While we often strive to improve our own health, or the health of those we love, what about the health of the Earth? Taking a few small actions can truly make a difference.

Since we live here, every day should be Earth Day. And from decorations to cleaning supplies, here are a few ways you can make your home and habits a little more earth-friendly—and healthier to boot.

According to an article published in the New York Times, scientists, conservationists, and even nurseries are seeking to ban glitter. No, this isn’t a case of someone who hates unicorns and rainbows, it turns out it’s actually a viable environmental and health concern.

In a similar article, CNN pointed out, “Most glitters are in essence teeny tiny bits of shiny plastic, called microplastics.” The article goes on to say that “they are a well-known environmental hazard.” Why? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our oceans and Great Lakes,” and microplastics, commonly found in beauty products such as makeup and toothpaste, can “easily pass through water filtration systems […] posing a potential threat to aquatic life.”

And it isn’t just the whales who have to worry about the microplastics in beauty and crafting products. In 2016, a young mother lost her sight after a piece of crafting glitter blew into her eye and scratched her retina. While the flecks of glitter common in makeup like eyeshadow and mascara won’t cause damage quite so serious as crafting glitter, Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials points out that “it can also flake off and add sparkles in your eyes—causing redness and irritation.”

Luckily, for those of us who aren’t sure we can get by in a world with no glitter, there is another option: biodegradable glitter. However, on your quest for environmentally friendly decorations and makeup, it’s important to note that “vegan” glitter is not necessarily environmentally friendly. Vegan only means that the glitter wasn’t tested on animals, and unfortunately doesn’t account for the aquatic life that could be impacted by the microplastics after they are thrown away or washed down the drain. So, if you do go questing for sparkles, make sure they’re biodegradable and not just vegan!

No matter how much care is taken, a house and its inhabitants are bound to get more than a bit messy at times. Unfortunately, many of the cleaning products and soaps available in stores are full of chemicals and toxins. But fear not: There are healthier options for getting your kid’s boot prints off of your living room carpet.

If you’ve ever been camping for more than a night or two, chances are you’ve come across Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-one organic soap. This magical soap can be used as toothpaste, dish soap, shampoo, pet and baby wash, household cleaner, laundry detergent, and even insecticide. And the best part about it? It’s non-toxic, vegan, and certified fair trade.

Unlike other shampoos, soaps, and household cleaning products, organic castile soaps like Dr. Bronner’s don’t contain chemicals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia, which are typical in many commercial brands. This means that in addition to keeping your family and living space toxin-free, you’re also helping the environment.

According to SFGate, when the chemicals common in non-organic cleaning products “enter a freshwater environment as residues of household cleaning, their levels are not controlled.” Therefore, the chemicals artificially nourish certain types of plant and aquatic life, causing “dense vegetation that clogs waterways, crowding out animal life and other marine plants.”

While this may not sound so terrible at first glance, the problem with the “chemical-accelerated life cycle” is that it also causes the plants to “die in large masses, decaying and depleting the oxygen in the water.” This then leads to the suffocation of other freshwater animals, exacerbating the cycle and leading to long-term negative impacts on the environment. So be kind to Mother Nature, and consider buying environmentally friendly substitutes in place of your current cleaning supplies.

Even though I usually wait until the evening to shower, do dishes, and start the washing machine, I was surprised when a New York State D.E.C. officer told me my after-hours water and electricity habits were actually more environmentally friendly. For me, this unintentional environmentalism was just a perk of my schedule and habits, so I had to know: Why does it make a difference?

It turns out that holding off on your shower until just before bedtime puts less of a strain on the local electric grid, because these are off-peak hours. According to National Grid, peak hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., while off-peak hours are from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. During off-peak hours, businesses, restaurants, and schools shut off the lights, turn off their ovens, and turn down the heat for the night. This means that less energy is expended to heat up your water tank, and you’ll be contributing less to greenhouse gas emissions. And, as an added bonus, showering and using electricity at night is 29% cheaper than during the day.

In addition to giving the local grid a rest, nighttime showering can have some positive health benefits as well. With temperatures dropping and snowflakes falling, you pretty much have to blow-dry your hair—or risk having it freeze—if you shower in the morning during the colder months. However, if you wait to wash your locks until night, you avoid the breakage and dryness caused by freezing, and reduce heat damage from blow-dryers by letting your hair air-dry.

We hope that armed with these three small changes, you can do your part to help out the Earth, and reap the health benefits yourself, too.

Source: Withings Blog
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Healthy days are a direct result of healthy nights, and the position you sleep in can have a dramatic effect on your well-being, mood and productivity.

You spend about eight hours a night on your mattress, so it’s bound to have an effect one way or another. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each sleeping position and help you find the best sleeping position for a perfect night’s sleep.

Pros: As your back is supported by the mattress throughout the night, sleeping on your back is probably the best sleeping position for your spine and neck, allowing your back muscles to relax and keeping your spine from experiencing extra pressure. Sleeping on your back can also have a positive impact on your skin. Because your face doesn’t press down against your pillow (which often contains a build-up of bacteria, dirt, makeup, hair products and oil), it can keep your pores unclogged and limit inflammation. Plus, scrunching your face against a pillow can lead to sleep wrinkles, so sleeping on your back can be a great way of keeping your face wrinkle-free.

Cons: Sleeping on your back can enhance the frequency of chronic snoring, as it causes the base of your tongue to collapse into the throat, causing the air at the top to vibrate. At worst, it can increase your chances of developing sleep apnea, a serious disorder that affects your breathing and quality of sleep.

Pros: There aren’t—it has to be said—a huge number of positives when it comes to stomach sleeping. According to Healthline, it reportedly can ease snoring and sleep apnea (in some cases) but unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends.

Cons: Sleeping on your stomach is an unnatural position that arches your back and flattens the natural curvature of your spine, leading to pain in your lower back. This position can also cause strains in your neck by locking the upper cervical vertebrae, causing long-term neck problems and headaches. Moreover, sleeping on your stomach can irritate nerves (leading to numbness and pain) and put pressure on your joints and muscles. Skin-care aficionados may also want to think twice. Pressing your face down against your pillow can aid the development of sleep wrinkles and expose your face to the microorganisms and dirt stored on your pillowcase. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults sleep for 7–9 hours every night (210–270 hours a month)—a long time to expose your face to potentially harmful bacteria.

Pros: Sleeping on your side is one of the most common sleeping positions, and with good reason. It can help combat heartburn and acid reflux, and because it keeps your airways open, it’s often the best sleeping position for people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea. In fact, doctors specifically encourage pregnant women to sleep on their sides, as it can help to increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta.

Cons: Because half of your face is pressed into your pillow, sleeping on your side often isn’t the best for your skin. In addition, the side position can put pressure on your lungs and stomach, while resting your weight on one arm can restrict blood flow and result in numbness. Side sleepers may also experience localized pressure on their hips or shoulders, which can lead to soreness in the morning.

Pros: Technically a type of side position, the fetal position is so popular that we thought it deserved its own mention. According to research from the Better Sleep Council, the fetal position is the most common sleeping position amongst Americans, accounting for 47% of all sleepers. Complementing the natural curve of your spine, this position is good for those who suffer from back pain.

Cons: Curling up tightly while you sleep can place lots of pressure on your diaphragm and restrict your breathing, while it can also cause you to suffer from neck pain if you don’t support your head properly throughout the night.

Ultimately, the best sleeping position is a matter of comfort and personal preference. While sleeping on your back and side is better for your body than sleeping on your stomach, our bodies always tend to revert to their natural snooze positions anyway. It’s worth remembering that most sleepers change position between 20 and 30 times a night, so even if you’re a stomach sleeper, you may be spending more time on your side or back than you realize. As long as your doctor hasn’t given you any specific instructions and you haven’t noticed your current position doing you any harm, feel free to sleep in the position that feels most natural.

 

Need to know more about your nights are treating you? Check out Nokia Sleep.

Source: Withings Blog
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A long night of refreshing, restorative sleep can make you feel invincible, so waking up with lower back pain can be a pretty wretched way to start your day.

Recent studies have shown that 50–80% of the US population experiences lower back pain at least once throughout their lives. Check out 5 common reasons why people experience lower back pain after sleeping —and what you can do about it.

Sleeping on your stomach is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. It flattens the natural curvature of your lumbar spine and intensifies the pressure on your joints and vertebrae, straining your back muscles and causing you to experience lower back pain after sleeping. Try sleeping on your side or back to ease the strain. Alternatively, you could sleep with a pillow underneath or between your legs so that your lower back gets some extra support. If you really can’t get to sleep without being on your belly, place a pillow beneath your stomach to relieve some of the pressure.

Some pillows don’t adequately support the neck. This is especially true of the soft feather pillows that many people prefer. The issue mostly comes down to spinal alignment. If your pillow doesn’t support your neck (because it’s either too soft or too thick), then your cervical spine can be pulled out of alignment as you sleep, straining your neck and shoulder muscles and forcing your lower back into an unnatural position. To keep your spine aligned and straight throughout the night and stop yourself from waking up with lower back pain, choose a specialist orthopedic pillow. Alternatively, a full body pillow can provide extra support by molding itself to the contours of your body. Memory foam pillows can also help, as can pillows made from buckwheat, a malleable and adjustable material.

Your mattress could also be the cause of lower back pain after sleeping. Mattresses that are too firm do not conform to your body’s shape, leaving your lower back unsupported. Conversely, mattresses that are too soft are prone to sagging and provide little support for the lumbar region. It’s not really about firmness; it’s about support. Memory foam mattresses are a great solution, cradling the natural curves of your body and keeping your back supported through the night. It’s also worth remembering that mattresses become less supportive as they get older—the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress after approximately seven years.

A wide range of existing health and fitness problems can cause you to wake up with lower back pain after sleeping. Some of the main culprits include:

• Inflammatory back pain (IBP): While a precise definition is elusive, IBP has been suggested as the cause of morning stiffness or pain. It can be caused by certain autoimmune diseases.
• Chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging): This inflammation increases in severity with age.
• Myofascial pain syndrome: A type of muscle pain that affects the fascia (the connective tissues which cover your muscles), this may cause lower back pain.
• Fibromyalgia: This condition is a long-term neurological disorder that can cause pain all over your body, including in your lower back.
• Vitamin D deficiency (osteomalacia): A lack of vitamin D has been linked to aching back bones.

If you think you may be suffering from any of these health problems, a visit to a doctor may help you set your mind at rest. The symptoms of cotton mouth include what feels like unquenchable thirst, a sore throat and a dry, sticky feeling that lingers even after drinking lots of water. In this article, DocMJ explains more about the causes behind why cannabis users tend to experience cotton mouth.

Although it sounds relatively inconsequential, getting out of bed the wrong way can add to feelings of lower back pain after sleeping. Lots of people sit up and immediately twist their back to face the side of the bed they’re getting out of, before using the muscles in their back to stand. This position isn’t correct, and it can end up straining your lower back. The right way to do it is to roll onto your side and push yourself up using your arm, then use your legs to get into a standing position. Simple enough.

There are just as many solutions to waking up with lower back pain as there are potential causes, so if you’re able to identify the problem and work out a solution, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

Source: Withings Blog
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Chia seeds are nutrition-packed powerhouses. Here’s what you need to know about their health benefits—and a fabulous recipe to help get you started.

As a kid, I begged my mother to buy me a Chia Pet puppy. Who wouldn’t want a ceramic animal that you slather in wet mud and seeds, so it’s covered in foliage where the fur should be? Plus, you’d get to watch the seeds sprout and grow at a miraculously rapid rate.

I never actually got the Chia Pet that I coveted as a kid, but I am making up for it now because I buy chia seeds every week and sprinkle them on everything except ceramic animals. It turns out that those same seeds from my childhood are packed with nutritional value. Important side note: The chia seeds that accompany the Chia Pet sets are not processed for consumption, so don’t snack while you are crafting your menagerie.

The tiny black seeds of the chia plant (Salvia hispanica) are native to Mexico and Guatemala. They were an integral part of the Mayan and Aztec diet, and in fact, the word “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for strength.

Chia seeds have become popular because they contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. According to Healthline.com, a few spoonfuls daily might be powerful because chia seeds may improve risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, lead to better digestive health, and increase blood levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

Usually a bland taste is a downside in the culinary world, but the fact that chia seeds have no actual flavor is a plus because it makes it easy to sneak them into your favorite dishes without affecting the taste. (Note that you should only eat them when prepared properly in recipes. Swallowing dry chia seeds can be dangerous!) Their ability to absorb liquid also makes them a healthy method of thickening sauces. I like to sprinkle them on oatmeal and toast or scrambled eggs, but many folks like to use them as a topper on yogurt, salads, soups, or as added value to a smoothie or baked good.

Dr. Jessica Knurick shared a fun recipe for Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding with us. It’s super easy and quick. The result is a delicious chia-filled breakfast or dessert pudding that feels rich and decadent, bursting with nutritional value and flavor!

Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

Ingredients

3 tablespoons whole chia seeds
1/2 cup hot almond milk
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup washed blueberries

Instructions

1. Combine chia seeds, cinnamon, and hot milk in a bowl and mix lightly. Let rest to firm up (about 20–30 minutes).
2. Wash the blueberries and sprinkle them over the pudding. Enjoy!

In the great super-seed showdown, chia seeds seem to be outshining their sister seeds of flax, hemp, and pumpkin. In a recent Huffington Post article entitled Flax vs. Chia, Terri Coles explains, “Flax is a seed worth eating, but chia has the upper hand here thanks to its higher numbers for fiber, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as because it’s a complete protein. But all seeds have antioxidants—and different ones—so it’s great to get a mix of them in your diet.”

It’s fun to discover more healthy things to eat, and as a chia fan, I love the grown-up reasons why I should love these tiny black boosts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Earlier this year, I adopted a real puppy, so now I can channel my love for all things chia simply by using them to improve the nutritional value of my daily diet.

Source: Withings Blog
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This year, the theme of World Health Day is universal health coverage. Let’s talk about this important issue.

Did you know that half the world lacks essential health care? We’re talking basic services such as child immunizations, access to medicines, and adequate sanitation to prevent infectious diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to change that. Every year, WHO focuses on an important health-related issue on World Health Day—in 2017, it was depression, and in 2016, diabetes—to mark the anniversary of its founding. This year, the topic is universal health coverage.

We understand why WHO is concerned. Access to health coverage has been a hot topic in the news lately; WHO estimates that more than 800 million people—almost 12 percent of the world’s population—have spent at least 10 percent of their household budgets on healthcare, and 100 million people have been pushed into extreme poverty due to healthcare costs.

WHO’s goal is to extend health coverage to an additional 1 billion people by 2023. What can you do? Start by getting the facts—learn more about healthcare issues on the World Health Day site, and find ways to get involved.

 

In a nod to World Health Day, we’re offering special health tracking device deals on Amazon. Learn more about our offers on Nokia Steel HR, Nokia Thermo, and Nokia Body+.

Source: Withings Blog
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When it comes to cooking gadgets, the Instapot, a nickname for the brand Instant Pot, is a pressure cooker that has really taken off over the past two years. Find out why it’s taken off, and check out five recipes that will inspire you to finally take it out of the box.

With a variety of dials, buttons, and digital settings, it seems so technologically advanced, you might even expect it to lift off! But while it may look like a thing of the future, this handy kitchen appliance actually had its start in the late 17th century, thanks to French physicist Denis Papin. According to Discover Pressure Cooking, in 1679, Papin developed the Steam Digester, a small cauldron with an airtight lid, which used pressurized steam to speed up cooking times.

As cookware and canning methods developed over the next three centuries, so did the pressure cooker. And by the time World War II rolled around, saucepan pressure cookers like the Presto were a staple in U.S. kitchens. But Instant Pot “smart cookers” aren’t your grandma’s cookware. Actually, these modern adaptations look more like slow cookers than traditional stovetop pressure cookers. But don’t be fooled! While a traditional slow cooker can take all day, Instant Pot usually takes less than an hour.

The reason for such speedy cooking, according to the Instant Pot website, is thanks to a heating process called a closed-loop control system. Basically, this means that the pot uses built-in sensors to raise temperatures and pressurize the contents. It hen cools the temperature to release pressure. In an article about the science of pressure cookers, Fine Cooking explains that by having a lid with a locking gasket, pressure cookers inhibit the escape of steam, allowing “the cooker [to work] by raising the temperature of boiling water, thereby speeding up the time it takes to boil, braise, or steam.”

What sets Instant Pot apart from a traditional stovetop pressure cooker and a slow cooker is its pre-set smart cooking programs. This means that the cooker can control the heating intensity, temperature, pressure, and duration of the cooking process all on its own. You just need to add your ingredients, select the appropriate settings, and set the table!

Incidentally, if you’re concerned about safety—and you’ve heard something in the news about Instant Pot issuing a recall—know that there’s probably no need to worry. The recall affects some of the company’s multicookers, not the Instant Pot. And if you’ve seen that controversial episode of NBC’s “This Is Us,” that was a slow cooker—not an Instant Pot—and they are also considered safe.

So, if you love slow-cooker meals, but need quicker cook-times—or if, like me, you’re afraid that the lid will fly off of your traditional pressure cooker and careen through your kitchen window—trying out an Instant Pot may be a good way for you to create some super-quick and healthy dishes!

A recent press release from Amazon reported that “Amazon.com customers purchased enough Instant Pot pressure cookers this holiday to make more than nine million bowls of chili at once.” If you happen to be one of the lucky recipients of an Instant Pot, but still aren’t sure what to cook, we’ve pulled together a list of healthy recipes for you to try.

Speaking of chili, why not make some of your own? This bean-free chili from Maya at Wholesome Yum is a great option for anyone on a low-carb diet, and takes just over 30 minutes using the pressure-cooker function. Plus, on a cold winter night, this chunky chow is just the ticket!

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 large onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes with liquid
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 4-ounce can green chiles with liquid
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium bay leaf, optional

See how to get your yum on!

There are plenty of meat-filled Instant Pot ideas but there, but it can be difficult to find recipes that are vegan-friendly. Luckily, JL Fields has created a whole cookbook, Vegan Pressure Cooking, full of tasty one-pot meals, like this vegan holiday roast.

Ingredients

1 to 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup yellow onion, diced
2 cups carrot, diced
2 cups potato, diced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 vegan stuffed roast (1 pound), thawed)
3/4 to 1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon almond milk
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon vegan butter, optional

See how to prep and cook your vegan roast.

For some lighter fare that’s full of spices, check out this chickpea and lentil stew from Nicky at Little Family Adventure. Perfect for anyone with a busy evening schedule, this protein-packed stew takes less than an hour to cook and can easily be frozen and stored for leftovers or pre-prepped meals.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups lentils
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large sweet potato, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 zucchini, chopped
1 28-ounce can tomatoes, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground sumac
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12-ounce can chickpeas (drained)
1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin

Find out how to assemble your own protein-packed stew.

If you love peanuts and Thai-inspired food, this dairy-free recipe from Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean is ideal for an Instant Pot lunch. Clocking in at around 20 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy, hassle-free meal in less time than it would take to order take-out!

Ingredients

2 strips bacon
1/2 cup onion
1 1/2 cup sweet potato
1 cup red pepper
1 cup zucchini
1 cup summer squash
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1–2 tablespoons fresh ginger
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
1 teaspoon paprika
1 can coconut milk
1/4 cup peanut butter

Check out the full recipe to whip up your own Thai-inspired soup.

While it can be tempting to treat your pressure cooker like a glorified slow cooker, there are actually some fantastic non-soup recipes out there! This Instant Pot version of stuffed peppers from Gina Homolka at Cooking Light is a great way to try pressure cooking with solid food, and makes a perfect appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers
1 pound lean ground turkey
3/4 cup cooked brown rice
1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup reduced-sodium marinara sauce
1/4 cup minced onion
1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
1 large egg
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup water
1 ounce mozzarella cheese

See the full recipe to try these turkey-riffic peppers.

So, if you were the lucky recipient of an Instant Pot this year, don’t be afraid to take it for a whirl! With plenty of healthy recipes, and a huge variety of foods to choose from, you can cut down your cook time and enjoy meals that are not only good for you, but delicious and easy to make.

Source: Withings Blog
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We’ve all needed it: a little something to help us fall asleep at night. Here are our tips for better sleep.

Considering that 68 percent, or an estimated 164 million Americans, ”[struggle] with sleep at least once a week,” according to Consumer Reports, it’s no surprise that we seek out sleep aids. As children, we had a favorite stuffed animal or a blanket—until we progressed to a beloved pillow, a coveted pair of jammies, or fluffy bedtime socks. Our bedtime rituals are all a little different, and many of us need some kind of comforter—pun intended—to help us stop counting sheep.

If you read our article, 5 Tips for Creating the Ideal Sleep Sanctuary, then you already know getting a good night’s rest means keeping it cool—the bedroom, that is—as well as minimizing exposure to blue light and using sound to your advantage. Of course, depending on where you live, some of these tasks can be difficult to accomplish without a little help. Luckily, we’ve compiled a few of these helpful tips and tricks to ensure that you can really settle in for the night.

Marilyn Monroe reportedly did it, and apparently it can definitely help you get a good night’s sleep. According to Ellen Wermter, FNP-BC, of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine, “It’s best to sleep in the buff and layer your bedding for easy adjustment throughout the night.” Additionally, using cooling sheets can ensure that you maintain a comfortable body temperature, especially if you live in a warmer climate. By skipping your pajamas and focusing on bedding instead, you can eliminate nightly annoyances—like struggling to escape a sweatshirt—and just throw back a layer of blankets with minimal impact to your sleep.

According to Chris Brantner, the Certified Sleep Science Coach and founder of SleepZoo.com, “A recent study investigating sex as sleep therapy from Dr. Michele Lastella of Central Queensland University, Adelaide, found that sex before bed leads to better sleep. The science: sexual activity that leads to orgasm releases endorphins and dopamine, both of which help reduce stress and calm the body, setting the stage for better sleep.” So, if you find yourself tossing and turning, take a little time for something else that comes naturally. You might just be able to catch the Zs you need.

It may seem contradictory, since we’ve already mentioned the importance of a silent sleeping environment, but for some people, using music or a white-noise device can help block out disruptive sounds like car horns, barking dogs, and neighbors. Of course, when it comes to music for sleep, all composers are not created equal. GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC, of PsychPoint, explains, “If you need noise, use instrumental music or tracks with nature, but no dialogue or lyrics.” If you fall asleep while watching the TV or listening to lyrical tracks, “the conversation keeps the language and communication centers of the brain active, even after slipping into dream mode, which prevents a restful night’s sleep.”

Music therapist Noel Anderson also notes the importance of choosing the right kind of music. “The music should be something that the individual feels is relaxing to their body and mind,” she notes. “There should be little to no change in volume and tempo throughout the piece. Also, the piece should be instrumental, without lyrics.” If you are a sleeper in need of a little musical aid, one artist we like is Kip Mazuy. Based out of New Zealand, Mazuy’s Bliss Music features a wide variety of tunes that are specially crafted for lulling one into a deep state of relaxation.

Over the past few decades, fantastic improvements have been made in the light-bulb world. Unfortunately, this artificial light often infringes upon our sleep habits. But don’t stress! Along with other developments in artificial light, scientists have also come up with a bulb specially designed to help you sleep at night.

Lighting Science creates special LED lights that “help you stay alert and awake during the day and achieve restful sleep at night.” The bulbs, which claim to regulate circadian rhythms by “exposing you to the right light at the right time,” come in multiple models, including SleepBaby, a light for little ones, as well as lights designed to help you fall asleep faster.

And light-bulb technology is continuing to advance—“smart bulbs” allow lighting to be scheduled and controlled remotely. In fact, we can’t help but mention a bit of product placement here—that our Nokia Sleep is a sleep-sensing and home-automation pad that is able to control smart home-enabled devices, including lighting, just by getting in and out of bed via IFTTT integration.

If energy and focus have begun to sound more like luxuries than basic amenities, maybe it’s time for you to get cozy with a sleep helper. Whether it’s curling up with your dog or investing in a noise-maker and lighting system, everyone deserves a way to fall asleep fast and stay asleep.

Source: Withings Blog
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