Search Results for: pillow

What Kind of New Pillow Should You Buy?

Do you dream about a deep slumber that lasts all night?  There are many, many things that can keep us from sleeping soundly, and if you’re not sleeping as well as you like, you should definitely discuss it with your doctor.  One thing you may be told, however, is to evaluate whether your bedding is supportive…
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5 Reasons Why the Right Pillow Matters So Much

What’s the most important sleep item in your toolbox?  You could make a case for a number of things, depending upon how you sleep, but one that has to keep rising to the top is the humble pillow.  If you have the wrong one for your sleep style, it can create a variety of problems.  …
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Ask Happy Dan: Can I Wash My Foam Pillow?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy! He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep. Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org. He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: How Do I Clean My Pillow?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy! He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep. Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org. He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Best Pillow for a Side Sleeper?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy! He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep. Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org. He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Best Pillow for a Sore Neck?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: What’s the Best Pillow for Me?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Pillow for a Bad Neck

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Pillow for Side and Back Sleeper

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: I Need a New Feather Pillow

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Does Your Pillow Matter?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Pillow Filling, Stomach Sleeping, and More

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Pillow Filling, Night Sweats, and More on Bamboo

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Pillow Firmness, Bamboo, and Asthma

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: The Best Pillow for Sleep

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Flat, Hard or Soft Pillows

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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A Medical View of the Pillow, from the American Sleep Association

By Dr. Neil Kline, American Sleep Association The science of sleep is evolving rapidly, but one thing we’ve known since the dawn of man is that being comfortable leads to better rest. A large part of that comfort is selecting the correct pillow and other bedding. Having a comfortable and healthy pillow is an important…
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Ask Happy Dan: Picking the Best Pillow

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: A 56 Year Old Pillow?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Sore Necks and Pillows

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask SleepBetter: Best Side Sleeping Pillow?

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer? Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter. You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form. We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but…
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SleepBetter 2014 Spring Cleaning Pillow Swap

SleepBetter 2014 Spring Cleaning Pillow Swap

SleepBetter Winter Games Pillow Giveaway

SleepBetter Winter Games Pillow Giveaway

Pillow in Space

On September 22, 2013, we wrapped up the summer-long Postcards from Pillow program with the launch of five intrepid Pillows into (near) space.  The brave Pillownauts were chosen for the mission because of their dedication to healthy sleep. Click the links below to learn about the Postcards from Pillow and Pillow in Space programs. ♦ Learn about…
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Pillow in Space Pictures

Pillow in Space Pictures On September 22, 2013, five Pillows launched into (near) space aboard a JP Aerospace balloon.  The Pillownauts were named McStuffy O’Fluffigan, Pillow Featherbed, Phil O.T. Pillow, Pilwoah and Starlight Sweet Dreamsalot, and below are pictures from their mission.   Slideshow updated September 26, 2013

Meet the Pillownauts

On September 22, 2013, SleepBetter will partner with JP Aerospace on a mission that will deliver five Pillows plus about 2,000 PongSat experiments into near space, as part of our Pillow in Space program.  The five cute, fluffy friends are the first Pillownauts in space, and you can watch them take off on our Pillow in Space page on…
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Final Pillownaut Chosen in Pillow in Space Essay Competition

With the Pillow in Space launch to be held just a handful of days from now (you can watch it live on our Pillow in Space page on September 22 at 11:30 a.m. EDT), we finally have our full roster of Pillownauts! The first four Pillownauts were selected in a competition among parents who adopted Pillows…
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Pillow in Space Live Launch Feed

SleepBetter’s Iso•Cool Pillow on NBC’s TODAY Show

Our Iso•Cool® pillows, mattress pads and toppers keep you cool all night long.  No more flipping the pillow to find the cool side! These pillows are great for couples who like different bed temperatures, and that’s why it was featured this morning on NBC’s TODAY Show.  Check out the video below for a segment on married…
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Introducing the First Four Pillow in Space Pillownauts

On September 22, 2013, SleepBetter will partner with JP Aerospace on a mission that will deliver five Pillows plus many, many pongsat experiments into near space, as part of our Pillow in Space program.   Back on late August, we announced that the four existing Pillow Parents who sent in the highest number of quality postcards by September…
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Postcards from Pillow: Old Gross Pillow Gallery

Postcards from Pillow: Old Gross Pillow Gallery As part of one of our recent Postcards from Pillow adoption opportunities, we asked people to send in pictures of their oldest bed pillow. The nastier the better. The would-be Pillow adopters took this to heart, sending us pictures of some truly disgusting pillows. You can see a…
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Postcards from Pillow Adoption

  Finalize Your Pillow Adoption

Postcards from Pillow Gallery

  Postcards from Pillow Gallery The postcards below show Pillow’s adventures across the United States.  To see images from Pillow in Space, click here.

Upload Your Own Pillow Postcard

  Upload Your Pillow Postcard

Postcards from Pillow Adoption Form

  Postcards from Pillow Adoption Form Our final Postcards from Pillow adoption opportunity of the summer has completed. Thanks to everyone for their overwhelming response to this program, and keep checking back to see all of the new postcards posted in the Postcards from Pillow Gallery!

Postcards from Pillow

Sleep Myth Monday: Replacing Your Old Pillow

This is the latest installment of a regular feature here at SleepBetter.org: Sleep Myth Monday, where we bust sleep myths wide open, or verify that they’re true. Myth or Truth: It’s best to replace your pillow every three years. MYTH Pillows should be replaced every 18 months to two years. Beyond that time, they lose their…
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The Media is Talking About the Great American Pillow Toss

We’re proud to say that the media is quite interested in our Sleepless City Index, part of our Great American Pillow Toss educational effort.  Here’s a look at some of the coverage we’ve received thus far: The Country’s Sleepiest (And Most Well-Rested) Cities The Huffington Post published an article and turned our index into a…
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Pictures from SleepBetter’s Great American Pillow Toss Event

The Great American Pillow Toss, held at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit, Tuesday, July 17, 2012 and sponsored by Carpenter Co. and SleepBetter.org, was fun way to highlight the importance of getting a better night sleep by upgrading your sleep equipment such as pillow, mattresses and toppers. Below are some pictures from the event!

Great American Pillow Toss Details

SleepBetter is dedicated to ensuring America and the rest of the world has the information it needs to improve its sleep habits, and we know that one of the easiest things to fix is your sleep equipment, such as pillows and mattress pads.  That’s why this year we’re launching the Great American Pillow Toss –…
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Show Us Your Pillow-Tossing Video and Pictures

At our Great American Pillow Toss event in Detroit on July 17, we invited visitors to bring their old to be tossed using our 20-foot Punkin’ Chunkin’ catapult.  Even if you couldn’t make it, we still want you to toss your pillows! First, take the pledge to toss your old pillow.  When you do that,…
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Pillows

There are few things that can impact your sleep quality more than a pillow. A poor quality pillow or the wrong kind of pillow for your sleep style can leave you tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable, and can lead to stiffness in the morning. Get suggestions on what type of pillow you should…
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The Life of a Pillow [INFOGRAPHIC]

What’s your pillow maintenance style? Do you wash regularly or are you more of a microbe risk taker? Check out our latest infographic below (click for a full-sized version) to see how you stack up and for tips on how get the best bounce out of your pillow. To view more SleepBetter infographics, visit our…
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Pets on Pillows [INFOGRAPHIC]

It’s no secret that our four-legged friends are carrying around a number of “friends” of their own.  Have you thought about what they carry into your bed?  Check out the infographic below (click it to see a larger version) from our Big Germ on Campus series and see how many Americans are sleeping with their…
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Dr. Lisa Shives Talks About Pillow Cooties [VIDEO]

You may have seen the findings of our recently-released scientific study of bedding belonging to college students around the U.S.  But, what does it mean?  Are dirty pillows really dangerous?  We posed that question and others to our sleep expert, Dr. Lisa Shives (The Sleep M.D.).  You can see her answers in the video below!…
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Pillows and the People Who Love Them [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you think about it, few personal possessions come in as close proximity, and for a significant period of time, as your pillow. Check out the infographic below (or after clicking “read more” if you’re reading this on the SleepBetter front page) where participants from our Back to College Study talk about the connection they…
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The Media is Talking About College Pillows [VIDEO]

Our recent release of the findings of our scientific study of college student pillows has caught the eye of the media. Our own Dr. Lisa Shives (The Sleep M.D.) was interviewed recently on Morning Express with Robin Meade on Headline News. Check out the links below (or after the “read more” link, if you’re viewing…
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How To Clean Your Pillow

Have you seen some of the things that can live inside pillows? SleepBetter conducted a scientific test to determine what kind and how much  bacteria, mold and yeast colonies live in pillows belonging to college students. It makes a significant case for every college student to take new bedding with them to school. The findings are,…
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Ask Dr. Lisa: How Many Pillows Should I Use?

You have questions … and Dr. Lisa, The Sleep M.D., is answering them!  This is the first installment of a new feature on SleepBetter.org that we call Ask Dr. Lisa.  Each week we ask you to submit questions on our Facebook page, and we pick several of them to submit to our medical sleep expert,…
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Two Webby Awards for SleepBetter.org Video "2 Guys 600 Pillows"

The Webby Awards, the Internet’s most respected symbol of success, awarded both a Webby AND a People’s Voice award to Carpenter Co. and sleep tips website SleepBetter.org for the video 2 Guys, 600 Pillows.  The effort was a commissioned work by “Internetainers” Rhett & Link, who put 600 pillows to work in a music video…
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"2 Guys 600 Pillows" Named to Time’s Top 10 of Everything

To say that we have been thrilled with the success of the 2 Guys 600 Pillows video would be a gigantic understatement.  You may recall, the video was produced by “Internetainers” Rhett & Link for SleepBetter.org and Carpenter Co.  Since being released on September 14, the video has been viewed more than 3.2 million times. …
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Top 10 Uses for an Old Pillow

Sadly, there comes a day when it’s time to retire your old pillow. We recommend replacing your pillow every 12 to 18 months.  We learned how heartbreaking this day can be for your recently-retired pillow in our video Paranormal Pillow, but perhaps if you find a new use for your pillow, it won’t be so…
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5 Ways an Old Pillow is Like an Old Boyfriend

In the SleepBetter video Paranormal Pillow, “Old Pillow” is acting very much like a jilted lover.  It made us realize that pillows and boyfriends have an awful lot in common.  Here are five ways they’re alike: 1) Pillows, like boyfriends, sometimes need to be replaced. Whether it’s a lumpy old pillow or a lumpy old…
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Surveys: Most of You Have Really Old Pillows

How old is YOUR pillow?  One month old?  Six months?  One year?  If you’re like the majority, your pillow is probably more than two years old, and should be replaced immediately. According to our own web poll, found on the right side of the front page here at SleepBetter.org, as of the time of this…
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Replace Your Favorite Pillow, Unless You Like Dust Mites, Bacteria, Fungi, Mold, etc.

2 Guys 600 Pillows, the YouTube music video produced for SleepBetter.org and Carpenter Co. that’s become an Internet sensation, generates a lot of laughs about two guys and their beloved bed pillows, but behind the humor, there’s a serious message about the need to replace pillows every year or two, says the founder of Sleepbetter.org….
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Everyone is Talking About My Favorite Pillow

When Rhett & Link unleashed their YouTube music video, 2 Guys 600 Pillows, on the world, we knew it would be popular.  What’s happened is the true definition of a viral hit. In the first week after the video (created for SleepBetter.org and its owner, Carpenter Co.) was released, it was viewed more than two…
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How to Tell You Need a New Favorite Pillow

Even the most loving relationship must sometimes come to an end. That’s particularly true for pillows. How can you tell if your favorite pillow needs to be put out to pasture? Here are some signs: Is your pillow lumpy? If so, that’s a bad sign. Set your pillow on a flat surface and check it…
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How to Find Your New Favorite Pillow

Even the most beloved pillow must eventually be replaced. In fact, the general rule is that your pillow should be replaced every 18 months to two years. Here are some things to consider when picking your new favorite pillow: Learn more about how you sleep.  Take the Zzzz Score test to get some suggestions for…
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Sleep With Your Pillow, Not Your Cell Phone

Do you sleep with your cell phone on and nearby?  If so, you have plenty of company.  A new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project indicates that 65% of adults sleep with their phones.  The number skyrockets for younger adults, as 90% of those between 18 and 29 have their phones by…
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Allergy sufferers: new pillow could make all the difference

Do you frequently wake up coughing or with a stuffy nose and headache? There’s a chance your pillow is to blame. Pillows and other soft surfaces are breeding grounds for allergens like mold, mildew, and fungus. If these allergens are present in your pillow, you’re breathing them in all night long, leading to frustrating and…
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Top Five Spring Cleaning Sleep Tips

Despite an unusual cold snap last weekend in many parts of the U.S., it now appears that the long and cold winter is in our rear-view mirror, and summer is right around the corner.  In between is spring, which is a perfect occasion to consider some changes in your sleeping environment. As the days are…
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The Smell of Your Partner Can Help You Sleep

The scent of a romantic partner can improve sleep, suggests new psychology research from the University of British Columbia. The researchers found that study participants who were exposed to their partner’s scent overnight experienced better sleep quality, even though their partner was not physically present. “Our findings provide new evidence that merely sleeping with a…
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Top Five Items in your Sleep Toolbox

Sleep is easy for some, but for others it’s a chore to get to dreamland.  Regardless of what type of sleeper you are, there are a handful of basic things that are needed to ensure you maximize your rest. A quiet place It’s pretty simple, really.  It’s harder to sleep in a place where there’s…
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5 New Year’s Sleep Resolutions for 2020

We’re at that the time of year when a lot of people take stock of themselves and try to figure out what they can improve.  One thing that most people could work on is the amount of sleep they get each night.  Research has shown that getting the right amount of shut-eye can improve your…
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Sleep Better, Despite Holiday Stress

Holiday time is upon us, and with it comes family trips, household visitors, home decorating chores, party planning, gift-shopping and — of course — all those extra bills to pay. All of this added stress can lead to sleepless nights. In fact, the 2010 SleepBetter.org Holiday Slumber Index showed one in six Americans were expecting to lose…
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Five Sleep Better Tips for Holiday Air Travel

Millions of Americans soon will take flight and travel to visit relatives for Thanksgiving or other year-end holidays.  Anyone who’s ever been on a plane knows that it’s cramped, crowded, and uncomfortable even if you’re not trying to sleep.  If you’re trying to catch a few zzz’s, it can be downright miserable.  If you’re one…
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Despite Autumn Chill, a Lower Thermostat Will Help You Sleep Better

It’s been an odd start to autumn in some parts of the U.S.  For many, summer temperature stuck around long after they were welcome, and then drought set in for the east.  Meanwhile, in the west, early snows surprised many.  But, the fall is settled in now and temperatures are starting to get cooler and…
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Sleep Comfortably Without Electricity

The 2019 hurricane season is heating up in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.  We’ve all seen the damage brought to the Bahamas and coastal North Carolina by Hurricane Dorian, and more storms are currently brewing.  While no one can truly prepare for a direct hit by a major hurricane, one of the most common problems…
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What To Do About Occasional Sleeplessness

Every now and then, nearly everyone goes through through periods when sleeping is difficult.  The list of reasons this could happen is very long.  But, what do you do about it?  Check out these SleepBetter tips: Review your bedding and sleep environment.  Many times, the place in which you sleep can be blamed for your…
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Start Prepping Now for Back-to-School Sleep

Many kids around the country are heading back to school this week, but for a large part of the U.S., summer break officially ends in the next week or two.  It’s not something the kids really want to talk about, but right now is the best time to start preparing their sleep schedules. It’s best…
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Five Tips to Help College Students Sleep Better

We’re mere weeks from move-in day for many college students in the U.S. Many questions are flying through the heads of the parents of rising freshmen. One of these questions may be, “Will they get enough sleep?” Life for a college student is obviously very different from life as a high schooler.  Parents exert significantly…
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5 Tips for Sleeping Cooler

Now that we’re well into summer, many parts of the United States are starting to bake in hotter-than-usual summer heat. In fact, some areas of the country that aren’t used to extreme heat are seeing temperatures running over 90 degrees.  What can you do if your home doesn’t have air conditioning or you find yourself…
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Don’t Let Summer Break Spoil Family Sleep Patterns

With the arrival of summer break, American school children no longer need to rouse themselves before daybreak to catch the big yellow bus, but just because the rigid schedule of the school year is over doesn’t mean your family schedule should be too loose. Schools around the country have just finished their instructional year or…
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Five Ways to Fight Allergens and Sleep Better

We don’t normally give advice on SleepBetter.org about medical issues, but this time of year there is a green menace on the prowl that steals your sleep.  That menace is called seasonal allergies. Pollen-producing plants are kicking into high gear around the U.S. right now, meaning allergy season is officially underway.   But, what do allergies…
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80% of Travelers Don’t Sleep Well

A global study commissioned by IHG®, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has revealed that a lack of sleep is a primary concern for travellers, with four in five (80%) stating they have trouble sleeping when travelling away from home. The findings from the survey revealed that business travelers lose nearly an hour of…
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How to Sleep Better Despite the Winter Cold

Assuming you have proper heat in your home and a comfortable place to sleep, winter can be one of the more enjoyable times of year to sleep.  Here are some tips to make the most of your sleep as we reach the coldest winter months: Don’t crank up the heat: New research indicates that by…
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Allergies Can Make You Lose Sleep in Winter, Too

Everyone understands allergies flare up in the spring, when everything is blooming and there’s a layer of yellow-green pollen on your car every morning.  These allergies can clog your sinuses and tend to include sneezing in their repertoire as well.  These symptoms don’t generally lead to a good night’s sleep.  But, while spring and summer…
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5 Ways to Declutter Your Sleep

De-cluttering is a huge trend right now, spurred on by Japanese organizer Marie Kondo’s books and her new Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo“.  People all over the world are going through their homes and tossing out old things that don’t, “bring them joy.” What would bring your world a lot of joy is…
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Sleep is a Very Popular Resolution

Here at SleepBetter, we clearly love to talk about sleep, and how we can all do it better.  It turns out, however, that a lot of people are talking about that same thing in these first few days of 2019.  Check out this listing of articles that say sleep is something you should improve in…
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5 Sleep Tips for the Last Minute Holiday Rush

While Hanukkah has already come to a close, Christmas is next Tuesday.  What this means is that if you’re buying Christmas gifts or planning for visiting family, these next few days are likely to be chaotic and rushed.  One of the worst things you can do leading up to a big event (Christmas, exams, weddings,…
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5 Tips to Enjoy Thanksgiving While Sleeping Better

Thanksgiving brings to the mind images of family get-togethers, football, and … of course … gorging on turkey.  It’s the latter of those three images, however, that can lead to sleep issues. Below are five SleepBetter tips that will help you stay well rested during the Thanksgiving weekend as well as the year-end holidays: 1)…
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Is There a Best Sleeping Position?

Everyone has a favorite sleeping position, and some people go as far as not being able to sleep in any position other than their favorite one.  But, is there a best way to sleep?  There’s no completely solid answer. We asked our friends at the American Sleep Association to weigh in, and received an answer from…
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Sleep Your Way to Better Exam Grades

As the first half of the school year winds to a close for college and high school students around the country, they still have one more thing to worry about before they can go home for the holidays — exams.  Sleep is critical to learning and memory, and whether you’re getting ready for a big test…
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10 Tips for Better Back-to-School Sleep

Across the United States, students in grades K through 12 are getting ready to go back to school.  In fact, a few school systems have already started.  One of the tougher things as a parent is getting your child off the “sleep as long as you want” routine that happens in the summer, and onto…
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Sleep Better in the Heat

Summer officially starts tomorrow, and in many parts of the country, it already feels like it.  The heat and humidity are in full effect in the east, and in the southwest temperatures in some areas are topping an outrageous 120 degrees.  The situation could be made worse by the fact that hurricane season just started…
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Learning to Relax with a Sleep Class

Sleeping really should be one of the easiest and most natural thing to for all of us to do, but for some, it’s less than easy.  Countless businesses have sprung up offering a way to help you sleep.  One of the latest, however, has some promise.   Inscape, a meditation studio in New York City,…
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Don’t Sleep on Your Stomach

Sleeping position is a matter of personal preference.  It seems like everyone has a way they can fall asleep quicker and more comfortably.  However, there is one position that’s not as healthy as others. Sleeping on your stomach can cause a variety of problems, both short term and long term.  In fact, many stomach sleepers…
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Ask Happy Dan: Saving a Marriage With Bedding

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Waking Up Sweating

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Is Gel Foam Worth It?

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: My Husband Won’t Stop Snoring!

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Why Can’t You Sleep Well on the First Night of Vacation?

Have you ever heard of “sleeping with one eye open” in a dangerous situation?  It turns out your brain thinks anything new is a dangerous situation, and that’s why it’s hard to sleep well on the first night in a strange place. A study from Brown University looked at the phenomena, which sleep experts call…
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New Anti-SIDS Infant Sleep Guidelines Announced

According to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents – but on a separate surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and never on a couch, armchair or soft surface.  The new guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths. Recommendations call…
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Ask Happy Dan: Mattress Names The Same

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Sleep Temperature, Comforter Sizes, and Sinuses

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Ask Happy Dan: Snoring, Staying Cool, and Pilling

When you have questions about pillows and other bedding, Happy Dan the Pillow Man is your guy!  He’s happy because he always gets a good night’s sleep.  Happy Dan is the alter ego of Dan Schecter, Senior Vice President at Carpenter Co., and the creator of SleepBetter.org.  He’s spent 30 years learning about pillows and…
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Sleep Like an Egyptian

For the first time in history, forecasters are predicting higher-than-normal temperatures over the entire U.S. for the next three months.  That means utter misery for anyone who either can’t afford air conditioning, or lives in a part of the country where not every building is air conditioned because it’s not usually necessary.  Sleeping in the…
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5 Ways to Sleep Better on Vacation

This is the time of year when a lot of Americans head to the beach or the mountains for a little rest and relaxation.  The problem is, however, that many don’t actually sleep all that well due to a mix of strange surroundings and strange bedding.  Here are five SleepBetter tips to help you get…
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Businesses Want You To Pay for Naptime

It’s well known that most of us don’t get nearly enough sleep, and brief naps during the day are a good way to try to make up some of the lost time with Mr. Sandman.  However, if you’re traveling or at work outside the home, where on Earth will you be able to get some…
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The Relationship Between Your Mattress and Your Pain

Could your mattress be causing the back pain you suffer occasionally or even daily?  It’s very possible.  One solution could be a mattress topper, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Given that you spend a large chunk of your day in bed — as much as seven or eight hours if you’re…
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Why You Don’t Sleep Well in Hotel Rooms

When people sleep in an unfamiliar place for the first time–a hotel room, for example–they often feel as though they haven’t slept as well. Now, researchers have discovered the reason why: under those conditions, one hemisphere of the brain stays more awake to keep watch. “We know that marine animals and some birds show unihemispheric…
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What Are Your Sleep Resolutions for 2016?

We’re now a few days into the brand new year. Did you make any resolutions related to sleep? If not, perhaps you should start thinking of a few. Sleeping better can help you remain happier, healthier, and even assist with one of the most common resolutions — losing weight.  Here are a few suggestions for…
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12 Holiday Sleep Tips #11: Turn the Heat Down

It’s hard to believe that we only have two of our 12 Holiday Sleep Tips remaining!  Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about ways to reduce stress, make sure food and alcohol don’t ruin your sleep, and even how to get through your holiday travel well rested.  Each of these tips have been…
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12 Holiday Sleep Tips #10: Travel Smart

Right about now, many of us are getting pretty stressed out as we desperately try to get everything done for family visits, parties, and gift-giving. As a result, many of us aren’t sleeping all that well. That’s where SleepBetter comes in. This holiday season, we’re publishing a whopping 12 Holiday Sleep Tips, each designed to help with…
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Study to Examine Space and Elderly Sleep at the Same Time

A UK university and the European Space Agency are launching a sleep study that hopes to simultaneously tackle health problems shared by astronauts and the elderly. The University of Surrey is participating in a project organized by the space agency, during which teams of European scientists will look at the effect of bed rest on…
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Extremely Precise Directions for Better Sleep

New research from the UK has resulted in some extremely specific directions for how to get the best sleep. The survey of 1,000 people found that in the winter months, people sleep an average of six hours and 15 minutes, 40 minutes less than in the summer, while more than half complained of “cold and discomfort” in…
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Could Side Sleeping Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk?

While it hasn’t yet been tested on humans, new research suggest that sleeping on your side could reduce the build-up of toxins in the brain and thus reduce the chance of Alzheimer’s Disease. The research, conducted at Stony Brook University in New York, indicates that sleeping in the lateral, or side position – as compared with…
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Is it time to kick Fido out of your bed?

We all love our pets. Sometimes after a hard day, there’s nothing more you’d like better than to snuggle up with your pooch (or kitty, whatever your preference may be) and relax. Unfortunately though, sharing your bed with your pets might not be the best idea when it comes to the quality of your sleep….
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Ask SleepBetter: Is it Safe to Sleep During the Day?

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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5 Tips for Better Sleep While Camping

July and August are prime time for camping.  It’s also prime time for heat in most parts of the country, so unless you have an RV with air conditioning or your idea of camping is a room at the Ramada, you have to be a little creative if you want to sleep well.  Here are…
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Ask SleepBetter: Why Can’t Seniors Sleep as Well?

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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What’s the Least Amount of Sleep for Health?

If you’ve read any amount of SleepBetter articles, you know that we always say the average person needs between seven and nine hours of sleep.  The reason for that wide range is a wide difference in people.  Some are fine with seven, while some need nine or else they’re tired all day.  Never before, however,…
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Colleges Making it Easier for Students to Sleep

We’ve written many articles on SleepBetter about the relationship between sleep and learning.  Now, it appears universities are starting to take sleep deprived students seriously. Two schools in England, Manchester University and the University of East Anglia, are the latest to install special areas for students to use solely for napping.  Manchester has added futuristic…
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Americans Can’t Decide How They Feel About Sleep

A new survey shows Americans understand why sleep is important, but when confronted with how much they’re supposed to sleep, they’re not so enthusiastic about it. The survey, administered by the Better Sleep Council (BSC), shows that the way sleep is framed influences the way people feel about it. When asked about how important sleep…
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The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Idea: A Good Night’s Sleep

It’s less than a week until Mother’s Day.  Are you set for a gift for your mother or, just as important, the mother of your children?  What about giving her sleep? While it’s wonderful to give an outing with the family, beautiful gifts and, of course, flowers, one thing that mothers (particularly those with younger…
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Ask SleepBetter: Catching Up On Sleep

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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Sleep Myth Monday: Are Sleep Aids Bad or Good?

This is the latest installment of a regular feature here at SleepBetter.org: Sleep Myth Monday, where we bust sleep myths wide open, or verify that they’re actually not myths at all. Myth or Truth: Sleep aids are bad for you and should never be used. MYTH We prefer that no one uses drugs to help…
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Ask SleepBetter: Nighttime Pain Prompting a Sleep Switch

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer? Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter. You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form. We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but…
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Scientists Claim to Find the “Perfect” Amount of Sleep

Some people need more.  Some need less.  Some seem to need hardly at all.  Scientists now say, however, that they’ve found the “perfect” amount of sleep to keep you healthy. The study, published in the journal Sleep, used the data from more than 3,500 men and women collected from a Finnish health survey. The sleep data…
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Sleep Better While Traveling

We’re quickly approaching the time of year when people travel a lot, whether it’s for work or to see family and friends.  Whether it’s due to jet lag, a noisy hotel room, or simply not sleeping well away from home, traveling can take a toll on your sleep.  Thankfully, Entrepreneur magazine, written for people who…
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Kids React to Rhett & Link

Back in 2010, SleepBetter partnered with Internetainers Rhett & Link to introduce the world to an amazing YouTube video, 2 Guys 600 Pillows.  The video became a worldwide viral sensation.  It won two Webby awards, was named to Time Magazine’s Top 10 of Everything, and has been viewed nearly 9,000,000 times on YouTube. We were delighted to…
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Monday Sleep Quiz: Second Most Popular Allergen?

How much do you know about sleep? Are you a sleep sherpa, or simply a novice? Be sure to get a great night’s sleep, and then take our weekly sleep quiz! Here’s this week’s question: This bedding-related allergen is the second most common after pollen. What is it? The answer is dust mites.  Nearly every…
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An Update On American Sleep

So, how are we doing? Are Americans finally “waking up” to the fact that they need more sleep? According to a recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation, the answer is a resounding “no”. According to the survey, U.S. adults reported sleeping an average of only about six-and-a-half hours on weekdays and seven hours hours, 22 minutes…
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Interrupted Sleep is as Bad as No Sleep

Here’s a new reason to replace that old and uncomfortable bed, pillow, or mattress topper.  New research shows that individuals who experience interrupted sleep may as well not be getting anywhere near a full night’s sleep, no matter how long they stay in bed. The study, conducted at Tel Aviv University (TAU) in Isreal, wanted to…
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Ask SleepBetter: Why Am I Always Tired?

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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Ask SleepBetter: Changing My Sleep Position

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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SleepBetter for Mother’s Day Sweepstakes

SleepBetter for Mother’s Day Sweepstakes

Ask SleepBetter: Why Do I Wake Up At Night?

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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Ask SleepBetter: Why Can’t I Sleep Better Now That I’m Older?

Have you wondered about something related to sleep, but just can’t find the answer?  Lots of people do, and that’s why we created Ask SleepBetter.  You can ask your own question on the SleepBetter Facebook Page, or by using our Ask SleepBetter contact form.  We will try to answer as many questions as possible, but we are not…
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Don’t Let Your College Student’s Return Ruin Your Family’s Sleep

This is the time of year when millions of American college students are settling in for summer break.  Some of them have been home for a couple of weeks, while others are on their way.  With them come tales of adventure, loads of dirty laundry and – quite possibly – some very poor sleep habits. Research…
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Survey: Mobile Phone Obsessions Infecting Our Sleep Routines

A new survey conducted in Britain shows just how bad our obsession with our electronic devices is getting. The research, conducted by a British hotel chain, found that one in five (20%) people in Britain keep their phone in their bed or even under their pillow every single night, to ensure they don’t miss a single…
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Filmmaker Turns Frightening Sleep Disorder into Art

Sleep paralysis is a strange and sometimes terrifying sleep disorder.  When we reach the “dreaming” portion of our sleep cycle, our brains essentially shut off the ability to move.  This keeps us from acting out our dreams and potentially hurting ourselves or others.  However, individuals with sleep paralysis awake but their bodies remain in this paralyzed state….
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Is Rest Getting Trendy?

Over the last few weeks, we here at SleepBetter have noticed more and more articles espousing rest, relaxation, and sleep.  From businesses to football teams, everyone seems to realize that being more rested could be the ticket to raised productivity. The latest was an Op-Ed this week in the New York Times by Tony Schwartz, who…
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Ask Dr. Lisa: I Want to Sleep on my Back, Despite My Sleep Apnea

In each edition of Ask Dr. Lisa, our medical sleep expert, Dr. Lisa Shives, answers your questions about why you can’t get the sleep you need. In this installment, Dr. Lisa answers a question from a woman who wants to sleep on her back, despite being told that sleeping on her side or stomach will…
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Actress Krysten Ritter Gets Advice from Dr. Lisa

Actress Krysten Ritter loves her sleep.  As with nearly all busy people, however, it can sometimes be a challenge for her to get a full night’s rest.  In addition to her partnership with us on the Great American Pillow Toss event in Detroit, Ms. Ritter has a starring role in ABC’s Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, is…
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SleepBetter.org Sleepless City Index

As part of the Great American Pillow Toss sleep education campaign, Carpenter Co. and SleepBetter.org analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDCP) annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS) to rank the nation’s most sleep-deprived cities. The results were pulled from the data of 188,795 respondents and shows that a…
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5 Reasons You Should Toss Your Old Bedding

We’re encouraging people to get rid of their old, dirty, out-of-shape pillows and replace them with new pillows that will help them sleep better.  To get the best night’s sleep possible, you should replace your pillow and mattress pad once every year to 18 months.  It may not be immediately apparent, however, why the old…
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What Mom Really Wants for Mother’s Day – Sleep

As Mother’s Day gifts go, candy and flowers are fine, but we think that mom would really appreciate the chance to recharge her natural batteries more regularly. “Whether it’s related to work, home or school, today’s moms are being pulled in multiple directions, and the tepid economy is only adding to the stress,” says Dan…
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Five Simple Sleep Tips for Better Sleep Month

May is Better Sleep Month, and if you visit SleepBetter.org frequently, you’ve likely seen a myriad of articles that tell you the consequences of sleeping poorly or not enough.  Among other things, lack of sleep may make you gain weight, contract diseases or conditions, and reduce your ability to learn new facts. So, what do…
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Dr. Lisa: Take Other Steps Before Reaching for Allergy Medicines

A warmer than usual winter and early spring in many parts of the country has triggered a bumper crop of springtime pollen, and that could mean sleeping problems for millions who suffer from allergies and hay fever. “Trying to sleep when you can’t breathe properly is a recipe for a bad night,” says Dr. Lisa…
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Best Bedrooms For Sleep

A new National Sleep Foundation poll shows that Americans are becoming more aware of the importance of sleep and are making their bedrooms more accommodating for the best sleep conditions. We here at SleepBetter say “Hooray!” The poll asked Americans about key elements of their home bedrooms. The findings reveal that people value having a comfortable mattress…
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How old is too old for a teddy?

Many people have that one comfy item that helps them sleep. Maybe it is the perfect pillow, soft blanket, or down comforter, but most leave the fluffy stuffed animals behind once they reach adulthood … or do they? A recent poll in England shows that nearly 10% of all British adults still sleep with a…
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Chill Out in Autumn for Better Rest

For some people, a warm glass of milk or cup of chamomile tea is a soothing pre-bedtime ritual.  But what the human body really wants to do with the onset of sleep is to cool down.  That’s why cooler autumn temperatures are just what the doctor ordered when it comes to getting the best rest….
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Morning Classes Equals Better Grades

Between heavy work loads and growing social lives, most college students value any time that they get to sleep. This is the reason why the majority of college students opt for afternoon rather than early morning classes. Although college students may enjoy the extra pillow time, a new study shows that taking late classes may…
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2 Girls, 2 Guys – 5.6 Million Microbes [VIDEO]

For some time, we’ve been talking about the importance of replacing your pillow yearly, spurred by SleepBetter Investigates: Fungus Among Us, our scientific study of college student bedding from around the United States. We took samples from dozens of students and tested them to find out what was living inside.  In the video below, meet a…
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Dirty Laundry Habits on American College Campuses

Maybe it’s the inconvenience of using coin-operated washing machines down in the basement of the dorm. Or perhaps it’s the fact that mom isn’t around to do the laundry. Whatever the reason, the survey we conducted along with our scientific research of college student pillows finds that most of those students probably would earn poor…
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UK Student Wants to Start a University Napping Club

Recently, we were contacted by David Caldicott, a physics student at the University of Leeds in the UK. David is trying something unique. He wants to have a school-sanctioned napping club where members could go at any time during the day to catch a few winks. We interviewed David via email: Tell us about your plans…
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Snore Proof Hotels

When couples are at home they may have different ways of dealing with their snoring partner, but while sleeping in a hotel, it’s harder to get away from the noise created by your roommate. The Crowne Plaza Hotel chain in the UK says it has a solution to that problem. The snore absorption room from…
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For Better Sleep, Stay Off of The Chemical Roller Coaster

Convenience store shelves have long featured a variety of products to give consumers a jolt of personal energy.  Lately, they’re being joined by a new class of products like herbal sodas and melatonin-laced brownies that are designed to help stressed-out people relax at the end of the day.  SleepBetter recommends against the use of these…
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Meet The Microbes [INFOGRAPHIC]

They may be gross, but they’re your roommates. SleepBetter recently released a scientific study of pillows and mattress pads belonging to undergraduate college students across the country, and the findings were eye-opening. The first in our infographic series, Big Germ on Campus, outlined the findings of that study.  The second, found below, introduces you to…
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College and Sleep Should Be Two Peas in a Pod

Our new college bedding study highlights problems with the pillows and mattress pads that college students take to school with them.  But, gross fungi aside, it also brings up a very important point — a good night’s sleep increases a student’s chance of success in college exponentially. Multiple studies have been done on the subject. …
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Big Germ on Campus [INFOGRAPHIC]

Yeast, mold, bacteria – OH MY! The results of a scientific study of the pillows and mattress pads of U.S. undergrads is in – and it’s not fresh. So the question is, what’s in your pillow? Check out the Infographic below to find out. This is the first in a series of Infographics from SleepBetter.org….
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Ask Dr. Lisa: What Kind of Mattress Should I Buy?

If you have sleep questions, this is the place to be.  Each week we pick out questions submitted on our Facebook Page, and send them to our medical sleep expert, Dr. Lisa Shives.  In this installment, Dr. Lisa talks about mattresses and what to do when you toss and turn all night. Starr Hyde asks:…
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Big Germ on Campus: College Students’ Bedding Rife with Microbes

SleepBetter.org and Carpenter Co. published the following release on June 24, 2011: Richmond, Va., June 24, 2011 – Never mind the bed bugs.  A closer look at the pillows and mattress pads at the nation’s college campuses reveals a veritable petri dish of microscopic mischief: hundreds of thousands of bacterial, yeast, fungi and mold colonies…
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Ask Dr. Lisa: Why Do I Wake Up at Night?

Everyone has questions, and now SleepBetter has a way for you to get answers to your sleep questions!  Each week we pick out a few questions submitted on our Facebook Page, and send them to our medical sleep expert, Dr. Lisa Shives.  If you have questions for Dr. Lisa (The Sleep M.D.) just post them for…
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Traveling? Sleep at the Airport!

With the summer fast approaching and the temperatures rising, many people are beginning to plan their vacations. Besides jetlag and sleeping in sometimes uncomfortable hotel beds, there is another factor that could take a real toll on your sleep — the travel itself. How many times have you entered an airport terminal and seen slumbering…
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SleepBetter Article Collections: Sleep and Your Relationship

SleepBetter Article Collections put a series of related articles in one easy-to-find place.  We’ve selected the collection topics because we think you, our visitors, will find them particularly useful.  If you’d like to suggest an article collection, please contact us! This collection lists a series of articles that cover how sleep (or lack thereof) can…
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Celebrate Better Sleep Month 2011

Here at SleepBetter.org, we celebrate healthy and restful sleep 365 days every year, and 366 during Leap Years.  However, the month of May is set aside for the rest of the world as Better Sleep Month.  So, how can you celebrate this year?  Here are some suggestions and links to help: • Take stock of…
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Harsh Winter Means Fewer Bugs (Except Bedbugs)

Bedbugs are a big topic these days, as news stories across the world have declared that bedbug infestations are on the rise.  Unfortunately, the harsh winter seen in parts of the United States and across the northern hemisphere hasn’t helped.  With most bug infestations, cold weather is a good thing, as the bugs die or…
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Study Indicates a Cleaner Bedroom Can Mean Better Sleep

A new survey indicates that if you want to sleep better, you might want to whip out the vacuum.  The survey, conducted for the National Sleep Foundation, looked at the relationship between bedroom environment and sleep.  Here’s an overview of their findings: Seven out of 10 people said they made their bed every day or…
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Is Fabric Softener a Sleep Aid?

Every so often, we come across a news story that seems so off-the-wall that it kind of makes sense.  That was the case recently, as news outlets around the U.S. picked up an Associated Press story (here’s one link) about Procter & Gamble pushing its Downy fabric softener as a sleep aid.  From the AP…
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Statistics Show We Should Resolve to Sleep Better in 2011

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, scientists say there’s no “magic number” of sleep hours to ensure proper rest for everyone. But, as the 2011 dawns and individuals go about making and trying to keep their new year’s resolutions, it’s clear that one resolution nearly all of us should make is to…
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Bed Alert: Americans Setting Alarms Even Earlier this Year for Shopping on Black Friday

Heading to the mall for Black Friday shopping this year? Two in three Americans say, “Not in your dreams.” According to a just-released national survey commissioned by sleep tips website SleepBetter.org and conducted by Ipsos, 67 percent of U.S. shoppers say they will not be shopping the day after Thanksgiving. But for those who are,…
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What is a Mattress Topper?

In the SleepBetter video Paranormal Pillow, we see Old Pillow commiserating with his friend Topper, a smooth-talking mattress topper. There’s a lot of confusion, however, about what a mattress topper IS, and how it’s different than a mattress pad. A mattress topper is removable bedding that sits on top of your mattress. Its goal is…
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Bedbugs on the Rise

Warning: This is kind of gross, but it’s important info! The title of this article may sound like a cheesy B-grade movie from 50 years ago, but it’s actually a warning of a growing trend.  Earlier this month, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) alerted the world to the findings of its new study, which…
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Back-to-School Sleep Loss Can Lead to Unnecessary Stress

American families face a period of significant transition each year in August, as they transition from a summer sleep schedule to a school schedule. Not only are summer vacations coming to an end for elementary and high school students, millions of families are preparing to send students to college for the first time. The stresses…
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Summertime in a Weak Economy: How to Sleep Better

Many parts of the U.S. have seen multiple days with triple-digit temperatures this summer.  With its extra-long days, heat and humidity, summertime always represents a challenge for getting a good night’s sleep. Many Americans are cutting back on air conditioning as a way to save money right now, making the quest for good sleep in…
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The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Idea: A Good Night’s Sleep

Still hunting for the perfect Mother’s Day gift idea? While it’s wonderful to give an outing with the family, beautiful gifts and, of course, flowers, one thing that mothers universally don’t have enough of is sleep. With Mother’s Day right around the corner on May 9th, leading sleep advice web site SleepBetter.org is offering tips…
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The Media is Talking about SleepBetter and Betty White

In the few days since we made our announcement about Betty White partnering with SleepBetter.org this spring, we’ve noticed a number of media outlets talking about it.  Here’s a roundup: The Richmond Times-Dispatch, in our hometown of Richmond, Virginia, included SleepBetter in their Monday Biz Buzz column… TV legend Betty White will be the face…
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Up Next for Betty White: Helping You Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Emmy Award-Winning Actress to Partner with Carpenter Co. and SleepBetter.org to Encourage Better Sleep for America’s Families RICHMOND, Va., April 7, 2010 – As part of its ongoing efforts to bring attention to the benefits of getting a quality night’s sleep, Carpenter Co. is teaming up with Emmy Award-winning actress Betty White for a late-spring…
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Racial Divide for Infant Sleep-Related Deaths

There’s a new study out that’s showing a startling divide among racial groups when it comes to sleep-related deaths.   According to the Chicago Tribune, Researchers at Children’s Memorial Research Center in Cook County, Illinois (near Chicago) found that African-American babies are 12 times more likely to die in their sleep than white infants.  These sleep-related…
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Are Americans Tiring of Valentine’s Day? Or Are We Just Plain Tired?

SleepBetter.org Releases My Sleepy Valentine Survey Attention romantics: you might want to rethink the candlelit dinner and dozen roses this Valentine’s Day. Thirty-five percent of Americans in a relationship say that February 14 is “just another day,” with one in five choosing a good night’s sleep as the ideal present. But not so fast. Does…
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Sleep Tips for this Winter

Winter should be the easiest time of year to sleep. Get out your favorite comforter, put on the flannel sheets, and snuggle down like a bear getting ready to hibernate. At least, that’s how you would like it to be. Your bedding and pillows would be perfect, and your body would be at the perfect…
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Sleep Disorders

Women sometimes experience sleep disorders much differently than men. One reason for this is the monthly cyclic shift in hormones, producing a wide range of symptoms known as pre-menstrual syndrome. For some women, there’s a definite pattern of sleeplessness or difficulty staying asleep during certain times of the month. Luckily, this is usually short-lived and…
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Sleep Aches and Pains

Sleeping is supposed to be a wonderful, relaxing experience that leaves you feeling well-rested and ready to take on whatever the day has to offer. But for many people, this isn’t what the reality of sleep looks like. They want to go to sleep, get all ready and relax and lie down, only to deal…
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Sleep and Women

No matter how far women have come in this world, it seems there’s one inequality that keeps rearing its ugly head: women’s sleep problems. The topics, reports, and articles written on sleep problems and women including everything from menopause to pregnancy sleep tips. Daily life is busier than ever before for women. While the brain…
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Sleep and Travel

Are you one of those people who avoids sleeping on the airplane because you wake up with a stiff neck, stiff back, and stiff legs? Sleeping in a airplane is one of the most difficult travel questions to answer, because the small space you have to sleep in seems almost designed to make your whole…
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Sleep and Teens

Sleep deprivation in teens is common. There is so much they want to do and see and learn and for your teen, sleep is the last thing on the priority list. From talking to friends on the phone to watching television to surfing the Web, everything is more important than sleep. You know your teens…
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Sleep and Sex

One of the first things people think about when they think about bed (other than sleep) is sex. No matter when you had it last or if you plan to have it again, these sleeping tips for couples can make sure you are awake enough to engage in non-sleep activity while in bed. While there…
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Sleep and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be such a joyous time in a woman’s life. The glow that everyone notices and remarks on, people wanting to touch your belly to experience the miracle of life you have growing inside of you. Many aspects of pregnancy are amazing and can change who you are as a person. One of the…
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Sleep and Pets

Many people will tell you that sleeping with animals is a bad idea. If you’re looking for sleep problem solutions, that might not be what you want to hear. After all, we love our pets! In a world filled with harsh words and tense moments, letting Mr. Mittens snuggle up to us in the middle…
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Sleep and Medicine

Having trouble sleeping? There are many medicines that help with sleep out there for you to choose from. There are over-the-counter medicines and medications for sleep that are prescription only. There are home remedies, but are all these sleep aids really helping you get better sleep, or are they just covering up what really needs…
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Sleep and Hygiene

There are a number of recommended pillows and other sleep products on the market that are much more advanced now than they’ve ever been. Years ago, your only choices in pillows were various feather pillows, unyielding cheap foam, etc. Now, you can buy the kinds of sleep products that gently mold to your shape, respond…
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Sleep and High School

For sleeping questions and answers about school children and teens, go straight to the experts. Pediatricians and physicians can give you a wide variety of sleeping tips for teens, but it’s the people who actually see the effects of sleep deprivation in school students that can tell you more. Parents and teachers understand the connection…
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Sleep and Fatigue

It’s only natural to believe that after sleeping through the night you should wake up feeling rested. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. There are different reasons for feeling tired after sleep; an uncomfortable worn pillow or an old mattress can cause unnecessary stress on your body, causing you to still feel fatigue after sleep.  In…
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Sleep and Family

Family problems can cause sleep deprivation in many forms. Some are obvious: • You’re too worried about something going on in your family to fall asleep. • You found out about a family money problem and are too scared to tell your spouse, so you lie awake and worry about it. • Some family stress…
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Sleep and College Students

Sleep deprivation among college students is surprisingly common. Whether cramming all night for exams, partying all night with friends, or simply not sleeping well away from home for the first time, there’s no question that there tends to be a lack of sleep in college student life. Sleep deprivation in college students may seem like…
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Sleep and Beauty

You’ve heard the term “beauty sleep” but really, do you know how sleep affects beauty and how can you tell if you need beauty sleep? One way is to look in the mirror when you wake up in the morning. Take a moment and see if the dark circles you had when you went to…
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Sleep and Aging

It’s true that there’s a link between poor sleep and the elderly, but unless you’ve reached your golden years, you may not feel ready to be lumped into that category just yet. There are all kinds of tips for better sleep. Maybe something as simple as new bed mattress pads will make all the difference…
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5 Tips to Sleep Better While Traveling for the Holidays

For a lot of people, the holiday season means traveling long distances to visit friends or relatives.  While we may look forward to this time of year, the travel itself can be exhausting.  Sleeping in a car or (even worse) an airplane can be difficult or even seemingly impossible, and if you’re traveling long distances…
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National SleepBetter Survey Belies Thanksgiving Myths

Two in three Americans say “no” to naps on Turkey Day but More than Half Say Someone Else Does

Better sleep for the whole family

If even one member of the family has a lousy night’s sleep, the whole family dynamic suffers. If you’re sensing that sleep problems might be the source of some of your family drama, try these tips to help everyone rest easy…

Sleep tips for pregnant women

Difficulty sleeping is a common side effect of pregnancy. Not only is it frustrating for the mother-to-be, it can also cause mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and general unhappiness that can have negative effects on the health of mother and baby.

Sleeping pills might not be the answer

Sometimes insomnia can get so frustrating that people seek out medication to help them fall and stay asleep. However, while sleep medicines might provide a quick-fix, it’s possible that they are just covering up other issues.

Working the night shift?

Some professions require you to work while the rest of the world is asleep. And of course, that means you’ll be trying to sleep as everyone else is hustling and bustling through their days.

5 sleep-stealers for teens

Children between the ages of 13 and 18 years old need 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Is your teen getting that much sleep? Doubtful.

Helping your child get more sleep

If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, try one of these tips to help them catch more Z’s: