Category: Organic Comfort

Sri Lanka

Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” because of it’s natural beauty, and because of it’s friendly hosts, it is also referred to as the “Nation of Smiling People.” Sri Lanka has much to offer with a diverse range of religions and languages and ethnicities. The island is also a large importer of tea, cinnamon, coconuts, and rubber. If you could take a guess as to why the Organic Comfort Zone imports its latex from Sri Lanka it is because of the Sri Lankan rubber trees. From these trees a milk sap can be extracted in order to produce what is known as natural latex rubber.

Latex mattress’ are some of the most comfortable in the world. A large sum of the best latex comes from the island of Sri Lanka. Much of the process of creating natural latex contributes greatly to the employment of many locals whose job it is to tap the latex trees for their sap. Sri Lanka has many tree farms where the rubber trees are grown, and in no way is the extraction process harmful for the tree! The production of a latex mattress is environmentally friendly in every way. Even if the day comes, many years down the line, that you must get rid of your latex mattress, there is no need to worry because the latex is biodegradable.

Also, while the latex components are produced in Sri Lanka, every one of CozyPure’s products is created with the best of care in the USA. Everything from our Matelasse Organic Cotton blankets to our La’Noodle pillows and mattress toppers are manufactured in our very own warehouse, where we work hard to assure that our customers receive the best for their buck. Our products are comfortable and affordable, they will last a long time and will not wear and tear like the cheap products purchased from a discount department store, in which products are mostly outsourced to be made for a cent an hour.

Among other aspects of Sri Lanka, it is also one of the most beautiful islands in Asia, with an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers. Its natives are friendly and inclined toward sports and adventures including rafting and surfing. A beautiful thing about Sri Lanka is that, being a small country with a wide variety of religions, it has managed to remain peaceful throughout the years, celebrating and appreciating everyone’s own beliefs and mythologies. There are many festivals to attend, including Easter celebrations and the Electric Peacock Festival, which is a relatively new music gala.

Tags asia, better sleep, natural latex, organic bedding, rubber, rubber tree, sri lanka

Miscellaneous Organic Comfort

We Gotta Find Another Way To Make The World Go Round

Post author By Eric Hahn
Post date January 16, 2014
No Comments on We Gotta Find Another Way To Make The World Go Round

In our everyday lives, how many of us actually think about saying high to the mailman or complimenting a stranger on the street. Committing random acts of kindness is not only good for your own karma, but it helps to boost the quality of the nature of humanity. Who doesn’t get excited when someone compliments their new scarf or their eyes. We can all join together to make the world a better place just by being kinder and more thoughtful human beings.

It may sound a little narcissistic, but I do take offense to writing a good paper in school and receiving no compliments or even comments about it, not even from the teacher. In turn, this makes me can angrier than I might have been because of all the effort that I put into the assignment only to not hear anything good about it. It works that way with most things, if someone puts effort into the way that they dress they expect heads to turn so why not turn your head, even if only because they look like they actually tried to look nice.

Its not as if you should run out and donate your entire life savings to charity, but paying a good deed forward can never be a bad thing. Why must we go about ignoring the people and things that are part of our lives? These people and these things are there for a reason and we should be thankful for them to some extent. If there is nothing going well in your life then turn the other cheek and make the bast of every situation because sometimes that is the only thing that you can do.

Here at the Organic Comfort Zone we do our best to treat our customers with the respect that they deserve because it makes both them and ourselves feel better. Living green doesn’t just mean looking after our beautiful environment, but its also look after the beautiful people that surround us. There is a song out there by Marilyn Manson with the lyrics “its a beautiful world/ just ugly people.” I look around and see these lyrics to be true in many cases as one man kicks dirt in another mans face or even when I see children scolding other children on the playground, excluding them from their games. Instead, why can’t we shake hands and play on each others team. Here is our solution to world peace at the Organic Comfort Zone: sleep with a stranger.

Just kidding, that solution is a bit rash. However, when I went to the trade in Washington D.C. I was able to carry around a sign that read “Free Naps and Hugs,” and that sign got a lot of people excited because something as simple as a hug can make someones whole day. In our everyday lives we might want to see a little kindness emitted from the souls of other people be cause “when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

We all have a heart, why don’t we use it more often? If we did the world might be a better place, or at least a little less scary. Sunday, bloody, Sunday, everyone, that’s how I’ll end this post. Thank you for reading.

Tags compliment, dog days are over, humanity, kindness, people

Green Living Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding

Throwback Thursday

Ok, so I was doing some digging and I found a very funny video (funny in my perspective, at least, because I’ve grown so much since) that I would like to share with fellow readers. If you have been in the showroom within the past four years (with the exclusion of 2013 perhaps) you might have seen my display in all of its glory; however, we had to take it down because so many pieces were falling off of the poster board! Anyways, this is my eighth grade science fair project and I remember being so proud of the final draft once finished.

To begin with, let me give you some background information: this project was based on my mother’s organic bedding business, which she runs from Ocean View in Norfolk, Virginia. Because of this business I decided to do my project on organic bedding materials and how fast all of them burn.

In the video you will see me burning four different kinds of fibers: Wool, Cotton, PLA Polyester, and PET Polyester. I enjoyed doing this project and learning about the way that these materials all deal with the fire that is emitted upon them. Lets move on now, if you want to see the cute eighth grade version of myself click the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rMUpQmuoL0

So, as you could see in the video I was a weird little thing back in the eighth grade, but hey that was four years ago! I’ve grown nearly a foot since then!

Still, as you can infer from the video, the safer bedding materials are going to be the organic ones (Wool and Cotton.) The two polyester samples burned so easily because of the petroleum that they were dipped in and sleeping with your body encompassed in a giant sack of petroleum doesn’t sound too nice, does it? Also, while many companies who use wool have passed the cigarette butt test, they will not pass the new open flame test because of the chemically treated wool in their bedding. However, as you witnessed yourself, this wool that we use here at the Organic Comfort Zone is not chemically treated and therefore WILL pass an open flame test, as seen in the video.

Cotton, on the other hand, burns like a cinder because it is dry and wiry, but it does not burst into flames because it is an organic material. Again, no chemicals are added into CozyPure products. Think about lighting your skin on fire. Will you spontaneously burst into flames because of it? No, because that is not the way that science works. However, if you were dipped in a barrel of petroleum you’ll be light up like a torch and wont stop burning until there is none of you left. Or until someone puts you out, but keep in mind that that will be pretty hard and that you’ll still suffer from numerous scars, so don’t try anything of that sort at home.

Anyways, happy Throwback Thursday! Enjoy reminiscing on your favorite memories and those disastrous awkward years that some of us just never grow out of…

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 bedding fibers, combustion, science fair, tbt, throwback thursday

Miscellaneous Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Clothing Organic Comfort

Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Post author By Eric Hahn
Post date December 10, 2013
No Comments on Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Last weekend there was a chill in the air as my friends and I went for a walk through downtown Ghent, the sun had just set and it was the perfect time to get a glimpse of the houses decorated in beautiful Christmas lights and other various decorations. I remember the night clearly because I was freezing. What happened shortly after going outside was that my friend was ‘cold’, although layered with long sleeves, a new scarf, and a jacket, and so me, being the kind person that I am, offered up my own coat to her and took on the suffering that came with thirty degree weather with nothing but a light button up shirt on.

My coat is a comfortable one of the cotton genre, I love it very much for it provides me much comfort in the cold months. Upon putting on my coat, my friend exclaimed “Wow, this coat is warm!” as if that was not already expected. It wasn’t until after this that I saw the polyester rag that she was wearing as a jacket that posed as something that might keep her warm. Sure, her tunic looked nice, but it didn’t seem to provide her with the necessary comfort needed for the cold months. I replied briskly, “What did you expect? I don’t shop cheap!” and yet, I had purchased the comfortable article of clothing from a local thrift store for about five dollars. However, this price did not effect the quality of the coat and to this day I stay wrapped up in it.

The reason I reflect on this particular occasion is to emphasize the importance of quality clothing, especially during the long, chilly months of the winter. Without these clothes, perhaps you might drive around a neighborhood in order to appreciate the decorations, or not do anything of that matter at all, and what fun would that be? Finding clothes that are stylish and comforting AND organic can be as simple as stopping into a thrift store and looking around until you find that perfect match, and believe me, where there is a thrift store there is an old wool sweater to fit everyone’s needs, believe me, I have twelve of them.

You don’t want to drive around when you can just as easily walk and incorporate a small dose of fitness into whatever your daily routine may be. You can eliminate exhaust fumes and experience the rush of cold air blowing across your cheeks and jack frost nipping at your nose when you make the simple choice to walk around the block to pick up your holiday eggnog from the market. However, once inside, don’t forget to cozy up next to the warm fire with an engrossing book or watch a classic Christmas film (my favorite is ‘The Year Without A Santa Clause“) with the rest of the family while bundled up under a crisp cotton blanket or wool comforter. With items like this you can make the best of your time inside off the house, while trimming those heating bills down a little bit.

Another thing that makes the cold air bearable are my wool socks which I keep rolled up to my knees at nearly all times of the day, whenever I am wearing them, that is. Cotton socks do the trick too, but nothing compares to my wool ones, or a quiet evening alone (for those who get the reference ;P). About a month ago I went on a camping trip with some friends, we spent the night on the beach and man was it COLD outside. The following day I was actually surprised that most of us had made it out alive, though not without any troubles along the way. One way that I kept myself from becoming a block of ice was by not messing with the wool socks that covered my legs, I simply placed them on my legs, pulled them up my calves and let them do the rest of the work. Surprisingly, I stayed warmer than most of the others in our troop because of this (I was also wearing my thrift store jacket and about three layers of shirts.)

I guess what I’m trying to say is that you should not let the weather take a toll on the activities that you love to do. If you want to go out for a stroll through the park then do it! Just make sure that you are bundled up and prepared before making the venture outside. If you feel the need to go camping then who cares what anybody says about the snow that is supposed to hit the ground that evening, go for it! Put on some wool socks, a pair of comfortable hiking boots, layer up those shirts, package yourself away into a pair of long johns, build you fire and enjoy the night! The winter will be gone quicker than you realize, so make the best of it and do your own thing.

Tags cold, cozy, snow, warm, winter

Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Made in the USA Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Renewable Energy

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.

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

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

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

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