Many people use alcohol as a sleep-promoting sedative and find that consuming a moderate amount of beverage alcohol before bedtime helps them to fall asleep. Alcohol does have a sedating effect, and it is likely to reduce sleep latency in healthy adults (i.e, the time required to fall asleep.) However, studies have found that alcohol
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder which affects approximately 10% of the population. Considered a neurological sensorimotor disorder, RLS is characterized by uncomfortable, tingling sensations in the legs that are relieved by movement. Because these sensations tend to intensify with inactivity, RLS frequently interferes with sleep. RLS is hereditary, and may affect anyone,
Most teenagers are sleep-deprived. In fact, only about 10% are getting the nine hours required by most teens to function best during the day. To ensure more teenagers are getting enough sleep, several school boards have shown a recent interest in pushing back high school start times. Studies have shown that allowing teenagers to get an
Quality sleep and healthy eating are two of the most important aspects of overall well-being. A recent study has shed new insight into the relationship between sleep patterns and eating habits. Those that regularly go to bed late and sleep in late are at a greater risk of eating more and of eating less healthy
We are becoming more and more sleep deprived. A study completed by the National Sleep Foundation found that almost a third of workers admitted to falling asleep or becoming very tired on the job. Jeanne Geiger-Brown, director of the Work and Health Research Center at the University of Maryland’s School of Nursing, states: “Sleep is
What makes a champion? Practices, teamwork, diligence, are all key ingredients leading professional sports teams to league championships. But recently, media attention has been paid to the fatigue management strategies of professional sports teams. The Vancouver Canucks—the only NHL team situated on Canada’s west coast, have to travel longer distances than any other team throughout
If the weatherman forecasts hot and humid days ahead, be aware of how the temperature rise may affect sleep, especially for those who do not have air conditioning in their homes. As the temperature rises, it takes longer to fall asleep, and sleep is more likely to be disrupted. With extended periods of heat through
Having difficulty remembering things? There is a good chance that poor sleep may be interfering with your ability to store memories. Most of us know that cramming for a test or pulling an all-nighter is bad news, but now several recent studies have found that interrupted sleep hinders ours ability to consolidate memories and learn
It’s back-to-school time! For most children and teens, the end of summer signals the end of late bedtimes, sleepovers, and sleeping in. To help avoid heated battles around bedtime, here is some advice on helping your kids get on a back-to-school sleep routine: Determine how much sleep your child or teenager needs. While everyone is