep separately.

Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, PhD, relationship therapist reports that the trend of couples sleeping in separate bedrooms has serious side effects to marriages and wellbeing of the individuals in the relationship.

Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil’s book “Make Up Don’t Break Up” is an antidote to the marital trend of sleeping in separate bedrooms. A recent New York Times article reports this troubling marital trend. Reporting statistics from a 2005 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, one in every four American couples sleep in separate bedrooms. “This is a very unhealthy preference, especially when it is followed by the prediction by the National Association of Home Builders survey predicting that 60 percent of custom homes will be outfitted with dual master bedrooms by 2015. People know how to fall in love, but don’t understand the key elements to staying in love and connected. Sleeping together increases physical comfort and frequency of sex.” Dr. Bonnie Weil, known as the #1 Love Expert believes that physical closeness is the glue needed to keep couples together during conflict and rough times.

“Sleeping in separate bedrooms is a symptom of couples giving up on intimacy. Instead, couples need to have open and honest discussions about stress, fear, and bothersome habits,” offers Dr. Weil.

Sleeping separately can be a triggered by disorders such as restless leg syndrome, snoring, or sleep apnea. Other sleep interruptions can arise from one partner’s television habits, late night reading with the light on, or a Blackberry obsession. Maybe one partner is an early riser, and the other one is a night owl. Fussy kids, the flu, common colds, and pets vying for mattress real estate, can add up to a bedroom appearing more like a freeway during rush hour.

“Today’s worries, stress, overdrawn checking accounts, job instability and economic woes make a good night’s sleep a priority. But, separate bedroom might just be the nail in the marital coffin. It is critical that couples bring sizzle back into the relationship to create balance during difficult times,” explains Dr. Weil, author of Make Up Don’t Break Up and accompanying DVD titled Falling in Love and Staying in Love. Both products give specific guidelines to foster emotional and physical intimacy daily.

Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, PhD, an internationally acclaimed couples, children and family therapist, was named by Psychology Today as one of America’s best therapists. New York Magazine recognizes Dr. Bonnie as one of the city’s best therapists. She is a regular contributor as the relationship expert in Ladies Home Journal and was featured in the “Can This Marriage Be Saved” column three consecutive months. Her work has appeared in Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Men’s Health, the New York Magazine. Parenting Magazine and USA Today have used Dr. Bonnie’s expert advice to support features. Numerous other local and national media outlets have interviewed Dr. Bonnie.

Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil is the author of five books with two best seller’s Make Up Don’t Break Up, now out in paperback, and Adultery the Forgivable Sin, which became a made-for television movie. Her recent book, Financial Infidelity: Seven Steps to Conquering the #1 Relationship Wrecker, Penguin Group, is now available in paperback.
Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, holds a PhD in family play therapy which is a technique and treatment she developed which was written up for her thesis and put in a colleagues book. She was also asked by Hunters school of social work to teach family play therapy. A child therapist at Long Beach Mental Health clinic where she worked with children, teens, separate and with parents. She has been written up in NY Post, Daily News, Toronto Sun, USA Today and Ladies Home Journal on children, teens and parents. She has also been featured in Parenting magazine and their website.

Related articles:

• NYT: More married couples sleeping in separate beds (today.msnbc.msn.com)
• Sick of Your Snoring Partner? (lifescript.com)
• Sleeping apart: A threat to marriage? (salon.com)

Solutions for Couples Sleeping in Separate Bedrooms is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Students will soon be heading off to college, and before they hit their new dorm room, DOWNLITE offers five handy tips to making sure college residence hall students pick the perfect bedding for a great night’s sleep.

“The choice of bedding can make a big difference in having fun and getting good grades in college,” said Stefan Hunter, Director of eCommerce and Retail for DOWNLITE. “Getting enough rest is important when studying, but bedding also has to be very functional in a dorm room environment.”

DOWNLITE recommends:

1. Don’t settle for the cheap bedding from the big box stores. Lower quality bedding with low thread counts may look cheap, but chances are the comfort will not be there and the sheets won’t last long. Lower thread count sheets will be rough and not comfortable no matter how many times you wash them. Also, they won’t last long with all of the times you will wash them. They will lose their shape quick and you will have to replace them sooner.
2. Buy the right size. This might sound simple, but this mistake is made every year. Most of the beds in dorm rooms are Twin XL, but it is a good idea to ask the college housing service in advance of buying sheets.
3. Choose natural fabrics over synthetic fabrics. College dorms often run hotter or colder than expected because they accommodate many students. More natural fabric can help your body breathe when the temperature is not comfortable. For example, a down comforter works a lot better in the dorms than a polyester one.
4. Use a feather bed. Your dorm bed functions as your study area, your snacking area, your couch and even a place to sleep. Why suffer with a hard and lumpy dorm bed. Make it more comfortable by investing in a comfortable feather bed. Add in a washable mattress cover just in case of accidental spills.
5. Use different colors and patterns to style up the room. A flashback to the 1960s, geometric designs and bright colors are in. Be brave, be bold, and be in style in college.

“Don’t also forget about skin allergies, especially in lower priced bedding,” Hunter said. “We recommend getting higher quality sheets that help people with allergies.”

About DOWNLITE

DOWNLITE is America’s premiere manufacturer of down and feather bedding. A descendant of a 100-year-old feather processing company, DOWNLITE began to make down comforters and pillows in the late seventies. Today DOWNLITE is recognized as the leader in quality and service.

Related articles:

• Solutions for Dorm Room Storage Space (brighthub.com)
• Choosing Bedding For Dorm Rooms (mydecorarticles.com)
• New Trends in Dorm Decorating (interiordecorating.suite101.com)

Great Sleeping Tips for Dorm Students is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Nature Made, the nation’s number one supplement brand in food, drug, mass, and club stores, celebrates today the launch of its natural sleep aid – Nature Made Sleep®. Nature Made Sleep helps consumers rest easy with a unique combination of ingredients that are clinically shown to relax the mind and help you fall asleep naturally. Easily incorporated into a healthy sleep routine, Nature Made Sleep is a non-habit forming sleep aid that promotes a restful night’s sleep, the benefits of which impact every aspect of a healthy and active lifestyle.

“This is a break-through product in the sleep aid category and a true testament to the brand’s commitment to providing the most innovative, science-based supplement offerings to meet consumer needs.” said Gary Kuchta, Chief Marketing Officer. “With more than half of Americans suffering from sleep deficiency, we couldn’t be happier to be able to provide a safe and effective solution to sleepless nights.”

Nature Made Sleep contains a unique and effective combination of ingredients that are clinically shown to promote relaxation and help you fall asleep naturally. One of the star ingredients is L-theanine, the soothing component of green tea, which helps calm the mind and signals your body to prepare for rest. Once L-theanine relaxes the mind, Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone in the body, helps you fall asleep naturally. Nature Made Sleep also contains a floral blend of chamomile, passionflower and lemon balm which have been used to promote sleep and relaxation for hundreds of years.

To achieve the numerous health benefits of sleep, Nature Made Sleep is the perfect addition to a nightly sleep routine – that can also include listening to calming music, using a sleep mask and writing thoughts down before going to bed. The benefits of a healthy sleep routine are far reaching and include better cognitive health, maintaining healthy body weight, and managing stress levels. Nature Made Sleep lacks side effects common to other sleep aids such as morning grogginess, and it is non-habit forming allowing peace of mind while resting easy.

For more information on Nature Made Sleep, visit www.naturemade.com/sleep.

Nature Made vitamins is the number one supplement brand in the food, drug, club and mass channels.* Owned by Pharmavite, Nature Made® was the first line of dietary supplements to earn a third-party quality seal of approval through the United States Pharmacopeia’s Verification Program. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states.

Related articles:

• Sleepless? How to Overcome Sleep Deprivation (urbanbellemag.com)
• How to Fall Asleep and Stay Asleep (lifescript.com)

A Natural Supplement to Rest Easy is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Too many people today accept sluggishness and fatigue as the inevitable side effects of hectic lives, and believe that there isn’t much they can do about it besides squeezing in another hour or two of sleep. Getting enough sleep is important (and Dr. Edlund provides plenty of expert advice on sleeping well) but it’s only one part of a much larger spectrum of rest. The benefits of making time for rest have proven extraordinary: when people engage the body’s power to restore and renew itself, they look younger, heal faster, lose weight more effectively, and experience greater joy in their work and their relationships.

Award-winning sleep, rest, and body clock expert Dr. Matthew Edlund has identified an ongoing health crisis. After years of clinical research and consultations with hundreds of patients, he discovered that many people aren’t just sleep-deprived, they’re rest-deprived. The result? Our hearts, minds, and central nervous systems are overloaded, our health is suffering, and we’ve forgotten what it feels like to be truly refreshed. Dr. Edlund’s new book The Power of Rest: Why Sleep Alone is Not Enough provides a comprehensive step-by-step solution to rebuilding our natural ability to rest.

Dr. Edlund has isolated the unique benefits of four crucial types of active rest to create a groundbreaking program that fits easily into even the busiest schedules. The four types of rest include:

• Physical Rest: Sleep is one form of passive physical rest, but engaging in active forms of physical rest is also crucial. Dr. Edlund’s 30-day plan provides a range of techniques for active physical rest, including breathing exercises, timed naps, baths, and yoga poses.
• Mental Rest: While we need to rest the body, it’s equally important to learn to focus and concentrate the mind. Mental rest involves reconfiguring one’s mind to quickly and easily obtain a sense of relaxed control, and Dr. Edlund has developed exercises—including self-hypnosis, relaxation, and visualization—designed to help maximize this process.
• Social Rest: Humans are hardwired to be extremely social—social connectedness is built into the structure of our brains. Studies show that people with strong social connections live longer, cope with stress better, and are healthier. The Power of Rest explains how to incorporate key social rest techniques into your life.
• Spiritual Rest: Certain spiritual practices can provide a profound sense of rest, inner peace, connection, and self-healing, and scientific studies have demonstrated that meditation can actually change the structure of the brain over time. Dr. Edlund provides exercises involving meditation, prayer and contemplation that bring renewal and a sense of well-being.

We wouldn’t expect our bodies to function without food and, Dr. Edlund argues, we shouldn’t expect to feel fully fueled and alert without rest. This step-by-step 30-day plan introduces one simple, no-cost technique each day—many of which can be accomplished in just a minute or two. Readers will learn to make room in their lives for this basic biological need, and how to quickly create a healthier, more successful, more vital and relaxed life.

About the author Matthew Edlund, M. D., M.O.H., is an award-winning expert on rest, body clocks, and sleep. Dr. Edlund’s work had been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, Prevention, Shape, Redbook, Real Simple, More, and hundreds of other magazines and newspapers. He founded the West Coast Regional Sleep Disorders Center, and now runs both the Center for Circadian Medicine and the Gulf Coast Sleep Institute in Sarasota, Florida.

The Power of Rest Dr. Matthew Edlund HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers On-sale June 8, 2010 Hardcover / $25.99 / ISBN: 978-0-06-186276-2

Related articles:

• New Book ‘The Power of Rest’ Reveals Americans are Dangerously Rest-Deprived – and More Sleep Isn’t the Answer (prweb.com)
• Always Tired? Expert Tips to Get More Rest (lifescript.com)
• Sleep Deprivation (annetteholland.com)
• Lack of Sleep Can Trigger Migraine Proteins (psychologytoday.com)

Most People are Dangerously Rest Deprived is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Savvy Rest is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and is certified by Green America.  They are the makers of the “Savvy Rest Organic Mattress”, an all-natural latex, made from the sap of the rubber tree. The casing is certified organic wool and certified organic cotton. Independent organic certifications add credibility to the brand. The company posts organic certifications and independent materials testing results on its web site: http://www.savvyrest.com. The site features the industry’s most comprehensive consumer education, including over 50 articles on materials, design, and sleep issues. This small organic mattress and bedding manufacturer in central Virginia has grown over 400% in four years, and leads a surging market niche.

Savvy Rest attributes its growth to increasing demand for healthful, eco-friendly products, creative staff (none with MBAs or sales backgrounds), thorough research, and strong relationships with 60+ independent stores. In 2005, Savvy Rest had one idea and two staff. Today, the company employs 15 people. In 2006, Savvy Rest sold 90% of its products directly to consumers. In 2010, over 90% of sales are through the company’s growing network of dealers—the broadest among organic mattress manufacturers.

In addition to distinguishing between natural and synthetic latex, the Savvy Rest web site also educates consumers on the differences among mattresses labeled organic. Prior to 2005, even mattresses called “organic” were made with cotton fiber filling, which grows hard or lumpy in a short time. Cotton fiber also harbors dust mites, a major allergen.

Savvy Rest’s founder, Michael Penny, a 30-year yoga practitioner, developed a layered mattress design that is customized for each person, based on their height, weight, sleeping positions, and pain issues. Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses can be configured differently on each side to accommodate couples, and can be customized to any dimensions.

The company offers a 90-day exchange period during which customers can change layers to alter the “feel”.

The Savvy Rest bedding line includes organic mattress toppers, sheets, mattress pads, and pillows.

Savvy Rest Company Firsts

1. First to offer natural Dunlop or natural Talalay latex, or a combination.
2. First to offer personalized layering, and first to allow layer exchange.
3. First to post USDA organic certifications on the company web site.
4. First to share materials testing from independent labs in the U.S. and Germany.
5. First to use certified organic wool as a natural flame barrier.
6. First to offer organic mattresses in a custom dimension or shape.

Here’s a video on the benefits of Latex Mattresses.

Related Articles:

• Healthy Sleeping – How to Choose an Organic Mattress (gogreenstreet.com)
• Product Review: Savvy Rest (retrohousewifegoesgreen.com)

Organic Mattress for Better Sleeping Conditions is a post from: Sleeping Advice

Inner Splendor Media, a globally recognized producer of world music, relaxation and ambient sound recordings, is proud to offer Music for Deep Sleep, a series of recordings expertly designed to help listeners achieve restorative rest.

The latest installments in the series, Sweet Lullaby, the Best of Relaxing Piano Music, featuring Dizzy Reed and Experience True Rest, featuring D. Siddarth Shah, are both unique and highly effective aids for relaxation and sleep.

Sweet Lullaby is a solo piano recording of classic lullabies, played beautifully by pianist Dizzy Reed. Best known for his work with Guns ‘N Roses, Reed is a world-class musician with astonishing breadth and sensitivity. Featuring songs like “Rock-a-bye Baby” and “Amazing Grace,” this lush recording is powerful, simple, and effective in its goal: to induce peaceful relaxation.

Experience True Restis the latest recording by Dr. Siddharth Ashvin Shah, a globally known sleep expert who combines proven elements of modern Western and traditional Eastern thought into a blend of self-hypnosis, meditation and Yoga Nidra –the ancient art of intentional relaxation. Dr. Shah’s unique cross-pollination of the scientific and the spiritual will ease even the most restless and weary minds, helping listeners overcome the mental and physical obstacles to restorative sleep.

Both of these recordings were made with the utmost attention to clarity and purity of sound, creating an exceptionally relaxing and calming experience for any listener.

Related articles:

• How listening to Classical music can do wonders for your body and mind (healthlifestyleforever.com)
• 10 iPhone Apps for a Better Night’s Sleep (mashable.com)
• In Search of Sleep (lifescript.com)

Music for Deep Sleep is a post from: Sleeping Advice

With its extra-long days, heat and humidity, summertime always represents a challenge for getting a good night’s sleep. With many Americans cutting back on air conditioning as a way to save money, the quest for good sleep is even more difficult. A leading sleep advice website is offering assistance, however, with tips to help people cope with the seasonal strain.

“Longer days and heat in the summer can really have a profound effect on our sleep patterns,” said Dan Schecter, vice president of consumer products at Carpenter Co., and creator of SleepBetter.org. “If possible, work to keep your house dark and sheltered from the worst of the heat and sunshine of the day. Keep your home as cool as possible during the day with shades and blinds, especially if you want to avoid high air-conditioning bills.”

Schecter says the ideal sleeping temperature is 68–72 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be a challenge to achieve in the summertime. A ceiling fan in the bedroom can be a major help: the swooshing sound and cool breeze can help provide a favorable environment for good night’s rest.

Here are some more summer sleep tips from SleepBetter.org:

• Avoid hot, heavy meals at dinnertime. A rich dinner can come back to haunt you in the middle of the night, especially in the summer.
• Make sure your bed clothes are made up of cool, lightweight and breathable fabrics. Your sheets, blankets and pillows can make a major difference in your summer comfort.
• Take a cool bath or shower before bedtime.
• Don’t make major changes in your regular routine, even during summer break. Staying up late, sleeping in and extra long naps can interfere with your normal sleep patterns.
• If you have long hair, put it up in a ponytail or bun on the top of your head so it isn’t covering your neck and shoulders.
• In extraordinarily hot periods, look for the coolest room in your house to sleep. During a heat wave, don’t be reluctant to have a “family camp out” in the basement.

For more tips to help you sleep better, please visit http://sleepbetter.org.

Related articles:

• Lost Sleep Is Hard to Find (3quarksdaily.com)
• Are Your Nights Plagued by a Sleep Disorder? (lifescript.com)

Tips to Sleep Better During The Summer is a post from: Sleeping Advice