Archive for April, 2010
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
If you look at recent history, people are starting to sleep less and less. Less than 100 years ago, people slept 9 hours a night on average; now they’re getting less than 7 hours. We have so many modern conveniences that are supposed to save us time, but really they just give us more to do. Before you accept not sleeping enough as an inevitable way of life, consider the harmful effects sleep deprivation could be having on your body.
Physical Effects
Most people are aware of the obvious short terms effects of sleep deprivation including exhaustion, fatigue, and a general lack of energy, but they’re less aware of some of the more serious physical consequences from not sleeping. Sleep not only recharges and repairs our brains, it also repairs our bodies. Here are some other problems that can arise from not sleeping enough:
* Inability to properly process glucose. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and other symptoms of type II diabetes. This also causes glucose to be stored as fat, which can lead to weight gain
* Increased symptoms of aging
* Core body temperature is lowered, which can impair proper functioning.
* Less consistent heart beat.
Mental Effects
All day long, no matter what you’re doing, your brain is working. It’s spending time inputting processing, and outputting information. Even if you don’t think you get much done during the day, your brain does a lot of work. That’s why it’s important that it has time to rest and recharge. Here are just a few of the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation.
* Less control over speech; exhibited through slurring, stuttering, speaking in monotone, and choosing repetitive words and cliches. Scientists assume this occurs because the speech center of the brain actually shuts down and another, less capable part, must take over.
* While short term memory may be improved, there is a decreased ability to access older memories and convert long term to short term memory. It is almost impossible to learn a new skill.
* Decreased creativity, especially when it comes to problem solving. Sleep deprived people tend to be slower and less accurate when solving problems.
* Hallucinations and even temporary insanity can occur from a lack of REM sleep.
* Decreased judgment abilities and reaction time. Sleep deprivation is comparable to alcohol intoxication when it comes to driving ability.
Emotional Effects
While we tend to focus on the physical and mental symptoms of sleep deprivation, there are also significant emotional symptoms as well. Emotional difficulties can take a severe toll on our personal relationships and safety. Some emotional problems associated with sleep deprivation are:
* Increased emotional stress and anxiety.
* A more pessimistic attitude.
* Extreme sadness and even depression.
* Extreme anger. Sleep deprivation has actually been indicated to be one of the major causes of road rage.
It’s important to remember that not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. You should try to get enough sleep to make yourself feel rested; this may mean getting more than 8 hours. If you’re getting a lot of sleep and not feeling rested, you may have a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, and should see a doctor. While it may be difficult to fit a good night’s sleep into your schedule, it will not only make you feel better, it will also make you more efficient in the time you spend awake.
Jeff Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-91571.html
Posted in Marpac Sleepmate | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
40 million people in the United States experience sleep problems each year, according to the FDA. The 2007 Sleep in America Poll determined that two-thirds of women surveyed experienced difficulty sleeping at least a few nights a week during the last month.
Stress is one of the major reasons for difficulty with sleep. Demanding days filled with too much to consider, economic strain, family difficulties, worries . . . it’s too easy to lie awake at night –- and consequently be worn out the following day. Note: if you are experiencing relentless sleep difficulties, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
Deep Relaxation may be extremely useful for sleep problems, lowering your stress, allowing your body and mind to let go of being on “red alert”.
Parents of young children know that bedtime rituals help their children get to sleep, and sleep well throughout the night. Did you know it’s advantageous for adults too? Having a customary routine around bedtime where you prepare for restful sleep can greatly increase the odds that you will sleep well.
Relaxation is an enormously important part of preparing for good sleep. Deep Relaxation allows your body and mind to settle down from the day’s activities. It’s then a good deal easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and sleep deeply.
Many people discover that listening to a relaxation CD at bedtime assists them to attain a pleasing night’s sleep. Peaceful words and calming music bring about for adults what a lullaby does for an infant! It’s a wonderful method to let go of the day’s concerns and float away into restful sleep.
Be sure not to exercise or eat a heavy meal within four hours of bedtime. Do research on any medicines you are consuming to make sure they are not interfering with your sleep.
Restorative yoga or meditation before bedtime can help your body relax, and calm your mind. If you have tense muscles, listening to a relaxation CD or doing progressive muscle relaxation can help you release tension.
Avoid caffeine (coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, chocolate) or other stimulants late in the day; alcohol and nicotine can also obstruct good sleep.
If you have involuntary leg movements during the night you may be suffering Restless Leg Syndrome. This may sometimes be the result of a folic acid deficiency, so you might try taking a dietary supplement containing folic acid. Gentle stretching of the legs (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves) may also help.
If your sleep problems continue, check with a sleep specialist. Often they will arrange for a sleep study, where you sleep a night at their office while connected to monitors to help with assessment. Sleep apnea (intermittent gaps in breath) is a widespread finding, and there are excellent treatments which work well for this.
Approach your sleep regimen with a plan. Dedicate time for experimentation and try various things. It may be helpful to maintain a sleep journal, where you make brief notes concerning the events of the day. Beneficial things to include in the journal are: your state of mind upon going to bed; when you ate or exercised; caffeine, nicotine and alcohol consumed; relaxation or meditation or other practices done before bedtime; and, finally, the quality of your sleep that night.
Sweet Dreams!
Sandi Anders, M.Div., R.Y.T.
http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/obtaining-a-good-nights-sleep-385974.html
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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
A foot massage is something that almost everyone craves, but very few can actually get. It can be both sensual as well as relaxing. This is a very simple idea that can help to keep even the most on edge person relaxed and at ease. A simple foot massage can relieve many of the tensions of the day and can make you feel revitalized. It can do this in many different ways. It will help to relax the tense muscles in your feet and it will also give you a feeling of relaxation.
In regards to the sensual aspect, there can be many benefits to this as well. A simple foot massage of your loved one will tell them that you care and will help in the creation of an atmosphere of peace. By simply touching and caressing your partner’s feet you set the tone and the atmosphere for the time that lies ahead. This simple gesture will let your partner know what you are willing to do for them and how much you care by caressing their feet and letting them take some tension off which will lead to a night of potential romance.
A simple foot massage can be something that is very helpful to those who have high stress jobs or for someone who is on their feet for the better part of their day. This simple tension reliever will lead to not only your feet feeling better, but your mind and soul will be relaxed as well. This simple pleasure will make your whole day better. A simple foot massage helps to sweep the tension away from your body by making your feet feel comfortable and relaxed again which will rejuvenate your entire body. It is a great end to a long day and a wonderful way to start your night. It will send you on your way to a relaxing evening and a good night which will allow you to have a great start to your next day.
A foot massage has many benefits not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It also helps to relieve the stress as well as provide physical relief. It can relax the muscles and tendons in your feet and help to soothe away those aches and pains that you get from standing on your feet all day. As far as mentally, the fact that someone is pampering you and showing you the affection and attention that you need and crave. It is also just a simple relaxation and stress relief technique that for all intents and purposes allows you just put your feet up. So go home and find someone to give you that foot massage that you so richly deserve or you can go to a massage parlor and let someone else do it for you while receiving some of the other perks of the massage service. It is something that everyone deserves every once in a while or even more so. So go and treat yourself, you deserve it.
Chris Powell
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-benefits-of-a-foot-massage-85702.html
Posted in Homedics Soundspa | 4 Comments »
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Stress is more of a problem than ever. Life has sped up so fast that many are stressed out trying to catch up. Some of the elements that seriously contribute to this ongoing problem are worldly concerns, financial difficulties, keeping up with everyone else’s expectations, marital problems, job insecurity, and much more…
The built up stress for many can cause a number of diseases, disorders, and early aging. Stress relief is more important than ever! Along with the increase of stress, much more understanding on relieving it has developed. One great way that can make a big difference is the hand and foot massage.
How might a Hand And Foot Massage Relieve Stress?
All along your stressful days and possibly nights, you spend a lot of time on your feet using your hands. They carry out a majority of your entire bodies works. With stress and fatigue, they impact how your whole body turns, works and moves as well. Stress adds up at these critical points. Reflexology on the hand and foot can relieve much of your daily stress. With the pain from every day life gone as a result of massage in these locations, can even cure certain types of diseases.
The hand and foot massage usually takes somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. This may vary on your mood as well as choices as to which massage parlor you have this reflexology performed on both hand and foot. While there you should be able to see a map of how your foot as well as hand effect stress relief along with pain throughout your body. You can see where this massage will help.
Your relaxation is required to make your hand and foot massage the most effective. Without you will probably not find the results of relief you want. The masseuse will often play relaxing music to help your mind go with the flow, allowing you to better concentrate on enjoying your hand and foot massage.
Among the other benefits of a hand and foot massage, include improvements to circulation, relief of accumulated pain from long driving, walking, and many other daily physical demands. You will be amazed at the results when you have a hand and foot massage from a professional provider.
You can investigate further on how a hand and foot massage is done, prior to having one of your own. There are many resources online and various books on the subject as well. You will find that along with the hand and foot, a massage is a great way to relieve all kinds of stress and muscle pains.
When you are ready to go for your hand and foot reflexology, be sure the massage parlor you choose is certified utilizing only qualified masseuses. This is important as you have probably found, since inexperienced rubs can actually cause damage and maybe even more pain.
With that all said, go and try a hand and foot massage today. See from your own experience what your opinion will be. Though you may find yourself hooked and unable to stop once started. Happier healthier life may be at stake though so have no fear of a hand and foot massage.
Madison Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/stress-relief-from-a-hand-and-foot-massage-88425.html
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