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Health and sleep go hand in hand

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Circadian Rhythm Disorder

Sleep Apnea

Excessive Sleepiness

Sleep Paralysis

Narcolepsy

Insomnia

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Disorder

Mental Health

What is the circadian rhythm?

Have you ever wondered why we become tired and sleepy at specific hours of the night, as if our bodies know that it’s our bedtime already? Well, it’s because of the internal clocks within us, otherwise known as the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are the 24-hour cycle which helps control our daily schedules for sleep and wakefulness throughout the day. Your circadian rhythm can be affected by a range of external factors, especially by darkness and light in your natural surroundings. Various internal factors like hormone levels, immune system, and body temperature can also impact your circadian rhythms. When your circadian rhythm is properly synchronised, it can help you have a restful night’s sleep. However, when this is thrown off - through various factors like shift work – it can disrupt your sleep patterns and can cause sleep problems like insomnia.

What is the circadian rhythm?

Have you ever wondered why we become tired and sleepy at specific hours of the night, as if our bodies know that it’s our bedtime already? Well, it’s because of the internal clocks within us, otherwise known as the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are the 24-hour cycle which helps control our daily schedules for sleep and wakefulness throughout the day. Your circadian rhythm can be affected by a range of external factors, especially by darkness and light in your natural surroundings. Various internal factors like hormone levels, immune system, and body temperature can also impact your circadian rhythms. When your circadian rhythm is properly synchronised, it can help you have a restful night’s sleep. However, when this is thrown off - through various factors like shift work – it can disrupt your sleep patterns and can cause sleep problems like insomnia.

How to sleep with hay fever

As summer is nearly in full swing and the pollen count has been on the rise, many people will be suffering from the symptoms of hayfever. Hayfever is more common in the warmer months as pollen increases, and there can be some irritating symptoms. These symptoms will have varying degrees of severity depending on your sensitivity.  Common symptoms of hay fever include frequent sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itchy eyes. Hay fever is commonly understood in medical terms as allergic rhinitis, as those with a sensitivity to pollen may also experience symptoms from dust, mould and more. There may be more symptoms too, which can affect both your ability and the quality of your sleep, which can be frustrating if you have a good sleep routine. Keep reading to get some tips on how to reduce the impact of hay fever on your sleep, as well as get some recommendations for anti-allergen sleep products that can help you.

How to sleep with hay fever

As summer is nearly in full swing and the pollen count has been on the rise, many people will be suffering from the symptoms of hayfever. Hayfever is more common in the warmer months as pollen increases, and there can be some irritating symptoms. These symptoms will have varying degrees of severity depending on your sensitivity.  Common symptoms of hay fever include frequent sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itchy eyes. Hay fever is commonly understood in medical terms as allergic rhinitis, as those with a sensitivity to pollen may also experience symptoms from dust, mould and more. There may be more symptoms too, which can affect both your ability and the quality of your sleep, which can be frustrating if you have a good sleep routine. Keep reading to get some tips on how to reduce the impact of hay fever on your sleep, as well as get some recommendations for anti-allergen sleep products that can help you.

How alcohol can affect your sleep routine

A good night’s sleep is essential for our well being and helps us focus in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, certain lifestyles and outside factors can disrupt our sleep, leaving us feeling tired and unmotivated. One such factor is something that impacts many of us, alcohol consumption. While many people enjoy a drink, it's important to understand how a tipple can impact your sleep routine.  With Alcohol Awareness Week coming up on the 3rd of July, we’re going to explore the relationship between alcohol and sleep. We will discuss the effects of alcohol on sleep quality and the risks of mixing alcohol with sleeping pills. Carry on reading to help you make healthy choices and awaken your best.

How alcohol can affect your sleep routine

A good night’s sleep is essential for our well being and helps us focus in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, certain lifestyles and outside factors can disrupt our sleep, leaving us feeling tired and unmotivated. One such factor is something that impacts many of us, alcohol consumption. While many people enjoy a drink, it's important to understand how a tipple can impact your sleep routine.  With Alcohol Awareness Week coming up on the 3rd of July, we’re going to explore the relationship between alcohol and sleep. We will discuss the effects of alcohol on sleep quality and the risks of mixing alcohol with sleeping pills. Carry on reading to help you make healthy choices and awaken your best.

How your sleep may be affected if you have Diabetes

With Diabetes Awareness Week coming on June 12th, now is the perfect time to investigate how diabetes impacts our sleep. Over 9.3% of the world population is estimated to have the condition, so it is a growing issue. But just how much of an effect does diabetes have on your sleep? Making sure you get the right amount of sleep is essential when you are dealing with diabetes. To make sure you get an efficient sleep improvement, you should make sure that you maintain blood glucose control. This will result in less sleep disturbances and keep you from feeling tired throughout the day. That is why it is important to understand the link between diabetes and sleep. In this guide, we will explore this and recommend ways in which you can sleep better with the condition.

How your sleep may be affected if you have Diabetes

With Diabetes Awareness Week coming on June 12th, now is the perfect time to investigate how diabetes impacts our sleep. Over 9.3% of the world population is estimated to have the condition, so it is a growing issue. But just how much of an effect does diabetes have on your sleep? Making sure you get the right amount of sleep is essential when you are dealing with diabetes. To make sure you get an efficient sleep improvement, you should make sure that you maintain blood glucose control. This will result in less sleep disturbances and keep you from feeling tired throughout the day. That is why it is important to understand the link between diabetes and sleep. In this guide, we will explore this and recommend ways in which you can sleep better with the condition.
Women smiling curly haired

Bruxism and Spine Alignment, an overlooked topic

While many people associate bruxism with dental problems, it can also profoundly affect the joints and muscles of the body. One overlooked factor concerning bruxism is spine alignment. In this post, we will explore the link between spine misalignment and bruxism and how it can lead to joint pain and other physical symptoms. By understanding the connection between these two conditions, you can take steps to manage their symptoms and promote better health.
Women smiling curly haired

Bruxism and Spine Alignment, an overlooked topic

While many people associate bruxism with dental problems, it can also profoundly affect the joints and muscles of the body. One overlooked factor concerning bruxism is spine alignment. In this post, we will explore the link between spine misalignment and bruxism and how it can lead to joint pain and other physical symptoms. By understanding the connection between these two conditions, you can take steps to manage their symptoms and promote better health.

Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Affect Sleep?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression with a seasonal rhythm and is quite common among adults in the UK. Symptoms of SAD usually start to be recognised during the autumnal months and will gradually start to fade in the spring.  As SAD is not uncommon in the UK, it’s important to remember you’re not alone if you feel a little more down than usual when the colder months arrive. One vital part of our lives that SAD can affect is our sleep pattern, but do you sleep less when you're SAD, and is insomnia a symptom of SAD? This guide discusses the causes, symptoms and science behind seasonal affective disorder, and how it affects our sleep health.

Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Affect Sleep?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression with a seasonal rhythm and is quite common among adults in the UK. Symptoms of SAD usually start to be recognised during the autumnal months and will gradually start to fade in the spring.  As SAD is not uncommon in the UK, it’s important to remember you’re not alone if you feel a little more down than usual when the colder months arrive. One vital part of our lives that SAD can affect is our sleep pattern, but do you sleep less when you're SAD, and is insomnia a symptom of SAD? This guide discusses the causes, symptoms and science behind seasonal affective disorder, and how it affects our sleep health.

The common causes of Bruxism

If you find yourself consistently waking up with a sore jaw or headache, Bruxism may be the culprit. Bruxism is a condition in which a person involuntarily grinds their teeth, which can occur during sleep and lead to further health problems or unwanted symptoms.  It’s normally more common in children and teenagers who still have their baby teeth, and they usually grow out of it when they reach adulthood, however, it does affect some adults too. Bruxism can occur as a result of anxiety or stress, and has numerous symptoms and causes that we have compiled into this helpful guide.

The common causes of Bruxism

If you find yourself consistently waking up with a sore jaw or headache, Bruxism may be the culprit. Bruxism is a condition in which a person involuntarily grinds their teeth, which can occur during sleep and lead to further health problems or unwanted symptoms.  It’s normally more common in children and teenagers who still have their baby teeth, and they usually grow out of it when they reach adulthood, however, it does affect some adults too. Bruxism can occur as a result of anxiety or stress, and has numerous symptoms and causes that we have compiled into this helpful guide.

Could your insomnia be tackled through menstrual cycle mapping?

It transpires that menstrual cycle mapping may help to tackle insomnia by adapting your lifestyle around any hormonal changes you experience, which are usually the culprit in developing or causing insomnia.  Hormonal imbalances, specifically those where levels of melatonin may be lower than normal, can be common during menstruation. Hormone imbalances can cause mood swings, irritability, sleep deprivation and stress. Here we list the things you can do to combat insomnia through menstrual mapping and other lifestyle changes.

Could your insomnia be tackled through menstrual cycle mapping?

It transpires that menstrual cycle mapping may help to tackle insomnia by adapting your lifestyle around any hormonal changes you experience, which are usually the culprit in developing or causing insomnia.  Hormonal imbalances, specifically those where levels of melatonin may be lower than normal, can be common during menstruation. Hormone imbalances can cause mood swings, irritability, sleep deprivation and stress. Here we list the things you can do to combat insomnia through menstrual mapping and other lifestyle changes.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

If you’re constantly tossing and turning in bed, kicking around to get rid of the twitchy sensations in your legs to the point that it’s interrupting your sleep, you’re not alone. You may be part of the 10% of people in the United Kingdom with restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is a little known yet common disorder that can seriously get in the way of a good night’s rest.  Having restless legs may not sound like a big deal. However, when the sensation is so pervasive that it prevents you from resting and it disrupts your daily life, it’s worth investigating. Luckily, a few things can help calm your legs enough until you fall asleep, one of which is a weighted blanket for adults.  

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

If you’re constantly tossing and turning in bed, kicking around to get rid of the twitchy sensations in your legs to the point that it’s interrupting your sleep, you’re not alone. You may be part of the 10% of people in the United Kingdom with restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is a little known yet common disorder that can seriously get in the way of a good night’s rest.  Having restless legs may not sound like a big deal. However, when the sensation is so pervasive that it prevents you from resting and it disrupts your daily life, it’s worth investigating. Luckily, a few things can help calm your legs enough until you fall asleep, one of which is a weighted blanket for adults.  
Cigarette burning against plain grey backdrop

How quitting smoking can improve your sleep wellness

There are many disadvantages and health risks to smoking, yet because it is so addictive many people struggle to quit. This is why it’s important to take a positive approach to quitting as opposed to berating ourselves for the habit. If you’re ready to fully quit yet, we can offer some advice on how smoking can affect your health. Did you know that quitting smoking can improve your sleep wellness too? At Sunrise by Emma, we’re exploring how and why cigarettes affect your sleep. This is so you can make informed decisions when you decide to quit for good. During March in the UK, it’s the annual No Smoking Day which was set up to raise awareness for smokers to consider stopping their habit and begin their journey to quitting. No Smoking Day is a really great opportunity to consider the habit and how it affects your health too.
Cigarette burning against plain grey backdrop

How quitting smoking can improve your sleep wellness

There are many disadvantages and health risks to smoking, yet because it is so addictive many people struggle to quit. This is why it’s important to take a positive approach to quitting as opposed to berating ourselves for the habit. If you’re ready to fully quit yet, we can offer some advice on how smoking can affect your health. Did you know that quitting smoking can improve your sleep wellness too? At Sunrise by Emma, we’re exploring how and why cigarettes affect your sleep. This is so you can make informed decisions when you decide to quit for good. During March in the UK, it’s the annual No Smoking Day which was set up to raise awareness for smokers to consider stopping their habit and begin their journey to quitting. No Smoking Day is a really great opportunity to consider the habit and how it affects your health too.

Sleep solutions you can trust

bedroom lighting mood light

Product Review: Philips Smart Lightbulb and Lightstrip

It is now well-known that light is one of the essential elements in our sleep-wake cycle. Indeed, the type of light in the environment is connected to producing different kinds of chemical compounds in our bodies. To understand this, we can look at the diurnal variation of light. While there is more bluish light, we are more inclined to produce excitatory hormones (first and foremost cortisol). On the other hand, during the late afternoon, when the light is reddish - hormones are linked to more relaxing effects (i.e., melatonin). Notably, the production of hormones affects our sleep-wake cycle and interacts with our mood, emotions, and feelings. In other words, the type of light surrounding us and the type and quantity of hormones produced influence our mental life. The reasons listed above make it clear why many sleep experts recommend meticulous care in setting home lighting, particularly in the bedroom.
bedroom lighting mood light

Product Review: Philips Smart Lightbulb and Lightstrip

It is now well-known that light is one of the essential elements in our sleep-wake cycle. Indeed, the type of light in the environment is connected to producing different kinds of chemical compounds in our bodies. To understand this, we can look at the diurnal variation of light. While there is more bluish light, we are more inclined to produce excitatory hormones (first and foremost cortisol). On the other hand, during the late afternoon, when the light is reddish - hormones are linked to more relaxing effects (i.e., melatonin). Notably, the production of hormones affects our sleep-wake cycle and interacts with our mood, emotions, and feelings. In other words, the type of light surrounding us and the type and quantity of hormones produced influence our mental life. The reasons listed above make it clear why many sleep experts recommend meticulous care in setting home lighting, particularly in the bedroom.

Product Review: White Noise Machines

Have you ever experienced trying to sleep with a lot of background noise, only to find out you are unable to? We are sure you’ve tried options like putting on earplugs or stuffing your head under the pillow, which probably did not work as good as you had hoped. Thankfully, white noise machines have recently been made available to help troubled sleepers ignore disruptive background noise so they can sleep peacefully. We want to help everyone get the best night’s sleep. That’s why we have reviewed and tested some popular white noise machines to help you drown out the noise that keeps interrupting your sleep. But first, let’s get you informed on what these machines can do.

Product Review: White Noise Machines

Have you ever experienced trying to sleep with a lot of background noise, only to find out you are unable to? We are sure you’ve tried options like putting on earplugs or stuffing your head under the pillow, which probably did not work as good as you had hoped. Thankfully, white noise machines have recently been made available to help troubled sleepers ignore disruptive background noise so they can sleep peacefully. We want to help everyone get the best night’s sleep. That’s why we have reviewed and tested some popular white noise machines to help you drown out the noise that keeps interrupting your sleep. But first, let’s get you informed on what these machines can do.
Man in snug sleeping bag

Product Review: Snugpak Sleeping Bag

We are all aware that the moment we recharge our energy is sleep. And if you’re an adventure seeker like me, it becomes even more critical when we are camping, climbing a mountain, or hiking.   To reach this goal is crucial to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Specifically, one element that can put a strain on our rest is temperature. For this reason, it is of fundamental importance to choose a good, warm, and resistant sleeping bag.  The Snugpak Sleeping Bag (available now on Amazon UK) offers all these features. It is a compact, light, and thermally resistant 2 seasons sleeping bag. Furthermore, this product claims to maintain an optimum internal temperature of down to -7°C.  In the following article, we will consider the claims made on this product, emphasizing the best use that can be made of it. 
Man in snug sleeping bag

Product Review: Snugpak Sleeping Bag

We are all aware that the moment we recharge our energy is sleep. And if you’re an adventure seeker like me, it becomes even more critical when we are camping, climbing a mountain, or hiking.   To reach this goal is crucial to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Specifically, one element that can put a strain on our rest is temperature. For this reason, it is of fundamental importance to choose a good, warm, and resistant sleeping bag.  The Snugpak Sleeping Bag (available now on Amazon UK) offers all these features. It is a compact, light, and thermally resistant 2 seasons sleeping bag. Furthermore, this product claims to maintain an optimum internal temperature of down to -7°C.  In the following article, we will consider the claims made on this product, emphasizing the best use that can be made of it. 

Product Review: BlissLights Sky Lite Projector

Modern life can be chaotic and stressful at times. Luckily, soothing your over-stimulated mind before bed could be easier than you think. I tested the BlissLights Sky Lite Galaxy Projector and was blown away by its ability to calm my thoughts and transform a room. With its soothing skyscape of stars and nebula clouds, Sky Lite is perfect for unwinding and relaxing at the end of the day.  This article will cover everything you need to know about Sky Lite so that you can decide if this galaxy projector is the right choice for you. 

Product Review: BlissLights Sky Lite Projector

Modern life can be chaotic and stressful at times. Luckily, soothing your over-stimulated mind before bed could be easier than you think. I tested the BlissLights Sky Lite Galaxy Projector and was blown away by its ability to calm my thoughts and transform a room. With its soothing skyscape of stars and nebula clouds, Sky Lite is perfect for unwinding and relaxing at the end of the day.  This article will cover everything you need to know about Sky Lite so that you can decide if this galaxy projector is the right choice for you.