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How much sleep do you really need?
wp:paragraph Ever seen those conflicting news articles that tell you exactly how much sleep you need? One day you need 8 hours, and another time you’re told that just 6 hours is sufficient. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So the question of the day is this: how much sleep do you REALLY need? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3559,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph The truth is; there is no magic number. Even though doctors recommend 7-8 hours of sleep per night, it’s all a matter of your lifestyle and your health because everyone functions differently. Some adults can function normally with only around 6 hours of sleep, while others may require 9 hours sleep just to get though the day. Either way, it is important to pay attention to your own needs when it comes to how much sleep you get per night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So how many hours of sleep do YOU need in order to feel well-rested throughout the day? Well there are a number of factors that can determine the number that is best for you. Here is a list of factors that may alter the amount of sleep that you may need: /wp:paragraph wp:list Your age: This is one of the biggest contributing factors that determine the amount of sleep you need. Children generally require more sleep than the average middle aged adult, but even some adults need more sleep than others, especially as they age. The older you get, the more your sleeping patterns are likely to change (for example, taking more naps and/or sleeping for shorter periods of time) it all depends on your lifestyle If you are pregnant: Needless to say, sleep becomes very important when your body is going through so many changes, like it does when you are pregnant, this is why doctors recommend a little more sleep for pregnant women than they may normally be used to. If you are already sleep deprived: Well this one is a no-brainer but if you still feel tired and unable to function throughout the day, it is best that you make sleep even more of a priority and stick to a routine every night that will help you get more shut eye and feeling well rested throughout the day. /wp:list wp:paragraph All in all, you are the only one who knows exactly how much sleep YOU need to have a happy and productive life! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898 /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSummer Allergies and Snoring
wp:paragraph Dealing with allergies at any time of the year isn’t fun. Suffering from allergies in the summer months, when you’re supposed to be enjoying all that summer has to offer is even worse. Add snoring into the mix and you may be really struggling. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So why is it that some people’s allergies get worse in the summer? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Well, seeing as trees and grass tend to pollinate in the spring and summer, those of us sensitive to certain allergens are more at risk to this kind of exposure. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3548,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Furthermore, if you work in a building that has the A/C on full blast in the summer (as many places do), or if you like to keep your home very cool in the summer, you can be at double risk of allergen exposure. When it’s hot outside, the transition of the two extreme temperatures can be a huge trigger for allergies. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For those of you who already snore, or if you suffer from (or are at risk for) sleep apnea. Your allergies can actually worsen your snoring. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make life easier for you allergy sufferers and (hopefully) cut down on snoring. /wp:paragraph wp:list Make sure you are not keeping your home too moist as this can trigger mould growth. Use a dehumidifier if you need to and be sure to change the air filter regularly. Keep your home clean to reduce dust. Keep your pets clean, and out of your bed if possible Keep yourself healthy! Your allergies will be not nearly as drastic if you eat healthy and exercise regularly. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you follow all these steps and are still not feeling better, don’t be afraid to seek professional help /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.metroeastallergist.com/articles/allergies-and-sleep-apnea /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.smileomaha.com/blog/summer-allergies-making-snoring-worse /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our summer sale is on at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph
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Ten Tips for a Better Sleep this Summer
wp:paragraph There’s nothing better than those warm, relaxing summer days, but getting to sleep in the summer can be difficult. Between the hot and humid weather and vacation on our minds, it’s easy to have many sleepless nights.. Here are 10 tips for a better sleep this summer: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Create a normal bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to wind down such as having a cup of tea, taking a warm shower or bath, reading, or listening to soothing music. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even when you are on vacation. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol when it is close to bedtime. The effects can take hours to wear off and will disrupt your quality of sleep. Stay away from large meals close to bedtime. The discomfort you have from eating too much will only keep you awake at night Indulge in relaxing exercise such as yoga to help relax yourself before you sleep. Keep any vigorous activities such as running to earlier in the day, so you are not too wound up before bedtime. Associate your bed with sleeping only. Don’t use it as a couch during the day for reading or watching TV. Take one hour before you go to bed to wind down and de-stress yourself. Power down all your electronics and avoid any stressful conversations with your partner. Make this a part of your bedtime routine as mentioned in #2. Create an ideal sleeping atmosphere in your room. Ensure the room is cool enough to your preference and use earplugs and room-darkening shades if you need to. Avoid too much napping during the day as it may keep you up at night. Know when to seek help. Everyone has those nights where we can’t sleep no matter how hard we try, but if it happens consistently and it interferes with your daily life, then it’s time to see a doctor. /wp:list wp:paragraph Find the right CPAP Machine Today! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379 /wp:paragraph
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Can Snoring be dangerous for your health?
wp:paragraph It is commonly known how much of a nuisance snoring can be, but is it something that could be potentially dangerous to your overall health? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea, where there are repeated pauses in breathing at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A complete absence of breathing at night is referred to as an “apnea.” and a partial reduction is called a “hypopnea”. Individuals who have sleep apnea have frequent apneas and hypopneas throughout their sleep typically without knowing this is occurring although they may be told of snoring and might find their sleep non-refreshing. With sleep apnea, the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen which results in light broken sleep and over time may cause serious medical disorders including heart disease. . /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While sleep apnea can occur at any age (even children), people over 40 and people who are overweight are the most common recipients. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While loud snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, some of the other symptoms of sleep apnea include waking up with a sore or dry throat, occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, sleepiness while driving, morning headaches, restless sleep, forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased interest in sex, recurrent awakenings or insomnia. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The two main types for sleep apnea are: /wp:paragraph wp:list Obstructive sleep apnea: where the throat muscles relax to the point where the airway closes or goes narrow, thus blocking air when you try to breathe in. When the brain senses the inability to breathe, people most often wake up when this happens in order to reopen the airway. This awakening is so brief that people often don’t remember it. Your partner may notice a choking, snorting or gasping sound when this happens. Central sleep apnea: when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. In this case, people often wake up with shortness of breath and they have trouble falling and staying asleep. People with central sleep apnea often remember the awakening. It is often caused by heart failure or a stroke. /wp:list wp:paragraph The most common treatment of this disorder is the CPAP machine, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It works by blowing a steady stream of air into the airway. The flow of air is adjusted until it’s strong enough to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is the most common treatment for adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While not everyone who has sleep apnea snores, loud snoring that is followed by periods of silence is a cause for concern, especially if you wake up as a result from this. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Need a new CPAP or mask? Check out PapSmart.com – Canada’s Premier Online CPAP store." /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Learn More /wp:paragraph
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