Most people think of insomnia as, either, not being able to fall asleep on a regular basis, or waking up after having fallen asleep and then lacking the ability to go back to sleep on a frequent or regular basis. Although that’s true, there’s a bit more to it than that.  Did you know there are a large number of insomniacs that don’t even realize they have insomnia?  Insomniacs that don’t fall into either one of the above two categories probably wouldn’t suspect insomnia as the underlying cause of their problem.

You have insomnia when…

…perhaps you never feel refreshed after sleeping even though you sleep eight hours, or more, each day; maybe you have difficulty concentrating during the day; or you seem to suffer from daytime drowsiness, fatigue or irritability on a regular basis. If so, don’t be quick to discount insomnia as a logical and reasonable explanation because all of these are common symptoms of insomnia.  It may, however, be that you don’t require more sleep per se; perhaps, what you need is more, sound sleep.

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If you haven’t considered insomnia but have, seemingly, discounted all other considerations, read on.  The following are some of the causes of insomnia that, although frequently experienced, often go unacknowledged, unrecognized, undiagnosed and under diagnosed for reasons that, if not already obvious to you, will soon become self-evident:

The causes of insomnia

• Sleep apnea is a temporary suspension or absence of breathing during sleep and although sleep is critical, your life depends on your breathing.  It is our strongest involuntary reflex and overrides the brain’s less critical need for sleep.  In other words, you can breathe without sleeping but you can’t sleep without breathing. In most healthy adults, the brain will interrupt even the deepest of sleep during the first few seconds of any sleep-interrupted breathing; which, in essence means, that we can sleep without breathing. Just not for very long.  That being said, all it takes is one good breath and you are back to sleep.  Often, not time enough for lucidity or coherency to set in, but essentially, enough time to interrupt sound sleep.  Although, perhaps not enough time for you to realize sleep interruption has occurred.

Sleep apnea can be controlled majority of the time through use of breathing apparatus or other non-invasive remedies, many of which effectively produce sound sleep through their simple, easy use. In many cases surgery is a desirable treatment similar to a tonsillectomy in many ways.  Sleep apnea can often be mistaken for narcolepsy and in some cases is misdiagnosed because of inappropriate or insufficient testing.

• Snoring of a light sleeper who is sound-sensitive during slumber makes one especially prone.  Most of us don’t see or hear while we’re asleep and if we’re truly snoring, then we’re truly sleeping.  It stands to reason that unless someone else tells you that you don’t snore, how do you truly know otherwise?  Although, you may have never actually heard yourself snore, that doesn’t mean it isn’t keeping you up at night, but rather, it does leave you clueless to the constant interruption of sleep you’re suffering.

Snoring is often a problem that can also be controlled with apparatus applied to the facial area that reduces the intensity and volume of snoring to an adequate and acceptable level and results in a more sound sleep.  Ear plugs have also been known to help insomniacs whose affliction source is rooted to snoring. Ear plugs limit the audible sounds of snoring and easily, temporarily resolves most sensitive hearing issues.

• Chronic coughing can cause slight and frequent disruption of sleep, as well. Chances are, if you suffer from chronic coughing, it may be causing you fatigue.  If you’re a heavy sleeper or fatigued, it also may not be apparent whether you continue to cough while you’re sleeping, not to you anyway.  If you do cough repeatedly during sleep, you’re probably not getting the benefits of sound sleep and although your coughing may wake you frequently, it’s probably only for seconds, limiting your lucidity and coherency to a likely state of semi-consciousness, leaving you with little to no recollection of your troublesome sleep.

Chronic coughing, especially while lying down or sleeping which often goes undiagnosed can often be attributed to the use of certain types of blood pressure medicine.  If you take blood pressure medicine, you may want to inquire with your physician or pharmacist to see if your medication can be causing that nagging cough.  Also, often times, simply by slightly elevating the upper part of your body during sleep, you can increase the possibility of a better night sleep.  A common example of this is the theory or claim that sleeping in a lounge chair affords some with a better night sleep than an actual bed might.

A good way to determine whether insomnia might be the root of your problems and, perhaps, whether you might personally benefit by pursuing a diagnosis and treatment(s) for insomnia, is to conduct your own, personal sleep study.  Not as a self-diagnosis by any means, simply a method by which to, either, confirm or, discount any concern without first paying a huge out-of-pocket expense.  Set up a video/audio camera and record yourself sleeping.  Often times, recording your nights’ sleep will afford you a clearer and more accurate view of your sleep patterns and to confirm or discount the possibility that you might be lacking consistent and sound sleep. This is an almost cost-free method, comparatively speaking, by which to study your sleep patterns which may very well eliminate your suspicions altogether.  Several recordings may be required, however, to get an accurate basis for determining whether you suffer from this less obvious form of insomnia and if you may be lacking the benefits of a regular and sound night’s sleep.

For diagnosed insomniacs who haven’t been afforded the benefits of a sound night’s sleep thus far, perhaps because an underlying and contributing factor has yet to be determined, other considerations might be to conclude whether the disorder can be attributed to a chemical imbalance.  For instance, people without an adequate exposure to sunlight may be prone to a lack of serotonin.  Serotonin is a chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter which may affect your emotional state. Consistent, low levels of serotonin are thought to be a primary cause of clinical depression and/or anxiety, both of which are common causes of insomnia.  Melatonin is a chemical thought to be derived from the darkness of night which can also affect sleep patterns when levels are less than adequate. Supplements for both serotonin and melatonin are available in various forms and can be purchased over-the-counter of most pharmacies and are commonly sold by vitamin retailers.

It really helps when you know the main causes that trigger insomnia. Hope this article helps you minimize your insomnia.

Sleep problems are so common nowadays. Getting enough sleep is incredibly important to the human body. Research studies assert that a person needs eight or more consecutive hours of sleep in order to maintain physical, mental and emotional health. Many persons fail to get this amount of sleep on a consistent basis due to issues such as insomnia, heavy work schedules, medical issues or a snoring partner. If you have sleep problems, there are some things you can try to improve your night’s rest.

Sleep problems may be connected with your stress level.

Reduce the stress in your life to help you sleep well at night. Learn to tell others ‘no’ when you are asked to do more than you can handle. Don’t take on every church bake sale, school fundraising project and 5k charity run that comes along. Pace yourself and create downtime which will help relax your mind and body so you can reduce sleep problems and fall asleep at night.

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Create a nighttime routine that is conducive to sleep. Stop eating, exercising and other stimulating activity at least one hour before you hit the sack. Ready yourself for sleep by taking a hot bath, drinking a small cup of warm tea, meditating or praying and listening to soothing music or nature sounds. Turn off all your gadgets including the ‘you’ve got mail’ alert on the pc and television. Go to bed at the same time each night. Do not watch television or read in bed as this keeps your mind distracted from sleep.

Improve your overall health to aid you getting a good night’s rest. Exercise aerobically for at least 30 minutes three or four times per week. Add a couple of days of strength training to build muscle. Eat a balanced diet of whole foods and organic fruits and veggies. Aim to eat raw foods which will not only help you lose weight but will help reduce the amount of toxins you put in your body. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help you feel refreshed, improve your digestion and flushes toxins out of your system. Count your calories if you need to lose weight. Begin a diet that helps you lose up to two pounds a week until you reach your goal weight. The better condition your body is in, the better you will be able to sleep.

Another way to help you reduce sleep problems and get consistent sleep is to invest in a quality mattress. Do your research before purchasing. Consider firmness, foam toppers and size. If you sleep with a partner, you need adequate room for the two of you so look at queen or king sizes. Ask salespersons if you can try out the mattress for two weeks before considering the sale final. Never stick with a mattress that does not suit you. Get your money back and continue shopping.

For serious sleep problems, contact your doctor!

See a physician if you suspect a medication you take regularly is causing you sleep problems. Ask your doctor to prescribe an alternate drug if he suspects there is an issue with a particular prescription. While you are there, have your physician give you a complete physical with blood work to help make sure there are no undiagnosed medical issues that are bothering your sleep patterns.

Begin a sleep diary when you start having problems. Record what time you laid down, what time you actually fell asleep, how many times you woke during the night, how long you stayed awake at each of these intervals and what time you got out of bed for the day. From this dairy, you might notice patterns that can be useful in addressing your sleep problems. For instance, if you slept fine on Friday and Saturday nights but did not sleep well Sunday through Thursday, you might determine your sleep problems are connected to your work schedule. Consider what issues and stresses you face on the job and how you can resolve these problems.

Learn to use guided imagery to help you fall asleep at night. Close your eyes and picture a solid black canvas. Concentrate completely on the canvas until you find yourself relaxing. At this point, you can take yourself on a peaceful journey in your mind. Picture a deserted beach, a calm wooded area, a peaceful snowy evening beside the fire or any other scene that evokes pleasant conations for you. Follow the scene in your mind by watching the tide come in, the sun rise or set, birds flying or snow covering the ground. Try to keep the scene alive in your mind until you fall off to sleep.

Some things to avoid at bedtime to help you get to sleep are caffeine, too many liquids close to bedtime and adrenalin pumping activities. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to sleep when you have just attended a concert, watched a thriller or played an exciting game? Your body and mind need time to calm down prior to being able to sleep. Let yourself relax for a while before lying down. Similarly, it is often difficult to sleep if you try too hard to get shut-eye. You might find yourself looking at the clock at various intervals and counting the hours you have left to sleep before you have to wake for work or school. Similarly, you might be too excited about the next day’s events, like a kid on Christmas Eve, to be able to fall asleep. In these cases, you need to distract yourself with a calming activity or guided imagery before you ‘try’ to fall asleep.

Finally, if you have consistent issues with sleep problems, you probably need to schedule at sleep study at a medical facility. It is possible you suffer from sleep apnea or some other issue that is interfering with your rest. Medical professionals can assess your sleep difficulties and prescribe remedies, such as CPAP equipment to help you with your problem. Sometimes, you might only need a temporary measure, such as taking a sleep aid for a short period of time to help you get your sleeping issue resolved.

Take the issue of sleep problems seriously, take care of yourself and seek medical help when all else fails – sleep well to live well.

Sleep insomnia effects a large percentage of people for various reasons.  Maybe, you are just a light sleeper and every noise wakes you up.  Maybe, you live in a large city and the traffic and street noise never sleep. Maybe, you are suffering from depression or anxiety and it has disrupted your sleeping pattern. Whatever the cause, there are solutions ranging from medical to natural.

Peace of mind = free from sleep insomnia?

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In a hectic time with a hectic lifestyle, it is essential for a person to be able to calm their brain down to get good quality sleep. One thing that perpetuates sleep insomnia is worrying about the insomnia.  There is nothing worse if you are having troubles sleeping than constantly checking the clock and feeling like the minutes are going by very slowly.  One thing to do when you are caught in the midst of insomnia is to give in to your sleeplessness.  Grab a book and relax.  Change rooms as you may find you can fall asleep better on the couch! Get a glass of water and try to do some simple breathing exercise to calm yourself down. Don’t get mad at yourself or the world for being awake.

If you are one who wants to rely on medical advancements to help your insomnia, visit your doctor for professional help. There are many options on the market that you can try to help you sleep. Alcohol is another thing that people do try to use as a sleep aid, yet it acts more as a stimulant. Alcohol is not going to help if you are severely depressed or anxious either. It may cause more panic than you need. Use moderation with alcohol. One or two may be OK but seek professional help if you are drinking much more than usual.

Coffee, tea or sleep insomnia?

One great habit to get into is limiting your caffeine intake.  If you are a coffee, tea or commercial soda drinker, limit your intake to one eight ounce glass a day.  This may take some getting used to but you will be glad that you did.  If you can’t seem to kick the caffeine habit, be sure to not drink any caffeinated beverages after three in the afternoon. Expect that you will have some discomfort associated with the lowered intake of caffeinated beverages. You may experience headaches. You may feel weird and cloudy. Your body will adjust. It is better to not go cold turkey, just slowly decrease the amount of caffeine that you drink until you are ready to just one cup of coffee or one caffeinated soda a day.  Buy a French press coffee maker to help you through the process.  It is more labor intensive, gives a strong cup of coffee and produces much less coffee than the usual twelve cup drip coffee makers.

Another thing you need to add to your daily life to aid your sleep insomnia is exercise.  You don’t have to join a gym or take up yoga, though those ideas don’t hurt, yet adding exercise to your daily life will be beneficial.  If you can, bike to work rather than drive. Stretch for at least ten minutes a day.  Take a brisk walk in the morning and the evening. Do whatever makes you feel good. You don’t even have to have a weight loss goal in mind. Just go ahead and do something! Anything! This will help your body burn more calories and make you tired enough to want sleep and be sleepy at the end of the day. Remember, standing is better than sitting and walking is better than standing. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park far away from entrances.  All these are little ways to add more productive exercise into your day.

There are several home remedies you can also use in lieu of medications. Chamomile, Valerian, lavender and many other herbal remedies are on the market that are said to have relaxing qualities.

A long standing cause of sleep insomnia may unfortunately be our significant other. Sometimes they snore. It is possible to get up, leave the room and sleep in another location if the snoring is really bothering you. Snoring is also a sign of more serious issues such as sleep apnea, and if your snoring or the snoring of your significant other is enough to wake up the household, a doctor should be consulted for proper treatment.

Finally, one of the most effective ways to be free of sleep insomnia is to stay on a schedule. It is tempting to sleep in on the weekends or stay up much too late on poker nights but staying on a consistent schedule will get your body into a natural rhythm. It is OK to mess up your schedule from time to time, yet you will begin to notice that no matter how late you stay up, you will wake up at the same time.  Limit the amount of visual stimulation an hour before bed. Turn off your phone, turn off your television, don’t play any video games, and try not to watch disturbing news. This way, your mind will have time to decompress and get ready for a nice and healthy sleep cycle.

How about you? Do you have any advice on how to be free of sleep insomnia? Feel free to share your story on how you surpassed sleep insomnia.

Sleep problems amount to more than just feeling sleepy. And lack of quality sleep can cause accidents, affect your relationships, health, mental prowess, and make you feel somewhat disconnected from the world.

Everyone experiences occasional sleep problems but getting a good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and alert during the day. Lack of sleep will make you feel drowsy, unable to concentrate, and will eventually disrupt your work, family and personal relationships.

It is always best that you find out if your sleepless night is only an isolated occurrence or if it is related to a chronic sleep problem or disorder. You can do this by studying carefully the symptoms. Particular behavior during the day is a sign of sleep deprivation.

Among the most common sleeping disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep), restless leg syndrome (tingling or prickly sensation in the legs) and narcolepsy (daytime ‘sleep attacks’).

Insomnia is not a permanent problem. In many cases, self help techniques (such as improved sleep hygiene, relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy) can alleviate insomnia and promote better health as well as better sleep. Medication is a last resort as there is no lasting treatment for insomnia and most medications have numerous possible side effects.

In sleep apnea, your breathing stops or gets very shallow and each pause in breathing typically lasts 10 to 20 seconds or more. These pauses can occur 20 to 30 times or more an hour. The most common type is ‘obstructive sleep apnea’. This means that you are unable to get enough air through your mouth and nose into your lungs. When this happens, the amount of oxygen in your blood may drop. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea are at higher risk for car crashes, work-related accidents and other medical problems. If you have it, it is important that you get treatment.

Another sleeping problem is ‘restless legs syndrome’ (RLS) that causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe this as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long.

Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol may make symptoms worse. Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques and moderate exercise during the day can help.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes extreme sleepiness and may even make a person fall asleep suddenly and without warning. Specific causes of narcolepsy are not known but people with narcolepsy are lacking in ‘hypocretin’, a brain chemical which regulates sleep and wakefulness. Narcolepsy may be genetic, but it also appears to be influenced by environmental triggers. Treatment requires a combination of medication, behavioral treatments and counseling.

To help you address your sleeping problems, it is recommended that you immediately go to bed when you feel sleepy. Also get up at the same time each morning regardless of the amount of sleep enjoyed during the night. Discontinue caffeine and nicotine especially in the evening and establish a daily exercise program. Avoid alcohol as this disrupts sleep.  Learn and practice some relaxation techniques instead (such as meditation, contemplation or yoga).

Sleep is important; it is the body and mind’s opportunity to have a break in order to repair used muscles and enzymes.  Sleep reduces anxiety and preserves our intellect.

Do you know someone who sleepwalks?  Have you ever experienced sleepwalking especially when you are stressed?  Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder described as walking or doing other ordinary activities while snoozing.  This typically happens during middle infancy and during early teenage years.  When a person who sleepwalks is aroused, he may be confused and may not remember the event.  He may trip and lose balance, and as a result, gets injured.  No examinations or tests are needed to diagnose the disorder.  However, the person should have a complete checkup to discover if there is any medical basis of sleepwalking.

A good night’s sleep is important for attentiveness, alertness, memory and body repair.  Chronic sleep deprivation makes you prone to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infections and some cancers.

An inability to initiate and maintain sleep is also one of the major symptoms of depression.  Lack of sleep plays a role in the causation of depression and can worsen it.  Depression causes you to feel gloomy, desperate, insignificant and powerless for long periods of time, and the infirmity can impair in the activities of daily living.  The negative attitudes associated with depression can disrupt sleep.

Take medical advice to avoid this vicious circle. Get your insomnia cured to treat depression and alleviate depression by sleeping better.

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, adjusts and controls your sleeping patterns.  Treating jet lag and sleep problems is its primary use.  It can be acquired from meats, grains, fruits and vegetables.  A lot of over the counter dietary supplements contain this ingredient.  However, it is safe to consult a physician first for proper medical advice.

Tired of being wired all the time? Frontier Beverage Co.  will be giving away a tranquil, four-day, three-night trip to the Caribbean as part of the company’s “Unwind Ultimate Relaxation Vacation Giveaway.”

One lucky fan will pack his/her bags, snatch a stressed-out friend and “Unwind” on the beaches of the beautiful Dominican Republic.

“Between angry bosses, demanding professors, late-night workouts and trying to manage your social life, it’s almost impossible not to get stressed out very quickly,” said Terry Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Beverage Co. “The Unwind Ultimate Relaxation Vacation Giveaway offers one lucky fan the ability to decompress from the stress of everyday life and ‘Unwind’ a little.”

To enter, visit Unwind Beverage’s Facebook Fan Page, become a fan and fill out the entry form. The contest runs from Sept. 13 through Oct. 13, and is open to U.S. residents 18 and older who will be traveling from the continental U.S.

Unwind™, available in three lightly-carbonated flavors — Goji Grape, Pom Berry, and Citrus Orange — contains a mere 40 calories and only 10 grams of sugar per 12 oz. can and offers a way to settle down at the end of a hard day with a relaxation blend to suit every lifestyle.  Melatonin, valerian root, rose hips and passion flower – which can all be found in local nutrition or vitamin stores and have been used by herbalists for years to cope with anxiety and insomnia – provide Unwind with its calming properties.

Have you asked yourself “Am I Sleep Deprived”? If you don’t have a regular bedtime, are caffeine obsessed and a workaholic then consider yourself deprived of sleep! After a dreadful time at the office, all I want to do is to head home and relax, but unfortunately because of family demands, this is usually not possible. Sleep is an important part of our wellbeing. As a child, I was taught to sleep 8 hours everyday to grow up healthilyand to have good memory and attention span. Lack of sleep can be harmful and lead to chronic illnesses. If you are sleep deprived, you might consider doing the 10 commandments for a better sleep!

“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.

Being a career woman, I juggle so many things both in work and with the family. Because I want to accomplish so much both in my career and in my personal life, I tend to take sleeping for granted. To compensate for a lack of good sleep, I am likely to drink coffee and nibble sweets to give me renewed energy, but they say that being constantly irritable due to a lack of sleep is bad for my long-term  health and leads to a more stressful life. There are many different solutions to helping us sleep better.

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.

Many people are finding that a complete eight hours of sleep is evading them. When sleeping becomes a problem for you, this is sometimes called insomnia. Millions of people around the world are suffering with this condition. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors. Lifestyle, stress and bad sleeping habits are some of these factors. Experts say that sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on the health of an individual. Aside from not having enough rest for the body, it can also cause mental and emotional disorders. This is the reason why you may find it hard to function effectively after a sleepless night. You may become moody and irritable for the rest of the day. Insomnia is also aggravated by other conditions like extreme heat in The Summer – yet another challenge to insomniacs to get  a good night’s sleep.

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.