Why You Should Keep Your CPAP Equipment Clean

If you wear a CPAP mask for your sleep apnea, chances are you've noticed your mask getting dirty. Whether you've had it for years and follow cleaning practices, or have only had your device a short time, you know that the tubes, and the mask itself, can attract gunk. But with so much air moving through and regular contact with skin, it's only a matter of time before these devices get bogged down with dirt. However, that unwelcome addition can also affect just how well your mask will work.

Grime can keep the mask from sealing properly to your face, which means air that leaks. Leaking, in turn, can affect how well you breathe, and it can cause discomfort by pushing air onto your skin. Dirty CPAP masks can also irritate or cause break outs, and it can cause the mask itself to break down from foreign matter. Additionally, when tubes aren't clear, less air can flow through and into your lungs.

However, by regularly cleaning your mask and tubes, you can keep your CPAP device running properly and effectively.

Cleaning Your CPAP Mask is Easy

With the help of cleaning wipes, you can easily keep your mask clean. These wipes are designed to clear out gunk quickly, and to remove any excess build up. Keep them by your bed for a simple wipe down every time you use your mask. Frequent cleanings will keep your device working as it should, and it will prevent bigger clean ups from becoming necessary. 

It's recommended to clean off CPAP masks after every use. Without wipes, warm water and gentle soap can also be used to achieve the same cleaning effect. 

Get more use out of your sleeping mask with regular cleanings – stay tuned for a step-by-step tutorial on keeping your CPAP mask clean. And click here to check out more info on CPAP cleaning wipes. 

Continue Reading

5 Sleeping Disorders and Celebrates Who Have Them

It's true – celebrities are just like everyone else, you can even ask People Magazine. That's a mantra that's true even with sleeping disorders. Whether you suffer from one yourself or are looking toward keeping your nightly routine in check, take a look at these well-known sleep sufferers and how they help keep their conditions under control. 

Narcolepsy – Jimmy Kimmel

The comedian and late night talk show host has admitted to being extremely tired throughout the day, causing him to fall asleep often, especially in the afternoons. After being diagnosed and treating his narcolepsy with drugs, Kimmel has admitted his case is "fairly mild," and he actually benefits from its unique qualities, such as being able to fall asleep very quickly.  

Sleep Apnea, Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq's size is most often pointed as the cause of his sleep apnea, a fact he also agrees causes his loss of sleep. After being tired and with complaints of snoring from his girlfriend, he participated in a sleep study and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Shaq said he found relief with a nasal CPAP mask, after finding that other masks wouldn't fit his large figure.

Side note- Gene Simmons (Kiss bassist) was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea on his biopic "Family Jewels" TV series.  Here is a clip:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YIClbypooE

Snoring, Kevin Jonas

According to his wife, the Jonas brother snores far louder than the average person. Though the noise waves fluctuate, she admits to opting for the guest bedroom when his noises are unbearable. 

Sleepwalking, Jennifer Aniston

The actress says she has sleepwalked on a number of occasions, most often when under a large amount of stress or after not getting enough sleep. Tens of other famous folks attribute sleepwalking to their lack of routine. 

Insomnia, Madonna

The same goes for not being able to sleep. With stress and grueling schedules, Madonna, along with plenty other industry cohorts admit to difficulties falling asleep. Most agree that travel and inconsistent hours, along with schedules that are constantly changing, are some of the biggest offenders. 

Are you suffering from one of these sleeping orders? Consider lifestyle changes or talk with your doctor to find a personalized method to keep your sleeping habits under control.  

Continue Reading

Why You Should Stretch Before Bed

If you stretch in the morning before getting up, you know it can be a great way to let oxygen into the bloodstream. It perks muscles up, allows them to breathe, and is a quick way to jumpstart your entire body for the day. And those are only a handful of perks that come with muscles that are regularly stretched. It can also be beneficial to stretch at night – essentially "waking up" the muscles before bed. 

Why? Stretching also relaxes and soothes the muscles. It helps ease them into rest, and pulls out excess tightness or tension that was hiding deep within. Focusing on the back especially will also help your spine and bones settle, which can then reduce sleeping pains. As we rest, the body often falls into awkward positions, which then cause aches and pains. But by promoting better alignment early on, you can reduce these painful layouts before they take place. 

Do You Need a Routine?

Maybe. If you have a particular area that bothers you (any time of day), talk to a doctor or sleeping specialist about stretches that might help. Either by toning, or strengthening a specific area. Or, experiment on your own and see which movements provide the best relief. Tips and tutorials can also be found online, especially when using props like a foam roller or a stretching band. You might even find that you like additional stretches from a workout perspective, not just because they help you relax. 

Stretching, when paired with a healthy sleep routine, can work to greatly increase your body's efficiency levels. As well as your ability to res and ongoing comfort patterns. Consider starting your own stretching regimen for an easy, effective way to prep your body for deep and restful sleep.  

Continue Reading

Regular Sleep Can Improve Your Mental Health

Everyone has woken up groggy, in fact, we've all done it a number of times. There's no denying that on these days, you feel less than prepared to take on the world. Rather than refreshed and energized after waking, you feel tired, cranky, and essentially like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Sometimes, this is just an unfortunate turn of events. For whatever reason, you weren't able to sleep soundly that night, and sometimes there's nothing that can be done. 

Other times, however, you set yourself up for failure. By going to bed too late (or waking up too early), not letting your mind calm down, or not sticking to a routine, you could actually be causing un-restful sleep through your habits. Because, without enough deep, productive sleep, your body just can't function like it should. Your brain isn't as quick, causing you to be slower with reactions, speech, and even body functions. In fact, reduced sleep, over time, can cause brain damage, memory loss, and have an effect on everyday mood. Just like we need sleep after a long day, the brain needs time to rest and recharge itself. 

Think of it like a battery. It's best to charge a phone, computer, etc. on a routine – once it's low, charge it completely. Failing to do so, or charging a little here and there can lower the battery's quality. Other times, a battery can be just fine – they, like the brain, are prone to different factors. 

However, by keeping a regular charge, or sleeping on a schedule, you can do your best to combat these negative side effects. Talk with your doctor or set a regular routine in order to give the brain, and the rest of the body, as much rest as possible.  

Continue Reading

New Year's Resolutions That Add Comfort

Without a proper night of sleep, it can be difficult to get through the day. Without a few nights of proper sleep, daily functions seem almost impossible. And that's putting it lightly. Because the more rest that's missed out on, the more difficult it can be to enjoy life, and the more we want to be curled up in bed – whether or not it provides us with relaxation. 

That's also why ensuring yourself comfort is a great way to step into 2016. With a bed that's restful and supportive, you can be sure to get as much sleep as necessary throughout the entire year. 

In order to stay relaxed each night, evaluate your current setup. How old is your mattress? How supportive is your pillow? Have you been warned about snoring or waking throughout the night but never been to see a doctor? Whatever comfort moves you've been putting off, now is the time to move forward. With getting a foam mattress cover, a new head cradling pillow, or finally booking your appointment to get looked at for sleep apnea. Each of which can provide years of personalized support.

In contrast, you're left to rest as-is, waking with the same aches and pains, and suffering from the same sleep-related issues. Instead, look to the above, or talk with your doctor about implementing even further solutions.

With these few simple changes, you can become better rested, have more support, and be more comfortable throughout the entire year. And if you're still on the fence about making such a change, look no further than our Comfort Guarantee. Choose an item that qualifies and you're able to return your product – for any reason – for up to 90 days. We're that confident you'll love it. 

Head to the Contour store to get started with your new sleep habits today.

Continue Reading

What's the Ideal Sleeping Temperature?

You might have heard that it's better to sleep in a chilly room. You might even agree from personal experience. But did you know there is actually science behind this old wives' tale? And as to just how cool that room should be? The stats have been taken, the studies done, and the results are in – letting us know the absolute ideal sleeping temp each and every night. And the answer is … whatever is most comfortable, generally between 65 and 72 degrees. Much warmer or cooler and the body is more likely to wake frequently.

Due to different body types, sizes, and preferences, folks were shown to sleep deeper at different degrees. With their bodies also running at varied "norms." However, one thing remained in common: those who slept in a cooler room at night vs. what was comfortable during the day gained better rest. When your body sleeps, your core temperature actually goes down – because you're resting and working to save energy. It's a move that our body takes care of on its own. Achieving this lower temp is much easier when your house itself is chillier at night … vs. forcing the body to cool itself against your bedroom environment. 

These nighttime temps can be found by manually or auto setting a thermostat. Keep a small heater in your living space to add warmth while you're awake, or light a fire. It will raise the thermostat while you're up and aware of your degrees. Then once bedtime hits, the fire will have died down and the house will cool itself off overnight. Allowing you to rest even more soundly throughout the night. 

Look to these simple thermostat adjustments, and keep track of what range is most comfortable for you and your family, and earn access to a scientifically proven way to sleep better. 

Continue Reading

Mattress Care Practices to Help Improve Your Health

It's common knowledge to flip one's mattress every few years. To keep clean sheets and replace the pillows once they've gone flat. Most of which are to help implement cleanliness and comfort. But what about steps that can also improve health? By being aware of certain mattress care tricks, you can work to keep your body both cozy and working properly.

Tips like:

Cleaning the Mattress

Or securing it in a hypoallergenic cover. You'd be surprised how much dust can build up over time, and a deep steam cleaning can keep your sleeping surface clean. Ideally, this is done professionally, and every other year (if not every year). It's a step that can remove germs as well as allergens (think of all the times you were sick, a pet slept in your bed). When left unclean, you're breathing in these microbes every night during sleep – yuck!

Turning the Bed

You might flip your mattress in order to help offset weight, but do you turn it, too? Get even wear by ensuring both sides of the bed are gaining equal use, and one section isn't becoming too quickly worn. And for those who have one-sided mattresses, turning is especially important. Plan this easy fix for every six months. 

Upgrading Your Mattress Pad

There are all levels of mattress pads available. For some, it's just a thin buffer between the sheets, and for others, it's an entire layer of cushion. No matter your comfort preferences, look for a version that will help protect your bed. A pad that locks out germs or liquids (ideal for small children or anyone who takes a beverage into bed), or is hypoallergenic. Meaning keeps germs or allergy triggers from embedding deep into your mattress.

These and weekly laundry routines can all help you sleep healthier at night. Working toward a longer term, clean sleeping environment. 

Continue Reading

Customer Reviews: Contour Ortho-Fiber Pillow

The comments are in! We've tallied them, organized each mention, and decided upon our most useful feedback. And compiled it so you can help make an informed choice as a consumer. Whether you're looking for comfort, back and neck support, or all of the above, we've got you covered. 

Here's what our customers – first-timers and repeat shoppers – have had to say about this top-selling item, the Contour Ortho-Fiber Pillow. Spoiler: it's a Contour favorite; it's not just the customers getting in on this comfy pillow action!

"I bought this pillow five years ago for my husband, his chiropractor recommended it." 

"This pillow is just the right size! Fits my head perfectly and cradles the neck – no 'getting used to' period needed! Seriously so comfortable!" 

"Haven't slept through the whole night forever. I do now."  

"This pillow gives great support to the neck while sleeping. No matter whether I'm on my side or back, I feel supported to ease neck pain and keep my spine in alignment. Welcome replacement for my older model that I've used for a number of years." 

"It would take me forever to go to sleep, then never a restful sleep. Now 10 minutes and I'm asleep and for all night. Great product!"

"I have trouble sleeping so I was looking for a pillow that would help me breathe and not snore. I use the strips on my nose and elevate myself but my chin would drop down and obstruct my breathing. This pillow does just what I hoped. Thanks."

"Love it. I was looking for one for a long time – to replace the one I had." 

"Pillow was comfortable right away. Supports your head and neck and I wake up in the morning less sore. Thanks so much!"

"This is the second Contour Pillow I've owned, loved the first one, had it about two years. Firmness wore out. I will definitely buy another one when this one loses firmness." 

Continue Reading

Is Insomnia a Warning Sign?

Anyone who has suffered from insomnia knows just how difficult it can be to live without rest. If you've experienced it for a night or two at a time, chances are you woke up tired and groggy. Perhaps the lack of sleep made you grumpy throughout the day. If you've experienced insomnia for weeks, you know that living without proper rest can seriously affect your ability to think and reason, even perform everyday tasks. And if you've been a victim of insomnia for even longer than that, you know all-too-well that it's incredibly hard-hitting. Because without proper rest, virtually nothing else in life can be done up to par – the body is tired constantly. The  brain simply can't function like it should. 

But is there more to insomnia than just how it affects our sleep? According to ongoing research, it could actually be an early warning sign of certain cognitive conditions, such as depression or stroke – and even venturing into dementia and Alzheimer's. While insomnia has been known to serve as a stand-alone symptom, more and more research suggests that it's actually caused by something more. Not just the body's inability to obtain rest. 

While medical professionals tend to disagree on the matter, there's no doubt that this new information is telling about the brain. Whether such conditions are caused by a lack of sleep, or because similar triggers to depression or Alzheimer's also prevent sleep from taking place.

If you're suffering from insomnia on a frequent basis, it's a good idea to talk with your medical professional about potential causes of your lack of sleep. They can also help you obtain rest – whether you collectively decide on narcotics or natural measures, in order to help regulate your body's sleep patterns. Getting help as soon as possible can also help reduce symptoms from worsening down the line. 

Continue Reading

Do You Sleep Better with Noise?

Sleeping is a very personal experience. It's something that everyone approaches differently, and likely has their own way about achieving it. For instance, showering, wearing specific PJs, or reading. Maybe fluffing the pillows a certain way tells your mind it's time for rest, or turning on the ceiling fan and cocooning yourself in. These little adjustments sound small, but they ready the brain for sleep. We often do them subconsciously.

Other times our choices are very conscious. Like getting into bed and turning off the lights. Turning on a noise machine, perhaps. There is a large portion of the population who prefer noise to help them sleep. Or rather, to choose the noise they listen to at night, rather than to be woken up to different noise. 

Constant Sounds and Obtaining Rest

There are unpredictable noises that cause us to wake, like storms, horns, and loud neighbors. Other predictable noises, like house creaks and air vents generally allow us to stay resting; our bodies know those sounds are supposed to be happening. But by blocking out the unwanted noises – the random loudness that cause us to wake – you can save yourself from losing sleep. 

This can be done with white noise machines, fans, or even gentle music. Air purifiers or humidifiers/dehumidifiers are also viable choices for static backgrounds. Add relaxing scents, or simply let the noise work in your favor. These options are especially helpful when sleeping outside of the home. When you're not used to the traffic frequencies or whether each bump in the night is something normal. 

So, do you sleep better with noise? Yes, so long as it's the right noise. Blaring sounds are obviously detrimental, while calm and constant hums can help keep you relaxed and rested the entire night. 

Continue Reading

4 Products to Help Keep Sleep Apnea in Check

When you don't sleep well, your entire day can suffer. Where you're tired, cranky, and irritable from not having earned good rest. Yet these moments causing such behavior can be quick and infrequent, in fact, we might not even remember them. But for anyone who has sleep apnea, quick wake ups can occur hundreds of times per night. 

With a combination of doctor-recommended advice, CPAP machines, and more, however, patients have worked to cure – or at least slow down – this ongoing problem.

To get the most out of your CPAP treatment, look to these popular Contour Living devices and accessories. 

CPAP Pillows

It can be hard to obtain rest when there's a mask covering your face. Especially for anyone sleeping on their side. To obtain better comfort, enlist the help of a CPAP pillow. Each has strategically placed cutouts so you can comfortably lay without mask pressure pushing back into your body (r your face!) and interrupting sleep.

Cleaning Wipes

Safe and effective, having these cleaning wipes nearby can help you ensure your mask is clean (and smell-free) at all times. Use on a regular basis, as well as daily when suffering from a cold, in order to keep your mask as clean as possible.

Face and Nasal Moisturizer

It's likely that, until you used a CPAP machine, never in your life did you think you'd need a nasal passage moisturizer. Yet with a constant stream of air running through it, the nose becomes suddenly very dry. Use this specialty-designed moisturizer, along with a face lotion, to help keep your skin as hydrated as possible.

Tube Holder

No one wants to roll over and hit their air tube – or even risk smashing it with their own body weight. With this holder, however, you can help keep your air supply readily in place, and in an ideal working position. 

To learn more or start shopping, head to the links above. 

Continue Reading

How to Sleep Better on a Plane

Catching rest while traveling isn't exactly the easiest task. Sometimes it's even an impossible task – depending on your schedule and how many children are in close proximity. But when the timing is right, which is to say you have a long flight and courteous co-travelers – naps are a welcome occurrence. In order to gain rest even with distractions in place, we look to the help of industry pros. Flight attendants who offer their best advice at achieving sleep while traveling on a plane.

They suggest:

Boarding the plane without expectations of sleep. Sure it'd be great, but assuming it'll be a quiet, smooth ride is the easiest way for that to not occur. Instead, go in knowing that you'd like to sleep, but there's a good possibility it won't happen. Those who feel entitled to sleep, the flight attendants said, become the most irritable. Adding that reminding yourself how much you need rest is the best way to not be able to sleep – no matter where you're trying to doze. 

Window seats are also ideal for sleeping, as there's slightly more space to rest. (Rather than being wedged between two strangers.) They also point out seats that line up with interior lines so you can keep yourself alongside windows, rather than offset or near an uneven surface. 

Comfortable clothes are also key, such as pants with excess room and shoes that don't fasten too tight. Flying causes the human body to bloat and temporarily grow, meaning clothes can become even tighter in-air. 

Finally, plan for success. Pack a neck pillow, eye shades, back supports – whatever will help bring you comfort. You can also ask flight attendants for a blanket to help keep warm. Compiling all of the above, they say, can provide one of the most perfect recipes for in-air sleep. Keep them in mind the next time you travel. [Yahoo]

Continue Reading

(Even More) Tips for Beating the Summer Sleeping Heat

Scorching temperatures are just around the corner. Depending on where you live, they might already be upon you. Which means longer, sweatier days, and even warmer and damper nights. With all of the growing humidity it can be impossible to remove all of the moisture from your home, even with a new and efficient AC unit. But instead of fighting the inevitable, why not take a few tricks that will help cool your home on its own … without jacking up the electricity bill?

Start by getting a dehumidifier. These things can do wonders, especially in upper levels of your home, where ACs have a harder time to reach. And because heat rises, there’s even higher temps lurking in those upper corners. Pick up a few dehumidifiers at the local department store and let them give your electricity bill a break. 

You should also make sure your AC unit is clean and working as efficiently as possible. Hose off any debris from the outside of your model and clear out air vents so that your cool breeze can easily flow into the house. Fans, dehumidifiers, and more should also be dusted every few weeks as well to keep air flowing as freely as possible.

Another little-thought-of tip is to keep pets off the bed. Though you can be thankful for their added heat come winter, summer will have you kicking them to the floor. It might be nice to cuddle, but just think how much extra heat their bodies are bringing to the bed. Make them a spot on the floor instead to help cool down instantly. 

Finally, remember to cool yourself off as much as possible before bed. Take a cold shower or drink a glass of ice water for a quick, yet efficient, way to drop your body temperature and get it ready for a restful night. 

Continue Reading

Changing Weather Patterns and your Sleep Habits

The outside temperature has always had an effect on just how well we’re able to sleep. That’s a pattern that’s always been true. Winter and early nights generally bring on deep bouts of sleep. While hot, sticky days can make rest hard to obtain. Eventually we become used to the weather, even if it does take a few weeks to do so. But when it’s constantly sling-shotting back and forth, it’s even harder to prep for bed. Knowing what layers of clothing to wear, how cool to set the thermostat, whether or not you should turn on a fan, and so on.

These unpredictable weather patterns are especially common in the Midwest. Where weather can fluctuate drastically, even within a single day. Just because it was hot that day, doesn’t mean it will be hot that night, and so on. 

However, such large variations in weather can also affect how you sleep. How well, at what time, clothing choice, thickness of sheets, and so on. Leaving you to either go on a whim each night, or to be constantly checking the weather – and even then, the body can make adjustments we don’t even know about. 

To regulate yourself, even when the climate has a mind of its own, consider taking charge of the few factors you can control. First off, stick to your routine. If you generally shower before bed, continue to do so at the same time each night – even if it stays light later into the evening. You should also continue lying down to sleep at your same time, even if that means reading or watching TV first. 

Account for temperature changes with the thermostat, or by wearing thicker or thinner PJs each night. A bedroom fan can also make a world of difference.

To avoid losing sleep, even through drastic changes, remember these simple constants to help improve everyday routine. 

Continue Reading

Are These Symptoms Causing your Insomnia?

So you can’t sleep – a terrible punishment for anyone. Especially those who can’t sleep on the norm. It’s not an every once an awhile thing. Tossing and turning is their every night, leading to unrested days and cloudy or irritable behavior. Over time, it’s a condition that’s known as insomnia. 

But did you know there are a number of different causes for this unwelcome trait? Medical and outside factor alike, these symptoms band together – a process that keeps you awake through all hours of the night. 

Medical Conditions That Cause Insomnia

• Back pain
• Chronic headaches
• Seasonal allergies
• Nasal congestion or inflammation
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Gastrointestinal issues or pains
• Acid reflux and/or GERD
• Recent surgery or long-standing pains
• Twitching or neurological issues that keep you from lying still

Non-medical causes can also cause similar insomnia patterns, such as anxiety, stress, or simply psyching yourself out. The more you think about how much sleep you’re not getting, the less amount of sleep you’re able to actually get. Caffeine is known to keep folks up, while a heavy meal too close to bed time can keep the digestive system working on overdrive, a fact that makes it difficult to rest. 

Determining which of these factors is causing you to stay awake, however, is the best way to cure them once and for all. Or to create the most viable plan for getting better sleep. Naturally, and without the need for narcotics or drugs that come with side effects. 

If you’re suffering from the inability to sleep, talk to your doctor or ask to be referred to a sleep specialist. With a few questions and/or tests, they can help narrow down what’s keeping you up. But more importantly, they can help you fix the problem once and for all. 

Be sure and check back in for even more sleep-related news.  

Continue Reading

Learn How to Get Better Rest with Sleep Innovations

As partners in the good-night’s-sleep community, we’re out to educate the public on anything and everything associated with rest. In fact, it excites us. That includes products that will help them become more comfortable, to healthier resting habits, and more. One our latest projects combines all of the above. 

With Sleep Innovations, a unique combination of articles – and the help of Media Planet – readers can gain the information they need to get better rest. And because Media Planet focuses on advocacy and research in natural healthcare advances, readers can rest assured they’re gaining access to innovative and cutting-edge materials. 

There’s even a section with Arianna Huffington, who discusses the importance of rest, as well as the moment she realized just how precious good sleep can be. By hearing from experts and understanding general opinion, in one easy-to-read place, those of all backgrounds and situations can gain a better scope of public opinion. For instance, what’s normal when you’re trying to rest, and what might be cause for alarm. As well as what steps to take in order to improve one’s sleeping patterns. Maybe even all of the above. 

Products, educational programs, and more are also shared within the publication. The website even tackles additional health issues, such as bone strength, lymphoma, what causes kids to snore (and why it might be unhealthy), and more. With this well-rounded approach, readers can gain access to health conditions that encompass their sleeping habits (and what might affect them), as well as those that are beyond those nighttime resting patterns.

An all-over approach to getting educated about the human body and all of its intricate parts. 

To learn more about what Sleep Innovations has to offer, or to start reading your way to better health today, head to FutureofPersonalHealth.com. 

Continue Reading

How to Benefit From a “Sleep Ritual”

Sleep is an everyday norm. It’s something we need to rest and regain energy for the following day. And it’s something that, after a hard or long day, we crave. But aside from necessity – or rather an inevitability – there can be much more to it. Sleep, as a practice, can be good or bad. It can be deep or restless. The more we focus on those facts, and what affects them, the better we can create sleep success. Or as one writer puts it, a “sleep ritual.”

A sleep ritual is the routine that you follow before bed. The time you usually lay down, habits you develop when getting under the covers, and so on. It’s also what mentally and physically prepares you for sleep every day, no matter what took place earlier. While they might vary (slightly), each night, over time, your body understands what’s taking place, and it helps ready itself for sleep. Without a relaxing ritual, however, you could be greatly reducing your chance at sleep. Especially restful versions of it. 

By disengaging from work, or any other stressful event from the day, the inventor of “sleep rituals” agrees that sleep will come more naturally. Failing to do so, in contrast, will make it more difficult to relax, and therefore, obtain actual rest. If that’s difficult to do at first, however, use it as a goal to work toward. The smaller and gentler each step, the easier it is to master the art of your sleeping routine. And because everyone is different, a ritual will be personalized; no two people will have the exact same go-to-sleep list. 

To learn more about the art of a sleep ritual, or what you can do in order to get yours started, check out the original article here. 

Continue Reading

Tips for Sleeping Better with a Cold

When stuffed up or not feeling your best, the thing you need most in life is sleep. However, when the airways aren’t clear, rest not only becomes difficult, but virtually impossible to find. Instead, we’re stuck coughing in order to better breathe and fall into a deep level of sleep. 

Pillows can certainly be stacked, or medicines taken to help remove mucus. Having an upset stomach brings on another set of issues altogether, causing you to feel nauseous when getting comfortable. But not without side effects, or wearing off too quickly. And stacked pillows always seem to lump and flatten throughout the night.  

Enter the MiniMax. 

This little guy is specifically designed to increase comfort, clear airways, and allow you to get comfortable through any number of symptoms. And because it’s adjustable, sleepers can choose various positions to meet their needs. As well as to beat whatever issues are keeping them from sleep. 

Use the MiniMax through flu season, to beat allergies, or for all of the above. Whether they take place throughout the spring, winter, or run into the summer as well. Simply adjust your MiniMax as needed to gain better and deeper rest each and every night. That can mean the size of wedge or height of your incline, or another position that allows comfort throughout the entire body. 

Elevate the head and shoulders to clear out your sinuses, raise the legs to help reduce nausea, or lay on the wedge while falling asleep to help reduce coughing or other symptoms that prevent rest. 

Treat Flu and Allergies with the MiniMax Multi-Position Wedge

Because the MiniMax is, well, mini, you can take it wherever you go. That means allergy relief while traveling. Sleep with the flu once heading to the couch, and more. Order one for your spouse as well; they’re affordable enough to stock up for the whole family!

To learn more or start receiving relief today, check out our MiniMax product page.

Continue Reading

Lower the Thermostat for Deeper Sleep

There’s no denying that, this time of year, the heater is working overtime in order to keep up. Between freezing temperatures and wind that inevitably leaks through even the tightest of window seals, our homes are just plain chilly. Meaning heaters are kicking on several times per hour just to keep up. 

When sleeping, however, it just may be better to turn down the temp. Not only for a more budget-friendly way to keep your house warm, but to gain better sleep. By lowering the temperature just a few degrees, the body is able to rest and relax into an even deeper level of sleep. (Need proof? When was the last time you got incredible sleep in a balmy or too-warm environment?) It’s simply a natural way to coax the body into deep REM levels of sleep. 

How to Keep Warm

In order to gain these benefits without freezing, be sure to layer on the blankets. Or, choose warmer materials to avoid being weighted down by multiple layers. Flannel sheets and warm PJs will also work to keep you plenty warm when heading to bed. While socks – especially wool ones (or another material that’s designed to keep in heat) – will prevent warmth from leaving the body. After all, no one likes waking up cold, especially when it prevents them from falling back asleep. 

If you generally sleep with a fan on, consider getting a corner fan that won’t be pointed in your direction. Or, choose a noise machine that can provide similar soothing effects but without lowering the temperature too low. 

This winter, don’t be afraid to embrace the cold. Rather than avoiding it at all costs, lower the thermostat a few degrees and start earning some of the best sleep you’ll receive all season long. 

Continue Reading

Get Better Sleep By De-Stressing Your Life

Did you know that stress level has an incredible effect on our sleeping habits? Even in the smallest amounts, it can work to keep us awake at night or lessen the amounts of rest we’re able to achieve. Even when we’re at our most tired. Not sleeping, however, then leads to even more stress, only perpetuating the process. 

But de-stressing is a process in and of itself, and almost never as easy as it sounds. 

Once they achieve it, folks can get more and deeper sleep while saving their waking hours for clearly planned out tasks. Not worrying about what and when something is slated to take place (whether or not that ever happens), or whatever other type of stress weighs heavily on one’s mind. With such incredible perks, however, folks aren’t likely to give up on de-stressing so easily. 

They look to tactics such as exercise, massages, eating healthier (or eating a comfort food), scented candles, and more. De-stressing might just be as easy as finishing off your to-do list for the day. Some have been shown to work in various degrees –sometimes in tandem with one another, and sometimes, not at all. 

The tricky part is that no two people deal with stress the same way. Meaning they aren’t able to eliminate it the same way, either. Over time, you’ll learn better as to how to remove stress from your life. And how to keep it from not letting you sleep. Only by truly relaxing – not only the body, but the mind, will you be able to better handle the day’s tasks without letting them spill into your nighttime routine. 

To work on improving your rest levels, especially when the body is most stressed, work on a tactic that lets your mind relax. It’s a proven way to drift into deeper and more restful bouts of sleep. 

Continue Reading