Smarter Sleeping 101

National Sleep Foundation Launches “Sleeping Smart” Campaign

Not to be confused with Smarter Sleeping, Sleeping Smart is the latest campaign from the National Sleep Foundation to generate awareness for clinical insomnia.  The OH&S writes:

“The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) announced that, together with sanofi-aventis, it is launching a new campaign called Sleeping Smart, which will educate the millions of Americans who have sleep problems about the importance of a good night’s sleep, proper sleep habits, help them understand the consequences of insomnia, and the safe and appropriate use of prescription sleep medications. The campaign also will motivate sleep-sufferers to talk to a healthcare professional to determine if treatment is appropriate.”

The latest survey from the NSF has some interesting findings:

• More than one-third of Americans are at increased risk for insomnia.
• While most respondents can identify the consequences of insomnia (e.g., increased risk of automotive crashes, decreased work performance, depression or mood changes) they don’t have a clear understanding of what insomnia is.
• Two-thirds of those at increased risk for insomnia don’t consider themselves to have the condition, which may further perpetuate reasons for not seeking help.
• Practicing a healthy sleep routine prior to actually getting into bed may help promote a good night’s sleep. However, many people at increased risk for insomnia engage in stimulating activities an hour before getting into bed at least a few nights per week, including watching TV (90 percent); using the computer or Internet (33 percent); or doing household chores (43 percent).

If you believe you are suffering from clinical insomnia, it is strongly suggested you see a physician and not take to larger doses of natural supplements.  Natural supplements such as SleepSmart are designed to combat occasional sleeplessness and mild insomnia.  Chronic insomnia is a medical condition and should be treated as such.

1 in 4 Americans Suffer Sleepless Nights

A new study has revealed that one in every four Americans suffers from insomnia, and women are the most affected.The study conducted with more than 9,000 adults showed that one in three people wakes up in the middle of the night at least three times a week due to stress.

Twenty-seven percent of women wake up every night, compared to 19 per cent of men following financial fears, family arguments, or problems at work.

“This is the first really good data we have showing the importance of nocturnal awakening in insomnia,” said Dr James Walsh, of St Lukes hospital, in St Louis, Missouri.

“It shows a strong overlap between the awakening and other sleep problems and it suggests that nocturnal awakening is a very under-appreciated aspect of insomnia,” he added.

And The Party Don’t Stop ‘Til 6 In The Morning

This week’s Insomnia Story comes from the Islington Tribune.  Poor Marsha Soriano is kept up night after night living above a lively night club.  Unfortunately I have met too many people, especially here in New York, who have experienced the same issues.  They’ve tried sleeping in other rooms, turning up the TV or music, using earplugs, even yelling down at the club patrons below (probably the worst out of the ideas listed.)  Marsha decided to keep a journal of her noise problem and is now doing something about it.  Read the excerpt below:

“ A TEACHER has re­vealed how noise from an Islington bar has almost ruined her marriage.
Marsha Soriano has documented her sleepless nights in a noise diary, which will provide vital evidence when councillors review the Ladybird bar’s licence at the Town Hall on Monday.
Her notes, written in the middle of the night, describe how loud music from the Upper Street bar keeps her awake at the flat she shares with her husband Cesar. She has taken sleeping pills and spends part of the night on a sofa to escape the noise.
Bar owner Habib Eldebs maintains he has done everything he can to keep the noise down.
Ms Soriano said: “We’re moving out. We can’t take it any more. We want him to run a business and don’t care if he’s open till 4am, we just don’t want to hear it.”

Keep reading… 

Remembering Your Dreams

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while folks, I was out on an extended memorial weekend vacation.  Now I’m back and i’ve got a great comic for you.  The comics coming out of xkcd are often times obscure and to be frank, nerdy.  But I think just about anyone can relate to this  one.  I used to have trouble remembering dreams until I created SleepSmart, now I remember around 80-90% in detail.  Wouldn’t you like to keep your dreams alive?

Insomnia Stories - Issue 8

This week’s Insomnia Story comes from the popular site She Knows.  This is for all the new mother’s who have discovered a new found sleeping issue along with their little bundle of joy:

“Every now and again, no matter how tired I am, it happens, I go through several days of having a very difficult time sleeping. I’m sleepy and yawning and (day)dreaming about my favorite flannel sheets, but when the lights go out, my eyes won’t close.

I’ve never been able identify a trigger or a pattern for these episodes. It doesn’t seem to be related to family issues or work issues or other issues. Perhaps it’s environmental or even hormonal. No matter what it is, I’m restless on those nights. I can’t settle my brain even though I’m not thinking about anything in particular. Trivial things bounce through, not really stopping to be considered or resolved. I’m not particularly aware of big things lurking in the shadows, but probably they are there.”

Keep Reading…