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2010-09-05 Ergo Flex tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,1970-01-01:/rss/blog-rss.php tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-09-05:/blog/Bed+Bug+Pandemic 2010-09-05

Bed bugs are on the rise, and are biting back with vengeance. A recent global study led by the University of Kentucky and United States National Pest Management Association have found that cases of bed bugs are increasing. These findings have sparked a sudden rise of legislation being passed especially in the United States regarding hotel bedroom cleanliness, even the introduction of a sniffer dog in Britain, capable of seeking out the creatures. This is the biggest wave of concern regarding bed bugs since the early 1930rsquos when nearly every house in London was infested, but now climate change and a great variety in travel destinations are being looked at the source of the growing problem. How do we get bed bugs Where do they come from People transport bed bugs from place to place, as they are unable to fly, so whether it is a trip to an infested house, a stay at a hostile hotel or if yoursquore already living in a bed bug ridden home. Bed bugs readily move from room to room, mattress to mattress and pillow to pillow, so in a short space of time an entire flat or house can become infested. Bed bugs live in cracks and crevices in the mattress and pillows, especially near the springs where it is dark and warm. This is the perfect environment for these creatures which bite humans when their natural prey is unavailable.So it is not a case of lsquomaking sure the bed bugs donrsquot bitersquo, bed bugs will bite you and it is unavoidable. Thorough cleaning is needed to eliminate the infestation of bed bugs in a traditional spring mattress, where bed bugs find comfort in the dark, amongst the springs and box foundation, now that they now have a strong resistance to insecticides and other cleaning products. However, if you own a memory foam mattress, then bed bugs can not live inside it. A memory foam mattress apart from giving you a relaxing nightrsquos sleep can also help you defeat bed bugs, so long as all bedding is regularly cleaned and checked bed bugs will not be bothering you during the sudden rise of the bed bug pandemic.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-09-03:/blog/Distractions+at+bedtime+are+detrimental+to+school+day 2010-09-03

School children in Scotland, will now have no excuse, if they ever fall asleep during lessons. The charity Sleep Scotland has been formed to teach children, who are getting as little as four or five hours sleep a night, to use that time responsibly and not watch television, game online or surf the internet. Due to this lack of sleep, children are underperforming in the classroom, and this is what Sleep Scotland is trying to combat.Certainly 24 hour access to the internet does not help the situation, with online messaging, chat and other social sites causing children to stay awake. This begs the question, why keep such distractions in the bedroom Around 8 in 10 children have a television set in their bedroom, with most of these connected to a games console and the internet in some way. Teenagers aged 1218 are sleep deprived, which causes grumpiness and the stereotypical uncommunicative behaviour. This is when Sleep Scotland formed, after the shocking results showed how children at a school in Glasgow who had as little as 4 hours sleep a night, couldnrsquot concentrate and function efficiently throughout their time at school. Informing about the importance of a good nightrsquos sleep, and how this responsibility is key for the following day. Out of those that couldnrsquot function on little sleep, a 15 year school boy, went to bed an hour earlier, avoiding distractions and felt much more alert during the following day.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-09-02:/blog/Lack+of+Sleep+Linked+with+Teenager 878+Poor+Diets-Study 2010-09-02

Research has been conducted into the association between diet and sleep habits in teenagers. Brigham and Womenrsquos Hospital together with Bet Israel Deaconness Medical Centre, both based in Boston found that teenagers who sleep less than the recommended eight hours a night eat more fatty food and snacks. The study consisted of 240 teenage participants, aged from sixteen to nineteen. Their sleep was monitored at home through a wrist band device that measured their movements, in order to determine wakefulness and sleep. Food intake was measured through twentyfour hour food recalls, via interview. More specifically, the study found that teenagers that slept less than eight hours on weeknights consumed on average 245 more calories each day than those that slept more. lsquoThe demonstration of chronically altered dietary patterns in adolescents with shorter sleep provides insight into why shorter sleep has been associated with obesity in prior experimental and observational studiesrsquo said Dr. Redline. It seems that less sleep makes teens crave fatty foods, in order to regain energy due to fatigue, which can lead to weight gain and an unhealthier lifestyle. On the positive side it was found that the risks can be reversed through better sleep habits.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-09-02:/blog/Napping+at+the+workplace+-+study 2010-09-02

A study held by the East of England Development Agency EEDA has found that workers on a ninetofive job would benefit more from a nap halfway through their day. Results also showed that, the best creative ideas are produced just as we are about to lsquonod offrsquo and with long working hours and shrinking lunch breaks, isnrsquot it time companies cashed in on the creative ideas that could be gained from designating a time to sleep 30 of the best creative ideas come in bed, compared to 11 at the desk. If companies were then to introduce short naps to fit in around work, similar to the Spanish siesta, would productivity and creativity increaseSo napping isnrsquot the sign of laziness many people see it as, and in fact benefits mental acuity and overall health. A company in New York in America, MetroNaps have started a service, providing sleep pods for weary workers to snooze for 20 minutes on their lunch break, gently vibrating them awake and greeting them with a lemon scented towel to refresh them before work, and a lunch if ordered. Charging just 14 dollars for this service, their service has become increasingly popular. Most mammals sleep certain periods during the day, and only humans have consolidated all that sleep into one elongated period. Therefore, it is natural to need a nap half way through your day, especially if you didnrsquot get sufficient sleep the night before. But what kind of lsquonapperrsquo are youLark If you are a lark, you will often go to sleep around 9pm and 10pm, and wake around 6am. This means you will be most likely to require a nap around 1pm1.30pm.Owl An lsquoowlrsquo would normally go to bed around midnight waking up at around 9am. They will most likely need a rest around 2.30pm ndash 3pm. So with the bed more creative than the office, how long will it be before companies start to provide sleeping rooms If this idea were to take off, there would be no reason why 9am to 5pm jobs couldnrsquot be adapted to 5pm to 9am jobs. This would open up an entire new avenue for productivity in the workplace. What this study found was, that if lsquosnoozingrsquo or lsquonappingrsquo, was made common practise in the work place then responsiveness, memory and mood would be more beneficial to the working environment.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-09-02:/blog/Dodging+Discomfort+ 2010-09-02

An active lifestyle is an effective way to maintain the optimum level of health for both body and mind. Endorphins are released into the bloodstream, carrying with them a supply of happiness. Exercise also improves low selfesteem as we actively target literal and metaphorical goals, in order to achieve a sense of personal success as we steadily extend our boundaries of ability. By engaging and honing our skills of coordination, perception and endurance we welcome new capabilities that equip us in other aspects of our life, strengthening an overall physicality, as well as stamina and social bonds. Exercise in its various forms can be adapted to suit and individual and can be used as a way to release tension, whilst promoting a sound sleep. Unfortunately the exertion that exercise enforces upon the body can lead to injuries. Footballerrsquos ankle, runnerrsquos knee and tennis or golferrsquos elbow are all terms that demonstrate the common conditions that occur through the repetitive movements of a favourite sport. Sprains, inflammation and swelling can occur, as well as torn ligaments or trapped nerves in the legs or back, which are all part and parcel of most exercise regimes. Sports stars suffer from injury, especially those involved in contact sports such as football, rugby and boxing. Although ice baths are a popular and extreme choice amongst sporting professionals, used as a preventative measure in which recovery from gruelling training sessions is quickened through the new oxygenated blood that is fed to muscles for the rest of us, quality rest is usually the most effective means of recovery. Dance is a credible source of exercise, as it is combines rhythmic expression with a vigorous workout. It has become an increasingly popular pastime, as the emergence of various televisions programmes, devoted to the celebration of dance induced a nationwide passion. People have become more dance savvy as a result many people can now differentiate between the bullfighting flamboyance of a Paso Doble and the floating steps and sophistication of the waltz. As a result dance classes are advertised more, with sports centres incorporating a variety of options into their programmes, which offer a meld of dance styles with other forms of exercise, such as aerobics and martial arts. Street dancing seems eternally contemporary. Hiphop dancing involves a lot of demanding movements, including popping and locking, which means the joints are put under increased pressure, as well as the muscles which contract in pulsing waves throughout the body. Break dancing also involves twisting and flexing, as well as weight bearing, concentrated into the small areas, such as the wrists and neck. Dancing also puts strain upon the back muscles and spine, which are continually bent and stretched, as well as acting as an absorber of the high impact that comes from contact with the ground and other bodies. The supportive structure of a viscoelastic memory foam relieves the aches and pains acquired through the demands of exercise. The memory foam mattress can align the body, which is ultimately a finely tuned machine. The fatigue that comes with exercise does not need to be a drawback, as the knowledge of weightless comfort awaits in the form of memory foam which provides support to the muscles, tendons, bones and tissues used in exercise, so that the restorative properties of slumber can be activated and both mental and physical tension can dissipate.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-09-01:/blog/Sleepwalking+Cause+and+effect 2010-09-01

Sleepwalking somnambulism is a sleepdisorder common among children, and reportedly rare among adults. It ranges from harmless activities such as sitting up in bed, reaching for hallucinatory objects, to much more hazardous activities like driving and cooking. Spells of sleep walking can last between 30 seconds to 30 minutes, but what causes this subconscious behaviourCausesSleepwalking, begins and normally only occurs in childhood, with only 10 of adults being affected. Somnambulism has been thought of as a delay in a childrsquos maturation. Sleepwalking is generic, and a child has a 60 chance of having the disorder if both parents also suffered from it. If a child suffers from other sleep disorders, such as bed wetting or rapid leg movement, then they are more likely to start sleep walking. However, among adults sleepwalking could be caused by sleep deprivation, night fever or excessive tiredness. Coping day to dayAmong sufferers of sleepwalking, there is some embarrassment about the disorder, yet before they sleep, the most serious sufferers have to prepare before they sleep, hiding anything that could be dangerous if misused whilst in their subconscious state. This means a set routine for sleeping, which must impinge on day to day life. Some sleepwalkers take antidepressants and benzodiazepine to help them sleep, but it is argued that tablets do not aid against sleepwalking. What to doStress and worrying is one of the main causes of sleepwalking amongst adults, with people going to bed with stressful thoughts. A memory foam mattress helps induce a deep sleep, reducing stress on the pressure points and improving circulation which helps with getting to sleep easily. A stress free sleep will result in waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. So if you can go to bed, without worries on your mind, a good nightrsquos sleep should follow.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-31:/blog/Filtered+Dreaming+ 2010-08-31

Our dreams can have a profound effect upon our waking moments, as buried emotions are spontaneously unearthed as fluctuating, vivid scenes that are pieced together in a series of mismatched realms. Dreams have the ability to either lift us up into heavenly heights or plunge us deep into the heart of fear. Dream catchers are a Native American creation that have been integrated into Western homes as a commercial product, inspired by tradition and the concept of combining naturally occurring forms as a means of filtering dreams. It acts as a decorative addition to a sleeping environment, suspended in an airy space, where its feathery plumage and webbed intricacy almost lulls the viewer into a relaxed state, as its delicacy belies its powers of protection. Dream catchers were originally intended for infants and used as protective charms, ensuring dreams were filled with soothing images, just as a mobile, which is placed above a cot, made up of brightly coloured animal shapes and soft light promotes pleasant dreams of innocence. Both serve as a transfixing presence, as the child drifts serenely into slumber. Native Americans draw most of their inspiration from nature. The dream catcher is based upon different elements of nature that all work in synergy. The robust structure of a spiderrsquos web works to trap bad dreams until the morning sunlight perishes them. The hanging structure also takes advantage of circulating air, in which a composite of floating dreams were thought to hover. The good dreams evade the spider webrsquos snare and slide down the feathers silky length and onto the sleeper below. Traditionally dream catchers had a limited lifespan, matching the course of a babyrsquos development into older childhood made from willow and sinew that naturally dry out and collapse, as nightmares were believed to occur less frequently as a child grew older. It is true to say that children experience nightmares more often than adults, due to an overactive imagination, which is commonly demonstrated as accounts of monsters that hide under bed or wait in wardrobes, ready to pounce as the inky darkness of night time descends. However, nightmares can be experienced by adults but are thought to be triggered by stress, illness or medication. Most people feel reassured when daylight enters the bedroom, where a nightmare previously resided, as we remained restlessly tense. Daylight automatically brings perspective, as fear dissipates with the clarity of light, just as it can build with the obscurity of darkness. It therefore seems logical that the dream catcher works on the premise of light, in which nightmares caught in its web are vanquished by the morning rays. Dreams are very much a part of consciousness. They are revisited as topics of contemplation, influencing the content of songs, art and conversation. As we know, dreams can contain positive and negative elements and can determine how we approach the day ahead. By ensuring that measures are taken to prevent nightmares be it through the presence of a dream catcher, herbal baths or a memory foam mattress that relieves tension throughout the body the following day can be invigorated with the memories of pleasant dreams that optimise mood and perspective.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-28:/blog/What-is-the-best-environment-for-you-to-sleep-in 2010-08-28

Many people donrsquot see the importance of a good nights sleep, and often neglect the environment in which they choose to sleep. What is your perfect sleeping environment Do you like a hot or a cold room Pitch black or some light Everyone has a desired environment in which they like to sleep, however, how often do we sleep in our preferred environment There are many factors to getting the perfect sleep and there are a variety of things that prevent us from this.Noise ndash Generally most people prefer a silent place to sleep, as they struggle to sleep with background noise or loud noises outside of their control. When we are trying to sleep, our hearing sense increases meaning we hear noises clearly. This sensitivity would be welcomed, if we were in serious danger while we were sleeping, however when it is a downstairs television set or neighbours music it could be off putting when you are trying to get some rest. Noise whilst sleeping, affects the cycles of sleep meaning that our sleep pattern is compromised.Temperature ndash Everyone has their own preference when it comes to sleeping in a hot room or cool room, but it is vital that you sleep in the temperature that is good for you. If you are too cold in bed or wake up sweating then your surrounding environment woke you up, meaning it was a problem. Lighting ndash it is common for people to sleep in the dark, however some prefer the presence of a nightlight, or side lamp for safety if they get up during the night. This is another factor in getting a perfect night sleep. Even if you sleep during the day it is still important to try and sleep in a darkened room, as it associates with your body clock as being a time you should be sleeping.Mattress ndash Your mattress and bedding is imperative in you getting a good nights sleep, if it is uncomfortable, too hard or too soft then it could be disruptive in your attempts for a good long rest. The introduction of the memory foam mattress has given people a better nightrsquos sleep, than the old fashioned spring mattress. Especially a high quality memory foam mattress from Ergoflextrade, with its high quality, offers the sleeper a luxurious nightrsquos sleep. The mattress plays an important role, and begs the question whether your mattress is affecting your sleep.These problems are more prominent when sleeping in the same room as a partner, as they may have different preferences to you. Nevertheless, it is important that your environment is right for you when you are trying to go to sleep. A disrupted nightrsquos sleep sets the tone for your following day, whether yoursquore tired, depressed or not interested in what the day has to offer.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-27:/blog/Sleep+Improves+Guitar+Hero+Scores-+Study 2010-08-27

The popular computer game, Guitar Hero has been used in a sleep study, as it requires complex motor skills that simulate the realworld effects of daily activities. Guitar Hero is a computer game that involves matching coloured bands across the screen and playing a song that corresponds with varying precision on a makeshift guitar. Scientists from Trent University in Ontario tested students at 9am on a Guitar Hero song that they had learned the previous night at 9pm. This group of students showed three times more improvement in their scores compared with students who carried out the same test but remained in a lsquowakeful conditionrsquo. Researchers also found that the accuracy at which students hit the correct musical notes on the game increased by seven per cent, compared to students in a lsquowakeful conditionrsquo, who carried out the same test and only improved by two percent. Although the results do not seem immediately significant, they demonstrate a link between sleep duration and motor learning. Coauthor, Kevin Peters commented ldquoThis clearly shows if yoursquore not getting enough rest, yoursquore not going to be learning as well as you could berdquoThe study uses a contemporary medium to demonstrate how the retention of learned information and reactivity is aided by sleep, which helps to process and cement information and heighten skills.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-24:/blog/Body+clock+research+reveals+insomnia+potential+memory+foam+mattress 2010-08-24

New research into the bodyrsquos internal lsquoclockrsquo, the circadian rhythm that determines sleep cycles and metabolism, has suggested that it may be possible to manipulate the process with a drug, opening up a potential medical treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders. Tests on mice that altered levels of the enzyme casein kinase 1 were honed to the extent that the internal sleep and wake cycle could be lsquoresetrsquo to within an hour of the biologistsrsquo choosing. If the process could be replicated in humans it could be used to combat a whole host of sleep problems related to the circadian rhythm. ldquoUp until now we havenrsquot had any drug that plays with the core clock itself. Wersquove shown that itrsquos possible to use drugs to synchronise the body clock of a mouse and so it may also be possible to use similar drugs to treat a whole range of health problems associated with disruptions of circadian rhythms,rdquo said researcher Prof. Andrew Loudon from Manchester University, who cooperated with Dr. Mick Hastings from the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and scientists from Pfizer on the study. ldquoThis might include some psychiatric diseases and certain circadian sleep disorders.rdquoThe results of the study were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-23:/blog/Roadside+app+for+sleepy+drivers 2010-08-23

A fatigue calculator developed as an iPhone application is to be installed at service stations, rest stops and truck depots in South Australia to combat driver tiredness on the roads. The touchscreen program allows users to lsquoscorersquo their level of tiredness and receive guidance on their suitability to drive. It is hoped that that the calculator will reduce the level of accidents related to the issue.Created by Natalie Tindale and Professor Drew Dawson from the Centre for Sleep Research at the University of South Australia, the application was developed after Tindale suffered lsquomicrosleepsrsquo during a punishing working schedule that required extensive driving.Tiredness is one of the major causes of traffic accidents worldwide, and comes in various dangerous forms. First of all, tiredness through lack of sleep or regularly poor quality sleep is a common occurrence. The comfortable interior environments of modern vehicles lend a dangerously relaxing element in these cases. Secondly, the monotony of certain types of driving, such as motorway driving or the same route to work dayin dayout, can quickly result in the onset of tiredness when it otherwise wouldnrsquot have occurred. Reaction times for fatigued drivers are similar to those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, underlining the extreme dangers posed when driving while tired.As well as appearing at roadsides in Australia, the app will also be debuting in Applersquos iTunes in September.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-20:/blog/Rugby+legend+Rory+chooses+Ergoflex+memory+foam+mattress 2010-08-20

Exinternational rugby legend Rory Underwood has revealed that he uses the Ergoflex memory foam mattress, and has come to rely on its rejuvenating and restorative qualities. After owning and enjoying a Tempur mattress a number of years ago, former England and British Lions wing Rory opted to try an Ergoflex when the time came for a replacement, and was highly impressed with the memory foam performance as well as the customer service experience.ldquoThe feeling of waking up wellrested and ready to face the day really is invaluable. In my new career as the head of a management consultancy Irsquove found that I need my sleep to recover every bit as much as when I was in international rugby ndash and the Ergoflex never lets me down,rdquo said Rory, who now heads a management consultancy firm following his retirement from professional rugby.Wersquove found that many of our customers chose Ergoflex because of the pressurerelieving performance that our memory foam delivers. The muscular and skeletal support offered by Ergoflex memory foam mattresses mean that theyrsquore a great choice for anyone involved in sports, providing the perfect therapeutic nighttime rest. The incredible high impact stresses of professional rugby demand a quality mattress, so itrsquos no surprise that Ergoflex is the choice of those at the very top of the game.Find out more about what former rugby star Rory Underwood thinks of the Ergoflex memory foam mattress in his own words, at Review Centre.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-19:/blog/Natural+light+interferes+with+Teenage+Sleep+ 2010-08-19

Although teenagers are renowned for sleeping longer, a new study has revealed that the seasons can affect how much sleep teenagers secure. The hormone melatonin, which gradually builds throughout the day and signals the onset of darkness to the body was found to be responsible for controlling sleep patterns. Research was conducted at the Rennselaer Polytechnic Institutersquos Lighting Centre in New York, where a group of 1314 year olds from a nearby school were tested. Their melatonin and light levels were measured and compared in spring and winter periods. Students were asked to keep sleep records and each wore a small device that was mounted to their heads which showed that exposure to extended daylight hours due to lighter nights rather than electronic light had the most effect upon sleeping patterns. The sleep records revealed that students fell asleep on average sixteen minutes later and slept an average of fifteen minutes less during the night compared to winter months. More light equals less melatonin which means less sleep, while less light equals more melatonin and more sleep. Mariana Figveiro, the associate professor conducting the research said ldquoIn addition to the exposure to more evening daylight, many teens also contend with not getting enough morning light to stimulate the bodyrsquos biological system, which also delays teenrsquos bedtimesrdquo. It was concluded that teenagers should increase their morning daylight exposure all year round and limit evening daylight in the spring to ensure they get enough sleep before going to school. The research was published in the July issue of Chronobiology International.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-18:/blog/Twilight+YearsPreserving+Quality+Sleep+ 2010-08-18

With ageing comes an accumulation of life experience the mind is influenced by a vast backcatalogue of memories that contain specific emotions and events, be they good or bad, which can reoccur in dreams or simply manifest as personal contemplations that tarnish golden sleep. Although ageing can be viewed as a process of loss, where a network of friends and relatives becomes eroded and good health is no longer a given new generations can also provide fresh focus, as children, grandchildren and even greatgrandchildren enter the frame. The celebration and torment of their successes and defeats are vicariously experienced by a grandparent. A shared and unavoidable anxiety can therefore occupy the mind at night, contributing to existing sleep disturbances that blight the sleep of seniors. Sleep is a natural and supreme way to guard against disease, which becomes increasingly important, as we become more susceptible to infections as we age. Just as sleep is an essential part of early life, in order to grow and develop its importance in later life is crucial for repair. As we age sleep patterns alter due to increased naps in the day and a sedentary lifestyle. However, by keeping the mind active, by reading or doing the crossword for instance, the mind is exerted and lulled into a state of lethargy, ready to drift into a deep, refreshing sleep. Dream sleep is experienced less by mature adults, resulting in lighter sleeps and a less refreshed awakening. An armchair is often a resting place, but will not provide the ultimate environment in which to achieve the optimum comfort for deep slumber. The Ergo Flex mattress provides a horizontal sanctum of peace that can break the cycle of staggered sleep. Arthritis and Osteoporosis are common conditions that affect the bones, resulting in aching joints and reduced mobility. A warm bath before bed is a prescribed remedy, where the body is suspended in bubbly water, which neutralises pressure and pain. The sensation can be continued by reclining upon a memory foam mattress that moulds itself to the bodyrsquos contours to offer weightless relief. Other sleep disturbances that emerge over time include an increased need to urinate, which disrupts sleep cycles which and is a common as urine production can switch to a nocturnal schedule, as we age. Although this canrsquot be easily rectified, the idea of returning to a bed that epitomises comfort and embraces our presence, instead of a sprung mattress that communicates a prolonged restlessness in an unwelcoming creak. However, the brief disruption will be counteracted, as the memory foam mattress envelops you in comfort once again. Another element of ageing for woman is the onset of the menopause, which can blight sleep. Night sweats can lead to discomfort and a loss of sleep, which can increase irritability. The Ergo Flex memory foam mattress has coolsleep airflow technology inbuilt, which can reduce high temperatures to restore an environment that is compatible with rest. The death of a loved one can also have a profound effect upon sleep, which is a reality that many senior adults are faced with. This means that their will be nights, where grief consumes the place of the peaceful slumber that may have actually helped us to come to terms with a loss. The loss of a spouse, impacts the bed once shared as an empty space marks the loss of intimacy. An embrace is thought to be one of the most soothing qualities for a restful night. Although ageing means that we require more rest, the means of achieving it seems to be hindered by obstacles. Later years are supposed to be characterised by repose and relaxation, something that is yearned for by many busy workers. Sleep is a naturally occurring sanctum of peace but it needs the right conditions in which to retain its potency. A memory foam mattress can make the dream of a reclined retirement possible.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-16:/blog/Ergoflex+on+Channel+4s+Help+My+House+Is+Falling+Down+memory+foam+mattress 2010-08-16

Ergoflex memory foam mattresses were part of the new Channel 4 property show ldquoHelp My House Is Falling Downrdquo last week, as a family faced up to the daunting task of repairing their listed building home. Hosted by property expert Sarah Beeny, the programme detailed the story of Becky and Nick, whose 250 year old Georgian bakery in Northampton was under attack from woodworm and masonry bees, which were seriously damaging the beams and brickwork respectively. In addition to the critter onslaught, the house also featured a troublesome well in the cellar that flooded when it rained, raising the prospect of an electrical incident as well as slowly weakening the foundations.As part of the lsquomakeoverrsquo carried out for the show, the couple received an Ergoflex memory foam mattress. What better way to celebrate a new life of comfort

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-13:/blog/How+to+write+a+Sleep+Diary+memory+foam+mattress 2010-08-13

Writing a lsquosleep diaryrsquo is a good way to focus on your sleep hygiene, and if yoursquore experiencing a sleeping problem or disorder it could be the beginning of finding a solution.Although itrsquos called a sleep diary, and is of course aimed at detailing your sleeping patterns, your notes should also contain information about certain parts of the day such as your diet and energy levels, as these factors play a role in determining your sleep quality.Itrsquos very easy to forget minor details of your day or night, especially if yoursquore suffering the memory draining effects of sleep deprivation, and some of these seemingly inconsequential factors may turn out to be important in the diagnosis or treatment of a sleep disorder. Writing a sleep diary ensures that yoursquoll remember these details.An easy way to write a sleep diary that covers all of the relevant information is to divide it up into the various parts of the day. Your sleep diary doesnrsquot need to be extensive, just a series of simple notes designed to log details of your daily activities and experiences.Herersquos an example of a sleep diary and what it should containMorningbullYour wakeup time.bullWhat you had for breakfast, including drinks.bullHow long it took to feel suitably lsquoawakersquo.bullYour morning activity.Midday and AfternoonbullWhat you had for lunch, including drinks, plus any snacks.bullThe time you felt a drop in energy.bullYour midday and afternoon activity.EveningbullWhat you had for your evening meal, including drinks.bullYour evening activity.bullYour bedtime.bullThe approximate time it took to go to sleep.During the nightbullDetails of any awakenings, including where possible the reasoning for instance, noise or light pollution, and the approximate length of time you stayed awake with each incident.As well as these chronological details, be sure to note down any medications that yoursquore taking and other notable health conditions you are experiencing, as these could also be pivotal to your sleep quality.A reasonably detailed sleep diary containing this type of information written over a period of a week or more will be able to provide a GP or health professional with a valuable insight into your sleep hygiene, and will help them to diagnose a possible sleep disorder, or at least advise on lifestyle or dietary changes that could produce a positive change.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-12:/blog/Babies+cost+parents+6+months+sleep+loss+memory+foam+mattress 2010-08-12

Between the birth and the age of two years, babies cause sleep loss totalling an average six months in their parents, according to the results of a study from Silentnight. Of 1000 parents polled in the research, it was found that the average length of uninterrupted sleep was around four hours, although the lower end of the scale found the most suffering parents achieved less than two and a half of sleep.The fragmented sleep patterns result in parents not getting the restorative sleep they need to function at full capacity the following day, and the signs of sleep deprivation such as irritability and poor productivity entering their daily lives.The most common disturbances reported, predictably, were babies crying, but the process of getting back to sleep after nighttime awakenings was claimed to be a major issue.ldquoYou need a minimum of five hours uninterrupted sleep in one go,rdquo said Iftikhar Mirza, in the Daily Express. ldquoAn hour here and there doesnrsquot negate lsquosleep debt.rdquo

tag:,2010-08-11: 2010-08-11

A US study into the sleep patterns has found direct neurological differences between heavy and light sleepers, based on the production of brainwaves known as lsquospindlesrsquo. The Harvard Medical School research, published in Current Biology, tested twelve participants over a period of three nights. On the first night, they were given a comfortable and quiet sleepfriendly environment, while on the second and third nights a series of sounds ranging from ringing phones and talking to jet engines were played into their rooms.According to the results, it was found that participants who produced greater and more frequent levels of spindles high frequency brain waves ndash were more capable of ignoring the sounds and continuing their sleep, compared to those producing less spindles who were woken by many of the sounds.ldquoWe found that by measuring brain waves during sleep, we could learn a lot about how well a personrsquos brain can block the negative effects of sounds,rdquo said lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Ellenbogen. ldquoThe more sleep spindles your brain produces, the more likely yoursquoll stay asleep.rdquoThe study went on to suggest that the soundtolerating performance of spindles is related to the part of the brain in which they are generated, the thalamus, which deals with sound and sensory information prior to entering the perceptive areas of the brain that create reactions.The results have sparked a host of speculative queries into the science of sleep, including whether it is possible to artificially stimulate the production of spindles to enable better sleep in noisy environments, as well as implications into sleeprsquos role in memory formation and learning.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-10:/blog/Tranquil+Tunes-Relaxing+Music+during+Pregnancy 2010-08-10

The Ergo Flex memory foam mattress is the ultimate support during pregnancy, allowing the mothertobe to take full advantage of precious rest. The aches acquired throughout the day are relieved and extra weight is unloaded and absorbed by millions of spherical shaped open cells that provide cushioned comfort to improve the experience of pregnancy. While the body is eased into slumber, the mind can also be lulled into a calm filled state through relaxing music. Music serves a dual purpose in pregnancy, as a therapeutic tool that releases tension, while the unborn baby is wrapped in the tranquillity that comes from its mothers reduced heart rate and blood pressure. A mutually peaceful partnership occurs through drifting melodies that reach mother and baby, as both take advantage of a weightless contentment. The most popular sounds during pregnancy include the dulcet echoes of wind chimes, ocean tones and flute led melodies. Euphonic sounds caress the mind and are transferred to the body, as an added remedial source and sleeping aid. The tempo determines the level of relaxation that is reached. The most relaxing harmonies were found to mimic the rhythm of a resting heartbeat, which is sixty to eighty beats per minute. The steady rhythm is specifically congruent to pregnancy, as the already dominant sound inside the womb is amplified and used as a base on which to lace notes that intensify pacification. By recreating the sounds inside the womb the mother consciously connects to her baby, as she devotes time to shared serenity. Classical music is also used as a popular genre to unwind to, as opposed to more upbeat tempos of dance music or hiphop, which induce bursts of activity rather than a period of outstretched repose. Mozart is a popular choice, where albums, such as Mozart for your Pregnancy are specifically designed to relax a mothertobe, which acts as a testament to the calming affects of the classical composer. Many of Mozartrsquos album covers display natural scenes as evidence of the link between his music and nature, which is conjured as notes mimic babbling brooks, as well as sounds that reflect the emotion experienced when viewing trees that reach into the sky and lakes that glisten in spellbinding motion to transport the listener, explaining its effectiveness in diverting discomfort during pregnancy. An unborn baby is thought to hear music outside the womb between twenty and twentyfour weeks, where familiar sounds are recognised. The calming music played during pregnancy is thought to have lasting effects, where the first few years of a childrsquos life remain soothed, as music evokes the security within the womb, which means that parents will benefit from more quality sleep. A symphony of serenity, where the mind is caressed by harmonic sounds that surround the listener within a sanctuary is matched by the blissful comfort provided by the memory foam mattress. By ensuring that the time dedicated to rest during pregnancy is at an optimum, the mother demonstrates respect for herself and her baby, as well as a propensity to nurture.

tag:www.ergoflex.co.uk,2010-08-05:/blog/Seasonal+light+changes+impact+sleep+quality+memory+foam+mattress 2010-08-05

Natural lightrsquos ability to dictate sleep quality may cause disturbances during seasonal changes, according to a new US investigation on teenagersrsquo sleep. The study, at Rennselaer Polytechnic Institutersquos Lighting Research Centre in Troy, New York, compared the sleep patterns of teenagers during winter and spring test periods and found marked differences. In the springtime the participants were found to produce melatonin the sleepinducing hormone on average twenty minutes later than in winter, which had the effect of making them fall asleep later and sleep less.As well as delayed sleep onset and shorter sleep times, the light issue was linked to sleep deprivation side effects such as irritability, weight gain and poor academic performance.Notably, the researchers found that exposure to natural light through seasonal changes was the most powerful lightrelated barrier to sleep, greater than artificial and electronic light in the home.The results of the study support the theory that they bodyrsquos internal rhythm and sleep quality is largely dictated by lightness and darkness.ldquoThis is a doublebarrelled problem for teenagers and their parents. In addition to the exposure to more evening daylight, many teens also contend with not getting enough morning light to simulate the bodyrsquos biological system, which also delayrsquos teensrsquo bedtimes,rdquo said researcher Mariana Figueiro, in the Seattle Times. ldquoAs a general rule, teenagers should try to increase their morning daylight exposure yearround and decrease evening daylight exposure in spring to help ensure they will get sufficient sleep before going to school.rdquoThe study was published in the journal Chronobiology International.