Black Friday has come and gone and many of us are now feeling a little sleep deprived. Most of us will catch up on our lost sleep by the time the weekend is over, but some live with sleep deprivation daily. If you know someone that can’t sleep or shows symptoms of insomnia like lack of focus, irritability and/or slow motor function you can help them by giving the gift of sleep this Christmas. Here are some of the 2011 best sleep gadget gifts offered this year. Read more »
Dont Worry Sleep Easy
Here is a little poem I have learned About the folks that toss and turn Don’t worry, sleep easy In every life we have some trouble Not sleeping will make it double Don’t worry, sleep easy Read more »
Sleep Facts
The world record of no sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon. The record holder reported hallucinations, paranoia, blurred vision, slurred speech and memory lapses. People can take cat naps with their eyes open (I have personally witnessed this and it is creepy), so without medical supervision it is really impossible to tell if someone is really awake or not. More Sleep Facts ..... Read more »
Milwaukee Ad States Dangers of CoSleeping
In a recent ad campaign in Milwaukee that shows two individual posters of babies (one white, one black) lying bed next to a large knife stating that “YOUR BABY SLEEPING NEXT TO YOU CAN BE JUST AS DANGEROUS. The second leading cause of infant mortality in Milwaukee is SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) which is often the result of unsafe sleep. The Department of Health’s website reports that unsafe sleep includes co-sleeping or sharing the bed with their parents. Read more »
Facts about What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome RLS
Here are some basic facts about what causes restless legs syndrome. What is restless legs syndrome? Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic disorder characterized by throbbing, creeping and painful sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. The sensations are typically worse during periods of inactivity and usually strongest at night. The symptoms are improved with activity. For this reason, people with RLS generally have insomnia, which may be severe. There are no known cures for restless leg syndrome, but some individuals have experienced a temporary remission. Read more »
MYGABA Gabapentin or GABA Supplement or Benzodiazepine
What is GABA? Gamma-Amino Butyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, calming nervous activity. As a supplement it is sold and promoted for these neurotransmitter effects as a natural tranquilizer and an anxiety suppressor. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals released from one cell to another. Major neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and GABA. The neurotransmitter serotonin is produced from the amino acid 5HTP and GABA is mainly produced from the GABA amino acid glutamine. GABA functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter meaning that it blocks nerve impulses. Without GABA the nerve cells fire too often and too easily. Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, seizure disorders, headaches, Parkinson’s syndrome and cognitive impairment are related to low GABA activity. A deficiency of GABA and 5HTP can cause health and mental illnesses, especially mood and sleep disorders. Both GABA and 5HTP have a calming effect on the brain that can relieve anxiety. Read more »
Cheap Mattresses are Sleep Stealers
A recent survey revealed that many health and back problems are due to old or cheap mattresses. The Arc Consulting for the Better Sleep Council found that 82% of 400 surveyed adults believe that their sleep problems are caused by their mattress and almost half described the condition of their mattress as bad or very bad. Although they recognize that their mattress is in bad condition, they are fail to see that it is a sleep stealer and could end up contributing to other health issues. Read more »
Pumpkin and Sleep
Tryptophan is an amino acid that aids the production of melatonin and serotonin which control our sleep/wake cycle. Pumpkins are rich in tryptophan which can help people fall asleep easy. Foods, like pumpkin, that have tryptophan must be eaten with high glycemic carbohydrates for better absorption. This is why you feel lethargic after you have had your Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Mashed potatoes are high glycemic carbohydrates while turkey and pumpkin pie are loaded with tryptophan. Tryptophan works during the day to promote serotonin that helps with depression and anxiety, while at night it produces melatonin that causes us to feel sleepy. Read more »
Dont be SAD Sleep Easier when Twilight Comes Sooner
We all need a good night’s sleep. We are not like Edward the vampire from the Twilight series that doesn’t sleep at all. Getting the required amount of sleep can be difficult for some who work the late shift, are flying over multiple time zones or just too stressed from everyday life, but what happens to our body’s natural 24 hour circadian when we turn the clocks back an hour this Sunday? For us living in North America the end of daylight savings time means many more awake hours in darkness and colder weather, which keeps us indoors. Therefore, many will feel depressed, have more sleep disruptions, fight afternoon sleepiness and are just plain weary. Read more »