Sounds almost sci-fi, but apparently more than 200,000 Chinese have already benefited from the Vitamind Cap (TM)... calling it a wearable insomnia treatment gives you an impression of a gadget of some sort - whereas in reality it is an insomnia aromatherapy treatment.
The cap contains 16 herbs which are designed to soothe and relax... aromatherapy style. Testing has revealed this to be effective (though no mention of control groups with just the smell of the herbs was mentioned (I'm probably being a pedant here though!)).
So, here is a link to the original news item... maybe it'll work for you!
Wearable Insomnia Treatment
Saturday 6 December 2008
Friday 5 December 2008
Snoring And Insomnia Article
Last one this week... at least as far as links to my ezine articles are concerned. This one was about the link between snoring and insomnia.
The obvious thought is on the poor snorers partner (terrible when your wife snores like that!!). However, things are a little deeper than that. Snorers suffer from a terrible quality of sleep and may not even realise it. What happens is that they are waking up every few minutes. Not by enough to be conscously aware - just enough to disturb their sleeping rhythms.
Once again the cures are more to do with lifestyle than anything else - with obesity a big contributing factor (though far from the only one).
Anyway - enjoy the article:
Link Between Snoring And Insomnia
The obvious thought is on the poor snorers partner (terrible when your wife snores like that!!). However, things are a little deeper than that. Snorers suffer from a terrible quality of sleep and may not even realise it. What happens is that they are waking up every few minutes. Not by enough to be conscously aware - just enough to disturb their sleeping rhythms.
Once again the cures are more to do with lifestyle than anything else - with obesity a big contributing factor (though far from the only one).
Anyway - enjoy the article:
Link Between Snoring And Insomnia
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Herbal Cures For Insomnia
OK, I'll admit it, I'm anti-medication!
Well, in terms of insomnia at least... guess the discomfort comes from the number of people I have come across in life with some kind of drug dependence - whether it is to tranquilisers, smoking, alcohol, sleep medication or all manner of even worse substances.
Fortunately, drugs are far from being the only treatment available for insomnia - not only do lifestyle changes (especially to do with food / drink and exercise) help, but there are lots of herbal treatments available which are a 'low intensity' way of treating mild insomnia symptoms.
Here is the link to the article I put together for ezine on the subject... recommended reading for those who would like to distinguish their Camomile from their St John's Wort!
Herbal Cures For Insomnia
Geoff
Well, in terms of insomnia at least... guess the discomfort comes from the number of people I have come across in life with some kind of drug dependence - whether it is to tranquilisers, smoking, alcohol, sleep medication or all manner of even worse substances.
Fortunately, drugs are far from being the only treatment available for insomnia - not only do lifestyle changes (especially to do with food / drink and exercise) help, but there are lots of herbal treatments available which are a 'low intensity' way of treating mild insomnia symptoms.
Here is the link to the article I put together for ezine on the subject... recommended reading for those who would like to distinguish their Camomile from their St John's Wort!
Herbal Cures For Insomnia
Geoff
Monday 1 December 2008
Another Insomnia Article At eZine
This week I will be linking to a few of the articles I penned for ezine articles. Now a platinum author as well as an 'expert author' (not actually sure how much one should read into that - it is all about the volume!).
So, stress and worry are two of the largest causes of short-term insomnia symptoms... and currently the biggest causes of stress and worry are the global credit crunch. With homes being foreclosed in record numbers and unemployment shooting up around the world, people are rightly nervous about their money... did you know that, while in the US you can hand back the keys to your home, in other countries such as the UK the bank will pursue you for the difference between what you owe and what the house was sold for... a sobering thought.
Anyway - here is that link, hope you enjoy the article.
Credit Crunch And Insomnia
Geoff
So, stress and worry are two of the largest causes of short-term insomnia symptoms... and currently the biggest causes of stress and worry are the global credit crunch. With homes being foreclosed in record numbers and unemployment shooting up around the world, people are rightly nervous about their money... did you know that, while in the US you can hand back the keys to your home, in other countries such as the UK the bank will pursue you for the difference between what you owe and what the house was sold for... a sobering thought.
Anyway - here is that link, hope you enjoy the article.
Credit Crunch And Insomnia
Geoff
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Sleep Benefits Complex Learning Tasks
We all intuatively know that sleep benefits a range of skills - both mental and motor-based. However science is actually a little 'behind the curve' in dreaming up ways of proving it... sure they have shown that sleep-deprived people are no good at learning lists of words, but hey - how about real-life??
Researchers at the university of Chicago have now shown the positive benefits of sleep in the complex area of mastering a video game called 'Quake 3'. They found that students with too little sleep fared worse when compared to both the 'normal' sleep group and the 'too much' sleep group.
Of course, anyone who has suffered from insomnia will already know that your abilities are impared the next day... still, nice to have some scientific proof!
Here is the link to the news story on the findings... http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/20/health/main4621786.shtml
Geoff
Researchers at the university of Chicago have now shown the positive benefits of sleep in the complex area of mastering a video game called 'Quake 3'. They found that students with too little sleep fared worse when compared to both the 'normal' sleep group and the 'too much' sleep group.
Of course, anyone who has suffered from insomnia will already know that your abilities are impared the next day... still, nice to have some scientific proof!
Here is the link to the news story on the findings... http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/20/health/main4621786.shtml
Geoff
Sunday 23 November 2008
Surprising Size Of Insomnia Drugs Market
Well, searching through the latest Insomnia news today and came across a very surprising statistic indeed... the size of the insomnia drugs market is simply eye watering - and forcast to grow!
The headline actually involved a 'slump' in 2007 - when the expiry of some profitable patents meant that the total market was $4.1 Billion. The forcast is that the total for insomnia drugs will be $6.9 billion by 2017 - with this growth restarting in 2009.
Now, apart from this being a huge amount of money, it raises questions for me about our dependency (as a society) on quick fixes... such as drugs. My view is that natural treatments, specifically relaxation / noise masking and so on are safer, cheaper and more effective in the long-run.
Geoff
The headline actually involved a 'slump' in 2007 - when the expiry of some profitable patents meant that the total market was $4.1 Billion. The forcast is that the total for insomnia drugs will be $6.9 billion by 2017 - with this growth restarting in 2009.
Now, apart from this being a huge amount of money, it raises questions for me about our dependency (as a society) on quick fixes... such as drugs. My view is that natural treatments, specifically relaxation / noise masking and so on are safer, cheaper and more effective in the long-run.
Geoff
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Starting My Blogroll - A Worthy Insomnia Read
Going to start a blogroll today with a view to linking out to the best blogs out there in the field of sleep and insomnia... the blogroll will live on the right hand side menu bar area (not sure that is the correct technical term but hey!)
This is to the blog of the Sleep Doctor himseld Dr Michael Breus - it is an excellent blog with some great advice as well as medical information. If any readers have quality blogs who would like to appear in the blogroll then please let me know.
While Dr Breus takes the role of 'expert' in the field of sleep and sleeping medicine, it is time to ask where your humble host Geoff fit in to the bigger scheme of things?? Well, my role is closer to that of a teacher... sure, I know my stuff - but actually there are few ways to document this other than becoming a doctor.
Instead I aim to facilitate clear and easy information for those interested in many aspects of sleeping disorders - via articles, my site Best Insomnia Treatment and of course this blog. Over time I hope to make all of these aspects more interactive - once the groundwork of getting the best possible info out there is complete.
Geoff
This is to the blog of the Sleep Doctor himseld Dr Michael Breus - it is an excellent blog with some great advice as well as medical information. If any readers have quality blogs who would like to appear in the blogroll then please let me know.
While Dr Breus takes the role of 'expert' in the field of sleep and sleeping medicine, it is time to ask where your humble host Geoff fit in to the bigger scheme of things?? Well, my role is closer to that of a teacher... sure, I know my stuff - but actually there are few ways to document this other than becoming a doctor.
Instead I aim to facilitate clear and easy information for those interested in many aspects of sleeping disorders - via articles, my site Best Insomnia Treatment and of course this blog. Over time I hope to make all of these aspects more interactive - once the groundwork of getting the best possible info out there is complete.
Geoff
Tuesday 18 November 2008
First Batch Of Insomnia Treatments Articles Published At eZine
Was expecting things to take a little longer after reading reports - but I am pleased to say that my first batch of insomnia treatments articles have been published over at ezinearticles.
Thought I would do an overview of the first 3 here, and then do a couple more when time permits - there are actually some more in the pipline over there waiting for the 'quality control' approval step (which seems to take the longest)
So, without further ado (the titles will be the link to the original:
1) 10 Tips For Better Sleep At Night - Part #1
This is the first 5 tips on getting a better night's sleep and includes information on the effects of Caffeine, Alcohol, Naps, Food and Exercise! Hope I do not come across as too anti-drink in these, while alcohol should never be used soley for the purposes of inducing sleep - there is nothing wrong with the occasional glass!
2) 10 Tips For Better Sleep At Night - Part #2
The first one got a bit long... so I split into 2, here the insomnia-busting tips are carried on and include several factors concerning your sleeping environment, as well as a mention of worries and anxiety (a subject which is covered in a lot more depth in future articles)
3) Causes Of Insomnia
This one takes a bottom-up approach, looking at 5 of the most common causes of insomnia - and then suggesting treatments / remedies based on the root-cause. Since insomnia and disturbed sleep is caused by many different factors I think it is important to differentiate those causes before reading about the various remedies.
Of course - you can catch the best of my insomnia articles at my dedicated website: Best Insomnia Treatments
Geoff
Thought I would do an overview of the first 3 here, and then do a couple more when time permits - there are actually some more in the pipline over there waiting for the 'quality control' approval step (which seems to take the longest)
So, without further ado (the titles will be the link to the original:
1) 10 Tips For Better Sleep At Night - Part #1
This is the first 5 tips on getting a better night's sleep and includes information on the effects of Caffeine, Alcohol, Naps, Food and Exercise! Hope I do not come across as too anti-drink in these, while alcohol should never be used soley for the purposes of inducing sleep - there is nothing wrong with the occasional glass!
2) 10 Tips For Better Sleep At Night - Part #2
The first one got a bit long... so I split into 2, here the insomnia-busting tips are carried on and include several factors concerning your sleeping environment, as well as a mention of worries and anxiety (a subject which is covered in a lot more depth in future articles)
3) Causes Of Insomnia
This one takes a bottom-up approach, looking at 5 of the most common causes of insomnia - and then suggesting treatments / remedies based on the root-cause. Since insomnia and disturbed sleep is caused by many different factors I think it is important to differentiate those causes before reading about the various remedies.
Of course - you can catch the best of my insomnia articles at my dedicated website: Best Insomnia Treatments
Geoff
Sunday 16 November 2008
Lack Of Sleep Linked To Heart Disease
A large-scale study in Japan's Jichi Medical Univserity has uncovered yet more evidence that lack of proper sleep is linked to disease.
While this study concentrated on Seniors (70+ age range) with high blood pressure, it is easy to imagine how a lower - yet still marked - effect can be seen for a variety of ailments and a variety of ages.
The finding was that of the 1200 people studied, there was a significant (statistically speaking) increase in heart-disease for those who had less than 7.5 hours sleep each night.
What surprises me is that there is no mention in the press releases or articles printed in the mainstream press about aging factors in the amount of sleep required. Does this indicate that those seniors who feel the need for less sleep should try to get more, or that this 7.5 hours should be in one go - or whether it can be broken into night / naps and still have beneficial effects.
Ah well, research is a wonderful and self-perpetuating thing... for every question answered there are two more asked!
Geoff.
While this study concentrated on Seniors (70+ age range) with high blood pressure, it is easy to imagine how a lower - yet still marked - effect can be seen for a variety of ailments and a variety of ages.
The finding was that of the 1200 people studied, there was a significant (statistically speaking) increase in heart-disease for those who had less than 7.5 hours sleep each night.
What surprises me is that there is no mention in the press releases or articles printed in the mainstream press about aging factors in the amount of sleep required. Does this indicate that those seniors who feel the need for less sleep should try to get more, or that this 7.5 hours should be in one go - or whether it can be broken into night / naps and still have beneficial effects.
Ah well, research is a wonderful and self-perpetuating thing... for every question answered there are two more asked!
Geoff.
Friday 14 November 2008
Study Finds Pine Tree Bark Effective Insomnia Cure
Nature is full of surprises - in fact the one thing we should not be surprised about is that new cures for many conditions are out there waiting to be found.
The latest comes in the form of the use of bark-extracts from the pine tree known as the 'French Maritime Pine' in the cure of jetlag symptoms, insomnia being a major factor in the list.
Insomnia can easil result for the disruption to the circadian rythm after long hall travel, exasserbated by the long periods of physical inactivity. This new insomnia treatment - which is based around the naturally occuring chemical Pycnogenol appears to work by improving circulation and alertness - allowing travellers to stay awake until the time they judge to be best for getting back into a normal sleeping pattern.
Sounds great to me!
Geoff.
The latest comes in the form of the use of bark-extracts from the pine tree known as the 'French Maritime Pine' in the cure of jetlag symptoms, insomnia being a major factor in the list.
Insomnia can easil result for the disruption to the circadian rythm after long hall travel, exasserbated by the long periods of physical inactivity. This new insomnia treatment - which is based around the naturally occuring chemical Pycnogenol appears to work by improving circulation and alertness - allowing travellers to stay awake until the time they judge to be best for getting back into a normal sleeping pattern.
Sounds great to me!
Geoff.
Thursday 13 November 2008
Thanksgiving Turkey And Tryptophan - Busting An Insomnia Myth
.
An ongoing myth is that the drowsiness felt after big meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas is due to the high levels of the amino-acid Tryptophan in Turkey Meat.
Tryptophan has a medically certified role in sleep, and is often used as a treatment for the symptoms of insomnia. While this is certainly found in your Thanksgiving Turkey meat the direct correlation between the two is a myth - here are the facts!
- Turkey meat actually contains no more tryptophan than any other meat, pound for pound.
- Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread and potatoes which come with your Thanksgiving meal actually contain significantly more of this amino acid.
- Alcohol, often in the form of a glass of wine along with your meal, has a larger (and faster) effect than tryptophan... especially for those who are not used to drinking or do not normally drink during the daytime or early evening.
A myth busted - but make sure you all enjoy those Thanksgiving dinners.
Geoff.
An ongoing myth is that the drowsiness felt after big meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas is due to the high levels of the amino-acid Tryptophan in Turkey Meat.
Tryptophan has a medically certified role in sleep, and is often used as a treatment for the symptoms of insomnia. While this is certainly found in your Thanksgiving Turkey meat the direct correlation between the two is a myth - here are the facts!
- Turkey meat actually contains no more tryptophan than any other meat, pound for pound.
- Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread and potatoes which come with your Thanksgiving meal actually contain significantly more of this amino acid.
- Alcohol, often in the form of a glass of wine along with your meal, has a larger (and faster) effect than tryptophan... especially for those who are not used to drinking or do not normally drink during the daytime or early evening.
A myth busted - but make sure you all enjoy those Thanksgiving dinners.
Geoff.
Monday 10 November 2008
Welcome Message
This blog aims to become the number one resource for insomia treatments and help for the people suffering from insomnia symptoms.
Remember to check back regularly for up-to-date articles and information which could help you to sleep better at might.
Geoff
Remember to check back regularly for up-to-date articles and information which could help you to sleep better at might.
Geoff
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