Beds content

Tanning Beds, Are they Safe?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:42:57 +0000

Tanning Beds, Are they Safe?

by: Jay Moncliff

We all like to have that healthy glow that comes from being outdoors and getting some sun. However, we know that sun damage can be harmful to our skin. Many turn to tanning salons to maintain their glow, but is using a tanning bed safe?

The skin tans when exposed to ultraviolet light. To keep itself from burning, skin will manufacture extra coloring, called pigment. This pigment is what causes us to ?tan?. However, when we get too much ultraviolet light and burn, serious problems can occur. We may suffer damage to our eyes, early wrinkling, blistering and rashes. At worst, we may develop certain types of skin cancer.

Exposing your skin to the ultraviolet light of a tanning booth is advertised as safe, though. It is now known that there are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the shorter wavelengths that are most likely to cause burning. Longer wavelength UVA rays are less likely to cause a sunburn, but they have been shown to increase risk of melanoma.

Older style tanning beds were developed using primarily UVB rays. These are the ones that you lay in and close on top of your body so that the light tans both sides at once. After publicity that the UVB rays used by these beds could be harmful, many salons switched to devices using UVA rays. They were thought to be safer, but current studies dispute this.

The shorter wavelength UVB rays will cause sunburn on the outermost layer of skin. The results of overexposure are almost immediate and very apparent. However, the UVA rays reach deeper into the tissues, so the layers of tissue beneath the surface can be damaged. Since the effects are harder to see, we don?t know how much damage we are doing until it?s too late. Both types of ultraviolet light are dangerous.

Continued exposure to these ultraviolet rays can make the skin thinner and limit its ability to heal itself. Not only does this increase premature aging and wrinkling, but it leaves the skin more susceptible to disease, including skin cancer.

Tanning in a tanning bed can also cause retinal damage. Many have experienced burned corneas from overuse of tanning beds, and in extreme cases, even cataracts can develop from overexposure. Even though customers are advised to wear eye goggles, many make do by closing their eyes or placing a cloth over their eyes during tanning, steps that don?t stop the UV damage to the eyes.

Are tanning beds safe? If you can limit the time that you use them, wear goggles and be diligent, maybe. However, the best protection is to skip the tanning bed and use a self tanner. Why take chances with the largest organ in your body, your skin? Be mindful of tanning, indoors or outdoors.

About The Author

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.tanningbed-center.info a website specialized on Tanning Bed, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Tanning Bed. For more info on Tanning Bed visit: http://www.tanningbed-center.info.

How To Feel Refreshed All Day and Enjoy Quality

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:09:59 +0000

How To Feel Refreshed All Day and Enjoy Quality

by: Neil Teasdale

How To Feel Refreshed All Day and Enjoy Quality Family Time In The Evening!

If you?re one of the ?still? surprisingly many that just can?t get the sleep thing right, keep reading! How many times a week do you wake up where you can?t figure out if you?re getting up or going to bed and rolling over is the only option. Or you wake up with a headache, numb leg or that stiff neck that goes right to the shoulder blade and you can?t look left or right, what?s that about? After struggling through a tough day, no way do you have anything left for family play time in the evening.

There?s a time proven, simple method to regain back and enjoy your full days, but most of us definitely take it for granted, SLEEP! ?But it?s just sleeping; I?ll sleep when I sleep.? If we all could shift this mindset to, ?I need and enjoy my sleep,? That would be a huge step in the right direction. As we age, depending on how ?gracefully,? we develop certain health issues, maybe not serious but nagging enough to stop you from playing catch with JR. or piggybacking your Little Princess. Many times we look to doctors and cures for nagging problems that just might be related to your particular sleep habits.

So, what does the Sleep in America poll tell us about the connection between sleep, health and aging? "We reaffirm what we know from the epidemiology of aging that there is a very strong correlation between common medical conditions and a predisposition to sleep disturbances," says Daniel Foley, an epidemiologist at the National Institute on Aging. "A person may have several medical conditions that they're seeing their doctor about and they may be getting treatment, but they don't feel they're getting better. What may go unrecognized is a tremendous amount of sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness. What may go overlooked is a major sleep disorder that may be complicating treatment of the other conditions.

"The poll results show we need to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the connection between sleep, health and aging."

Granted not all health issues can be prevented, but we have to do what what?s in our power to do if you really are health conscious and maintaining health can prevent many of those nagging old problems. What?s the use of working out in the morning, jogging at lunch, eating right all day then crashing at 3:00am on that busted imitation ?La-Z-Boy? using your cat as a pillow? Oh! There?s that headache, numb leg, still neck cycle again!!

There are some very simple things you can do to make your sleep more beneficial for you. You?ve probably seen these many times in many forms but this time, it?s time to start! You?re going to pin this article up and make an effort to change your poor sleep habits.

? Sleep is as important as food and air. Quantity and quality are very important. Most adults need between 7.5 to 8.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you press the snooze button on the alarm in the morning you are not getting enough sleep. This could be due to not enough time in bed, external disturbances, or a sleep disorder.

? Keep regular hours. Try to go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. Getting up at the same time is most important. Getting bright light, like the sun, when you get up will also help. Try to go to bed only when you are sleepy. Bright light in the morning at a regular time should help you feel sleepy at the same time every night.

? Stay away from stimulants like caffeine. This will help you get deep sleep which is most refreshing. If you take any caffeine, take it in the morning. Avoid all stimulants in the evening, including chocolate, caffeinated sodas, and caffeinated teas. They will delay sleep and increase arousals during the night.

? Use the bed for sleeping and sex. Avoid watching TV or using laptop computers. Know that reading in bed can be a problem if the material is very stimulating and you read with a bright light. If it helps to read before bed make sure you use a very small wattage bulb to read. A 15 watt bulb should be enough.

? Avoid bright light around the house before bed. Using dimmer switches in living rooms and bathrooms before bed can be helpful. (Dimmer switches can be set to maximum brightness for morning routines.)

? Don't stress if you feel you are not getting enough sleep. It will just make matters worse. Know you will sleep eventually, no pressure.

? Avoid exercise near bedtime. No exercise at least 3 hours before bed.

? Don't go to bed hungry. Have a light snack, avoid a heavy meal before bed.

? Bedtime routines are helpful for good sleep. Keep routines on your normal schedule. A cup of herbal tea an hour before bed can begin a routine.

? Avoid looking at the clock if you wake up in the middle of the night. It can cause anxiety. This is very difficult for most of us, so turn the clock away so you would have to turn it to see the time. You may decide not to make the effort and go right back to sleep.

? If you can't get to sleep for over 30 minutes get out of bed and do something boring in dim light till you are sleepy.

? Keep your bedroom at comfortable temperature. Not too warm and not too cold. Cooler is better than warmer.

? If you have problems with noise in your environment you can use a white noise generator. An old fan will work or you can listen to soft music on a timer.

? Know that the "night cap" has a price. Alcohol may help you to get to sleep but it will cause you to wake up throughout the night. You may not notice it. (It is worse if you have sleep apnea because the alcohol makes the apnea worse.) Sometimes people snore only if they have had some alcohol or may snore worse if they already snore.

? If you have a sleeping partner, ask them if they notice any snoring, leg movements and/or pauses in breathing. You may have a sleep disorder or you may just need to increase your awareness about your own sleep need. If you have any concerns see your doctor.

? The proper mattress and pillow can make the biggest difference in preventing those nagging problems. Educate yourself on the new advancements in mattress technology and sleep systems that are designed to provide the right support to minimize pressure to acceptable levels for different body types and sleeping postures, maintaining back and spine alignment. Shift the mindset from the one mattress fits all, coils and springs to the luxury and convenience of air mattress beds, adjustable beds, latex beds and memory foam beds. Not only do these sleep systems provide the necessary support and comfort, they give you the option to rearrange the layers for a myriad of comfort levels to ensure you get exactly what you want in a mattress and not, ?just living? with it.

OK, PRINT!

Now get started and work out while you sleep. Make the necessary changes that will help you feel refreshed and have the energy to get through a busy day and the stamina to spend quality time with the family at night. Give yourself and your family the chance for you to ?age gracefully.?

Catch my next article that will cover the advancements in mattress technology.

Why Sleep On Coils and Springs When You Can Sleep On Air?

We provide the highest, quality, luxury and convenience of air mattress beds, adjustable beds, latex beds and memory foam beds, including mattress toppers and pillows.

Cloud 9 Air Mattress Beds, for more information click www.cloud9airmattressbeds.com

About The Author

Neil Teasdale is the Owner of Cloud 9 Air Mattress Beds. Dedicated to helping others understand the immediate and long term life and health benefits of proper sleep habits. We provide the highest quality sleep systems including air mattress beds, adjustable beds, latex beds, memory foam beds, mattress toppers, bed warmers and pillows at very affordable prices with Free Shipping!

Cloud 9 Air Mattress Beds, for more information click www.cloud9airmattressbeds.com

Landscape Fabric-Is Landscape Fabric Really Necessary For Proper Landscaping?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:38:12 +0000

Landscape Fabric-Is Landscape Fabric Really Necessary For Proper Landscaping?

by: Steve Boulden

Landscaping fabrics are by no means an answer to a no maintenance landscape. I know a lot of folks are under the impression that they can simply buy it, place it, cover it, and forget it. Forever.

First. There is no such thing as a no maintenance landscape. In many instances landscape fabric can make your life a lot easier. However, there is an upside and a downside to using it. And as with most everything else, proper installation and maintenance is required if you intend to use it.

Also, keep in mind that I'm referring to professional quality grade materials and not the flimsy products sold in do it yourself and home centers. If you're going to use that, you might as well use newspapers or cardboard boxes under your groundcover.

Landscape fabrics have their applications. They aren?t necessary in all applications but might be preferred in regards to the type of groundcover you use.

Our company uses landscape fabric in 95% of the designs we create. It?s the nature of our business as we use decorative rock as the preferred groundcover around here. When using rock for groundcover and path work, it?s necessary to have a separator between the soil and groundcover. Otherwise, you?ll have mud rocks by the first rain storm.

In theory you should be able to use almost anything as a separator. I?ve seen do it yourselfers use anything from plastics to newspapers and cardboard boxes to old carpet remnants. Of course, as a professional, I can?t use or even suggest something like this to my clients. You?re on your own there.

Now personally, on any given project, I would much rather do away with fabrics altogether. I prefer to create living soil planting areas that are mulched and tended rather than being covered and forgotten. However, some areas are simply too large to apply this method and some folks just outright prefer to cover an area with decorative rock.

Both mulched living beds and rock beds underlain with fabric will require some work to keep them beautiful. Neither is maintenance free. As long as there is wind, rain dirt, and blown in seed, there will be something for you to do in your yard.

When we create a design using landscaping fabric and rock, I make the client aware of a few things. 1) There will be blown in seed and dirt. 2) Something will have to be done about it to keep it from accumulating. I assure them that with the quality of fabric we use, nothing will grow in from the bottom. However, we have no control of what blows in on the top.

Spraying the unwanted weeds with herbicide will take care of the weed problem. However, this does nothing for the dirt, leaf, and plant particles that are hiding under your rocks. And if you allow these to accumulate, they?ll continue to accumulate and you will never get rid of them. So periodic maintenance is required even if you do use landscaping fabric.

Periodically using a blower to clear out your bedding areas will slow down the accumulation of dirt and in some cases eliminate it altogether. How easy and thorough this is depends a lot on the type and size of rock you use.

Small pea gravel accumulates and holds onto dirt, and is harder to clean than rock of a 1 ?" nature. Not only does it hold onto dirt but has a tendency to be blown all around when being cleaned with a blower. Pea gravel works well for paths, walkways, and smaller areas but I don?t recommend it for covering larger areas.

As far as using landscape fabric under bark and mulch covered beds? In many cases this can actually be easier to take care of than living beds or rock covered areas as it can easily be picked up and replaced every few years. This will keep your landscape always looking new without having to blow dirt or mulch beds.

Remember. There?s no such thing as a no maintenance landscape. Landscape fabrics can make things easier in many applications but like everything else, they require a little bit of keeping up. No, they aren?t necessary in all landscaping applications. However, I believe you?ll find them to be your best choice for many types of groundcover.

About The Author

Written by Steve Boulden. Steve is the creator of The-Landscape-Design-Site.com which offers free professional landscaping advice, tips, plans, and ideas to do it yourselfers and homeowners. To discover more about landscaping and landscaping fabrics, visit his site at: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/

steve@the-landscape-design-site.com

How Creating Curb Appeal Will Help You Selling Your Home

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:21:30 +0000

How Creating Curb Appeal Will Help You Selling Your Home

by: Susan Wong

You may not know and realize how important of curb appeal to your home. It is a common sense that if you have an attractive and clean home on the outside, this will make someone want to see the inside. This strategy is very useful when you are attempting to sell you home; great curb appeal is just as important as having a home show beautifully on the inside. If the outside is not clean this can deter a potential purchaser from even booking a showing to see your home, even though the interior could be spectacular.

It is better to get others? opinions in order to take an objective look at the outside of your property. To enhance the appearance of your home there are a few inexpensive things you can do. The most important consideration is the state of repair of the property. You must repair everything that needs repairing, which includes any cracked windows, broken railings, loose screens, crooked shutters, loose awnings, broken light bulbs, etc.

When finishing with repairing, you then turn to cleaning and unculttering processes. The garage should be cleaned out and items thrown out that have not been used in a year. Remove old tires, paint cans, bicycles, loose shrubs and broken lawn furniture from the yard.

Clear all pathways of any debris. Trim all shrubs and remove dead branches. Clean out the eaves. Don't forget the back yard! A new paint job can add tremendous curb appeal. Paint front doors, garage doors, trim and shutters a contrasting color to the brick and siding for a dramatic effect. Use only one color for uniformity and balance. Too many colors look busy.

Siding can be power washed to refresh the appearance. Flowers and flower pots can add tremendous color to a boring front yard. Place flower pots and large outdoor plants in a variety of colors on the front steps, walkways, or porches. Hang flower pots from the ceilings of verandas or hang on railings. Buy plant hooks and hang flower pots from them, which can be placed on the sides and front walls of your home. Plant a few flower beds with some green perennial plants for contrast. This is fairly inexpensive, but can add a lot of appeal to your yard. There are many books on landscaping at the library that can help you with this. Nurseries can offer helpful suggestions as well.

Spotlights focused on your flower beds can brighten up the yard at night giving it a very homey and welcoming feeling. This is also good for safety. A well lit home is a deterrent for burglars.

Lastly, add a decorative wreath and outdoor floor mat to the front of the door. This just adds the finishing touch and offers a welcoming appearance.

About The Author

Susan Wong maintains many interesting contractor websites, including http://www.generalcontractorsecrets.info , http://www.generalcontractorsguide.info , and http://www.paintingcontractorsecrets.info. Please visit her websites and read more useful articles.

Adjustable Beds - Not Just For the Elderly!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:21:46 +0000

Adjustable Beds - Not Just For the Elderly!

by: Neil Teasdale

In an ever increasing market for the ultimate Sleep System, most people still believe that the Adjustable Bed which was originally used in Hospitals and Homes for the Elderly are still that. A bed that can help the elderly in and out of bed! Although they are extremely helpful in these situations, they can also be very important for anybody in today?s lifestyle.

Now any sincere knowledgeable mattress salesman won?t push the watching TV or reading in bed, it?s not something that we should recommend. But with today?s lifestyles, this has become a normal way of life for some people. Sitting in bed watching TV, working to make the big deadline is OK, if that?s your choice. But propping up two pillows every 3 minutes is probably not doing any good to your back or any other part of your body for that matter. If this sounds like you, maybe your next mattress purchase should have an adjustable base as well.

There are many ?side affects? from poor sleep and sleep habits that might also be a clue for you to check out the benefits of the adjustable bed. Some of the health issues are back problems, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, circulatory problems, gastric reflux at night, snoring, breathing problems. Not only does an adjustable bed provide serious convenience with regards to helping people in and out of bed but there are many health benefits that can be taken advantage of for anyone.

Tossing and turning at night on their mattress is the most common reason that people don't sleep well at night. The main reason people toss and turn at night is pressure points; traditional coil and spring mattresses put pressure on different areas of your body causing restricted circulation to those areas, when your body becomes uncomfortable you turn to a new position. Another reason for tossing and turning is improper spinal alignment. All traditional mattresses are flat but our bodies are curved, the traditional mattress fails to offer the lumbar region enough support often allowing your lower back and hips to sink below the rest of your body. This causes pressure and discomfort in that area which causes your body to turn to a new position.

Adjustable sleep systems offer you several great benefits. Obviously, the adjustable base is only that, an adjustable base. To get all the benefits out of your adjustable base you need the proper mattress to work with it. Together they can create a totally pressure free environment while you sleep. Many studies have been done with the space program; the best known is the creation of memory foam. But there is more that was learned from the way astronauts sleep in space. Well our astronauts sleep in a totally pressure free environment experience all the time, floating in space. In studying the way astronauts sleep in space we have discovered a few interesting things. First off, their heads stay slightly elevated allowing for easier breathing. Secondly and probably more importantly, we see that their knees naturally bend and elevate slightly above the heart. This position takes pressure off the spine and allows for increased blood flow to the heart.

Only an adjustable bed can mimic this extremely comfortable and healthy position. Keeping your body in our natural sleep position reduces the pressure on your skeletal frame more than 85% ensuring you will get the deepest most restful sleep possible.

What to Look For

An adjustable sleep system consists of two parts, the base and the mattress.

The Base: There are really two types of adjustable beds, the commercial model used in Hospitals and regular consumer models. The commercial product is very heavy duty and usually has rails on the sides to help someone pull themselves up. These models are extremely expensive and are not very esthetically pleasing for home use, unless your health requires it.

- Concentrate on the frame construction; you want the heavy duty construction with the look of an elegant piece of furniture. Preferably, a regular box spring appearance giving you the ability to dress it how you like it.

- Look for quality motors at the ?head and foot.? Make sure they are UL Listed and CSA approved. Preferably a Freefall Design so the head and foot sections lower by gravity only, this will ensure the motor gets extended life. Also ensure that it?s equipped with insulated rubber wheels for smooth, quiet operation.

- A Polarized ?Modular? electrical system is the way to go as it ensures you won?t have any stray wires and with the plug-in feature makes service a snap.

- Look for at least a 50 degree incline at ?both head and foot?, 60 degrees is optimal.

- Make sure the legs have threaded glides allowing you to adjust the height of the bed to your liking.

- Now depending on your preference, make sure there?s the availability of a massager. I don?t know about you but I like the massager, it provides that little bit extra pampering you need at the end of some days. Some brands you have no choice, either you get it and pay for it or you can?t get it. Having a choice is always nice.

- Same goes for the remote, it?s nice to have the choice between wired or wireless.

The Mattress: Your mattress is the single most important component of any bed, adjustable or not, even if your foundation was the corner of 4th and Main. The proper mattress should provide the proper support, pressure relief and spinal alignment even in this situation.

- Many companies only offer coil and spring mattresses with their adjustable bases. This is not exactly the best case scenario. The coil and spring mattresses are not very pliable and don't really work well with an adjustable base and often need replacing every five years.

- There are other very luxurious choices ?at a fraction of the price? that you would benefit from with use of your adjustable base. All are designed to offer you pressure relief, proper spinal alignment and a more breathable sleep surface. Air Mattress Beds work well with the adjustable base when they are equipped with horizontal chambers, the chambers follow the contour of the bed nicely. Although this works well, it?s still not the optimal choice.

- Try looking at a Memory Foam or Latex mattress, these mattresses are made from highly specialized foams and are more durable and pliable than coils and springs, as a result they will work in unison with the adjustable base to provide you with the ultimate adjustable sleep experience. Not to mention your mattress will most probably last for its intended life and these foam mattresses can go for twenty years.

- The final tip is to stay away from the deal that promises, ?Mattress Included? rarely does this mean your getting any quality in the mattress they?re giving you. Just ?FOAM? doesn?t mean Memory or Latex foam; check it out to make sure.

So depending on your lifestyle or if your health dictates (I hope this isn?t the case) check out all the health and convenience benefits of a quality adjustable bed, but don?t forget the ?quality? mattress!!

About The Author

Neil Teasdale

Why Sleep On Coils and Springs When You Can Sleep On Air?

Cloud 9 Air Mattress Beds are dedicated to bringing the public an affordable alternative for Top Quality Sleep Systems. Our Discount Air Mattress Beds, Adjustable Beds, Talalay Latex Beds, Memory Foam Beds come factory direct for huge savings. Our Top Quality Products can only be surpassed by our mission to provide Superior Customer Excellence. Free Shipping!!

Find out more click: http://cloud9airmattressbeds.com/adjustable_beds.html

customercare@cloud9airmattressbeds.com

How To Feel Refreshed All Day and Enjoy Quality Family Time In The Evening!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:36:05 +0000

How To Feel Refreshed All Day and Enjoy Quality Family Time In The Evening!

by: Neil Teasdale

If you're one of the "still" surprisingly many that just

can't get the sleep thing right, keep reading! How many

times a week do you wake up where you can't figure out if

you're getting up or going to bed or you wake up with a

headache, numb leg or that stiff neck that goes right to

the shoulder blade and you can't look left or right, what's

that about? After struggling through a tough day, no way do

you have anything left for family play time in the evening.

There's a time proven, simple method to regain back and

enjoy your full days, but most of us definitely take it for

granted, SLEEP! "I'll sleep when I sleep." If we all could

shift this mindset to, "I need and enjoy my sleep," That

would be a huge step in the right direction. As we age,

depending on how "gracefully," we develop certain health

issues, maybe not serious but nagging enough to stop you

from playing catch with JR. or piggybacking your Little

Princess.Many times we look to doctors and cures for nagging

problems that just might be related to your particular

sleep habits.

So, what does the Sleep in America poll tell us about the

connection between sleep, health and aging? "We reaffirm

what we know from the epidemiology of aging that there is a

very strong correlation between common medical conditions

and a predisposition to sleep disturbances," says Daniel

Foley, an epidemiologist at the National Institute on Aging.

"A person may have several medical conditions that they're

seeing their doctor about and they may be getting treatment,

but they don't feel they're getting better. What may go

unrecognized is a tremendous amount of sleep disturbance and

daytime sleepiness. What may go overlooked is a major sleep

disorder that may be complicating treatment of the other

conditions.

"The poll results show we need to educate the public and

healthcare professionals about the connection between sleep,

health and aging."

Granted not all health issues can be prevented, but we

shoulddo what's in our control to remain health conscious

day and night. Maintaining health can prevent many of those

nagging old problems. What's the use of working out in the

morning, jogging at lunch, eating right all day then

crashing at 3:00am on that busted imitation "La-Z-Boy"

using your cat as a pillow? Oh! There's that headache, numb

leg, still neck cycle again!!

There are some very simple things you can do to make your

sleep more beneficial for you. You've probably seen these

many times in many forms but this time, it's time to start!

You're going to pin this article up and make an effort to

change your poor sleep habits.

" Sleep is as important as food and air. Quantity and

quality are very important. Most adults need between 7.5 to

8.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you press the snooze

button on the alarm in the morning you are not getting

enough sleep.

" Keep regular hours. Try to go to bed at the same time and

get up at the same time every day. Getting up at the same

time is most important. Getting bright light, like the sun,

when you get up will also help. Try to go to bed only when

you are sleepy. Bright light in the morning at a regular

time should help you feel sleepy at the same time every

night.

" Stay away from stimulants like caffeine. This will help

you get deep sleep which is most refreshing. If you take any

caffeine, take it in the morning. Avoid all stimulants in

the evening, including chocolate, caffeinated sodas, and

caffeinated teas. They will delay sleep and increase

arousals during the night.

" Use the bed for sleeping and sex. Avoid watching TV or

using laptop computers. Know that reading in bed can be a

problem if the material is very stimulating and you read

with a bright light. If it helps to read before bed make

sure you use a very small wattage bulb to read. A 15 watt

bulb should be enough.

" Avoid bright light around the house before bed. Using

dimmer switches in living rooms and bathrooms before bed can

be helpful. (Dimmer switches can be set to maximum

brightness for morning routines.)

" Don't stress if you feel you are not getting enough sleep.

It will just make matters worse. Know you will sleep

eventually, no pressure.

" Avoid exercise near bedtime. No exercise at least 3 hours

before bed.

" Don't go to bed hungry. Have a light snack, avoid a heavy

meal before bed.

" Bedtime routines are helpful for good sleep. Keep routines

on your normal schedule. A cup of herbal tea an hour before

bed can begin a routine.

" Avoid looking at the clock if you wake up in the middle of

the night. It can cause anxiety. This is very difficult for

most of us, so turn the clock away so you would have to

turn it to see the time. You may decide not to make the effort

and go right back to sleep.

" If you can't get to sleep for over 30 minutes get out of

bed and do something boring in dim light till you are

sleepy.

" Keep your bedroom at comfortable temperature. Not too warm

and not too cold. Cooler is better than warmer.

" If you have problems with noise in your environment you

can use a white noise generator. An old fan will work or you

can listen to soft music on a timer.

" Know that the "night cap" has a price. Alcohol may help

you to get to sleep but it will cause you to wake up

throughout the night. You may not notice it. (It is worse if

you have sleep apnea because the alcohol makes the apnea

worse.) Sometimes people snore only if they have had some

alcohol or may snore worse if they already snore.

" If you have a sleeping partner, ask them if they notice

any snoring, leg movements and/or pauses in breathing. If

you have any concerns see your doctor.

" The proper mattress and pillow can make the biggest

difference in preventing those nagging problems. Educate

yourself on the new advancements in mattress technology and

sleep systems that are designed to provide the right support

to minimize pressure to acceptable levels for different

body types and sleeping postures, maintaining back and spine

alignment. Shift the mindset from the one mattress fits all,

coils and springs to the luxury and convenience of air

mattress beds, adjustable beds, latex beds and memory foam

beds. Not only do these sleep systems provide the necessary

support and comfort, they give you the option to rearrange

the layers for a myriad of comfort levels to ensure you get

exactly what you want in a mattress and not, "just living"

with it.

OK, PRINT!

Now get started and work out while you sleep!!

Make the necessary changes that will help you feel refreshed

and have the energy to get through a busy day and the

stamina to spend quality time with the family at night. Give

yourself and your family the chance for you to "age

gracefully."

Catch my next articles that will cover advancements in

mattress technology.

About The Author

Neil Teasdale

Why Sleep On Coils and Springs When You Can Sleep On Air? We provide the Highest Quality, Luxury and Convenience of air mattress beds, adjustable beds, latex beds and memory foam beds, including mattress toppers and pillows.

Cloud 9 Air Mattress Beds, for more information click: www.cloud9airmattressbeds.com

[ Submitted with ArticleSubmitter Pro - http://www.articles.com/article_submitter_pro.shtml

customercare@cloud9airmattressbeds.com

Benefits Of Adjustable Beds

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:07:27 +0000

Benefits Of Adjustable Beds

by: Jan Thomsen

Choosing a comfortable bed and mattress

The type of bed and mattress is a critical decision for people with back problems. While little is known about the type of mattress is good for the back and little medical information about adjustable beds, there are still a lot of questions as to whether or not an adjustable bed is a better alternative for flat mattresses for people suffering from back problems.

How an adjustable bed works

As the name implies, adjustable beds (also called a Semi-Fowler bed), can be attuned to various positions. Sleeping slightly inclined gives comfort to people with back problems with the upper body slightly elevated than the lower body and support to the knees at a slight angle. This position eases some stress off the lower back. It provides support to the spinal curves and lightens the pressure on the entire body.

Potential benefits of an adjustable bed

An adjustable bed provides comfort sleeping slightly inclined compared to lying on a regular flat mattress. How certain back conditions can be lightened up and give more comfort provided to people are seen in the following situations

? Degenerative spondylolisthesis. Adjustable beds reduces the pain discomfort in the lower back allowing a comfortable sleep the rest of the night.

? Osteoarthritis. This back problem is accompanied by stiffness and sore during the morning. Adjustable beds give better support by lessening compression in the joints.

? Spinal stenosis. People with this back problem find comfort bending forward rather than standing upright. Flat mattresses provide lesser comfort compared to sleeping inclined which is offered by adjustable beds.

After undergoing surgery in the lower back, patients felt more comfort using adjustable beds compared to flat mattresses.

While a patient may not be sure of the benefits from an adjustable bed or is unsure of purchasing a new bed, a possible option is by propping up the upper body by using pillows beneath the knees.

Patient?s preference should determine the choice of bed and mattress

Sleeping comfort is still the determining factor in the choice of bed or mattress. No particular type of mattress or bed is guaranteed to work for all patients, and no medical studies proves that adjustable beds are preferable. Whatever bed or mattress gives sleep comfort without extra pain is deemed as the best option.

Sleeping or lying down is the only time in which complete relaxation is experienced by the muscles, ligaments and the spine. A person suffering from a back injury needs to have a good sleep in order to help in the healing process.

About The Author

Jan Thomsen is writing health, diet and exercise articles for http://www.diet1200.com and sleep and rest related articles for his Adjustable Bed Review site. http://www.adjustable-bed-review.com.

Shopping for a Mattress? Get In the NOW!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:51:16 +0000

Shopping for a Mattress? Get In the NOW!

by: Neil Teasdale

It still amazes me to see that in almost every walk of life, consumers are looking for the latest and greatest on the market. Except when shopping for a mattress, it still seems that people are drawn to the 'same old same old' one mattress fits all coils and springs. Ouch! But that's not the big kicker; the big deal comes when you actually price these mattresses. To get a top quality coils and springs mattress you have to pay between $1500US -$3000US to get the comfort levels you want and then you are still really buying an expensive foundation with a memory foam pillow top, which is what is providing the comfort you feel. So, let's say you spend $2000US, you now own a 100lb wooden box filled with coils and springs and what sold you was the $200US pillow top.

So why not just take the time to really see what options are out there? You will find so many other choices that take advantage of our newest technology, are not only half the price but provide a much healthier environment for you to sleep. All the new types of mattresses and beds are specifically designed sleep systems that provide the right support to minimize pressure to acceptable levels for different body types and sleeping postures, maintaining back and spine alignment. The coils and springs mattresses can only say this when they come with the memory foam pillow top. The coils and springs can't really "fill in the gaps" to support the parts of your body that do not sink into the coils, such as your lower back.

Coils and springs mattresses' biggest claim to fame is that the coils work independently so when you move, your partner doesn't. Great, but how much does that matter if you're not comfortable and you wake up tired and stiff? And in all honesty, I don't know anyone who actually "bowls" in bed.

So what are the options out there? There are four different types of new technology sleep systems that really are a great bang for the buck and are very affordable and provide many health and convenient benefits compared to coils and springs.

1) Air Mattress Beds - Air Mattress Beds cradle and cushion your body, providing more even weight distribution without the poking and prodding possible from a standard coil spring mattress. Easy to use handheld controls and a state of the art ultra-quiet air inflation system allow each sleeper to quickly adjust the firmness of their side of the air bed to the perfect comfort level, with just the touch of a button. Imagine, now couples can individually adjust each side of the air bed to the exact firmness and comfort level each partner prefers. (Tip: Look for horizontal baffling and contoured foam edges for quality construction.)

2) Adjustable Beds - Now any sincere mattress salesman won't push the watching TV or reading in bed, it's not something that we should recommend. But with today's lifestyles this has become a normal way of life for some people. So if that's the case then you really should think about doing it right! With the touch of a button, adjustable beds move into hundreds of relaxing positions. All without creating pressure, stress or strain on your body. Touch a button again and experience a new concept in comfort, while your own personal massage system helps to relieve tired, sore muscles, and reduce everyday tension and fatigue. Encourage restful sleep through relaxation. (Tip: Concentrate on the frame construction, don't fall for the "mattress included" it's rarely of any quality.)

3) Latex Beds - Latex mattresses provide the most comfortable sleep surface in the world. Already immensely popular in Europe, Latex Mattresses are beginning to boom here in the United States. More and more Americans are learning about the tremendous advantages of Latex Mattresses everyday. The Talalay Process produces the highest quality, most resilient and consistent latex foam in the industry. Its consistent cell structure and exact density result in the most even firmness and feel possible. You can also buy Natural latex products. (Tip: Look for US made foam with layered construction, as this gives you quality foam and creates a variety of comfort levels to choose from.)

4) Memory Foam Beds - Well I think the word is out on this one, I'm sure you've heard all the NASA explanations of why this is used in the Space Shuttle and seen the "handprint" pictures. But, in case you haven't, Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattresses utilize amazing, space age and NASA developed Visco Elastic Memory Foam. Visco Elastic Memory Foam is temperature sensitive. It actually reacts to the heat produced by your body, conforming to your body in a way no other material can. Where your body is making the most contact with the memory foam, the foam reacts and becomes softer. Where your body is making less contact, the foam stays cooler and remains more firm. The result is pressure being evenly distributed throughout the sleeper's body, leading to fewer pressure points and a more restorative sleep. (Tip: Again, look out for problem European foam; US made Sensus with layered construction for the same quality and comfort level benefits.)

All of these new age sleep systems can be purchased for a fraction of what a coils and springs mattress goes for and depending on the mattress, you can adjust the foam layers to personalize your comfort level as you please. And don't forget about the many major sleep benefits from all the sleep system technology. You just can't miss, if you have to purchase a mattress or sleep system, you owe it to yourself to check these out, not only for your health but for your pocketbook too, ouch again!

Tune in to my next articles where I'll break down what to look for in each of the new age sleep systems.

About The Author

Neil Teasdale

Why Sleep On Coils and Springs When You Can Sleep On Air?

We provide the Highest Quality, Luxury and Convenience of air mattress beds, adjustable beds, latex beds and memory foam beds, including mattress toppers and pillows.

Cloud 9 Air Mattress Beds, for more information click: http://www.cloud9airmattressbeds.com

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customercare@cloud9airmattressbeds.com

How to Choose a Log Bunk Bed

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:24:32 +0000

How to Choose a Log Bunk Bed

by: Cari Haus

So you?ve got the perfect little log cabin, or chalet by the lake, or just want a country touch to your home. You want a log bunk bed, or two, but don?t know where to start. And they don?t carry them in your downtown furniture store.

Not to worry, there are plenty of options available on the Internet. There are loft log bunk beds, twin over twin log bunk beds, full over full or even twin over queen. I haven?t seen a twin over king yet, but really the Amish can make any size you want. A lot of college students who looking to build an inexpensive loft bed might find an Amish loft bunk bed to be just the ticket, and some of them come with futons under them, too.

There are federal regulations regarding bunk beds, so you?ll want to make sure that whatever bed you choose meets the regulations. We?re talking safety here, and things do happen. But you certainly wouldn?t want a bed that doesn?t meet the regulations, so make sure that the one you buy, does. Most accidents with bunk beds happen to children under the age of three. Many of these accidents can be avoided by having safety rails on both sides of the top bed. If one side of the bed is against the wall, that can be sufficient--but it must be against the wall. There are also regulations regarding headboards. There is a link to a page with the regulations at the bottom of this article for those who wish to read further.

Bunk beds built to those regulations are generally built to hold an adult weighing up to 250 pounds. If you are pushing the limits, try cedar instead of pine. In the beds we sell, the cedar logs are 5 ? to 6 inches in diameter, while the pine is about 3 ? inches in diameter. They are both built to federal specifications, and the pine bunk beds are very solid and strong, but if there is a question in your mind, go for the bigger logs. And of course, you can always put the big fella on the bottom, too.

Some log bunk beds come with a metal frame to hold the mattress, but some of the Amish build them with a wood frame to hold both the box spring and the mattress. You don?t have to put a box spring in those beds, but you certainly can.

The other alternative to hold the mattress up is called a Bunkie board. A Bunkie board is basically ? inch plywood cut to the size of the box spring. It sits inside either the metal bed frame, or the wood bed frame, and supports the mattress. If you have a box spring you don?t need a Bunkie board, but if there is not a box spring, the Bunkie board is what supports the middle of the mattress. We sell Bunkie boards if people want them, but a lot of people just cut their own. It?s up to the buyer.

Another option to consider is the type of ladder you want with your log bunk bed. Some of the Amish beds have the ladders built right into the end of the bed, so you don?t have a ladder leaning out from the bed. Others have a moveable ladder that can hook on the end or the side. In many cases, the amount of space available determines the type of bunk bed you buy. If you have a small room, the larger cedar logs may seem too massive. If you don?t have room for a slanted ladder, however, you may opt for the cedar bunk bed anyway that has the ladder built in. If you have a larger room or larger people, you may opt for the larger cedar logs.

If you get a pine bunk bed with metal frame, there is a way to give the metal frame that log look when the covers are thrown back. These are decorative half logs or rails, not to be confused with the safety rails that go around the top of the bunk bed. The top safety rails are always included with the log bunk bed, but the decorative half rails are optional and just for looks.

Last but not least, be sure to measure before you buy. Last year we sold a couple of log bunk beds to somebody in Montana. They absolutely loved the beds, but had bought two for the room and soon found out that only one could comfortably fit. Since we are in Michigan and they in Montana, it would have cost quite a bit to ship it back. They ended up selling the extra bed on ebay, but the problem could have been avoided with a bit of careful measuring up front.

About The Author

This article was written by Cari Haus, President of Log Cabin Rustics, http://www.logcabinrustics.com, which retails log bunk beds on the Internet. Permission is granted to reprint this article in it's entirety, provided a link to Log Cabin Rustics is included at the end of the article.?Also, here is a helpful information about log bunk beds at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.com/. Go to that site and search for bunk bed regulations.

A Comparison Of Beds

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:51:57 +0000

A Comparison Of Beds

by: Cameron Elliott

It?s time to buy a new mattress. There are so many options, so many choices. How do you decide? What do you pick? The salesroom is overwhelming. Beds and mattress all lined up, neatly, perfectly. The salesmen are pushy, demanding. Hammering you with the benefits of this one, of that one.

Leave. Enter an empty room, painted light blue, smelling clean. Welcoming. Soft light filters in through the windows. In the middle of this empty room are three beds, an innerspring, a foam, and an air. Each bed is lined with pillows with a plush blanket. After you leave this room, you will know what mattress to buy.

Lie down on the innerspring mattress. The springs compress, the padding offers some comfort. You can feel your spine. You?re aware of every vertebra. Without a pillow, there is a gap right where your neck becomes your back. You can feel pressure on your hips. Possibly, if you?re exhausted, you?ll fall asleep. But just lying there, you feel awkward, uncomfortable.

Get up. Enough of that mattress, and move to the foam one. As you sit, foam sinks beneath your body. Lie down. And feel? foam. It sinks down and rises up to cradle your body. Your neck, spine, back, hips, is surrounded in soft foam. You are only aware of foam.

You?re not done yet. Extricate yourself from your foam cradle and go the last bed. It is an air mattress. Lie down. Take the controller. Adjust the firmness. Feel the air beneath you give, supporting every inch, every curve of your body. Relax. Lie there, on your bed of air. Aware of nothing. Of only yourself, of your breath. Getting slower and deeper. Of your eyelids fluttering. Struggling to stay open. Force them open and they shut automatically. Try once more. Pull the covers up close around your neck, and fall fast asleep.

About The Author

Cameron Elliott, a sleep specialist, is an internet manager for AirSleep.com where he champions the benefits of a good night's sleep both for individual health and also for a more safe and efficient world. For more information on ordering air mattresses, visit http://www.airsleep.com/overview.php/1.

celliott@create-on.com