Author: Eric Hahn

Latex is Green, not Mean

“But latex isn’t natural!” Is the first thing that comes from my friends lips whenever I tell them that I make natural latex mattress’ as a part of my work. I simply smile and say “Yes it is,” and being the simple-minded yet stupefyingly deep teenagers that we are, that is usually where the conversation ends. However, while talking to customers, I receive that response more often. It is a common misconception that latex is not a natural material and that it can only be a synthetic fiber. This is not true.

The natural latex that goes into our bedding is one hundred percent natural. We live up to our reputation as tree-huggers, literally, because our latex rubber is extracted from the rubber trees in Sri Lanka. The product is then put into a mold and baked until it has been hardened to our liking, no harmful additives or environmentally unfriendly chemicals added, thus proving that latex, or rubber, is not always an unnatural material only to be found on the tips of pencils and to be worn over somebody’s sweaty crotch. No, latex can serve as a natural haven for those who choose to lie on it and indulge in all of its benefits.

When you decide to take home one of our natural latex products you are doing more than purchasing a new item of bedding material. You are supporting the environment by not having to throw out a mattress or a pillow that is unsafe every three years, you are supporting your local economy and giving the people in Sri Lanka a trade, thus supporting the larger, international picture. Do you see it now? Taking one small step can effect many other small things that have a big impact.

We are taking our part in protecting the environment by producing organic products that are safe for one’s own household as well as Eco-friendly. We make sure that our customers get only the best from us and that they know what to expect every step of the way. You can rest assured that all of our products are natural, even the latex ones. We wonder here, at the Organic Comfort Zone, why people don’t take the necessary steps to improve our natural world and instead, many show habits of regression that will bring us farther back than we’ve already come in cleaning up our Mother Earth.

With all the opportunities and choices that lie in front of us, all of the ways that we can be ‘Green’ – whatever that truly means – in this day and age, it stumps us as to why people choose to not do their part in cleaning up our world. It breaks our tiny hearts to see such a beautiful and vast land that once held so many wonders turn into a wasteland, so of coarse our latex is natural, we wouldn’t have it any other way! Our electricity is self-produced – or, in fact, I guess the sun should take the credit for that one, seeing as it is solar panels that light us up down here in Ocean View. We do our part daily to make sure that our customers receive the best products, and that Mother Earth, being our biggest supporter, gets treated with the best respect that we could possibly fathom. So do your part, make your decisions, become educated and cultured in every way possible, be ‘Green’, be wild and free. Do your part, make smart choices! It is the best that we can do, and sometimes it is the only thing that can be done, but it has to be done, in order for our planet to function correctly.

Eric is currently a student and part-time team member for Norfolk, VA based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

Tags cozy, latex, natural, organic, rubber, synthetic

Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Made in the USA Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Clothing Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Renewable Energy

Green is Good

I guess I’ve been on a health kick lately, but here is another food post. Eating organically will help boost the body’s immune system and other natural defenses, as well as keeping your complexion clear and your body trim. There are many ways to eat organically in this day and age and you should always be mindful of where your food is from, how fresh it is, whether or not pesticides and steroids were used in its production, and its nutrition level. Like many food posts I have compiled another list of things that can be bought with peace of mind whether or not they are from the farmers market or not:

-Avocado -Cauliflower -Watermelon

-Asparagus -Kiwi -Garlic

-Blackberries -Onions -Tomatoes

– Broccoli -Mangoes

-Cabbage -Pineapples

Now we can move on to a list of foods that are OK to buy non-organic, but still would be made better if bought fresh daily 🙂

-Bananas

-Green Onions

-Lemons

-Grapes

-Tangerines

OK. Now it is time to reveal the food that is safest to buy ORGANIC

-Almonds -Papaya -Celery -Cherries

-Apples -Carrots -Cucumbers -Kale

-Bell Peppers -Blueberries -Potatoes -Strawberries

-Peaches -Spinach -Raspberries

-Lettuce -Green Beans -Zucchini

-Pears -Plums -Corn

All our lives we will face tough choices about what we should be eating and why. We will be consumed with temptation when looking through the windows at Dairy Queen or maybe the bakery at your local supermarket. We can not let ourselves down, though. There are always healthier and safer options for everyone to enjoy no matter what your preference is. Just the other night I had a fresh, delicious, savory, spicy catfish sandwich from our local farmers market. The sandwich was rich with spices and subtle flavors and I enjoyed every bite of it. The dinner was healthy and it was also affordable.

Why should we stop where we eat though? We want to practice healthy choices in every aspect of our life, don’t we? We want to live to the fullest of our potential and we can only do that when we are thinking straight and clearly, but how can one think clearly after stuffing there body with greasy McDonald’s and wondering how long it might take for our body to digest the unnatural preservatives in our food. It is simple chemistry, the more organic the product, the easier it will be for your body to accept and also to make use of.

This is same for all the world around us, the more natural that the product is the safer it will be for the overall environment. So many landfills are just piles upon piles and stacks on stacks of waste that is not biodegradable. This is not safe for the ecosystem as these unnatural products release toxins and become and eyesore. Why not choose to be organic? In the end it won’t hurt a soul, but it can make millions of lives safer and thousands of places cleaner.

I remember taking a trip down to Puerto Rico over the summer and being struck in awe by the natural beauty that the country provided and then feeling like I had been slapped in the face when the juxtaposition of the filthy piles of waste that lined the shore appeared in my line of vision, and it was not only in one place, it was all over the place. If we all took simple, easy steps toward creating a healthier world we might not face the environmental issues that we are struggling with today.

Why not do your best to take part in cleaning up this world whenever possible. By buying Eco-friendly, organic products you are saving a whole crop from being poisoned by threatening chemicals. Even more, when you move from simply buying green foods to other green products than your role just became a whole lot more important. When buying organic bedding you are saving a landfill from having another filthy mattress being placed in it ten years down the road because natural bedding is just that good. Give it a try with your delicious new grocery list and then try to incorporate ‘green’ into other aspects of your life.

Tags Environment, green, healthy, natural, organic, pollution

Miscellaneous News Coverage

Moving On

An interesting fact that I learned today that I wanted to share with you is that apparently, during times of bereavement, taking sleeping pills can actually disturb the grieving process. However I was able to pull up some useful tips that can help knock you out in those times of mourning, or simply to help you get through them altogether.

1. Fall asleep to a guided meditation. This can help quiet your mind and calm your body so you are not as restless in your sleeping hours, decreasing the likelihood of waking up in the middle of the night.

2. Talk to others about your situation, but only to people who you are comfortable opening up to. It can be hard in the months after a heavy loss when dealing with so many people sympathizing with you even if in reality you know that they have no idea what you are going through. Try to turn their stupid comments into a personal joke for yourself, perhaps a sweet dose of black humor is what you need. Make connections with people who you do know understand what you are going through and relate to them about your problems and even laugh with them about some of the other comments that people have shared with you.

3. Avoid the use of alcohol and other forms of self-medication. These products will only bury the grief briefly, and at times may make it even worse.

4. Create a soothing environment in your bedroom, one that can ease the tension of a heavy day. Cuddle up under a cozy blanket and put on your favorite CD, remember the good times and let your mind relax.

5. Keep a journal and jot down your thoughts whenever possible, in time you will realize that your entries might bring you a feeling of new hope that you are changing as your own perspective changes. Reflect on what has happened and accept it for what it is so that you can finally move on.

6. Try to talk with a professional. Go and see a therapist and get a diagnoses on your feelings, it is an easy way to get and unbiased, educated opinion on the matter and see where you stand in the healing process, perhaps you are already farther along than you may have thought.

7. Cry, it might make you feel better after the deed is done. Or don’t, that can work too, it all depends on who you are as a person. Just because tears don’t freely stream down your face does not make you cold and stoic, it makes you different and unique and it means that you have your own way of coping with the loss.

8. Try to get a healthy dosage of sleeping into your schedule, it can help with more problems than one.

It is important for a person to sleep, especially in times of grief because it can help the brain cope with the trauma of the loss. When a loved one passes one of the first phases a person goes through is denial, in most cases people see the faces of their loved ones in the faces of others. The brain does not always want to accept the loss and so it tries to cope by projecting the person that is missing onto others. Without sleep this can be intensified to the point of hallucinations and paranoia. The loss can bring out emotions that are already painful and can be amplified without rest, leading to cases of social withdraw, restlessness, and depression. We all saw how well Bella coped with the loss of Edward in New Moon, waking up screaming nightly. This is typical for a person in the process of mourning, and when the loss is because of death, the feeling of hopelessness can be intensified to a much higher degree than when someone moves away.

Every person and every culture deals with grieving in particular ways. Some people dance around a fire and sing chants to the heavens while others might sit around there home for a period of seven days in a ritual called ‘Shiva.’ Many of these methods are beautiful and intense in their own way, but many of them WORK! Find one that is right for you and try to get a good nights sleep, perhaps your dreams will bring you a message from a loved one who is deceased. The brain needs to heal too, and a good way to start is by getting the proper amount of shuteye each night and taking each day as it comes until the anguish has passed.

For more information on how to further help yourself, visit http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm.

-Eric

Tags grief, sleep deprivation

Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Kapok: The Tree of the Gods

Post author By Eric Hahn
Post date December 4, 2013
No Comments on Kapok: The Tree of the Gods

Yesterday I wrote an article about wool, hoping to persuade those against it to join; however, I understand the integrity our customers hold and that some of them can not sacrifice their beliefs for a product, no matter how cozy it may be. This one goes out to all the vegans out there.

I understand that wool is an animal product and I am a firm advocate of animal rights, and while I still enjoy my wool comforter and indulge in feasting on a Thanksgiving turkey or a juicy burger whenever the time comes, for the most part I steer clear of products in which I know that animals are treated harshly. The food chain is real, and I wont sacrifice my appetite as long as the chicken that I am eating grew up happy and healthy. I also hold true to using wool products such as socks and bedding. Still, there are substitutes for wool all over, it just depends on where you are looking for them.

Good thing you are looking at CozyPure, though, because our natural Kapok has much of the same therapeutic effect as wool does, and its just as comfortable. Kapok is a soft, all natural product that comes from none other than the Kapok trees in South America. Kapok is a non-toxic, hypoallergenic fiber that has been used for centuries for things such as pillows and in other bedding products because of its durability and also because it is safe to grow, without comprising the environment around it. It has been used for a variety of things from stuffing life-preservers to cushions and saddles and woven into blankets, its wood has been used for carvings and coffins and canoes.

The Mayans believed the Kapok tree to symbolize the heavens and all of the glory than shines in the night time sky. This is where their Gods reigned, in comfort and peace, stowing away in the trees. Who could blame them? I would be propped up in one at this very moment if there were any nearby, what with all the comfort and beneficial properties that the tree holds. It is used as a medicine plant in the Mayan culture and in most wedding ceremonies, as well as other gatherings, it is made use of.

My affection for the tree is so high that I wrote a small poem dedicated to it. Enjoy:

The majestic Kapok tree, how we worship thee

you are oh so divine, your qualities benefit mine

and I am happy to use you: in my pillows,

in my blankets, and even between my toes!

Ok, so maybe I’m no poet, but at least I know it! (Bad joke?) Still, there is no denying the natural benefits of Kapok products and it is the perfect substitute for those who are allergic to cotton and wool, or are against the manufacturing of wool, or other animal products. Don’t waste your time, try it for yourself today. It can’t hurt, it can only help.

Tags healthy, Kapok, organic, wool

Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Made in the USA Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Clothing Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Why Wool Is Cool

A huge problem that people have with buying wool is that it is an animal product, and with the way that animals are treated in modern civilization people are skeptical on the matter. However, sheep are not killed when wool is attained, and while some people do bring harm to their sheep we make sure that where our products come from there is a safe environment for the animals. The wool is merely sheared off, so it is as if the animals are getting a haircut. No harm comes to these sheep, they enjoy their days long after the product has been taken, can you say the same about that burger that you ate last night?

Another concern with wool is the odor. So many people understand wool to retain a musty smell after being worn multiple times but this is true with all fibers, synthetic included! It is a fact that an article of clothing will get dirty and smelly if not washed for a prolonged period. All my wool sweaters and socks smell perfectly fine after being thrown into the washer, just as my spandex do. See, it can go either way in whatever you are wearing, no matter what your body will leave behind odors on your clothing and its up to you to make sure that it does not stay in such a smelly condition. Its either that or remove your sweat glands.

Wool is WARMER! Wool is capable of maintaining body heat, and while it dries slower than synthetic fibers it is still able to keep one’s body heat elevated without them burning up. Wool is a temperature regulator, meaning that in the cooler months it tends to retain body heat, while during the hot seasons it breathes with your body It is water resistant to a certain degree (lets not get too crazy here though, you can’t jump into a pool and stay dry) however, with smaller spills and messes there is a tendency for the liquid to drip down and simply spill off the fibers. Wool can also absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before beginning to feel wet.

Being the flame resistant fiber that it is wool will not melt into a persons skin when on fire. It is self-extinguishing, so when caught on fire it will typically only char (lets hope that fire gets contained though because you’d hate to ruin that polyester sweater of yours). Not only is it flame resistant but its super durable. Unlike other fibers that break and wear down over time, wool takes much longer to wear down.

Finally, wool is comfortable too! Every night I tuck myself away under my warm, cozy organic wool comforter and thank the stars that its available to me. In the morning I wake up just a little happier because of how cozy I am wrapped up underneath my blanket and my mood is destroyed when the realization that I actually have to see the world outside sinks in. Just another reason to sleep, I guess.

Tags green, natural, organic, wool

Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous

Winter Superfoods – to get you away from that eggnog!

Post author By Eric Hahn
Post date December 2, 2013
2 Comments on Winter Superfoods – to get you away from that eggnog!

Winter is right around the corner and we all know what that has in store for us: Family, friends, and food. The Christmas season is quickly approaching and that always entails gorging upon food on food on food, as does Thanksgiving. The cold months just seem to conjure up the thought of eating in our minds and who are we to fight it? After all it is in our nature to fatten up for the cold months so that we do not freeze to death. Still, bikini season is ALWAYS just around the corner, no matter what time of year it is, and we all know how stressful it can be to wait till the last minute to shed those extra pounds so I’ve done my research and have compiled a list of winter foods that will help to keep you in tip-top shape throughout the long winter months.

1. Mushrooms can be hearty and flavorful, with few enough calories that you can enjoy the savory taste of them without having to decide which workout you should be preparing for later in order to burn them off. Easy ways to utilize can be by putting them in soups and stews.

2. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants that can help combat infection. We already seem to make use of them in our feasts (cranberry sauce), but they also make great smoothies and can also be used in casseroles and stuffings.

3. Wild rice is filled with vitamins B and E and it can be an easy substitute for bread in your stuffing, or other heavy dishes. Take your pallet to the next level, live on the wild side.

4. Red Beans are chock-full of antioxidants and are also great with stews and soups because they are so hearty. Enjoy them with your mushrooms, or with your rice. Or with both!

5. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. These nuts are rich with vitamins B and C and are low in fat with a high percentage of protein, they make good mid-day and midnight snacks.

Now that you have a good idea of the best winter foods to eat to curb your appetite and fill your body with the vitamins and nutrition that it needs you might think twice before binging on eggnog and leftover pumpkin pie. It’s in everybody’s best interest to stay healthy all year round. You body will thank you for feeding it the food that it needs, and so will your brain. You can rest assured that you are getting proper protein and vitamins and when bikini season does finally come around, you’ll be glowing and ready to bask in the sun.

Tags food, Health, winter

Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Miscellaneous News Coverage Woman-Owned

Green Festival 2013

Though it took place nearly two months ago, I want to take a moment to express our gratitude toward all of the patients who showed up to the Green Festival in Washington, D.C. It is always such a pleasure to meet new and exciting people who truly care for the environment around them because for now it is all that we have left. We must take time to fix the problems that we create in our day-to-day lives and work for the greater good of the Eco-system. We also saw some familiar faces from previous shows and were overwhelmed that these faithful customers continue to choose us for their comfort needs, it is such an honor to know that people all over the country will lie down at the end of the day and rest soundly on their green mattresses. Ralph Nader even showed his face at our booth and laid down for a couple of minutes while we explained the benefits of CozyPure to him.

A major question that we were asked at the trade show, and a question that continues to be prevalent in our daily business is what makes our company different from other mattress companies? For one we are a woman-owned, self sustaining factory. We make our products by hand in our factory – which is also connected to our showroom – and our means of energy are environmentally friendly. We believe that people should be happy with where they are buying their products from and there is no better place to purchase organic bedding than the Organic Comfort Zone.

For one, we will build your mattress for you, unlike many other companies that send the latex pieces for you to put together at your own home. We are happy to make your bed for you, it makes us feel alive. All of our pillows are custom made to your specific needs because not everyone likes a giant pillow or a lite pillow. Noodles upon noodles with cakes of latex iced with wool comforters and truffles of kapok and cotton is what you will find in our factory, not some dingy hole in the alley behind your local drugstore or in the boondocks in the center of Nevada. Don’t believe us? Come feast on the image of us making your mattress for you for yourselves, you won’t be let down.

We also take the time to get to know our customers so that we can recommend what might be best for them to purchase based on their preferences. For firmer support you may want to choose a mattress that has less layers in it because these extra layers may provide a softness that may just bee too soft for some. While others may enjoy the softness that comes with some of our mattress’. In either case, you are welcome at the Organic Comfort Zone, we are happy to meet your specific sleep needs!

Another point I would like to touch on that pertains to the green festival is the support from not only the customers but from the other business’ there. It really seems to come together as a community and we are always ecstatic to come back to our family of humble Eco-friendly companies. Perhaps for those who did not attend the last one you may want to come to our next show. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about your planet and ways that you can make it better, because there are always ways that we can correct our living habits for the sake of the environment.

Green shows seem to be becoming very prevalent in today’s society as environmental awareness is spread and it can be a good learning experience for everyone, even those who are educated in green living. I know firsthand that shows like the one in D.C. can have a huge influence on a persons perspective. After attending the September show I know now how many industries rely on outsourcing and factory work for their production and I also know how harmful it can be to the world around us. These citizens in outsourced countries are working for wages that are too low when they could be making use of themselves by getting educated and learning about the world around it, without it we may have found the next Einstein or Bach.

Environmentally these factories are doing more harm than good. They release toxins into the air and their employees don’t seem to be happy or healthy. If we took a moment to realize the destruction our country is leaving behind versus the ‘good’ that it is actually doing we might actually see ways that we can change for the better. Without outsourcing Americans would have more jobs and opportunities and so would the people in outsourced countries who have no time or education or money.

Being green is more than simply being green. It is a way of life, a way of providing for yourself and for others with nothing other than hard work and elbow grease. Being green is a state of mind and it is the reflection that state of mind shows upon your life. Choose to be green. Choose to be happy.

Tags green, green living, natural living, trade show

Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Dream Soundly

So many things can have either a positive or a negative effect on a persons dreaming. One of these is the smells that surround you during bed time, and also sounds. These factors can influence what you are dreaming about, the objects and small details that make up the subconscious world. Have you ever had your alarm clock incorporated into your dream? Or have you had a dream sequence after falling asleep while jamming to a CD or watching a movie or reading a book? This is because your mind retains the subjects that these stimulants produce – imagery, music, smells. Dreaming is the the body’s sleep defense system, so that when something impacts the environment around you, your dream does whatever it can to coordinate it. There are many factors as to why you are dreaming what you are dreaming, some being hidden desires and or even simple things can dictate the narration of a dream as you walk down a scenic route because you are feeling ‘calm’ that night.

When people are stressed out they are more likely to experience nightmares or not dreaming at all. Simple solutions can be as easy as exercising or meditating. When a person is relaxed and is open to the idea of sleeping and dreaming they will most likely experience calmer dreams. When providing one’s body with the proper comfort they will fall into a deeper sleep, capable of taking them to higher ground in their dreams.

Many people do not seem to realize that REM sleep has been said to aid memory-forming and when one dreams more they find that they remember more information in their waking hours than those who do not dream (or sleep.) Once believed to be an outlet for the rage that we bottle inside of us during the day, scientists have since discovered psychological effects of not dreaming. In a study conducted by William Dement in 1960, in which subjects were awoken during REM sleep, found that they experience “mild psychological disturbances such as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.” Correlation between dreaming and physical ability is being further studied, with strong factors supporting that it has an effect on one’s physical capabilities.

Our dreams can sometimes be read as things that pertain to our lives, and be translated for better understanding. Idea’s that consume your sleeping mind – like the falling dream, or being chased, or the realization that you are nude in front of a crowd – can be interpreted into a simple things such as having too much on your plate, or feeling spun out of control. While dreaming about flying could correspond to your new found confidence! Learn how to read your dreams and maybe it can improve your outlook on life.

What is hardest about dreaming is remembering it! If one slips into the habit of telling themselves that they will remember their dreams when they wake up and keep a journal or notepad by the bed to jot down your thoughts after waking they can help in remembering what took place in their dreams, bringing you one step closer to pin-pointing why you are so stressed.

As the body’s sleep defense it only makes sense that the deeper one may fall into sleep, the more dreams would come of it because there is more room to dream soundly in your creative mind. Dreams are very important because they help people to get in tune with their inner thoughts and emotions. If you are not sleeping comfortably and securely, than your dreams are most likely being effected by this. With the proper comfort a body is allowed to indulge in deep thought and imagination. Make sure that the mattress you are sleeping on is allowing for the proper support that your body needs.

Tags CozyPure, healthy sleeping, organic bedding

Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Sleep Tips

Acupuncture

Being the expert on it that I am (I am no expert!) I thought that it
would be interesting to share with you the effects that acupuncture
might have on your body. While it seems that stabbing needles into
your skin may not be the best idea - and can be very daunting for
some - to help somebody cope with stress, you might be surprised by
the results.

How it works:
    In the east, where Yin and Yang originated, it is believed that
the body must achieve inner peace and that this peace is created
by a balance in a person's energy (or even life force, if you will.)
This energy runs through your body like water, through your blood,
through you heart and soul, traveling like a river and released upon
the external world and also the internal workings of one's mind and
body. When this energy is stumped, acupuncture needles are placed in
the areas of energy resistance and relieves the flow of these energy
obstructions.

     In the west, acupuncture is used to target and stimulate the
central nervous system to release hormones and neurotransmitters that
will boost one's immune system and other natural body functions. It
can dull the feelings of stress and pain that can build up and cause
body tension.

Now on to the point: How can acupuncture stimulate sleep?!?
    This is where - wait for it - melatonin comes into play once more.
What happens in patients with high stress and anxiety is that when
acupuncture needles perforate the skin they stimulate pressure points
that increase nighttime melatonin production. While the exact cause of
this is still unsure and the field requires more study it is worth a
try. No harm, no foul, right?

     A few other things that this method can stimulate, or regulate, are
chronic pain and HIV related sleep problems. In many cases
acupuncture seems to be the fastest working pain reliever - this is
not to say that it can cure the cause of your pain. Also, and this
one goes hand and hand with sleep deprivation, acupuncture will help
to alleviate stress. So go on and find a practiced acupuncturist and
get started today, it may help in more ways than one.

Tags acupuncture, natural energy, sleep, stress relief

Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Organic Comfort Sleep Tips

Physiology of Sleep

The relation between sleep deprivation and weight gain is debatable, however there
is some science behind the concept of it. The important question everyone has been
asking since the beginning of sleep study is whether or not sleep has any
physiological effects. A recent study performed on rats in which the experimental
group went a substantial amount of time without sleep while the control group
received time to sleep indicated paramount conclusions. The results were clear:
sleep distress increased the likelihood of severe debilitation and even death in
those who were part of the experimental group, while the control group suffered
no consequences.

What is also significant about sleep studies is that after even one night of sleep
destitution one's ghrelin levels may rise. Ghrelin is a chemical produced to alert
us of whether or not we are hungry and need food. Reports show that after 3 nights
of sleep regulation (7 hours the first night, 4.5 hours the second night, and total
sleep restriction on the last night) men with a normal BMI stated that they felt a
remarkably stronger feeling of hunger. The science behind it cleared up that ghrelin
levels were indeed at a much higher percentage after sleep deprivation than after a
normal 7 - 8 hour rest period.

Whether or not comfort has an affect on ghrelin levels is unsettled. But comfort in
bedding material surely can help one fall asleep easier - and for all the right
reasons. While America once held the record as the most obese nation (only to be lost
to Mexico in March of 2013) it is still alarming the percentage of overweight adults
in the country (35.7% are obese.) These statistics could be correlated to the fact
that over the past few decades the average American is sleeping at least two hours
less than those who survived in the early to mid twentieth century.

Better amenity in sleeping hours can induce a deeper, more relaxed sleep which can
help in relieving one's body of grogginess and discomfort in the early morning hours.
While sleeping healthier stimulates the body's natural sleep cycle it will also reduce
stress levels which can eliminate unnecessary feelings of hunger and the need for oral
fixations such as smoking and drinking. Some research suggest that the time spent
sleeping and also the QUALITY of one's sleeping hours can actually affect weight LOSS!
This is because when a person gets the proper amount of rest their ghrelin levels
decrease while their leptin levels (which are produced in fat cells and send signals
to the brain alerting one that they are full) increase.

Even though research on the correlation between sleep and weight loss is still up in
the air, many experts agree that if you are working on a diet, putting in a few extra
hours of sleep certainly will not hurt. Director of the Connecticut Center for sleep
medicine Dominic Roca says that "more and more data comes to the forefront to suggest
that you simply can't cut back on sleep without paying some price."

Tags athlete, comfort, obesity, sleep