http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/vitamin-b-family.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/vitamin-b-family.html Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 B VITAMINS

Thiamin (B1); Riboflavin (B2); Niacin (B3/B4);
Pantothenic Acid (B5); Pyridoxine (B6);
Biotin (B7); Inositol (B8); Folic Acid (B9);
Para-aminobenzoic Acid (10); Choline (B11);
Hydroxy / Cyanocobalamin (B12)
Pangamic Acid/ Calcium Pangamate (B15)

The vitamin B family consists of 15 different B vitamins. B Vitamins help us use energy. Its like putting a sandwich up against your forehead. Not going to do you any good is it? All B vitamins are all required for different stages of the process whereby energy is released from the food we eat every day.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine): RDA 1.2 MG

Vitamin B-1 is a water soluble vitamin. It is known to be beneficial to the nervous system and positive mental state. B-1 aids digestion and promotes growth. Things such as cooking vegetables, drinking alcohol or caffeine, and even antacids can destroy this essential vitamin.

Its main role is to break down carbohydrates from food and convert them into sugar
Thiamine is destroyed by alcohol, so many alcoholics are thiamine deficient
Thiamine is found in pork, sunflower seeds and peanuts
Thiamine is added to many cereals

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin): RDA 1.7 MG

This easily absorbed water soluble vitamin is needed for tissue repair and healthy skin. It also helps the body use oxygen and aids in the formation of healthy antibodies and red blood cells.

Helps body release energy from proteins, carbs and fats
Food sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, beef, and green vegetables
Riboflavin is destroyed by light-if you have breads that contain riboflavin, keep them in the dark

Vitamin B-3/4 (Nicain/Niacinamide): RDA 20 MG

Water soluble Niacin is important to the brain's functions, and in promoting healthy skin, nervous and digestive systems. Niacin is also a natural cholesterol-lowering agent.

Provides energy for cell tissue growth
Food sources are chicken, fish, veal, certain cereals and liver
The body can produce niacin from tryptophan which is found in milk and eggs
If you have a diet high in tryptophan, your need for niacin is reduced

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): RDA 10 MG

Our body's adrenal glands and digestive system depend on B-5. It helps in cell building and maintaining normal growth. It is believed to be a factor in helping the body fight physical stress.

In association with coenzyme A, it helps to convert nutrients to energy
Can lower cholesterol and some people say it enhances their athletic abilities
Food sources include yeast, liver, eggs, peas, peanuts, lean meats and legumes

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine): RDA 2 MG

Pyridoxine, this water soluble vitamin is needed to help keep teeth, gums, blood cells and our nervous stysem funtioning helthily. B-6 plays an important role in converting fats, proteins and carbohydrates into usable energy for your body. B-6 is an essential B-Vtiamin that the human body needs to stay in a healthy state. It can help protect the body in helping to form antibodies. B-6 also plays a role in the body's potassium and sodium balance.

Uses protein to build body tissue and metabolizes fat
Food sources include chicken, beef liver and blackstrap molasses
It is necessary for the production of antibodies and red blood cells

Vitamin B-7 (Biotin): RDA 0.3 MG

Water soluble Biotin helps keep your skin and circulatory system in a healthy state. It is also needed to break down fats and proteins. Biotin plays a role in maintaing healthy hair and helps other B-Vitamins work better. B-7 is essential for healthy skin.

Metabolizes protein and fat
Enables the body to absorb vitamin C
Lack of biotin in the diet can lead to eczema and hair loss
Food sources include fruit, nuts, brewers yeast, peanut butter cauliflower and egg yolks

Vitamin B-8 (Inositol): RDA 40 MG

Inositol is a B-Factor in the B-Vitamin family. Inositol aids in fat breakdown and offers nourishment to brain cells and metabolizes fats and cholesterol. Inositol also plays an important part in the health of cell membranes especially the specialized cells in the brain, bone marrow, eyes and intestines. Inositol is said to promote healthy hair, hair growth, and helps in controlling estrogen levels and may assist in preventing breast lumps. It may also help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid/Folate): RDA 0.4 MG

Folic acid is important for the formation of new red blood cells and aids in the converting go proteins into energy. It is necessary for the growth and division of body cells. Folic Acid is also very important in preventing birth defects related to the spine and brain. A definecy of folate can lead to many major help problems.

Potential cancer fighter because it produces red blood cells and genetic material in cells
Pregnant women must get adequate amounts of folic acid or there is risk of serious birth defects
Heavy drinkers and women on birth control pills have a high risk of becoming deficient in folic acid
Food sources include green leafy vegetables, legumes, liver, peanuts and bananas

Vitamin B-10 (Para-aminobenzoic Acid): RDA 25 MG

Water soluble PABA is important in the break down of protein. It has important sun screening properties and helps keep the skin healthy and smooth. PABA is a factor in helping to form folic acid. PABA is used in sun protection lotions to help reduce and protect you from sunburn.

Vitamin B-11 (Choline): RDA 200 MG

Also known as amanitine, lipotropic factor. An active constituent of lecithin, Choline is a water soluble member of the Vitamin B complex. It is not a true vitamin as it is synthesized in the liver. Choline helps assists in the correct stabilizing and metabolism of fats. Without Choline, fats can frustrate metabolism by becoming trapped in the liver.

Vitamin B-12 (Hydroxy/Cyanocobalamin): RDA 0.006 MG

Vitamin B-12 also known as the "red vitamin", helps play a role in building rich blood and in the development of your body's red blood cell growth. B-12 is also important for the nervous system. Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in concentration, balance and memory. It is hard to digest so we need to ingest much higher amounts than the RDA in order to absorb enough. It’s found only in animal foods, so a supplement may be needed to aquire the RDA

Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and other body tissues
It may take years of a vitamin B12 deprived diet to show signs in a persons health
Reduces fatigue and memory loss
Food sources include meat, fish, eggs and dairy products

Vitamin B-15 (Pangamic Acid/ Calcium Pangamate): RDA 25 MG

Vitamin B15 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not a vitamin in the strict sense because it has not been proven to be an essential requirement for the body. It detoxifies the by-products of human metabolism, assists in the regulation of hormones, extends cell life and is an instant oxygenator. Pangamic acid also has antioxidant properties, which may help explain why it is so highly touted for its ability to confer protection against urban air pollutants, stimulate increased immune system response, lower blood cholesterol levels, protect the liver from the ravages of alcohol, cure fatigue, and ward off hangovers, Vitamin B15's effect is improved when taken with vitamin A and vitamin E.

A convenient way to get you’re recommended amount of the B vitamins is to take a high quality vitamin B complex supplement while continuing to eat a variety of the recommended foods above. A vitamin B supplement will help with a vast array of health issues including promoting good eyesight, a good immune system, strong nails and hair and a healthy nervous system. It can also prevent shingles, cancer, physical stress, heart disease, high cholesterol, neurological damage such as memory loss and mood changes as well as birth defects.

Signs that you may be vitamin B deficient include:

mental problems
heart palpitations
indigestion
chronic fatigue
Paranoia
fear that something dreadful is about to happen
nervousness
ADD
irritability
feeling of uneasiness
insomnia
restlessness
tingling in hands fingers and toes
rashes
crying spells, inability to cope

Article Source : http://www.online-health-source.info/Vitamins-and-Supplements/Vitamin-B-Family/







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Tyler D Falls

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/circadian-rhythms-disorders-and-sleep-phase-syndrome.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/circadian-rhythms-disorders-and-sleep-phase-syndrome.html Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500
However, imagine a system so disrupted that our normal scheduling for sleeping and waking is totally altered. Some people tend to sleep early and wake up early in the morning and some cannot sleep early and as a consequence, wakes up late.

These and other sleep-related problems are manifestations of a malfunctioning biological circadian clock and characterize several forms of Circadian Rhythm Syndrome. Circadian activity is a unique by 24-hour period or cycles in which our body is physically patterned.

24-hour vs. 25-hour cycle

Earth rotates around the sun in a 24-hour cycle, so as our body functions in this 24-hour time schedule. All living organisms charismatically subscribe to this cyclic resting and activity patterns so that their body could function in sync with the environment in which they live.

Although humans externally operate under a 24-hour environment, research found that our body clocks evidently works significantly different than what we see in the environment.

It shows that the human body closely behaves as if it were under a 25-hour environment. Convincingly, humans’ reluctance to wake up at a required time and sleeping late at night probably explains this theory.

To compensate for this discrepancy, the body uses time “cues” to effectively counter-manage this asynchronous rhythmical. Setting an alarm helps us wake up at a designated time of the day and allows us to function as if it were under the 24-hour rhythmic schedule.

Dark vs. Light

Light and temperature provides the determining factor by which the body responds to the 24-hour activity period. The presence or absence of light mainly affects the part of the brain, which paces your bodily activities.

It was understood that the fundamental locus or location of our biological clock is the brain specifically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus.

In complex animals like humans, hypothalamus forms part of the autonomous nervous system, which in part, controls the functions of organs that are not voluntarily controlled, hence involuntary. Involuntary, meaning, they are not governed by conscious will to act. These include breathing, heartbeat and intestinal digestion.

Eyes, Light and SCN

One interesting point to make is that the location of SCN is just above the optic chiasma (cross). Optic chiasma can is described as a location where optic nerve fibers meet and cross (chiasma-cross).

It is fitting to say that; the perception of light through the opening in the eyes triggers the wake/sleep patterns in humans since this is one way the organism receives such physical message.

As retina (a portion of the eye where initial image of an object is stored) traps light rays, an optic fiber relays the image to the brain via characteristic electrical pulses.

This unique sensory impulse is carried along the optic fibers to the occipital lobe (rear part) of the brain and is perceived as images. The proximity of the optic chiasma to the SCN perhaps provides the opportunity for the hypothalamus to “sense” the referred electrical impulses.

Forms of Circadian Rhythms Syndrome/Disorders

Circadian Rhythm defects can come many distinct forms depending on the amount and timing of waking up and sleeping. Others, as in the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), result in the changes in the length of day and night.

People who tend to sleep at a later time of the day and wake up late as well are said to be exhibiting Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). These people tend to develop insomnia, an abnormal inability to take adequate amount of sleep due to not being able to sleep at the right time of the night.

Still, other people, especially the elderly, are more likely to sleep early around 7:00 PM and consequently wake up early around 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM. This is a symptom of disrupted natural biological rhythms known as Familial Advanced Sleep-Phase Syndrome (FASPS).

The amount of a substance called melatonin is also perceived as a motivating factor in sleep-related disorders in humans. In a study among vertebrate mammals, melatonin is secreted in response to the absence of light.

This means more melatonin is secreted in the period of darkness and less in the presence of light. It presupposes the idea that melatonin is related to the 24-hour sleep/wake cycle of every human being.

Recommendations

With the knowledge gained in the preceding discussion, it can be assumed that the presence and absence of light affects our sleeping/waking schedule. With these in mind, keep yourself committed to your schedule to rest and sleep and set aside things, which are not really important.

Keep your room as dark and gloomy as possible, to make it easy for you to sleep. Colorful objects stimulate your senses and disrupt sleep. Keep it ventilated and air-conditioned.

Studies show that as we sleep, our body temperature drops and allows the neurotransmitter melatonin to be produced at a rapid pace.

Keep those things in mind and do not forget to seek medical help should your condition progresses.

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Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website to know more about other Sleep Disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless legs, narcolepsy.
Sleep Disorders Guide

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/top-10-drug-free-ways-to-say-good-night-to-insomnia.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/top-10-drug-free-ways-to-say-good-night-to-insomnia.html Tue, 02 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500
A person who is suffering from sleepless nights, someone who frequently wakes up at night and rises up early in the morning even though that person does not have enough sleep is having a sleeping disorder known as insomnia.

Insomnia is a condition in which a person is not getting enough sleep. This person when awakened at night has a hard time sleeping again. Insomnia can happen every night, from time to time or in a period of time.

Here are the some suggestions wherein insomnia can be treated:

1.Follow a positive routine.

If an insomniac has an erratic eating routine, this should be changed to a fixed routine dedicated to directly fight insomnia. The person should eat early dinner so as to condition the body to sleep early.

2.Do not drink coffee.

As much as possible, a person with insomnia should avoid drinking coffee, sodas, chocolate, cocoa, green tea, black tea or anything that has caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers sleeplessness. It can make someone awake for as long as 20 hours. For some, even drinking a cup of coffee in the morning causes them sleeplessness at night.

3.Exercise at night.

Insomnia is often caused by too much stress. Doing exercise at night makes blood to circulate in our brain and body. This in turn makes us calm and stress free.

4.The bedroom should be conducive to sleep.

Loud noise coming from cars in the street, upbeat music set at very high volume, bright lights and uncomfortable bed should be avoided.

5.Read not watch.

Read books, magazines or anything that interests an insomniac instead of watching television. Television enhances attention, which makes a person awake. Reading on the other hand while in bed causes the eye to get tired and creates a sleepy feeling.

6.Relax

Try ways that causes our body to relax. Meditation technique like yoga can initiate a calm state of mind and body. Listening to soft and classical music can also help. There are fragrant oils, incense, and candles that are made specifically to aid in relaxation. Consult a shop that sells these on type of scents that can induce sleep.

7.The root solution for insomnia.

There are root extracts that can engender a sleepy state. 300 to 600 mg of concentrated extract should be taken 30 minutes prior to going to bed. This root extract can be mixed with calming herbs like chamomile, passionflower and balm made from lemon.

8.Take melatonin with caution

Melatonin can help in adjusting one’s sleeping pattern. 0.5 to 3.0 mg an hour or two before going to bed may help. Melatonin though should only be taken with the approval of a physician. The human body has different reactions to melatonin.

As people grow older, the melatonin level of the body decreases. This explains why older people usually have a hard time sleeping and sleep less compared to children and younger people.

9.Magnesium

Conditions such as, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and period limb movements (PLM), while sleeping can cause insomnia. Taking 300 mg of magnesium at night from four to six weeks can solve insomnia. Again this should be done with doctor’s consent.

10.Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which is a Chinese healing method, could help to heal insomnia. These needles put into the skin strike nerve transmitters that produce sleep-inducing hormones like serotonin.

Altering a person’s diet is effective in preventing and healing insomnia. Doctors suggest eating food that is high in carbohydrate prior to sleep. Examples of these are bread and crackers. Studies showed that carbohydrates enhance the quantity of serotonin produced by the body.

Serotonin is a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter that affects the brain. This chemical lessens anxiety, which in turn creates sleep.

Consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist may give light in solving insomnia. This sleeping disorder is usually caused by stress. A psychologist or psychiatrist can give expert advice on how to treat insomnia.

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Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related ebooks and websites. Check out his latest ebook “Insomnia Guide” - A Clear and Effective Guide to Overcome Insomnia Using Natural remedies. Insomnia Guide



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/night-eating-syndrome-and-sleep-walking.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/night-eating-syndrome-and-sleep-walking.html Tue, 09 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Has this happened to you?

You woke up one morning, and you found that there were wrappers of candy bar all over your kitchen. Incidentally, your stomach aches and you see that you had chocolate smudges all over your hands and face. Your parents or your husband tells you that you are up all night long eating, but surprisingly, you don’t recall that you did so. Your parents or your husband seemed serious telling you that you actually ate all those chocolates. Is there an inside joke?

Probably not, In fact, the symptoms show that you probably have a night eating syndrome.

Night eating syndrome, also known as sleep-related eating, is considered by medical doctors as a parasomnia. It is not a frequent sleepwalking type. People suffering from this disorder have experiences of recurrent eating episodes while asleep, without actually being aware that they are actually doing it. This nocturnal eating syndrome might happen most of the time that it would show significant gain in your weight. Although this disorder can affect people in all ages and sexes, the sleep-related eating affects young women more than men.

What is night eating disorder?

Also known as nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder or NS-RED, night eating disorder is not an eating problem strictly speaking. It is known as a sleep disorder type that enables people to eat while seemingly asleep. While sleeping, they could eat while in bed, or in some cases, roaming around the house or staying at the kitchen.

The people suffering from this disorder are not conscious during NS-RED episodes. That is why night eating disorder is always related to sleepwalking. Being asleep, they do not know that they eat and cannot recall any incident of eating the night before. If at all, they can only remember in fragments. The NS-RED episode more or less occurs somewhere in a state between sleep and wakefulness.

When people suffering from night eating disorder learn that they have such a problem, they feel ashamed and embarrassed. Some, even with evidence presented by his or her family members, deny that they did that. They cannot believe that they could do such a thing and cannot admit to themselves that they could not control themselves.

The food consumed during the disorder periods are most likely to be high-sugar, high-fat food that people usually avoid when they’re awake. In some cases, there are those who eat bizarre food combinations, such as raw bacon partnered with mayonnaise, or hotdogs being dipped in a peanut butter. Some even eat non-food items such as soap in the same way they slice cheese.

How can you get NS-RED?

According to recent statistics, about three to nine people or about one to three percent of the total population are most likely to be affected by the disorder, with up to 15 percent of those who have eating disorders affected by night eating disorder.

Many of those affected by the syndrome diet (or at least try to) during the day, leaving them hungry and very weak to binge eating during the night when their control to achieve weight loss gets weakened by sleep. Some people have medical histories of drug abuse, alcoholism, and other sleep disorders such as restless legs, sleep apnea, and sleep walking. They often get tired upon waking up due to fragmented sleep. Many NS-RED cases seem to run along family lines.

How can you eat and unable to remember doing so?

Actually, that could really happen. While research on this disorder is still not that comprehensive, there is a high probability that there are parts of the brain that are truly sleeping even though some parts stay wide awake. Also asleep are the parts that regulate your waking consciousness, so it is no wonder that you cannot remember any memories of gorging on food on the night before.

Is NS-RED curable? What should you do if you have it?

Thank god, treatment is available for your night eating disorder. Treatment starts with a medical interview as well as spending a night or two in a good sleep-disorders center where you brain activity can be monitored. Medication is sometimes helpful, but you should avoid taking sleeping pills as they can aggravate your sleep disorder by adding to the clumsiness and confusion upon waking up and may cause you injury as can regular use of these pills.

Yes, there is treatment. It begins with a clinical interview and a night or two at a sleep-disorders center where brain activity is monitored. Sometimes medication is helpful, but sleeping pills should be avoided. They can make matters worse by increasing confusion and clumsiness that can lead to injury. Regular use of sleeping pills can also lead you to dependency. It would be better that you ask a doctor on what medication to take.

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Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website to know more about other Sleep Disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless legs, narcolepsy.
Sleep Disorders Guide

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/are-you-getting-a-good-nights-sleep.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/are-you-getting-a-good-nights-sleep.html Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
If you are having trouble sleeping, there are a few steps you can take to help your body naturally get to sleep. First try to get to bed at the same time every night your body runs on an internal clock and if you don’t get to sleep every night at the same time you can through that clock out of whack so a regular bedtime routine is good practice even if you aren’t tired try to lay down maybe read a book or listen to some relaxing music. Lifestyle choices will affect your sleep as well such as smoking, illicit drug use and pharmaceuticals, alcohol and caffeine; try to limit your intake of such things for better sleep. Next in line is nutrition, a combination of herbs and vitamins can help naturally relax the body and mind to help one get better sleep all night long. Green tea is an herb that is loaded with the amino acid l-Theanine, studies have shown l-Theanine to can help calm the brain, given today’s high passé lifestyles most of us are still thinking about work or what needs to go on your grocery list while laying in bed, l-Theanine helps calm your thoughts for a better nights sleep.

Other beneficial vitamins and herbs are as follows:

* 5-HTP: helps promote healthy sleep, a precursor to serotonin vital for mood regulation and sleep.

* Ashwagandha: an Adaptogenic herb, helps combat stress, calming herb.

* B Complex: good to combat stress, helps maintain a healthy nervous system function.

* Calcium: helps relax muscles.

* Chamomile: anti-anxiety herb, good for ADD, insomnia and stress.

* Catnip: a calming herb, used to help you sleep with out affecting you the next day.

* Hops: primarily used for treatment of anxiety and insomnia for thousands of years.

* Lemon Balm: Primarily used for ADD, insomnia, stress, and Irritable bowel syndrome.

* Magnesium: helps relax muscles and is a good brain relaxing mineral.

* Skullcap: used in the past primarily as a calmative and a digestive aid, and is known for its calming effects.

* Valerian: is a tranquilizer and calming herb useful for disorders such as restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, hysteria, and headaches.

The above listed herbs can be found in combination by several manufacturers such as Source naturals and Planetary Formulas to name two. Herbal supplements can create a natural relaxing and stress relieving environment for the body before bedtime.

Finally, there is melatonin which is a hormone naturally produced by the body. Melatonin is secreted from the pineal gland and is only released in darkness during sleep in healthy people. Unfortunately melatonin declines as we age and supplementation might be needed to help bring back normal sleep at night.

The statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease please consult your health care physician before discontinuing medication or introducing herbs into your diet if you are currently on medication for sleep, herbs tend to enhance the effects of medications and side effects from those medication may increase.


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Visit VitaNet® Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/. VitaNet sells high quality vitamins and herbs at discount prices and name brands like Source Naturals and Planetary Formulas. Please link to this site when using this article.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/orthopaedic-posture-supports-and-memory-foam.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/orthopaedic-posture-supports-and-memory-foam.html Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The advantage of orthopaedic posture supports made from memory foam is the increased support this material provides. It has a characteristic not found in conventional high-density foam, the ability to react to temperature. This additional component allows memory foam to mould to every aspect of the surface pressing against it. The denser areas of the body ''sink' into the foam but this has no effect on the foam around these areas that can remain firm allowing for the support of the gentle and severe curves found throughout the body. That is the point at which the muscles can now relax and the therapeutic properties of this remarkable product is fully realised.

There is however another aspect of memory foam that is often overlooked but of great importance. To be fully effective the total support so quickly achieved must be sustained over time to maximise the benefits. You find when using memory foam that you tend not to move about looking for more comfortable positions. To maintain this high level of support without building up pressure and restricting blood flow requires a substance that retains a residual 'softness'. A good quality memory foam product whether they are mattress toppers, full mattresses or orthopaedic supports like lumbar rolls or neck supports are all made with memory foam constructed to a density of 55-60kg/m³. This means that all shapes and sizes of individuals are able to achieve highly effective tailored posture support for long periods of time without experiencing discomfort, and when the orthopaedic support is in the form of a memory foam mattress the experience of a deep recuperative sleep.


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Peter Robinson is a director of Restore Foam, a market leading producer of innovative memory foam orthopaedic aids. Peter, a Canadian by birth, now resident in Manchester UK has many years experience in product development and now focuses on addressing orthopaedic issues through development of the Restore Memory Foam range. Peter can be contacted via email on info@restorefoam.com or via www.restorefoam.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/mattress-and-restore-memory-foam-technology.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/mattress-and-restore-memory-foam-technology.html Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The problem with mass produced mattresses is they can only cater for general body shapes. The little bumps and curves that make us individual are left unattended. The muscles supporting these parts of our body never get the opportunity to relax. Where we feel this most acutely is the lower back and our neck. In both cases these muscles work all day to support large and uniquely shaped parts of our body. The lack of relief that an inadequate mattress brings can lead directly to lower back and neck aches, this is definitely not the way that you would want to begin a new day. The unique element memory foam brings to a mattress is to allow it to conform to each individual body shape. This means that no matter what size and shape you are you are going to get total body support. The muscles that previously remained tense can now relax and you can sink into that deep recuperative sleep we all need. The reasons why memory foam can succeed where other mattresses fail is due entirely to its unique construction. The structure of the foam allows it to react to both pressure and temperature.

The significance of this breakthrough is best illustrated by imagining you are floating perfectly level on a calm lake, your hips and head partly submerged in the water but every other point along your body in contact with the surface of the water. The effect is almost dream like. The effect of gravity has been minimalised and all the pressure on your muscles and skeleton have been removed. The effect of RESTORE® memory foam is similar. The unique construction of this material allows it to react to both temperature and pressure. The larger more prominent regions of your body meld to the foam while the curves of your spine neck and legs remain gently supported. The effect is the same regardless of your sleeping position. The other feature of RESTORE® memory foam that further enhances its effectiveness is its density. The high density of RESTORE® memory foam prevents any pressure build up where you are pressing most firmly against it, this is significant when you realise that the vast majority of people sleeping on conventional mattresses roll about during the night seeking more comfortable sleeping positions. This night time tussle is disruptive to not only your quality of sleep but to anyone else sharing your bed. If you are suffering from poor quality sleep then RETORE® memory foam mattresses and toppers could make tomorrow a better day for you.


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Peter Robinson has developed the Restore Foam brand and a range of RESTORE® Memory Foam products to be market leading but extremely price competitive. A full range of memory foam matresses can be found via www.restorefoam.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/home-remedies-for-insomnia.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/home-remedies-for-insomnia.html Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Research has shown that people with chronic insomnia almost invariably have marked deficiencies of such key nutrients as B complex vitamins, and Vitamin C and D as also calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc. The sleep mechanism is unable to function efficiently unless each of these nutrients is present in adequate amounts in the diet.

A balanced diet with simple modification in the eating pattern will go a long way in the treatment of insomnia. Such a diet should exclude white flour products, sugar and its products, tea, coffee, chocolate, cola drinks, alcohol, fatty foods, fried foods, foods containing additives, excessive use of salt and strong condiments.

In the modified eating pattern, breakfast should consist of fresh and dried fruits, seeds and milk or yogurt. Of the two main meals, one should consist of a large mixed salad of raw vegetables and the other should be protein based. A cup of milk sweetened with honey at bedtime is helpful as the amino-acid tryptophan contained in milk induces sleep.

Certain home remedies have been found beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. One of the most effective of these remedies is the use of lettuce. The juice of this plant has been likened in effect to the sedative action of opium without the accompanying excitement. The seeds of lettuce in decoction form are also useful in insomnia.

The mixture of bottle gourd juice and sesame oil acts as an effective medicine for insomnia. It should be massaged over scalp every night. The cooked leaves of bottle gourd taken as a vegetable are also beneficial in the treatment of this disease.
A tea made from aniseed is valuable in sleeplessness. This tea is prepared by boiling about 375 ml. of water in a vessel and adding a teaspoon of aniseed. The water should be covered with a lid and allowed to simmer for 15 minutes. It should then be strained and drunk hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey and hot milk may also be added to it. This tea should be taken after meals or before going to bed.

Another effective remedy for insomnia is the use of honey. It has hypnotic action in bringing sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a cup of water. People generally fall asleep after taking honey.
Controlled breathing is a great help in inducing sleep. The method is to lie on your side in bed and then take three deep breaths expanding the abdomen completely. Then hold your breath as long as you can. Next, take three more breaths and repeat the breath-holding. While you hold breath, carbon dioxide accumulates in the body and induces natural sleep.

Regular active exercise during the day and mild exercise at bedtime enhances the quantity and the quality of sleep. Exercise stimulates the elimination of lactic acid from the body which co-relates with stress and muscular tension. Regular exercise also produces hormonal changes which are beneficial to the body and to the sleep pattern. Walking, jogging, swimming are all ideal exercises.


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Krishan Bakhru is a editor and consultant of natural home remedies

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/facts-about-snoring.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/facts-about-snoring.html Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Research into the problems of snoring has in recent years made important findings and yielded to the evidence of significant problems with snoring. Findings suggest that by their early thirties, twenty percent of men snore as compared to only five percent of women. Findings indicate a dramatic increase as men and women reach their sixties indicating that sixty percent of men and forty percent of women snore.

There are obvious differences in the percentages of men and women that snore. The reason for the difference involves the size of a person’s neck, typically an effect of being overweight. Men tend to have larger necks than women do, and having a neck of 17 inches or larger makes it likely a person will snore. Surveys indicate that 80 percent of men that snore do not consider themselves to have a problem and in fact consider their spouses to be light sleepers.

Women that snore tend to be heavier and shorter than women that do not snore are. Women typically snore through their noses whereas men snore through their noses and mouths. Women are also more likely than men are to seek treatment for snoring. Women typically snore less than men due to smaller necks and larger air passages. Women also have a smaller uvula that makes them less likely to snore.

Snorers do not usually notice their own snoring and are unaware unless it is pointed out for them. Snorers also tend to be deep, comfortable sleepers. Tonsil and adenoid problems can be major contributors to the snoring of children, though studies indicate that as few as six percent of all children snore.

There is concern that the medical community does not take the area of snoring serious enough. General practitioners typically do not ask patients about their sleep. Studies indicate that of the 70 percent of patients that mention sleep problems to their doctors, only about ten percent of them attempt to seek further help. Dentists who fit patients with snoring devices do not routinely ask patients about sleeping problems.

The problem of snoring and related sleep disorders is not widely known to the medical community or the public. Both require education on the subject to orient them to this significant problem. Snoring is often considered the first sign of a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is the most significant problem of those who snore. It is a potential danger for the person and those around them as sleep disorders represent a significant cause of vehicle accidents. Of those suffering from sleep apnea, 70 percent report having been in at least one car accident. Recent studies indicate that more vehicle accidents are caused by sleep disorders than by drunk driving.

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Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of http://Snoring.OurGoodHealth.org, a website devoted to information on the causes and treatment of snoring. Also, visit OurGoodHealth.org for more health-related information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/creating-healthy-sleep-habits-for-your-children.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/creating-healthy-sleep-habits-for-your-children.html Mon, 04 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Children, who get sufficient amount sleep every night function better throughout the day, are more alert, and their concentration, performance and memory are better than those who don’t sleep well. As well children with sleep problems are less likely to develop behavioral problems of any kind, moodiness, anxiety or depression.

The needs of sleep differ from child to child but school age children in general require in the area of nine to twelve hours of sleep per night. Consider these things if you are unsure whether or not your child is getting enough sleep every night.

• If he/she wakes up easily in the morning that is a good sign
• If he/she is wide awake, energetic and alert throughout the school day then the nighttime sleep is sufficient.
• If a child can fall asleep within a period of fifteen minutes to a half an hour than he or she is getting enough sleep

It is significant to explain to your child why getting enough sleep every night is significant, not only in terms of his/her health but also for performance in school and other activities such as sports, music, playtime, etc.
Bedtime Routines
Above all else developing and following a routine before bedtime is the number one tip to encourage good sleep habits in your child is to. A routine is good for children because children like predictability and a bedtime routine makes it easier for a kid to calm down after their busy day, crawl into bed and drift off to sleep.

A typical bedtime routine for a child should look something like this- a light snack, a relaxing bath, dry off and put on pajamas, wash face and brush teeth, read a bedtime story and then it’s good night and lights out.
Same Bedtime
Stick to the same bedtime every night. An occasional change in the bedtime routine, such as when grandparents visit or during a holiday weekend is one thing, but for the most part, a consistent routine is best.
Children’s Bedroom
Always make sure that a child’s room is at a comfortable temperature and that it is peaceful and quiet. Also many children do not want to be left in the total darkness while they sleep so getting a nightlight is a worthwhile purchase to make.
Stress
Stress can cause sleepless nights for children so always encourage your son or daughter to talk with you about any concerns or worries he or she is having, whether they be family problems, school related problems and so on.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about healthy sleep habits for your children. But don't be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.
Cut-off Time for Entertainment
It is an excellent idea to devise a specific cut-off time for entertainment for your child, in terms of television, video games, and the computer and so on. It is not a good idea to have a television or a computer in a child’s bedroom, as they can be easily distracted or tempted to play after they are told, “Enough for today.”

It is an even better idea to cease television, computer or videos an hour before bedtime in order to make the preparation for sleep a calm and relaxing experience. A child does not need anything stimulating before bedtime.
Sleep Disorders for Children
Children can suffer from sleep disorders just like people of any age can. Sleep apnea, insomnia, enuresis (bed wetting), bruxism (teeth grinding), asthma that is nocturnal in nature and nightmares can all occur in children.

You make a visit to the doctor to decide upon a course of action, the better, if your child is having problems with sleep the sooner.
Educate Your Child about Sleep
Try to make the whole sleep experience as positive and uplifting as can be. Encourage your child to learn how to fall asleep on his/her own and not to need to rely on you.

Research has proven that a child sleeping in a parent’s bed runs a risk of them suffocating or being strangled and also fosters dependence to an unhealthy extent. None of these things are as likely to happen when the child is alone in their own bed.

It is the kid who can be alone and fall asleep by him/herself who learns better how to cope with moments when he or she is awakened during the night. The only time that you might want to stay with your child until they fall asleep is if they are sick or extremely fearful.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

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Sleep Disorders Guide

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>