by drcatherinedarley | Jan 9, 2012 | bedroom, fall asleep, melatonin, optimal sleep, sleep
Remember the ‘Man Cave’ which was popular a few years back? Well, think of creating a ‘cave’ at home to sleep in, because the ideal sleep environment is indeed cave-like. Below is a check-list to work through as you design the perfect sleep...
by drcatherinedarley | Mar 16, 2011 | circadian rhythm, melatonin, shiftwork, sleep, Uncategorized
We’ve talked in the past about circadian rhythms, how there is a daily rhythm of hormone fluctuations that make us more alert during the day, and more sleepy during the night. There are also changes in organ function by time of day. Shiftworkers’ health...
by drcatherinedarley | Mar 7, 2011 | circadian rhythm, fall asleep, Light therapy, melatonin, performance, sleep, sleep deprivation
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...
by drcatherinedarley | Feb 11, 2011 | bedroom, melatonin, sleep
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...
by drcatherinedarley | Oct 28, 2010 | body clock, circadian rhythm, Light therapy, melatonin
It’s been fun to talk with people suffering from Delayed Sleep Phase over the last couple days. There’s been some questions about shifting sleep phase using light therapy and melatonin supplements. The timing of these therapies depends on whether you...
by drcatherinedarley | Aug 2, 2010 | behavioral treatment, melatonin, sleep
A couple weeks ago a pilot study was published looking into tart cherry juice for insomnia. Here’s a few details: 15 older adults who have chronic insomnia but are otherwise healthy drank the cherry juice blend twice a day for 2 weeks. They kept a sleep diary...
