Do you have trouble sleeping?  Are you tired of being tired?

Trouble sleeping? One of these 7 yummy drinks may help you sleep better!

We all know that caffeinated drinks can prevent sweet slumber and that all caffeinated drinks should be avoided before bedtime if we have trouble sleeping. But these 7 yummy drinks naturally benefit you and encourage quality sleep! No need to avoid them before going to bed. In fact, we suggest you give at least one of the following 7 drinks a try before retiring for the day:

1. Peppermint tea
2. Chamomile tea
3. Raw honey
4. Carob powder
5. Almond milk
6. Tart cherry juice
7. Chai seed drink

If you happen to be a tea lover, reach for peppermint tea to promote stress relief, weight loss, better skin and relief of bloating.

Chamomile tea is a nerve relaxant that relieves anxiety, depression and stress. Enjoy a good night’s sleep after sipping a cup of this floral tea. For an added benefit, inhale its wonderful fragrance while it steeps.

Raw honey is especially beneficial when added to a hot drink such as tea.  Honey settles coughs and also stabilizes blood sugar levels which promotes sleep.

Is hot chocolate your “cup of tea”? Try replacing the cocoa in your hot chocolate with carob powder.  It has great benefits and is more healthful than cocoa.  It contains serotonin which promotes a good night’s sleep.

Almond milk is high in tryptophan and magnesium. Both of these ingredients are beneficial to quality sleep if you have trouble sleeping.

Tart cherry juice contains melatonin which increases relaxation and sleepiness.

Finally, chai seed is a “super food” containing omega fatty acids which promote quality sleep.

Click on the link below, and enjoy the entire article.  Drink a healthful cup of yummy before you go to bed, kick your trouble sleeping to the curb and enjoy that needed good night’s sleep!

http://dailyhealthpost.com/7-drinks-that-help-you-sleep-better/

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy successfully for over 15 years. For more information on this physician-recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com, or call us at (630) 369-5508.

Middle-aged people who sleep 6-9 hours each night have better cognitive thinking and memory.

Avoid cognitive decline with 6-9 hours of sleep each night

As we age, dementia and cognitive decline become important matters to think about.  It is very important to get plenty of sleep.

Studies show that it does not matter what country you live in, or what cultural or economic or environmental differences there are between them, similar patterns emerge.

In several countries, the following data was reported from 50-year-olds.

1. Men had higher quality of sleep than women.
2. Women experienced longer sleep.
3. Men and women that had too much sleep/or not enough sleep had significantly low cognitive scores.

Sleep is so important in our lives! Unfortunately, it is so under valued, too.

Please read more on how sleep and health are closely related.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/06/17/good-sleep-in-middle-age-can-improve-cognition/71317.html

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy successfully for over 15 years. For more information on this physician-recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com, or call us at (630) 369-5508.

Your master bedroom decor can promote good sleep

We’ve decorated my kids’ bedroom a couple of times over the years. My husband and I decided it was our turn. It was time for OUR master bedroom décor to take priority and get upgraded.

We enjoyed a date night through a local retailer shopped for new bedding. We came to a mutual decision on everything and went home happy with our purchases. We were both surprised as to the effect the new materials had on our sleep!

Since bedding and the bedroom environment can have a considerable impact on quality of sleep, it’s important to consider the following tips when evaluating your own master bedroom decor:

• Ideally, both bed partners will want to share input on fabric and thickness of the comforter, especially if “temperature” preferences are an issue.
• Newer high quality sheets can make a BIG difference in overall bed comfort. (We were shocked on this one).
  • Bamboo (http://www.bambooki.com/blog/bamboo-sheets-vs-cotton-sheets/)
  • High thread count cotton (http://www.hgtv.com/bedrooms/guide-to-buying-sheets/index.html)
  • Egyptian linen (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_Egyptian_cotton_sheets_and_regular_cotton_sheets)
• Lighting from artificial and natural sources can negatively impact your sleep. Keep this in mind when picking out new window treatments or adding electronics to the bedroom.
• For many, sleeping midst clutter or disorganization can affect sleep as well.  (Another reason to help our kids pick up their rooms. Back to us …)
• Mattress and pillow qualities – Need I say more on that?
• Certain smells like lavender can help promote relaxation. Consider room smell and linen sprays.

Master bedroom decor that’s set up for comfort and relaxation can only help to promote good sleep. Is it time for a master bedroom decor overhaul in your home?

Teens need 9 hours of sleep every night

Are your teens getting enough sleep? A recent article in the New York Times discusses what I have been witnessing personally for the last several years – teens are NOT getting enough sleep.

The article reviews findings of a recent survey through the National Sleep Foundation. Based on its results, 4 out of 5 teens are not getting the recommended 9 hours of sleep. Sadly, most parents, in fact, believe that their teens are getting enough sleep. These same teens are describing themselves as being “extremely sleepy” during the day.

We encourage you to review your teens’ sleep hours. Make 9 hours of sleep along with good nutrition a daily priority. Good quality sleep helps improve the overall health and demeanor of your kids. It increases “brain power” as well!

For more on this topic, visit http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/what-do-students-need-most-more-sleep/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0.

Having trouble sleeping?

Trouble sleeping happens to everyone at one time or another. It is actually quite common. A night or two every now and then is really no big deal. But if a good night’s sleep eludes you more often than not, it may be time for you to change things up a bit.

Here’s a list to help you change up your sleep routine:

• Stop eating several hours before bedtime
• Limit your alcohol intake, or better yet don’t have any at all
• Start getting ready for bed 30 minutes before your actual bedtime
• Keep your bedroom dark
• Do not use electronic appliances, such as computers and phones 30 to 60 minutes before retiring
• Turn off the television
• Try relaxing techniques to encourage sleepiness
• Read a book
• Enjoy aromatherapy masks and sprays to calm you
• Soak in a warm bath
• Sip hot chamomile lavender tea
• Avoid caffeinated drinks 3 hours before bedtime

If all else fails, call your physician. Your doctor will advise you with the right protocol to get that coveted good night’s sleep.

Click on the link below. Read the full article.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-201311271300–tms–mayoclnctnmc-a20131128-20131128,0,1191753.story

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of Oral Appliance Therapy successfully for over 15 years. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals who have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Lisle, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician-recommended treatment, call us at (630)369-5508.