Sleep is not a habit, but healthy nighttime habits can improve your sleep quality and quantity. Here are 10 ways to fall asleep and more tips to reduce daily stress, anxiety and even depression that cause restless nights. Read more »
Causes of Insomnia Part 10 Sleep Doesn’t Come Easy with ObamaCare RFID Chip
Ok, I know that the ObamaCare RFID chip doesn't cause insomnia, but worrying about being micro-chipped and what is going to happen with my health insurance in 2014 can cause many sleepless nights. Is human micro-chipping Fact or Science Fiction? According to my research the new Obama 2012 healthcare plan has a hidden law that allows an RFID chip or what is known as the VeriChip to be imbedded in those on overnment programs (including Medicare individuals) to scan identification data and medical records. Besides the religious implications those individuals that are micro-chipped will be controlled by the government without their consent. The VeriChip consists of three connectors which activate the device with radio controlled frequency waves which can read, control and transfer information within one’s body and mind by satellite and computer network files. If the government can monitor every aspect of your life they can eventually control you! Read more »
I Like Dreaming Lucid Dreaming
What is a lucid dream? A lucid dream is when the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming. A lucid dream can begin as a normal dream and then the dreamer can control how the dream ends. Have you ever changed how your dream was ending and decided to go back to another part of the dream and start over? This type of lucid dream is known as dream-initiated lucid dream or DILD. Another type of lucid dream is wake-initiated lucid dream (WILD) that occurs when the dreamer goes from a normal waking state directly into a dream state with no lapse in consciousness. Dreams are very important to sleep. According to an article published in the Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Dr. J. Allan Hobson, a psychiatrist and long time sleep researcher disputed the main function of the rapid-eye-movement sleep cycle (REM) where most dreaming occurs, is physiological. Read more »
Tryptophan Rich Foods Induce Sleep Myth or Fact
What is tryptophan? Tryptophan is an essential amino acid in the human body. It functions as a biochemical precursor to sleep inducing compounds serotonin and melatonin. This tryptophan amino acid is not naturally produced in the body therefore It has to come from our diet. Eating foods high in tryptophan are known to promote calmness or feelings of lethargy. A tryptophan deficiency may lead to low levels of serotonin. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, anxiety, irritability, impatience, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, weight gain, overeating, carbohydrate cravings, poor dream recall, and insomnia. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. Consequently, a dietary deficiency of vitamin B6 may result in low serotonin levels and/or impaired conversion of tryptophan. In addition, several dietary, lifestyle, and health factors reduce the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, including cigarette smoking, high sugar intake, alcohol abuse, excessive consumption of protein, hypoglycemia and diabetes. Read more »
Light Sleeper…I was born this way
Do you wake up during the night by the slightest of sounds? It turns out that some people’s brains are hard-wired to block out external stimuli, while others are aware of any noise that goes bump in the night. For light sleepers ambient sounds are the most common cause for interrupted sleep since the mind receives and monitors stimuli in order to protect them from outside threats or hear a baby cry. But it should also block sounds to let them fall asleep easy and stay asleep so they can recharge their "brain battery" as well as getting the deep sleep they need to feel refreshed the next day. Many light sleepers brains respond to all surrounding stimuli no matter if it’s nonthreatening like traffic, partner snoring or dogs barking and/or threatening such as a fire alarm or an intruder in the house. Are YOU a light sleeper? I was born this way. Read more »
Secret Sleep Stealers
There are many reasons why you may not be able to fall asleep such as menopausal symptoms, heart racing, anxiety, stress and/or physical pain. There may be other silent mental or physical sleep stealers that may hinder your sleep. One of the secret sleep stealers could be an over-active thyroid or hyperthyroidism which can cause you to have too much energy at night. Did you know that you can develop thyroiditis following the delivery of a baby? 5 to 10 percent of women in their 20’s and 30’s will experience thyroiditis along with postpartum depression. After a couple months the condition will reverse into hypothyroidism which is a lack of thyroid hormone that will slow your body functions and leave you constantly tired. If you are too agitated to sleep or find yourself suffering from extreme fatigue postpartum you should see your doctor. Read more »
Sleep Aide: Acupuncture
Ancient medication uses hair like thin needles known as acupuncture which is a safe and natural way to cure illness, prevent disease and improve general well-being. These thin needles are placed into specific points in the body to trigger a healing response. Acupuncture has become a popular alternative therapy for a variety of ailments from headaches, arthritis, digestive problems, infertility and even as a sleep aide for those with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or sleep walking. Read more »