Health and Wellness

Why can’t I sleep? It could be your bedding or doona

Published

11 months ago

June 21, 2024

IAM

It’s winter, so a lot of us will be bringing or buying winter bedding.

But how much influence does bedding have on thermal comfort? Can a particular textile allow you to sleep?

Is it wool or other natural fibers, e.g. cotton? How about polyester? With a lot selection, it is easy to get confused.

Here’s what we do found after we reviewed the evidence – not only for the winter, but additionally for the approaching summer.

The importance of bedding

We depend on our bedding to take care of a cushty temperature that can help us sleep. AND suitable textiles may also help regulate our body temperature and wick away moisture from sweat, promoting higher sleep.

In the colder months, we mainly concentrate on the insulating properties of the textile material – retaining body heat and dissipating cold. As temperatures rise, we worry less about insulation and more about wicking moisture away from sweat.

Another factor that ought to be taken into consideration is the breathability of the textile material – the degree of air permeability. Breathable material helps you stay cool by allowing heat to flee from your body. It also helps you stay comfortable by stopping moisture build-up. Breathable textile material, releasing excess heat and moisture, makes it cooler and more comfortable to the touch.

Different textiles have different properties

Some textiles are higher than others relating to insulation, moisture management or breathability.

For example, cotton and wool have tiny air bubbles that act as insulation to make sure warm on cold days. Thicker fabrics with more air pockets are inclined to be warmer, softer and more breathable. But these aspects are also influenced by the kind of fiber, the weave of the material and the production process.

Cotton and wool are also breathable materials, which implies they assist regulate temperature.

Although cotton absorbs moisture (sweat) from the skin, it doesn’t wick it away effectively. Trapped moisture could make cotton sticky and uncomfortable, which may make you shiver on warm days.

But wool does highly absorbent and effectively wicks away moisture. On warmer days, after we sweat, wool fibers allow air to flow and moisture to flee, facilitating effective evaporation and cooling of sweat and stopping overheating. Therefore, wool (in various thicknesses) can be solution each in summer and winter.

Linen, although breathable and has moisture-wicking properties, provides less insulation than wool and cotton attributable to its hole fibers. This makes linen less effective at keeping you warm within the winter, but effective at keeping you cool in the summertime.

Polyester is an artificial fiber that may retain air for insulation, but shouldn’t be naturally breathable. It often absorbs moisture poorly. So it could possibly hold sweat next to the skin, causing discomfort. However, polyester can be specially treated to assist control moisture from sweat.

Which sheets allow you to sleep?

Our review didn’t find any studies directly comparing sheets manufactured from different fabrics (for instance, regular cotton and flannel) and their effects on sleep when it’s cold.

However, linen sheets perform especially well in warmer conditions. In one study conducted at 29°C and high humidity, linen sheets promoted less wakefulness and fewer stages of sunshine sleep than cotton sheets.

Which bedding is best for summer – linen or cotton?
Gabriele Maltinti/Shutterstock

What about doonas?

If you do not heat your bedroom at night in winter, goose down (created from delicate goose feathers) may be an option.

These promoted the longest, deep sleep, then duck down after which cotton while sleeping at a temperature of 11°C. This may be because down provides higher insulation (holds in additional air) than cotton. Down also has lower thermal conductivity than cotton, which implies it retains heat higher.

Are you selecting between a wool or polyester doona? In the financed wool industry test two of us (Chow and Halaki) were co-authors, there wasn’t much difference. A study conducted on young adults showed no significant difference in sleep at 17°C and 22°C.

So how you can select?

The selection of bedding is a highly individual matter. What is comfortable for one person is not going to be the identical for the subsequent. This is attributable to differences in body size and metabolic rate, local climate, bedroom temperature and constructing insulation. They may additionally affect sleep.

This variability and the big selection of study designs also make it difficult to check different studies on the results of various textiles on sleep. You might have to experiment with different textiles to find which one works for you.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

Health and Wellness

9 practices that reduce stress to maintain mental health –

Published

19 hours ago

May 3, 2025

IAM

April is a chosen month of stress awareness, but this doesn’t mean that we’ve abandoned stress that reduces. We cannot allow it to end without talking concerning the effects of your mental and physical well -being after we go to May and lean within the month of mental health. Black company he identified nine ways reduce stress Through the body and mind – without “cool pills”.

Salad, food, chef, health, diet — Source: Keep a healthy food regimen: a healthy food regimen is an efficient way to reduce stress. It can lower blood sugar, stabilize it and support the correct functioning of the brain, in addition to regulating cortisol levels. According to the 2017 study published by BMC Medicine, food containing magnesium, vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids present in seeds, nuts and fish are the primary nutrients that help the brain produce serotonin and promote a greater mood. In addition to probiotic products, comparable to yogurt that promote intestinal health and are vital for mental health, dark chocolate is a food that causes stress. In addition, eating foods with a high magnesium content, comparable to avocado and bananas, helps to cope with stress higher. (Photo: Los Muertos Crew/Pexels)

clutter, mental health, well -being, meditate — Source: Deep breaths: deep respiratory prompts a parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure and calms the body, soothing stress. In addition, it reduces cortisol levels, which in turn helps to do away with anxiety, and likewise helps within the mood. Studies indicate that it improves emotional regulation and contributes to cardiovascular health. Deep respiratory is a quick and available approach that may be done anywhere and is one other way to effectively manage stress. (Image: Istock / Pixelseffect)

Black mental health, therapy — Source: Meditation mindfulness: Meditation of mindfulness works by stimulating the body to calm down, which in turn causes the body to decelerate the guts rate, blood pressure and muscle tone. This treatment also features a decrease in cortisol levels, in this manner it is in a position to assist in fear while improving the mood. Cortical activity in the meanwhile is what he thinks, and the result’s emotional regulation that participates in a more relaxed response to stress. The cognitive function can be supported, and the opportunity of inflammation decreases, which in consequence causes a very good overall health. (Ghettos, man meditating at home)

Grateful, gratitude — Source: Exercise gratitude: Gratitude is a method of coping with stress, because it could actually produce a lower level of cortisol, primary stress hormone, anxiety relief and regulation of emotional state. In addition, gratitude facilitates emotional immunity related to more efficient stress management, in addition to a discount in anxiety and depression. Gratitude can be attributed to a greater sleep, since it creates a way of peace and reduces the negative thoughts that will come just before bedtime. Photo of Monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

Volunteer — Source: Helping others: stress may be reduced by volunteering or helping others. Performing these acts raises a way of goal and ensures meaning. Helping other people has a very good effect on physical health, comparable to lowering blood pressure and reduction of the danger of depression; Both cause a discount in stress. (Photo: Luis Alvarez, Getty Images)

(*9*)

Source: Limit the screen time: shortening the time spent on the digital screen not only helps to stress less by decreasing cortisol and avoid mental fatigue due to infinite digital stimuli, but additionally increases sleep quality by reducing exposure to blue light, which might affect the production of melatonin. Off-line classes, stress-related activities have a positive effect in your mood. They help improve concentration and emotional regulation. (Photo: Cottonbro Studio/FreePik)

No stress — Source:
Rest: Sleep is related to a discount in the danger of stress conditions. The correct quantity of sleep reduces the extent of stress together with the discharge of less cortisol, which is the primary hormone of body stress. Emotional regulation can be obtained thanks to top quality sleep, which allows you to properly balance day by day requirements. Photo Alex Green: https://www.pexels.com/photo/depressed-black-man-on-bed-at-at-home-5700168/

No stress, friends — Source:
Social connections: The presence of positive interaction means that the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that has a relaxing effect and helps to deal with stress. Social relations also contribute to the event of immunity, which is vital for all times difficulties. These kinds of relationships also increase mental health because they lead to a discount of the depression and anxiety indicator, and likewise give a way of belonging. Photo of Piepli/Pexels

Slowly by, Martinus, Job, Market, Health, Employment, Hypertension, Diabetes — Source: Physical activity sports have a direct positive effect on stress, since it releases not only endorphins, but additionally brain chemicals answerable for increasing mood. Physical activity also helps reduce the extent of stress hormones, comparable to cortisol and adrenaline within the body, which helps with a calmer response to stressors. Through exercises, you may cope with sleep higher, and this may not only enable you to be more emotionally stable, but additionally reduce stress related to fatigue. It improves cognitive functions comparable to attention skills and problem solving-what makes it easier to cope with on a regular basis challenges of life. Finally, activity itself is a relief of stress that allows you to calm down and orientate again. (Getty Images)

(Tagstranslate) National Minority Mental Health of the month of consciousness

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Health and Wellness

Lizzo shares the mystery of his transformational weight loss: “I loved to distract myself with food”

Published

20 hours ago

May 3, 2025

Lizzo shares the mystery of his transformational weight loss:

Lizzo/Instagram

The Lizzo artist reminds us that consistency and labor often give results. The singer began a journey to slimming in 2023 and opened about how she obtained the results she was on the lookout for during a recent live tiktok.

The artist reduced her body mass index by 10.5 and lost 16% fat in the body according to Instagram post.

According to Lizo Live, a big part of its weight loss might be attributed to paying special attention to what he eats. She said that in the morning she exchanges sweet dishes for spicy dishes.

“I do something sweet. It must be with some carbohydrate. I will have almond butter and a toast. So everyone is different. Learn what works for you,” she said, noting that she believes the only thing that “works on the entire board, in terms of learning, there is calories in dealing with calories.”

“This is how the human body works,” she added.

Lizzo also considered the time when she drank two or three large Starbucks drinks a day. She estimated that she probably drank 1200 calories a day and it was a turning point for her. The artist also cut out coffee to regulate her nervous system.

Ultimately, Lizzo said that “she had to start using a calorie deficit because I was susceptible to binging.”

The calorie deficit occurs whenever you burn more calories than you eat. Then your body uses stored fat for energy, which may cause weight loss.

While the singer doesn’t imagine in counting calories, she uses it as “as a tool for fighting the American food system.”

Lizzo, also often known as Melissa Viviane Jefferson, also opened on how to gain her anxiety had a positive impact on her mental health and weight.

“For years I have been working to control anxiety. And then I decided that I want to spend and I am ready to stop waiting to be fully and be happy,” she said.

“And I meditated. I flooded. And I wasolate myself a bit, but not so that I am lonely, not as I used to be when I was depressed. I wasolated in a careful way in which I had no distraction,” the singer continued.

The 36-year-old had a period of time in the previous couple of years, when she was silent in social media and published only from time to time.

“I loved to distract myself. I loved to distract myself with food. I loved to scatter drinking. I loved to distract myself with the problems I would create. I would like to do it. And I stopped doing it,” she said. “And I just focused on me.”

These lifestyle changes paid off because the singer said that “she felt lighter, energetic and emotionally” and we’re here.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

What are the symptoms of measles? How long does the vaccine last? Experts answer 6 key questions

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2025

IAM

Until now, in 2025 (from May 1), 70 cases of measles They were notified in Australia, with all countries and territories, aside from Tasmania and the Australian territory of the capital, which registered no less than one case. Most of the infections took place in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

We have already exceeded the total number of cases registered in all 2023 (26 cases) and 2024 (57 cases).

Odra explosions currently occur in every region of the world. Most of Australian cases are diagnosed with travelers getting back from abroad, including popular holiday places in Southeast Asia.

But although Australia has eliminated the local transmission of the Oder in 2014Recently, we saw measles infections once more with Australians who weren’t abroad. In other words, the virus was transferred to the community.

So in the case of notifications of the health of the Odra and news often appearing, what do you must learn about the Odra? We got the list Commonly wanted questions About virus and vaccine.

1. What is Odra?

Odra is one of the most infectious diseases that are known to affect people. In fact, any person from the Odra can infect 12 to 18 others who are not resistant. The Odra virus can survive in the air two hoursThat people can inhale the virus even after the infected person left the room.

Odra mainly affects children And individuals with a weaker immune system. Until 4 out of ten People from the Odra could have to go to the hospital and to three out of 1000 people who will win the Odra will die.

In 2023 it was Over 100,000 deaths from the Odra around the world.

2. What are the symptoms of measles?

Signs and Odra symptoms They often start 7-14 days after exposure to the virus and include rash, fever, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis. The rash often starts on the face or neck and spreads to a few days to finally reach your hands and feet. On darker skin, a rash could be tougher to see.

Complications from the Odra are common and include ear infections, encephalitis (edema), blindness and Breathing problems or pneumonia. These complications are more likely in children.

Pregnant women are also more exposed to serious complications, and the Odra can even cause premature delivery and childbirth.

Even in individuals who leave the Odra, rare (and sometimes fatal) brain condition can occur a few years later, called Panel’s subacute.

Children are most at risk of measles.
Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

3. What is the difference between Odra and Wind Ospa?

Odra and Opax Sconey are attributable to various viruses, although each often affect children, and vaccines can prevent each diseases. Chickenpox is attributable to Chickenpox viruswhich can also be transmitted in the air and could cause fever, rash and rare (but serious) complications.

The chickenpox rash differs from a rash observed in the Oder. It often begins on the chest or back, appearing first as separate red nodules, which evolve into blisters stuffed with blisters. Chickenpox can also appear later in life as shingles.

4. Can you get the Oder twice?

A straightforward answer shouldn’t be. If you conclude a measles contract, it is best to have Then life resistance.

In Australia, people born before 1966 would almost definitely be infected with measles, because the vaccine was not available to them as children. They are subsequently protected against future infection.

Odra infection can, nonetheless, reduce the immune system’s ability to acknowledge the infections that he has previously encountered, causing people to show many infections to which that they had immunity before. Vaccinations can protect against this.

5. What is the measles vaccine and at what age do you will have it?

The measles vaccine accommodates a vigorous but weakened version of the Odra virus. In Australia, Vaccination of measles They are served as part of the combination vaccine, which accommodates the Odra virus together with mumps and rosary viruses (MMR vaccine vaccine) and chickenpox virus (MMRV).

As part of the national vaccination program in Australia, they receive measles vaccines after 12 months (MMR) and 18 months (MMRV). In other countries, the age of vaccination may differ – but no less than two doses are all the time needed for optimal immunity.

The mother sits with the toddler on her knees in the waiting room. — In Australia, children are vaccinated from the Odra after 12 and 18 months.
Zhuravlev Andrey/Shutterstock

Odra vaccines could be administered sooner than 12 months, for six months, to guard infants, which could also be more exposed to exposure to a virus (reminiscent of people traveling abroad). Infants, which receive the early dose of the opposite vaccine, still receive odd two advisable doses aged 12 and 18 months.

Australians born in 1966–1994 (at the age of 20-60) are considered a greater risk of measles, as did The second dose was advisable only from November 1992. Australia sees the groundbreaking infections of the Odra In this age group.

An additional measles vaccine could be given to this adult at any time. You can safely get an extra dose, even in the event you were vaccinated before. If you are undecided, in the event you need it, refer to a family doctor who can check the resistance to the measles (or the immunization register, if applicable) before vaccination.

However, because the measles vaccine is a live vaccine, it shouldn’t be protected to provide individuals with a weakened immune system (on account of some diseases) or pregnant women. That is why it is vital that healthy, qualifying people receive a measles vaccine to guard themselves and our sensitive population.