tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62869814576173010882024-03-13T17:23:38.828-07:00Sleep Aid Reviews, Insomnia Tips & Sleep Aid DigestDiscover the best sleep aids. Insomnia tips, natural sleep aid reviews and recommendations. Cure your insomnia.Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-70190001445187057292009-10-21T21:58:00.000-07:002010-05-31T15:14:43.109-07:00Watch Slideshow: Foods That Harm Sleep (& Foods That Help!)Eating carbs can be helpful. So can a bedtime snack.<br />See more here: <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/foods_that_help_harm_sleep_slideshow/article.htm">http://www.medicinenet.com/foods_that_help_harm_sleep_slideshow/article.htm</a>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-15772224508793327462009-09-24T17:58:00.000-07:002009-09-24T18:02:35.012-07:00Natural Ways To Reduce Stress & Promote SleepStress can be a major cause of poor sleep and insomnia. This video describes natural ways to reduce stress:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/liCb2NQMbRc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/liCb2NQMbRc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-33249740347279328702009-09-15T19:58:00.000-07:002009-09-15T20:01:04.973-07:00Dr. Weil's Advice On InsomniaTen all natural tips on getting better sleep, from the good doctor himself:<br /><a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02037/sleep-aid" target="_new">http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02037/sleep-aid</a>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-30940483506112943222009-09-12T05:44:00.000-07:002009-09-14T08:59:12.375-07:00Natural Sleep Aids for ChildrenThis short article provides a number of good suggestions for helping your child get a good night's sleep. <a href="http://www.edubook.com/natural-sleep-aids-for-children/4578/" target="_blank">http://www.edubook.com/natural-sleep-aids-for-children/4578/</a>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-2845965755682355172009-09-11T17:15:00.000-07:002009-09-15T20:05:08.284-07:0042 Simple Tips To Help You Fall AsleepThere are some great, simple tips here: <a href="http://www.well.com/%7Emick/insomnia/insomnia.html" target="_blank">http://www.well.com/~mick/insomnia/insomnia.html</a><br />Look for "Some insomnia techniques you probably haven't seen before". One is 'wiggling your toes'. Sounds silly, I know. But I tried it last night ... it was remarkably relaxing ... I could feel my jaw muscles loosen. It's explained as working like reflexology.Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-82231876022251117422009-07-03T11:58:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:00:01.565-07:00Insomnia Medications: What Works? What's Dangerous?Here is good review info on natural, prescription, and over-the-counter sleep aids and medications: <a href="http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_aids_medication_insomnia_treatment.htm" target="_blank">www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_aids_medication_insomnia_treatment.htm</a>.Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-62517275917787158432008-01-07T10:18:00.000-08:002008-01-14T17:48:51.368-08:00Valerian: Does It Work?This valerian sleep aid review information is from <span style="font-style: italic;">The American Journal of Medicine</span>:<br /><br />"...Extracts of the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are widely used for inducing sleep and improving sleep quality. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of valerian for improving sleep quality is presented... <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The available evidence suggests that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects. </span>Future studies should assess a range of doses of standardized preparations of valerian and include standard measures of sleep quality and safety."<br /><br />View this valerian sleep aid review here: <a href="http://www.amjmed.com/article/PIIS0002934306002750/abstract" target="_blank" _blank=""><i>The American Journal of Medicine</i>, Vol. 119, No. 12. (December 2006), pp. 1005-1012.</a><br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">US National Institute of Health</span> also provides very concise and comprehensive valerian sleep aid review information here: <a href="http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/valerian.asp" target="_blank">http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/valerian.asp<br /></a><br /><!--GDHVCMX22248679-->Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-55277341081333098562007-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:002008-01-14T17:50:18.171-08:00Be Your Own Sleep Aid: Circadian Rhythm And The Sleep/Wake Cycle<span style="font-size:180%;">F</span>or all living things a wave comes in and goes out once every day. Its coming brings sleep and its departure brings wakefulness.<br /><br />It's called circadian rhythm. It's a twenty-four hour cycle all humans and all creatures-- even plants and bacteria--experience without fail.<br /><br />Circadian rhythm is influenced by several biological factors. If they all work in unison you sleep like a log at night and have full energy throughout the day. If they do not work together you get poor, unrestful sleep and have difficulty falling asleep.<br /><br />These three factors are:<br /><ol><li>body temperature variability,</li><li>sleep hormone production, and,<br /></li><li>sleep pressure.<br /></li></ol><p></p>Taking correct action to get in harmony with these three biological factors is the key to getting a good night's sleep.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Daily Body Temperature Cycle</u></span><br /><br />Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). However, body temperature is actually not constant, it varies by a couple of degrees throughout the day.<br /><br />The graph below shows the variance in body temperature of an average healthy person over a twenty-four hour period. At times when body temperature is increasing the person feels alert and full of energy. At times when it's decreasing there is a feeling of sleepiness.<br /><br />Between healthy individuals this graph may vary a little but the basic shape remains the same. (For instance, in this graph the person's peak of energy comes at about 6pm (18:00 hours). For other healthy people it could be as late as 10pm.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sleeptracks.com/go.php?offer=infowhale&pid=1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w1pcRoCWNEyHmnWrrOhUJbrBF_c6N3V2wg8r93hzrmI4sSAiuyPZ-ndTrKR_rVZAM4CofTeXaKaukXF8DuUpXLwMpnYkk7-9Ch6IX7SRPKcigDqOp2P0ee_-Whoh4Lo0XG-fgEhqo9k/s320/sleep+aid,+body+temperature,+circadian+rhythm,+sleep.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146258833555571666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Body temperature is at it's lowest point at about 4am. As dawn comes body temperature gradually increases causing the individual to awaken.<br /><br />It continues to rise until noon or a little later, at which point it drops a little. Do you every feel “napish” around this time? As this graph shows, you're not alone.<br /><br />At around 9 or 10pm body temperature begins to drop more and more sharply bringing on the desire for rest and sleep.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The problem many people with insomnia and sleep difficulties have--especially in a society where it's easy to be inactive--is inactivity causes a flattening out of daily body temperature variation.</span><br /><br />This “flattening out” of body temperature variation leads to sluggishness throughout the day and poor sleep at night.<br /><br />Luckily, for many people the cure for insomnia is a simple one. Twenty to thirty minutes of vigorous activity can be all that's needed to change from being a person who can't get good sleep to one who sleeps like a baby.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Daily Sleep Hormone Cycle</u></span><br /><br />The pineal gland, a gland in the center of the brain releases a hormone that causes a slight decrease in body temperature. The hormone is called <span style="font-weight: bold;">melatonin</span>.<br /><br />When it's time to get up it's time for the pineal gland to stop releasing melatonin. Being in daylight causes it to stop. Being in darkness causes it to be released again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">To improve energy level and sleep quality, exposure to plenty of daylight or other full-spectrum light early in the day is essential. Getting outdoors very soon after waking can bring great benefits and preclude the necessity for any other sleep aid.</span><br /><br />Note, however, that the bright light of ordinary light bulbs is not sufficient to help the brain regulate melatonin. Even very well lighted rooms give only about 1% of the light that being outdoors in the daylight gives.<br /><br />To the brain even a well lighted room is like staying in cave. Too much indoor living can ruin energy levels and the ability to get good sleep.<br /><br />Vigorous exercise and plenty of early daily exposure to daylight both go a long, long way to promoting good sleep, good energy levels and reducing the need for any artificial sleep aid. It's always best to just give one's body what it really needs (once one knows what that is, of course).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Daily Sleep Pressure Cycle<br /></u></span><br />The third factor can bring one in (or out) of harmony with the daily sleep/wake cycle is sleep pressure. This simply means how long it's been since one last slept. The longer it's been, the greater the pressure to sleep.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">What does this mean for curing insomnia? It means no long naps. </span><span>A short nap is fine, beneficial even, to energy levels and the ability to get good sleep at night.</span><br /><br />A daily nap should be kept under thirty minutes, though. Any longer, then when it's time to go to bed one simply will not be tired because they have not gone long enough without sleep.Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-63600893776270200632007-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:002009-09-28T23:01:43.648-07:00Brain Entrainment, Insomnia, and Sleep<span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">F</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">alling asleep and staying asleep are not automatic like breathing or a heartbeat. Falling asleep and staying asleep are </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">skills</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> like walking, talking, and riding a bike are skills.<br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" align="center"><i><object height="215" width="285"><param name="movie" value="http://yahoo.com"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vnn7jc8dpgg&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="215" width="285"></embed></object><!--www.youtube.com/v/vnn7jc8dpgg&rel=1--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span><!--div id='vu_ytplayer_vjVQa1PpcFOkQRVCijDxbTXiUQH6T1uyZ0T4LY3KZFc='><a href="'http://www.youtube.com/browse'">Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com</a></div><script type="'text/javascript'" src="'http://www.youtube.com/cp/vjVQa1PpcFOkQRVCijDxbTXiUQH6T1uyZ0T4LY3KZFc="></script--></i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 255);font-size:85%;"></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 255);font-size:85%;"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 255);font-size:100%;"><strong><a href="http://85a0f7w3tom0w75dv1gezpca-9.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_new" title="Sleep Tracks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">(One version of the "sleep skill" sleep aid ... "Sleep Tracks.")</span></a></strong></span></div><i><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 255);font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span></i><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><br /></p>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-34525217537797604392007-12-13T16:53:00.000-08:002009-09-15T18:30:53.830-07:0010 Top Sleep Tips to Cure Insomnia<ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you take a daytime nap keep it under 30 minutes</span> (otherwise you throw off your body's schedule).<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Expose yourself to sunlight/bright light immediately after waking.</span> It gets your body's clock moving. It causes your brain (pineal gland) to release serotonin (lifting mood & energy) and decrease melatonin (hormone that makes you sleepy). Serotonin and melatonin work in a daily rhythm. It's important to do things to support this rhythm (like getting exposure to bright light first thing). Even if the light is only a bright bedside lamp... that will help.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aerobic exercise</span> (including brisk walking) twenty to thirty minutes in the morning or afternoon gets your body's clock moving. Come bedtime you're more likely to feel sleepy.<br /><br />Avoid it at night though... it's too stimulating.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Are you iron deficient?</span> Iron deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping. (Most people in North America have diets that are very low in iron.) Get tested, or just make sure you get enough iron in you diet. (Look here for a huge list of iron rich foods: <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/studenthealth/information/nutritionalhealth/ironrich/">http://www.mcgill.ca/studenthealth/information/nutritionalhealth/ironrich/</a>)<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make your bedroom primarily a place for sleeping</span> (and making love). Don't use it for work, hanging out, or watching tv. We are creatures of habit more than we may realize. Let your body recognize that this is it's reserved place for rest and intimacy.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avoid nicotine and caffeine</span> (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. No caffeine 6-8 hours before bed. No nicotine at least one hour before bed.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make sure your bed is comfortable.</span> If you're body isn't properly supported it can't fully relax and you can't get a good night's sleep. Test mattresses. Buy only if you can exchange it. Try therapeutic pillows to cradle your neck.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have a bedtime snack.</span> An amino acid called tryptophan, found in <span style="font-style: italic;">milk, turkey and peanuts</span>, causes the release of serotonin which relaxes you making it easier to sleep. A bowl of cereal, some turkey or a peanut butter and jam sandwich are easy ones.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">At bedtime jot down all of the concerns and worries presently on your mind</span> (and possible solutions). Anxiety and stress are two of the most widespread causes of poor sleep and insomnia. Jotting your worries down helps flush them out of your brain, gives you new perspective and renewed ownership of your mind and life.<br /><br /></li><li>If it's past 8pm... <span style="font-weight: bold;">go to sleep as soon as you feel sleepy.</span> Don't stay up to watch TV, read, or do anything. Go to bed. Sleep.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></li></ol>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286981457617301088.post-21862141960502548712007-12-12T15:26:00.000-08:002010-01-20T13:25:35.286-08:00A Review of Sleep Tracks™<span style="font-weight: bold;">Synopsis:</span> This natural sleep aid (<a href="http://8efd3e18zps9va1ptapo5knxme.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=specialoffer" target="_new">Sleep Tracks™</a>) has led many people back to deep, restorative sleep. It uses your brain's automatic response to synchronize it's brainwaves with any steady pulse you see, hear or feel. You hear to relaxing music, just noticeable "behind" it you hear precisely calibrated sound waves that match the brainwave rate of a peaceful, sleepy mind. Gradually your brainwaves change to the same slowed-down rate.<br /><br />For most people this automatic response will lead to relaxation and deep sleep.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What Users Say:</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;">"...a life-altering experience and solution to my chronic insomnia."</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> ♦ "</span></span><strong style="font-family: courier new; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">I woke up feeling as if I had slept much deeper than I had in months</strong><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;">." ♦ "I no longer have to depend on anything synthetic to sleep."</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;"> ♦ </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;">"I can't thank you enough for how you've improved the quality of my life."</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;"> ♦ </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;">"I was skeptical at first... yet I sleep much deeper than I have in months."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What You Get:</span> 5 audio files (as MP3 downloads or audio CDs by mail), 5-part "optimal sleep" video course, and a "fast start" guide. (The 5 audio files are: "Insomnia Buster", "Fall Asleep", "Whole Night", "Power Nap" and "Anxiety Ease".)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span><span>All users are offered individual assistance in using Sleep Tracks and resolving sleep problems. Says one: "</span>I found your manner reassuring, supportive, caring, and extremely helpful.<span>.. </span>practical, researched, empathetic, and solid assistance.<span>" <a href="http://www.sleeptracks.com/go.php?offer=infowhale&tid=specialoffer&pid=1&u=info/success-stories#cust" target="_new">See more Sleep Tracks <span style="font-weight: bold;">user experiences</span> here... →</a></span><br /><br /><b>Guarantee:</b> 60-days, "no questions asked", full-refund guarantee. (Guarantee also applies to the $4.95 trial offer.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cost/Value: </span>Sleep Tracks <a class="snap_noshots" href="http://www.sleeptracks.com/go.php?offer=infowhale&pid=1&u=http://www.sleeptracks.com/insomnia-video-n/#order" target="_new">currently offers a 14-day trial for $4.95.</a><span> There are less expensive (and less <i>extensive</i>) programs available that work on the same principle. Check here for a <a href="http://29fe6c05uli2x3esfnf-cybn7u.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_new">$27 alternative to Sleep Tracks.</a> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Product Image:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9i0H023WADYe2jgvKwc727MaQ_D62J7v1fbflI3Qb0NDcS86zkDyusF51sC3XUlwPBr2fJcTzZ3Dz7fGjAQUYVat_16xuNqH9xJXZdjYACknVmAFZO_VIzwXn5YvojTmlBoLL1p_u4fM/s1600-h/sleeptracks.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9i0H023WADYe2jgvKwc727MaQ_D62J7v1fbflI3Qb0NDcS86zkDyusF51sC3XUlwPBr2fJcTzZ3Dz7fGjAQUYVat_16xuNqH9xJXZdjYACknVmAFZO_VIzwXn5YvojTmlBoLL1p_u4fM/s320/sleeptracks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411196128868876962" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span><br />(The 5-part "optimal sleep" video course is viewed online.)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">---<br /></span>Happyhealthscribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00513720652323430924noreply@blogger.com1