Smarter Sleeping 101

Archive for the ‘In The News’ Category

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.

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.

Scientists have confirmed after extensive research that the average human swallows at least 12 insects a year while they sleep.

The research carried out by The University Of Oxbridge near London in England Town claims most people are unaware that they have swallowed anything in their sleep and that the most common insect swallowed is indeed a spider.

“The results are quite frightening” said Scientist Bill Brainy “But it is harmless really - no one will die from swallowing an insect in their sleep. However those who sleep with open windows may want to consider closing them at night.”

This is a joke, of course, and comes from TheSpoof.com.  The truth is, we don’t eat bugs in our sleep.  Why would any bug in their right tiny minds crawl into a damp, warm, breathing cave protected with large white fangs?  Give the buggers some credit!

The Cure for Insomnia, directed by John Henry Timmis IV, is officially the world’s longest movie, according to Guinness World Records, as of its release in 1987. Running 5220 minutes (87 hours) in length, the movie has no plot, instead consisting of artist L. D. Groban reading his lengthy poem “A Cure for Insomnia” over the course of three and a half days, spliced with occasional clips from heavy metal and pornographic videos.

The movie is shot entirely on video, and its intended purpose actually was to be so unbelievably boring that it would put people to sleep thus curing insomnia. It is therefore disputed as to whether or not The Cure for Insomnia should even be considered as a candidate for the world’s longest film in the strictest sense.

It was first played in its entirety at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois from January 31 to February 3, 1987 in one continuous showing. It is not clear whether or not the movie has been shown since then.

Has anyone seen any part of this film?

Take a gander at the below sleep positions and what they supposedly tell you about your personality.  Does your sleep position fit the description?   Janet Kinosian seems to think so, as these four  explanations come from her recent article on what your sleep position says about you.  The article goes on to  talk about couples’ sleep positions and so on.

“1. In the prone position, sleeper lies face down on the stomach with arms extended and bent, usually framed above the head. People who regularly sleep in the prone position - and both Madonna and I are in this category, interestingly enough - tend to have strong compulsive tendencies and stubbornness in their personalities and are persistent and goal-oriented.

2. The royal position is the geometric opposite of the prone. The royal sleeper lies supine, fully on the back, with arms slightly akimbo at the sides. It’s an open, vulnerable and expansive position, and these people display self-confidence and self-involvement. Workaholic businessmen and entrepreneurs often prefer this position.

3. The most common position, the semi-fetal, has sleepers lying on their sides with knees slightly bent, one arm outstretched above the head, the other resting comfortably on the opposing upper arm to cradle the head. Conciliatory, compromising, non-threatening, non-shakers; sleep experts claim this to be the optimal sleep posture position.

4. The full-fetal is the characteristic womb position. Sleepers lie curled on their sides, with knees pulled all the way up, heads bent forward. Usually a pillow or blanket mass is centered at the stomach. These people are highly emotional, sensitive, artistic, and have intense one-on-one relationships. Oddly, it’s found that women who sleep in this position normally have heightened capacity for multiple orgasms.”

 Keep Reading…