Preparing the body for sleep is one of our most important daily rituals, although few people realize the importance it plays in maintaining good health. Our bodies need from seven to eight hours of sleep per night to adequately recharge. Many Americans chronically receive less sleep than they need, unwittingly increasing their health risk. Getting […]
Talk Yourself to Sleep
Using talk therapy to help insomniacs fall asleep produced better results than commonly used sleep medications, according to a new study released this week. In a Canadian study of 160 chronic adult insomniacs, researchers at Laval University in Quebec, Canada compared talk therapy to the popular sleep aid zolpidem, which is sold both generically and under […]
Stress, Depression Plague Collegiates
College students are feeling the pressure, and they’re not just worrying about grades. Money and relationships are creating as much stress and depression on college campuses as schoolwork, according to a recent Associated Press-mtvU poll of college students on 40 campuses. Of the collegiates polled, 85% reported daily feelings of stress, the Associated Press reported. […]
Women’s Sleep Habits Linked to Mood
When mom doesn’t get enough sleep, the whole family suffers. In women, there’s a definite connection between sleep and mood. Worry, stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep, and sleep problems can increase depression and anxiety symptoms. According to a 2007 National Sleep Foundation study on women’s sleep habits, the relationship between sleep and mood is […]
Why Women Have Trouble Sleeping
Less than half of American women get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis with stay-at-home moms least likely to enjoy adequate pillow time. According to a 2007 National Sleep Foundation (NSF) poll quizzing women about their sleep habits, 67% of American women experience frequent trouble sleeping and 43% report that daytime tiredness interferes […]
More Sleep Can Improve ADHD Symptoms
A common behavior disorder that affects 8% to 10% of U.S. school-aged children, ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — has been linked to children’s failure to get enough sleep. In a new study (see our April 29 post), researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland found that children who typically received less than […]