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.

Are you thinking of getting a mouth device for snoring? What do you need to know about Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral Appliance Therapy

There’s lots of chatter off and online in about snoring remedies. This makes getting a mouth device for snoring to help control snoring relatively easy these days. But sifting through the wide array of “retainer” options or dealing with the side effects that often occur with mouth retainers remains far more difficult.

Even in regards to professionally-made mouth devices for snoring, there are over 80 such types to choose from. Consider these questions regarding mouth and jaw retainers on your journey to a peaceful night of sleep:

1. Were you told if any harm might come to your current fillings, teeth, gums or jaw structure with your choice of device?
2. Was your choice of device reviewed with a dental professional who can help sort out which device is best for your particular mouth structures?
3. Were you given all the possible instructions needed to prevent major side effects that may result with the use of “mouth” retainers?
4. Were you properly screened for sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea which often accompanies snoring?
5. Is someone helping you maximize the effects of your retainer as both the device and you age?

For more information or guidance on which device may be best for you, or to help resolve problems with your snoring, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com.