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I’m Dizzy with Sleep Debt
So although I'm a sleep expert, unfortunately that doesn't make me immune to the havoc that life events can wreak on sleep health. My usual healthy 8.3 hour average sleep which leaves me energetic and sharp all day has plummeted to a mere 6.5 hours over the last week....
Does a Hot Bath Help Sleep?
Many people ask me "Does a warm bath help sleep, or is that just a myth?" The research shows . . . Yes, it seems to help somewhat. Medical research has investigated the impact of both baths and foot baths on sleep. One study in older people with sleep disturbance...
Sleep In America Poll – Using Technology
The new Sleep In America Poll came out today, the first day of National Sleep Awareness Week 2011. This poll was all about our use of technology during the hour before bed, our nightly sleep, and daytime function. Here are some of the highlights: - 63% say that during...
Want a Better Social Life? Then Sleep Well
So, what has to happen to have a good social life? People need to think you are somewhat attractive, you need to be able to read others' emotions, and you need to be a pretty good person. All these aspects of a good social life are impacted negatively if you don't...
Sleeping in a ‘Cave’
Think about what a cave is like . . . dark, cool, quiet, and did I say dark? For the best sleep, a cave-like bedroom is ideal. People sleep best in a cool room, no warmer than 65 degrees. Keep bedcovers in light layers that can easily be adjusted so you avoid getting...
Teens Bedtimes Influence Depression
So, we've known for a long time that there's a connection between sleep disturbance and mental health, particularly depression. There's been some research published this year looking at the connection between teens' bedtime and mental health. Because depression may...
Skills for Falling Asleep
There are many ways a person could experience insomnia. It could be difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night, or being awake for an extended time in the middle of the night, or waking too early. Whatever time it is, being awake in bed can often lead...
Getting your ‘Beauty Sleep’ really matters!
When a patient first sits down for their return appointment, I frequently can anticipate whether their sleep improved or not. All this before they say a word. How do I know? For years I've thought it was because of the way their face looks - skin tone, color, skin...