If you have always considered a mattress protector to just be an add-on which is not necessary and have been sleeping on a mattress without a protector, here are 3 reasons why you should invest in one right away:
The collection of mattress protectors at Everett Stunz is worth every penny spent. If you want to shop for the best mattress protector, check us out.
]]>What is the possible cause of sleepwalking?
The condition occurs mainly due to sleep deprivation, poor sleep habits, and abnormal sleep schedules. Stress and anxiety also cause restlessness and promote sleepwalking. Those who take sleeping pills to relax the mind or certain medications for particular allergies also sometimes sleepwalk. In some cases, sleepwalking is hereditary, which means there is a chance of you to sleepwalk if anyone in your immediate family has this sleep disorder. Neurologists also link sleepwalking to restless leg syndrome, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep apnea, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and cardiovascular diseases.
What are the symptoms of sleepwalking?
Apart from walking in sleep, other sleep disorder symptoms include talking during sleep, reciting the day’s activities, screaming due to sleep terrors, and inappropriate behavior during sleep like urinating (common in children) and becoming violent (common in adults). According to sleep experts, it can be difficult for the sleepwalker to wake up or to be woken up.
What can you do to stop sleepwalking?
According to Sleep Foundation, you can prevent walking in sleep by improving the sleep environment. Visit a sleep specialist for different treatments like hypnosis to cure sleepwalking. As sleep deprivation is the most common cause of sleep disorder, invest in comfortable mattresses and quality down comforters. To create a soothing, cozy sleep environment, daily make your bed and decorate it with bed accessories such as down comforter throws. You can even light some scented candles or take a long hot shower before going to bed. Ensure that you sleep in a comfortable position and are not experiencing any pressure on the back, neck, hips, and shoulders.
At Everett Stunz, you’re introduced to an astonishing collection of mattresses, blankets, pillows, coverlets, down comforter throws, and more.
]]>Do not dry clean. The chemicals make down brittle and shorten its life
]]>The consequences - include impaired memory and decision making, increased risk of infection and obesity - are well known, but easy to ignore. When our immediate demands exceed the hours in the day, sleep is still our top sacrifice.
But what if we were able to optimize the sleep experience, so that we enjoyed most of the benefits of a deep sleep, in less time?
This possibility may be closer than it sounds, thanks to new 'sleep optimization' techniques. Various experiments across the world have shown that it is possible to boost the efficiency of the brain's night-time activity -speeding up the descent into a deep sleep and enhancing our rest once we get there. It sounds almost too good to be true. Is it?
A slower beat. On a regular night, the brain cycles through many different stages of sleep, each with a characteristic pattern of 'brain waves', in which neurons in different regions of the brain fire together, in synchrony, at a particular rhythm. (It's a bit like a crowd chanting or beating a drum in unison).
It is notoriously hard to convince sleep-deprived people to make the necessary lifestyle changes
During the rapid eye movement (REM) phases that rhythm is fairly fast -during which time we are most likely to dream. But at certain points our eyes cease to move, our dreams fade, and the rhythm of the brain waves drops to less than one 'beat' a second - at which point we enter our deepest, most unresponsive state of unconsciousness called 'slow-wave sleep'.
It is this stage that has been of particular interest to scientists investigating the possibility of sleep optimization.
Research since the 1980s has shown that slow-wave sleep is essential for the brain's maintenance. It allows the necessary brain regions to pass our memories from short-term to long-term storage - so that we don't forget what we have learned. "The slow waves facilitate the transmission of information," says Jan Born, director of the Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Tubingen, Germany.
The slow waves may also trigger the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid through the brain, flushing out potentially harmful debris that could cause neural damage. They also lead to dips in the stress hormone cortisol and help to rejuvenate the immune system so that it is readier to fight incoming infections.
Such results led scientists including Born to wonder whether we might, therefore, be able to enhance the benefits of sleep and improve our daytime functioning by boosting the production of those slow waves.
One of the most promising techniques to do so works a bit like a metronome counting the brain into the correct rhythms. Experimental participants wear a headset that records their brain activity and notes when they have started to make those slow waves. The device then plays short pulses of gentle sound, beginning in sync with the brain's natural slow waves, at regular intervals over the night. The sounds are quiet enough to avoid waking the participant, but loud enough to be registered, unconsciously, by the brain.
Born has led much of the experimental work, finding that this gentle auditory stimulation is just enough to reinforce the right brain rhythms, deepening the slow-wave sleep compared with people receiving sham stimulation. Participants wearing the headset performed better on memory tests, showing increased recall for the material they had learned the day before. It also altered their hormonal balance - reducing their cortisol levels - and led to improved immune response.
In the trials to date, participants haven't yet reported unwanted responses to the technique. "We can't really be sure, but so far there are no obvious side effects," says Born.
Better sleep, in a store near you
Most of the studies attempting to boost slow-wave sleep have been conducted on small groups of young, healthy participants, so to be certain of the benefits of boosting slow-wave sleep, we would need to see larger trials on more diverse groups. But based on the existing evidence, the technology has already made its way into a handful of consumer devices, mostly in the form of headbands to be worn overnight.
The French start-up Dream, for instance, has produced a headband (available for around $450 that also uses auditory stimulation to boost slow-wave sleep using a similar set-up to the scientific experiments - effects have been confirmed in a peer-reviewed trial. The Dream device also connects to an app that analyses your sleep patterns and offers practical advice and exercises to help you get a better night's rest. These include things such as meditation and breathing exercises that might ensure you get to sleep quicker and with fewer awakenings during the night. The aim is to improve overall sleep quality across the night for anyone who feels that they could do with a deeper rest.
Philips's Smart Sleep Deep Sleep Headband, in contrast, is very explicitly aimed at making up for some of the ill-effects of sleep deprivation - for people "who, for whatever reason, are simply not giving themselves an adequate sleep opportunity", says David White, Philips' chief scientific officer
The device was first launched in 2018, and like Dream’s product, it is a headband that senses the brain's electrical activity and periodically plays short bursts of sound to stimulate the slow oscillations that are characteristic of deep sleep. It relies on smart software that carefully adapts the volume of its sound overtime to ensure that it delivers the optimum level of stimulation for the specific user. (The device is currently only available in the US for $399.)
White agrees that the device cannot fully replace a full night's sleep, but he says that it is notoriously hard to convince sleep-deprived people to make the necessary lifestyle changes. By amplifying the benefits of the sleep they do manage to get, this device should at least help them to function better in daily life. Along these lines, Philips's own experiments have reportedly confirmed that the Smart Sleep boosts slow-wave sleep in sleep-deprived people and that it mitigates some of the immediate effects like poorer memory consolidation.
Future research may suggest many more innovative ways to optimize our sleep. Aurore Perrault at Concordia University in Montreal has recently tested a gently rocking bed that swayed back and forth every four seconds.
Participants were quicker to enter slow-wave sleep, and spent more time in that crucial sleep cycle, as the brain waves synchronized with the external movement She says that the technique was inspired by a colleague's new-born baby being rocked to sleep, leading the team to wonder whether adults may also benefit from gentle movement. Sure enough, they found that the participants were quicker to enter slow-wave sleep, and spent more time in that crucial sleep cycle, as the brain waves synchronized with the external movement. As you might hope, they also reported feeling more relaxed at the end of the night, and this was again accompanied by the expected knock-on benefits for their memory and learning. "That was the cherry on the top," says Perrault.
If such a bed was brought to market it could serve a similar purpose to the sound-stimulating headbands. Perrault is particularly interested in whether it might help older people. The amount of time we spend in short-wave sleep seems to decline as we age, potentially contributing to some age-related memory problems - and she hopes that gently swaying beds may be one way to counteract that.
French start-up Dream made a headband that uses auditory stimuli that are supposed to help you sleep better. It's one of several such products on the market (Credit: Dream)
Although the field is still in its infancy, these studies show that there is a lot of promise in the general concept of sleep optimization to increase the power of our slumbers (however much or little we get).
Perrault and Born are both optimistic about the potential of the commercial products using pulses of sound to stimulate those regenerative slow waves. Perrault emphasizes that we still need larger studies to ensure their effectiveness outside the carefully controlled conditions of the lab - but she welcomes that this research could now benefit a wider population.
"It's great that they're trying, more and more, to use external stimulation because we know that it impacts sleep," says Perrault.
In the future, it will be interesting to see whether sleep optimization could also bring benefits in the long term. We know that chronic sleep loss can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and even Alzheimer's disease -but it's by no means clear that these new techniques will help reduce those risks.
For now, the only guaranteed way of reaping all the benefits of sleep - both long and short-term- is to make sure you get enough of it. Whether or not you decide to give these devices a try, you should attempt to schedule more early nights, and avoid too much alcohol, caffeine and screen time before bed - factors that are all known to damage the quality of our sleep.
Our brains cannot function without a recharge - and anyone hoping to live a happy, healthy, productive life needs to wake up to that fact. Look for Sleep products at Everett Stunz
]]>To get a good night’s sleep, experts from the Mayo Clinic recommend setting a consistent wake-up time, limiting use of electronic devices right before bedtime, limiting consumption of caffeine, alcohol and other substances that impair sleep quality, and increasing daily physical activity.
After all, a lack of sleep can have some surprising effects:
Eating too much junk food late at night
A new study conducted by the University of Arizona found that of the 60% of individuals who indulged in regular nighttime snacking, nearly two-thirds said that lack of sleep led them to crave more junk food. In turn, craving more junk food is linked to increased likelihood of obesity, diabetes and other health-related issues.
A separate study conducted by the CDC and Emory University researchers presented at the 2018 SLEEP meeting this week showed that “excess heart age” appeared to be lowest amongst adults who slept approximately seven hours a night.
Heart age is defined as the estimated age of a person’s cardiovascular system based on factors that contribute to heart-health, including whether or not someone has high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. Excess heart age is the difference between a person’s heart age and their chronological age.
“Compared to people who sleep for seven hours, those who sleep for six hours each night have a 15% higher risk of having an excess heart age of 10 years or more” said Julia Durmer, the lead investigator and co-author of the study. “Additionally, for those who sleep fewer than six hours each night, their risk of having an excess heart age of 10 years or more increases to 25%.”
“Telling a 30-year-old that they could have a heart of a 40-year-old, I hope will get people to think more about how improving sleep quality can help improve your health,” Durmer said.
Don’t miss: Smartphones can affect children’s mental health—how to get them sleeping again
In the U.S., sleep apnea is the most prevalent underdiagnosed sleep disorder and the annual economic burden of undiagnosed sleep apnea among U.S. adults is approximately $149.6 billion, according to AASM. It accounts for $86.9 billion in lost productivity, $26.2 billion in motor vehicle accidents and $6.5 billion in workplace accidents.
Increasing your risk of dying earlier
People who sleep less than six hours per night have a 13% higher mortality risk than individuals who sleep between seven and nine hours, according to a study published in RAND Health Quarterly, an online journal. Common causes of death associated with sleep deprivation include: fatal car crashes, strokes, cancer or related cardiovascular diseases.
Difficulty being productive at school or work
Here’s a more obvious effect: The less sleep you get at night the less productive you may be during the day, but all that lack of sleep adds up. It’s not just one drowsy worker. There’s a small army of groggy workers driving vehicles, sitting at desks and, in some cases, operating machinery on too little sleep.
Those who sleep less than six hours a night lose the equivalent of approximately six working days a year, according to the RAND study. And for children, sleep deprivation impairs their rate of skill development.
The loss of productivity due to lack of sleep costs the U.S. economy approximately $411 billion and 1.2 million working days per year, according to a study produced by RAND. If all U.S. workers got at least seven hours of sleep per night, RAND estimates the economy could experience a potential 2.3% increase in gross domestic product.
Difficulty making life or death decisions
For doctors, first responders and military personnel, making the right decision can often mean the difference between life or death. A Washington State University report released in May reveals that a lack of sleep may make the brain unable to effectively assess certain situations in order to make the right choices.
]]>We have more than 25 retail locations around the U.S. and Canada, but more and more of our business is coming from word-of-mouth and the hospitality industry since we offer Dux mattresses in several Pinnacle Suites on the Holland American and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, said Ed Curry, president at Duxiana North America. This offers an option for our many customers who don’t live near a retail store to order the Dux mattresses online.
All of the luxury mattress models are currently available online in the standard U.S. sizes of twin, full, queen, king and California king, with the exception of the adjustable bed, which is only sold in stores.
If a customer is on our website and clicks on the collection tab, they will see two options for each mattress where they can either find a retailer or order online, Curry said.
The Dux mattresses range in price from $3,550 (twin) to $6,025 (king) for the Dux 1001 mattress and from $7,820 (twin) to $15,120 (king) for the Dux 8008 mattress.
The first Duxiana store opened 27 years ago in Los Angeles, and the company now has 25 locations mainly centered in urban areas in the U.S. and Canada.
“Online purchasers will still receive our white glove delivery and set up service, added Curry.
]]>We spend one-third of our lives sleeping—but do you ever wonder what goes into the mattress that you’re sleeping on? In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about buying an organic mattress, and why it is one of the best investments you can make for the health and comfort of you and your loved ones.
]]>What Goes Into My Organic Mattress?
100% GOTS certified organic cotton, GOTS certified cruelty-free wool™, GOLS certified Dunlop latex, and recycled steel coils. We discuss where we source these materials, and why they were selected for our Organics mattresses.
Mattress Certifications.
Certifications are issued by independent, third-party authorities who verify the safety and healthfulness of mattress materials. Certifications help consumers make better informed purchases. Below are the two most recognized certifications used for organic mattresses.
Mattress Certifications.
Certifications are issued by independent, third-party authorities who verify the safety and healthfulness of mattress materials. Certifications help consumers make better informed purchases. Below are the two most recognized certifications used for organic mattresses.
We offer 14 different handcrafted mattresses; each one unique in comfort, designed for a particular feel and proper support. We will go more in-depth into the different factors you should consider when picking your perfect mattress.
The materials that make up a mattress deeply affect your quality of sleep. This is especially true if you or your loved ones suffer from sensitivities. For example, if you have skin allergies, you should make sure the materials are resistant to dust mites and mold.
The number of layers and how they are bound together affect the durability of a mattress. At Ivy Organics, we use multiple layers of wool and canvas to hold the various decks of materials together. This allows our mattresses to maintain their integrity and ensure that they have a long lifespan.
The size of the mattress depends on your height, personal preference, and room size. Below are the standard sizes: We can also make special sizes.
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This achievement can be accredited to many years of modifying and improving our manufacturing process and product. Also, the sole fact that we only use pure natural rubber latex contributes to lowering carbon footprint emissions significantly as well, since once synthetic (petro-chemical) materials are used in the process, the production of carbon dioxide increases significantly. Any material which is made with a percentage of synthetic latex (like memory foam or most of the latex in the market) has by definition a negative ecological footprint as they do not use the latex tree as a source. Have a look at our Eco-Institut certification that tests the natural materials of our products. Although we are already happy with our results, Vita Talalay strives to improve continually and replace CO2 with life-giving oxygen in all phases of the product life cycle. In other words: we aim for full ecological restoration when making green mattresse
Some brands that do focus on communicating “Ecologic” often speak of the short distance to the transportation of their latex. Although the effort is much appreciated, it is important to realize that these efforts only leave a significantly smaller ecological footprint in comparison to the efforts to modify the production process. In the end, using green energy, only using natural latex, implementing the Cradle to Cradle philosophy and taking part in the CO2OL project is simply much more effective for the environment than any other effort one could possibly take.
All of our figures are based on calculations from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, an institute which sets a worldwide standard for the measuring, managing and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. The other source is the Malaysian Rubber Board, which is the custodian of the natural rubber industry in Malaysia.
]]>Take a fresh look at your bed as the weather starts to cool, so you can have a dreamy space to cuddle up in all season long. Here are some tips to make your bed its best.
Cover the box spring
If your bed frame has attractive sides, you don’t need to cover them up with a dust ruffle. But you do need to cover up the box spring, if you have one. There are decorative box-spring covers that can add a dash of texture, but you can also use a fitted sheet.
Fold down the top sheet
If you have sheets with lace or embroidery detailing, show it off by putting the top sheet on the bed upside down, then folding it back over the coverlet. Beautiful pillowcase sets and sheets that have embroidered or lace edges can take your bedding to the next level.
Add a coverlet
A coverlet adds another layer of interest to your bed, and they’re nice to sleep under when you’re not yet ready to dive under a warm duvet. Look for one with some delicate detailing, like a trellis pattern or diamonds. And the best part is, the more you launder them, the softer and cuddlier they usually become.
Stuff the duvet
Getting the fill neatly inside a duvet cover is not as easy as it seems. It can be hard to get the fill into all the corners and get it to lay cleanly. Here’s a fool-proof system, which works best if you have two people, one on each side of the bed: First, grab the corners of the fill and slide them in to the end corners of the duvet cover. Hold the corners in place while you pull the duvet down over the fill. Finally, shake it out, then smooth it down.
A fun option is to look for a duvet that has a different fabric on each side, so all you need to do is flip it over for a whole new look. Fold the duvet over the sheet just a bit, so the buttons and contrasting fabric on the duvet’s back show.
Add pillows
Showroom-designed queen beds usually have seven decorative pillows. The back row features a set of 27-by-27-inch square pillows resting on top of the sleeping pillows. If you have a king bed, you might have three of these.
For the other accent pillows, look for ones with a high-quality down fill. That makes them fluffy, yet dense enough to hold their shape.
Finish with a focal-point pillow in a zippy, contrasting fabric or featuring a monogram or great trim.
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The protectors will, depending on which one you use, protect against most Bugs and some liquid.
But if this is too late you can have the item laundered - NOT DRY CLEANED.
The key to washing down yourself is have a good rinse cycle or rinse more than once then the critical aspect the article washed has to be completely dry to avoid the down producing an oder. Air article outside if at all possible.
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A mattress that is too firm does not allow your shoulders and hips to sink in. A firm mattress will work against your body, causing your shoulders and hips to buckle inward, forcing your spine into an unnatural position. The pressure from this inhibits circulation and can create intense pressure on your lower back.
A mattress that is too soft does not give you adequate support. Your body ends up in a hammock position causing your shoulders and hips to pinch in, resulting in a curved spine. As with the firm bed, this curvature puts pressure on your lower back and can cause your muscles to tighten up.
The goal of every bed is to align your spine to help alleviate back pain and to distribute your weight evenly to maximize circulation. Every component of our high performance sleep system is designed to deliver correct sleep posture. This position is only possible if your body is supported along its entire length in a way that allows your spine to rest in a natural position while loosely perpendicular to your hips and shoulders. The only way your back can completely relax is when your spine is supported in this position.
]]>There is a popular misconception that a firm bed is best. In the past, mattresses were made of materials that would shift and compress, leading to a mattress that would sag at the middle. As a result, back and neck pain was a complaint. To remedy the sagging, people began to suggest putting a board under the mattress for support. Thus, the myth of the firm bed was born.
Mattresses are a major part of our lives, but how hard or soft they are can play a significant role in sleep quality. Getting a good night's rest depends on many factors – comfort, mental stressors, environment – but to begin, one has to start with the essential, and a bed that supports you correctly is the first component to restorative, healing sleep.
Many boast the fact that they sleep on a firm mattress and view it as a sign of strength, but what many people are unaware of is the way that a firm bed can detract from quality sleep, performance, and mental sharpness. Arya Nick Shamie, MD, associate professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center states that, “the mattress needs to support your body in a neutral position, one in which your spine has a nice curvature and your buttocks, heels, shoulders, and head are supported in proper alignment.” This kind of dynamic support means fewer pressure points and less tossing and turning during the night, which interrupts the deep sleep stage when the body is trying to repair itself.
A mattress that is firm does not support the spine in a natural and relaxed position, but rather works against a relaxed body, preventing your shoulders and hips from sinking in. When you consider this, it’s not difficult to imagine what happens to the middle back – it collapses into a curve, resulting in tension and possibly lower back pain. The main source of this pain stems from the fact that the lowest four vertebrae of the spine are fused and resistant to being curved. Your muscular system tenses, in an effort to make up for the support its lacking, and the result is disrupted circulation, unexplained tightness, or back pain.
Not everyone will experience back pain as a result of a firm mattress right away, that is true, but there are other ways in which the body may be suffering as a result of improper support. Structural imbalance in the body also effects breathing, which, in turn, affects sleep quality. When our spine is in its natural position – a position in which the head, shoulders, and hips are in good alignment – our lungs are able to hold more oxygen. Appropriate intake of oxygen during sleep assists smooth functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which induces and promotes relaxation, leading to deep sleep.
During periods of deep sleep, the bodies energy goes into recharging and repairing your systems: the kidneys get to work cleaning our blood, the organs detox, cells are replaced and renewed, wounds heal, muscle tissue restore, and your brain consolidates memories as well as eliminates toxins. Get too little deep sleep and your immune system weakens. This is because it is during deep sleep that the immune system really does its job. If you aren’t achieving enough deep sleep, in time you may suffer fatigue, mental fogginess, or any other host of health issues.
To help the body obtain enough deep sleep you need a mattress that provides dynamic support, helping the spine rest in a natural and relaxed position. The DUX Bed’s continuous-coil spring system is flexible enough to let your shoulders and hips sink in, yet resilient enough to rise up and support your lower back. Vital pressure points — especially your spine — are supported in the most ergonomically healthy positions possible, letting your blood circulate freely while your muscles completely relax.
We feel The DUX Bed is the best bed for back pain, not only because it aligns your spine through dynamic contouring support, but also because the support can be customized to your specific body size, shape, and weight. Should you need more support in a certain area, the DUX bed’s component system can be easily configured to your individual needs, even those that change over time. If at any point in your life you find your needs are different, you can adjust your support as needed.
When you consider the constant stress your spine endures every day you owe it to yourself to protect it at night.
Driving on little to no sleep can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. It’s a different type of impairment with the same tragic results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue causes approximately 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths every year in the United States.
Yes, a lack of sleep can lead to some extra pounds for several reasons. No one feels like taking the time to cook a nutritious meal when they’re exhausted. What’s the easiest thing to do? Takeout, of course! While indulging in takeout every so often keeps us sane, it’s always best to cook meals at home. When you prepare your own dinner, you can control exactly which ingredients are used (and how much).
Some specific hormones are affected by a lack of sleep: “Ghrelin is the ‘go’ hormone that tells you when to eat, and when you are sleep-deprived, you have more ghrelin,” Breus says. “Leptin is the hormone that tells you to stop eating, and when you are sleep deprived, you have less leptin. You are eating more, plus your metabolism is slower when you are sleep-deprived.”
One of the most serious possible side effects of sleep deprivation is high blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack. Sleeping less than six hours a night can increase your chance of developing this medical issue. “It's thought that sleep helps your blood regulate stress hormones and helps your nervous system remain healthy. Over time, a lack of sleep could hurt your body's ability to regulate stress hormones, leading to high blood pressure.”
Winding down...
It’s important to step back from your daily stresses, even if it’s just for an hour before bedtime. These tips can’t make all your stress disappear, but they can help you achieve a sense of balance throughout the day. So go enjoy a cup of tea in a clutter-free room, close your eyes and breathe.
Meditate
It’s so easy to get caught up in our everyday activities and obligations. It’s important to give ourselves some time to breathe and meditating is a perfect way to do that. Find a quiet spot in your home or outside, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing and how you’re feeling in that moment. Let go of all your worries and distractions. If you find yourself getting too restless with meditation, try yoga.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can help you feel relaxed and in turn, promote a healthy night’s sleep. You can add a couple drops to water and spray your bedroom. Essential oils can also be used in the shower by adding a drop or two to the floor and smelling the calming aroma through the steam. Of course, simply smelling the oils from the bottle does the trick as well!
]]>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is an important public health concern, especially as unhealthy sleep patterns and self-reported sleep difficulties continue to rise. Regular lack of sleep has been linked to car accidents, industrial accidents, medical errors and can even contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and obesity, officials
A survey of more than 1,000 consumers found that many Americans say they aren’t getting enough sleep, a problem that is twice as common for women than for men.
A 2017 Consumer Sleep Survey provides a comprehensive look at how technology plays an increasingly significant role in sleep health. It shows that the use of electronics and lack of exercise impact consumers’ ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Only 14% of respondents reported getting enough sleep on a regular basis and cited the use of electronics as the biggest sleep thief in their life. Less than 10% of respondents who use electronics in bed said that they regularly get adequate sleep. Those who limit the use of their electronics in bed described their sleep as adequate at more than double the rate of those who don’t.
The is noteworthy and unique from other research it targeted consumers through digital media to get a better understanding of how people who are actively engaged online feel about their sleep patterns and overall sleep health,”
Sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy life, and while awareness is growing about how critical a restful night of sleep is, most Americans are still not getting enough sleep, The findings of this survey help put a spotlight on those key lifestyle issues that are preventing people from getting a better night’s rest.
The survey findings also revealed a clear connection between lack of exercise and sleep quality.
Almost 50% of respondents admitted to never working out, and only 11% of people who don’t work out think they get enough sleep. The type of exercise also impacts sleep, as those who participate in high-impact activities like cardio, running and Cross-Fit reported getting enough sleep at double the rate of those who engage in low-impact exercises,Sleep Blog, where we regularly discuss the art and science of a good night’s sleep.
The survey respondents were spread across Millennials, Gen Xers and Boomers, and 80% were women, the industry’s traditional customer.
The survey revealed that:
A: Pilling occurs when fibers in the fabric break, tangle, and “ball up.” The shorter the fibers used in the fabric, the more likely the chance for breakage. The more brittle the fiber, the more breakage will occur. Cotton sheets may pill for a variety of reasons.
Generally, the longer the cotton fiber, and the tighter the twist of the yarn, the more stable the fabric will be and the less chance there will be for pilling. Long staple (long length) fibers reduces pilling. However, even the finest of fabrics can pill without proper care, handling, and laundering. Disregarding care instructions may cause fabric to wear and pill. For instance, using chlorine bleach and excessive fabric softener can weaken the fibers, and drying at high heat levels can cause fibers to break.
As an individual sleeps, the act of tossing, turning, and moving against weakened fibers creates friction. Over time, this friction can cause these fibers to break (and then, to pill). This is why fitted sheets tend to pill more heavily at the foot of the bed, where the most abrasive and frequent movement occurs.
The best way to prevent pilling is to follow the care instructions. For the care of fine linens, we recommend a short wash cycle with gentle detergent. Then, use a low-heat setting during the drying cycle and remove the bedding while still slightly damp. Please take note that even the agitation of the washing machine or the tumbling of the dryer can cause breakage, so never overfill the washer or dryer to avoid additional friction during these cycles. Also, avoid laundering your sheets with other items, such as towels, for the high nap on a towel may cause a breakdown of the cotton fibers. To be safe, launder sheets separately.
It should be noted that, because of the differences in construction, Percale weaves have less of a tendency to pill than Sateen weaves. So, if in doubt, go with a Percale weave.
]]>There's no need to toss and turn over a mattress purchase, just look for these three basic things:
A mattress should be able to support your spine and keep it in the correct alignment. Try the hand test. If you can easily slip your hand under the small of your back as you lay flat on your back or under your waist as you lay on your side, then you aren't being properly supported.
If your mattress doesn't have enough cushioning, you'll toss and turn all night because of the stress and strain on muscles and joints, and you'll wake up fatigued. To test for comfortable cushioning, wear nonrestrictive clothing and be prepared to spend 20 minutes stretched out on mattresses you're considering buying. Bring your favorite pillow from home and get into your normal sleep And just because a mattress has a cushy pillow top doesn't necessarily mean it offers more cushioning, since some pillow-top mattresses can compress and lump over time.
'We're not built straight, up and down. Men tend to have broader, heavier shoulders. Women have broader hips. A good mattress needs to allow the shoulders and hips to sink into the bed a bit,"
OTHER TIPS
If you sleep with a partner, shop for a Mattress with that person.
Forget comparison-shopping at different stores. Manufacturers often make exclusive labels for individual retailers.
Instead, ignore the brand name and shop for comfort.
Check out the warranty. Although the life of a mattress is about 10 years, most warranties should be between 15and 20 years. Buy both a mattress and a foundation at the same time, since they're usually designed to work together. Know what's included with delivery.
Is there an extra fee for the setup, stairs?
Or removal of the old mattress set?
]]>Our skin is constantly being taxed by various internal and external factors. Pollution, sun exposure, free radicals, poor diet, dehydration, and stress all negatively impact one of the body’s vital organs- our skin. When we sleep, our bodies are able to heal and our skin is allowed the chance to repair itself.
When we lay our heads to rest each night, there's much more going on than dreaming. Times of sleep are the body’s opportunity to repair the damage it sustains while we are about our business throughout the day. In times of slumber, the body’s level of human growth hormone, known as somatotropin, is increased, which aids in healing cells and tissue throughout your body, including your skin. See Sooth Wrinkles with Silk Pillow.
Our skin is constantly being taxed by various internal and external factors. Pollution, sun exposure, free radicals, poor diet, dehydration, and stress all negatively impact one of the body’s vital organs- our skin. When we sleep, our bodies are able to heal and our skin is allowed the chance to repair itself.
Recent studies have shown that most of us aren't getting enough sleep at night. A recent report released by the CDC shows that roughly 30 percent of the work force misses out on around 2 hours of sleep per night. That’s a 10-hour sleep deficit by the end of our workweek. Considering this, it’s not difficult to imagine how that lack of rest shows up on our faces.
A 2013 study performed by Estee Lauder Foundation found a direct correlation between inadequate sleep and reduced skin health, as well as accelerated signs of aging. The study also found that poor sleepers recover more slowly from stressors to the skin, such as a blemish or sunburn. When we miss out on sleep, our skins ability to recover from the damage it incurs during the day is diminished and this has an affect on not only our skins health, but also its appearance.
“The good thing about the skin is that it recovers quickly,” explains New York City dermatologist Doris Day. Get a good night's sleep tonight and tomorrow, everyone will notice.
]]>Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The materials used for organic bed and bath linens are produced at local farms using sustainable methods. The flax used in organic linens is grown without depleting any natural resources. It is also grown without the use of dangerous chemicals.
What to Look For
Cotton fiber can be USDA certified organic, but processing the fiber into a textile is not covered. Select organic cotton products that have been dyed with "low-impact fiber reactive dyes" and finished without formaldehyde. Product labels should mention voluntary third-party standards or certifications such as Eko (certified by Skal), Oeko-Tex, or the Global Organic Textile Standards. These are meant to ensure that production and/or processing is eco-friendly.
Also, find textiles that can be machine washed so you can avoid dry-cleaning chemicals. If an item is a blend, check whether it's blended with another sustainable fiber like hemp or linen, rather than conventional cotton or a synthetic fiber.
Produce Durable Linens
When you buy comforters and pillows for your mattress, you expect them to last. Organic linens are so durable that they actually become softer the more you wash them. They are Naturally resistant to bacteria and dirt, you can rest assured your organic linens stay clean longer than the alternatives. Better still, organic linens remain free of lint and can be washed at home.
Wrap You in Comfort
Organic linens are perfect for both the bedroom and the bathroom. The linen itself is a lightweight fabric that remains cool to the touch. It also draws moisture away from your body, which means you will not wake up covered in sweat, even during the summer. Organic linens keep you insulated and regulate your temperature throughout the year.
Look Beautiful
Organic linens are naturally beautiful. They can easily fit into any bedroom or bathroom décor. Using dyes that do not harm the environment, organic linen producers have created a variety of colors. Make your home more aesthetically appealing with some attractive organic linens.
Find a great selection of organic linens at Everett Stunz. All of our products are made to the highest of quality standards. We can help you get the luxury bedroom and bathroom you want.
]]>Terry cloth is by far the most common towel material. It is a pile fabric, meaning it consists of cut or looped fibers that stand up close to one another on the surface of the underlying woven (or knit) material.
Other examples of pile fabric include velvet or velour. Uncut loops make the thirstiest terry, because the looped part of the fiber is the most absorbent. We love Super Pile for it’s lush loops, simple design and 60 fashion forward colors to choose from.
Or if you prefer a more traditional towel, Sferra Bello towel is a wonderful choice.The longer the loops, the more absorbent the fabric. Sheared terry cloth, while incredibly soft, will not soak up as much moisture. Most velour towels will have a sheared side and loop terry side to aid in absorption. You can opt for these as a fashion towel to accent your regular terry towel or use for a guest towel or powder room.
Towels are measured by weight in grams. Gram weight refers to how many grams a square meter of towel weighs. The more weight the more densely woven loops will feel thirstier. Longer loops make for a thicker, fluffier towel. Try Coshmere Towels By Schlossberg of Switzerland.
Generally, a towel of 600 gram weight or more is considered plush – any towel of 700 and 800 gram weight is luxury hotel quality. Most Turkish Cotton towels are made of the heavier, denser variety of cotton. Although, they feel thicker or “plusher” in feeling, they can be problematic with drying time. Thicker, heavier cotton is not a good option for those in more humid or coastal climates with the added moisture, where they can remain wet or “damp”, which is a breeding ground for mildew or fungus.
The type of material used in the towel fabric is also very important. Turkish and Egyptian cottons are the industry gold standard, because the long-staple fibers result in softer, stronger and more lustrous material. Bamboo or Micro-Modal (wood fiber) towels are also excellent for their drying properties and are naturally anti-microbial. Try Legna Terry70% wood fiber
]]>SDH-Fine Fabric Wash-A clean citrus scent that effectively cleans and deodorizes your laundry. It rinses cleanly without leaving any lasting residue that can lead to breaking down of fibers. It is also formulated with natural enzymes without any unnecessary harsh chemicals or bleaches. It safely cleans cotton, linen, and other fibers while extending their life and protecting the environment.
LeBlanc-Linen Wash-Available in scents like Lavender Lady, Summer Verbena, Blue Violet, Portfolio, Original and Fragrance Free. 100% Biodegradable. Does not contain bleach, caustics, enzymes, phosphates or sulfates and has a neutral pH. There also a Towel Wash that is formulated to rinse cleaning and leave no lasting residue on your towels for amazing absorbency.
The Laundress- Signature Detergent-Specially developed in a clean “Classic” scent for all purpose laundering. A perfect product containing a color guard and superior stain fighting enzymes. Dermatologist recommended. Effective in all water temperatures and can be used in He machines. They have a full range of specialty detergents like Whites, Darks, Delicate Wash, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, Denim and more.
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Schlossberg-Linen Soap-A 100% natural soap for your bed and bath linens. No harsh detergents and hyoallergenic. We love the “beachy” scent of coconut oil, olive oil, sweet orange oil blend, jojoba, aloe vera and rosemary extract. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Here is some additional advice to ensure exceptional results and help keep your linens looking lovely for many years:
Never OVERDRY your sheets or towels. Over heating causes pilling or “balling” of fibers. Tumble dry on low to medium heat (checking often) and remove items promptly from dryer.
Avoid lotions with Alpha Hydroxy or Retinol as they may contain bleaching agents that may leave a residue and upon washing will cause “bleach” stains or “orangey” spots through out your linens.
Avoid teeth whitening products for the same reasons listed as above. ALWAYS wash hands thoroughly after applying product to your face or body.
Please be aware that some sun care products may also cause bleaching or discoloration.
When possible, turn items inside out before washing. This prevents wear and tear on the surface that is nearest to your skin or body.
These simple “sudsing suggestions” will help protect your investment and provide you with years of enjoyment that can withstand your every day use and busy lifestyle.
Question call us 858 459 3305 email everettstunz@gmail.com
]]>Imagine an insect that doesn’t eat anything but blood, hides during the day, can survive waiting for a host to provide blood for over a year, can survive temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or cold temperatures to refrigeration temperatures, and can hitchhike from person to person through luggage or shared space. While this might sound like a plot to a very scary movie, this insect is real and very common today. Bed bugs, also spelled “bedbugs” in Europe, are elusive, nocturnal, and transient. They hide in places that we would not normally look. The bed bugs have flat bodies until they gorge on blood and the flat shape allows them to scurry into tight areas as small as the screw holes in bed frames, electrical outlets, alarm clocks, and even between pages of books.
Protect your Mattress and Pillows Buy Now
Bed bugs are insects and by definition, have six legs. Bed bugs are elusive during daylight hours and are nocturnal so it is not easy to observe bed bugs during the day. Bed bugs do not fly as they have no wings and move by crawling or “hitchhiking” on baggage or items carried by humans including clothing. Bed bugs hatch from eggs and then grow and develop as nymphs. For each stage, or to shed the shell into a new nymphal stage, the bed bug must feed on blood. They prefer human blood. There are several species of similar insects which can easily be misidentified as bed bugs. Generally, these insects have a particular host that they prefer but will feed on humans if there is opportunity and the preferred host is not available. Since they come out at night, there are not normally seen. Like cockroaches, bed bugs can hitch rides on luggage or personal items infested in airplanes, hotels, mass transit vehicles, stores, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, camps, workplaces, and any other place that humans occupy. Adult bed bugs are visible even though it is rare to see them; however, younger bed bugs and eggs are nearly impossible to see without magnification. Bed bug bites are the biggest threat of this blood sucker. There is no documentation that any human pathogens have been spread by this insect. The itchy welts, though, and the difficulty in controlling the spread of bed bugs make this a serious pest.
Bed bugs have enjoyed a resurgence since about 2000. The resurgence continues and gains momentum even today. The scientific name is Cimex lectularius Linnaeus and the Spanish common name is chinche de coma. Adult bed bugs are about 3/16” or just under 5mm in length and are oval and flat. When fed, the bed bug can swell in thickness so that it appears to be three dimensional. Bed bugs can range in color from nearly opaque to red to mahogany to deep purple. Earlier stages of life, such as newly hatched nymphs are very small and difficult to see without a hand lens or microscope.
Bed bug extermination is no easy task. Once an area is infested, it is important to implement control measures as soon as possible. The homeowner or resident can help eliminate obvious signs by vacuuming up live insects and discarding the vacuum bags. Generally, you do not have to discard furniture as most furniture can be saved if the pests are properly controlled. There may be times, however, when it is just easier to discard heavily infested materials. While it would be ideal if there was a product that could be purchased to eliminate bed bugs in one easy step, this is just not possible. Products and bed bug control methods vary depending on the individual needs and the infestation level and site. Without a doubt, the first step is to inspect a site to confirm that there is an infestation and then to identify the areas infested. Then implement control methods usually by an exterminator or pest management professional. Successful extermination methods today include one or a combination of the following: steam, heat, freezing, application of products specifically designed for bed bug control, fumigation, and others. Bed bug control is more than removing visible bed bugs. Eggs must be denatured or removed as well or they will hatch a new generation of infestation. Also, early instar nymphs, or “baby” bed bugs, are nearly impossible to see. They can also crawl through the smallest cracks including some zippers on bed covers or encasements that are not designed to specifically keep bed bugs out. Extermination of bed bugs is not an easy one step process. By gathering information and understanding the level of infestation, best and most effective extermination methods may be used.
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