June 9, 2021
Warmer weather has arrived! With it comes the prospect of spending more time outdoors. While many outdoor enthusiasts simply enjoy feeling close to nature, they may or may not also be aware of the incredible health benefits of camping—including improved sleep.
Exactly how does sleeping outdoors improve sleep quality? The answer is the body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.
(more…)May 26, 2021
Losing a loved one is difficult. The grief that’s experienced directly after a loss can feel overwhelming, and at times unbearable. There isn’t a “normal” or “typical” way to grieve—everyone grieves in a way that’s particular to their personality and connection to the loved one lost; but at times, grief transforms into something much more complex and life-altering.
This transformation is called complicated grief. Complicated grief lasts long-term and can cause emotional and relational difficulties due to a severe breakdown in the processing of the grief and consequential mental distress. As found in a 2009 study, “Bereaved individuals with complicated grief find themselves in a repetitive loop of intense yearning and longing that becomes the major focus of their lives, albeit accompanied by inevitable sadness, frustration, and anxiety.” Complicated grief impacts 10% of bereaved people.
(more…)May 20, 2021
It’s been long understood that sleep is needed for our brains to properly function. It helps us store memories, and supports our ability to learn, and maintains our emotional competency. But how exactly does the connection between sleep and our brains, particularly memory storing, association, and the feelings surrounding our memories, work? Could sleep apnea interfere with this?
The short answer? Yes.
(more…)April 29, 2021
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. When untreated, ADHD can negatively affect the sufferer’s life and the lives of loved ones. Despite the seemingly excess energy that ADHD sufferers have, it may be surprising that 25-50% of people with the condition also struggle with sleep problems.
(more…)April 23, 2021
When most people think of loud snorers, an image of a man typically comes to mind, and there is evidence to back this up: men are more frequently diagnosed with sleep apnea, a condition often characterized by loud, persistent snoring. But as it turns out, the reason that men are more frequently diagnosed with this condition is complicated. Why is the science and perception of sleep apnea and snoring in women so out of sync? And how can women find out if they have this condition and get the treatment they need? It would be unfair of us to move forward without acknowledging the fact that there are reasons for this outside of biology.
(more…)April 1, 2021
You probably enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner or cocktail with friends, but did you know that even light alcohol consumption can negatively impact your sleep? Does this mean you should avoid alcohol altogether? Today, we dive deeper into the connection between alcohol and sleep to discover if a harmonious relationship between the two is possible.
March 29, 2021
Pillows are soft, cozy accessories to our sleep environments that we likely don’t think twice about, and because of that, their important role in our sleep health is often overlooked. Yet, they are critical for getting the best quality sleep possible.
Pillows provide your head, neck, and spine with support. The right pillow will support the natural curvature of your neck, leaving you well-rested and ache-free in the morning. Because people come in all shapes, sizes, and builds, pillows do as well. There are pillows made to better suit front sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers, and a wide variety of materials are available.
If you suffer from a sleep breathing disorder, chances are you’re trying to do everything you can to reduce its effects. The correct pillow can be a big help. Here’s how to make the best decision for you.
(more…)March 15, 2021
It’s that time of year again. Rain showers bring bright, blooming flowers, and flowers bring the dreaded sneeze attack. And coughing. And red eyes. And, well, the list goes on. For many, this is the reality of springtime: a long list of complications caused by a large number of allergens.
(more…)March 1, 2021
Lynn consistently felt tired and unable to be present, both at work and in her personal life. As a seventh and eighth grade science teacher, having enough energy to get through the day with her class was becoming more and more difficult — but it was her snoring, which was affecting her husband’s rest at night, that ultimately led her to seek answers.
February 26, 2021
With 40-50% of marriages in America ending in divorce, it’s no wonder that the psychology of marital relationships piques interest. According to one study, with additional data from the INSIDER data team, there are 11 main reasons for divorce, with the first being lack of commitment, the second being infidelity, and the third being excessive conflict and arguing.
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