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Tired From Tryptophan?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:00:57 -0800

When you hear the word tryptophan, you probably think of turkey and sleepiness. What you may not know is that tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids our bodies need in order to synthesize protein. It helps produces messengers that communicate with our nervous system, and yes, it's also related to relaxation, restfulness, and sleep. Turkey isn't the only source of tryptophan, though, so take this quiz to learn about this amino acid and what other foods contain it.

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Dealing With the End of Daylight Saving

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:47:19 -0800

Although sleep experts believe "falling back" and gaining an hour in Autumn is easier than losing an hour in Spring, it will still take your body a few days to acclimate to the time change. Here are a few tips on how to keep the change from adversely affecting your sleep habits:

As much as it may seem like a good idea, avoid drinking extra caffeine for a few days after the time shift.
Similar to avoiding that extra cup of joe, you should avoid taking a nap. Napping can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at the proper bedtime.
Catch early morning rays. This could be with a run or just basking in the sunlight through a window.
Don't get behind the wheel if you're feeling sleepy. Driving and dozing is a dangerous thing.

Sleepless in West Virginia

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:22 -0700

Last night I was up late firing my glue gun at the finishing details on my daughter's Halloween costume, so I was a little groggy this morning. Most of the time I do get plenty of rest, but according to a recent study, sleeplessness is a major US problem. Americans suffer from chronic lack of sleep, and the problem is most prevalent in the southeastern United States, particularly in West Virginia. According to phone surveys of 400,000 people (at least 3,900 in each state), one in 10 Americans didn't get a single good night's sleep in the previous month. Statistics are double that in West Virginia - one in five is sleep-deprived.

The participants weren't asked why they weren't getting enough sleep, but experts think it has to do with the fact that this state ranks the highest when it comes to obesity, smoking, and heart disease. Studies show that obesity causes issues with sleep, and those who suffer from sleep deprivation are at higher risk for depression, high cholesterol, and weight gain, and are more likely to drink heavily and smoke.

Aside from sleep problems, West Virginia is also home to the fattest and unhealthiest city: Huntington, WV. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is shaping up the city in a reality TV show that will air in November. Besides helping them in the kitchen and the gym, it looks like Jamie also needs to help them in the bedroom.

Do You Ever Pull an All-Nighter?

LilSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:00:18 -0700

The term "all-nighter" takes on a new meaning during parenthood. Once reserved for studying or partying, all-nighters are now made up of crying, diapering, rocking, shushing, and more. Those fortunate enough to have tots sleep soundly through the night may even opt for tackling their to-do list by the light of the moon when everyone else is fast asleep (and can't interrupt). It truly is amazing how much parents are able to accomplish on such little sleep, and a lot of coffee. Whether it's by your own choice, or your child's choice, do you ever pull all-nighters?

Overwhelmed by a crying baby, fighting tots, overbearing in-laws and sleepless nights? Join our A Place to Vent group over in our LilSugar Community and share your stress with fellow moms who understand your plight.

Sleeping Bags For Sleepy Babies

LilSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:00:41 -0700

Want to keep tots warm on chilly nights without worrying about SIDS? Check out these cozy sleeping bags. They can replace loose bedding in the crib, which means baby will snooze safer (and hopefully longer). These are just a few of our favorite sleep sacks for sleepy babies.

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What Kind of Sleeper Are You?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:47:03 -0700

The need to have exactly eight hours of sleep a night is a myth, since we all have different sleep needs. Some function perfectly fine on seven, while others have to have at least nine. Whatever amount your body calls for I'm wondering, once it's time to hit the hay . . .

Do You Listen to Music to Help You Fall Asleep?

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:30:13 -0700

When I was in college, my roommate loved to listen to relaxing music to help her fall asleep. I thought it'd keep me awake, but it turned out to be a great way to de-stress and drown out the sounds of screaming people in the hallway. I kept the habit until I started dating my now-husband, since the only way he can fall asleep is with complete silence. What about you?

Sleep Soundly Tonight: New Surgery May Cure Snoring

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:00:04 -0700

Sharing a bedroom with a snoring partner can be unbearable. I know a couple that keeps separate bedrooms simply because the husband snores so loudly his wife can't make it through a night without waking up. A new study looking at the long-term effects of the snoring surgery says that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be the hope that this couple and so many others have been looking for.

The study shows that after two treatments snoring became less severe in patients, and that 76 percent of the study's participants were still satisfied three years later. The surgery uses heat to shrink soft palate tissue that may be obstructing a snorer's airway.

Do any of you sleep next to a snorer - how do you deal with it?

Why We Overeat: Lack of Sleep

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:47:24 -0700

We know that healthy portion sizes are the way to go if we're trying to slim down or maintain a healthy weight. So why is it that we're so quick to overdo it when it comes to eating? Health magazine suggests one reason may be that you're not getting enough Zs. When our bodies don't get the proper amount of sleep, two weight-related hormones are affected - leptin and ghrelin. These hormones are responsible for controlling your appetite and making you feel full. In a recent study, participants who slept for only fours hours had an 18 percent decrease in leptin, the hormone that tells the brain you've had enough food. On the other hand, ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, showed a 28 percent increase. That means if you're not getting enough sleep at night, chances are your appetite will be increased when you're awake, so you'll end up eating more than you would if you were well-rested. The problem is sleep-deprived people tend to reach for sugary, high-carb foods for quick energy and comfort, which translates to weight gain.

So break the cycle and be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. If you're feeling tired during the day, reach for a food that contains high-fiber carbs, such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and whole-wheat pasta. Eat it with protein to feel full longer and have sustained energy.

How Strict Are You With Bedtime?

LilSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:52 -0700

Good night, sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite! If only getting lil ones down to dreamland was that easy! Children have a way of pushing their bedtime to the limits by thirsting for another drink, saying they need the bathroom and sweetly asking us to read "just one more book."

New research shows that providing tots with strict bedtimes can improve the quality and quantity of the shut-eye they receive and their overall health. According to the study, families with lower levels of income and education were less likely to enforce a strict end of the day (this was attributed to stress levels and fewer routines), and their children's health and sleep patterns suffered. The authors of the study also emphasized the importance of a nightly bedtime routine to help the tots fall asleep faster. Most parents dream their children would nod off to sleep without putting up a fight, but that rarely happens. How do you enforce bedtime in your home?

Got a few pointers you've picked up along the way for getting your tot into bed at an early time? Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community and share your tips!