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Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous

Answers to “Where do you put your cell phone when going to bed?”

Following up with our previous blog post about sleeping with cell phones and why it isn’t a good idea, we
decided to poll the sleep snobs at CozyPure and see what their nightly routine is when it comes to “putting
their phone to bed.”

Here are the individual responses, to the question, “Where do you put your cell phone when going to bed?”

  • Cheryl – “I place mine on the bottom of the nightstand with a shirt over it so that the light will not distract me. I also have notifications turned off – the only sound that is on is the actual ringer. I started sleeping with it in the bedroom when my daughter left for college in case she needed to call. Before that I didn’t even bring it in to the bedroom at night. Sometimes I will listen to sleep/meditation music on youtube but I still keep it covered.”
  • Troy – “Wherever it ends up. I don’t really pay much attention to where it is when I go to bed. It just stays wherever I last used it.”
  • Susan – “I plug it in to charge in the bathroom in my bedroom. This way the light does not disturb my sleep but I can hear it if I get a call.”
  • Diane – “I plug it in on the nightstand.” We are going to have to make her read the last blog post!
  • Debbie – “Just wherever.” Debbie is our newest team member, she’ll learn to talk more to survive!
  • Sherry – “On the nightstand, on silent.” That’s a no-no, Sherry.
  • Cris – “In my purse on the floor because it is not good to have it on the nightstand.” Cris is a seasoned sleep snob.
  • Angela – “It is always on silent and usually on the floor beside the bed, although I’m guilty of falling asleep while scrolling through Facebook. How else will I know who to vote for?”
  • Hans – “In the other room, on the charger.” Perfect!
  • Rudy – “I just plug it in to charge on my nightstand.  If it rings, sometimes I answer it and sometimes I ignore it.”
  • TJ – “On the nightstand charging with the volume sky high. I want to make sure I don’t miss anything.” TJ is a popular guy!

Although research shows that a high percentage of people go to bed with their phones, we are not the norm (but we already knew that). Maybe it is because we all have such a love affair with our CozyPure mattress that we embrace sleep or maybe it is just because we are educated on all matters sleep related. Whatever the reason, I am glad to report that no one at CozyPure sleeps with their phone.

Coming soon: It claims to be organic. What does that really mean?

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

Sleeping With Your Smart Phone May Not Be So Smart

There are articles in the news every day about sleep – how to get more of it, why it is crucial, how to do it better, ways to enhance it – it’s how we spend a third of our life. In a The-Sleep-Revolutionrecent article “Book Talk: The Sleep Revolution,” on Washington Life Magazine’s website, Erica Moody talks with author Arianna Huffington about her book, “The Sleep Revolution.”

From the article, “In 2014, people around the world spent a staggering $58 billion on sleep-aid products, a figure projected to rise to $76.7 billion by 2019, author Arianna Huffington says. Not only do many Americans not get enough sleep; when they do try to sleep, an increasing number are relying on pills to get there. When Huffington herself collapsed from “sleep deprivation, exhaustion and burnout” in 2007, she decided to do something about the issue. Her fascinating, accessible and necessary book “The Sleep Revolution” (Harmony Books) delves into the current crisis, the history of how we got there, the science of sleep and how we can begin to change the role of sleep in our lives.”

The article includes a question and answer session with the author addressing key points from the book. One topic that is discussed is that of “unplugging” and how our phones keep us up at night. This is a topic I see often in sleep news. Not only are we so accustomed to staying connected via our smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc., social media provides an outlet for us to waste precious time that could otherwise be spent sleeping. The author suggests that sleeping with your smart phone may not be so smart.  Rather putting our phones “to bed” in another room will allow us to sleep better. I know that having my phone on my nightstand is a horrible idea. Not only am I distracted when it lights up, buzzes or dings, I can’t always resist the urge to check social media one last time or type out one more email or listen to one more song. Going to sleep without your phone is not only a good way to get to sleep faster it also gives your mind a much needed break from the constant communication to which we’ve become accustomed.phone on bed
Katy Hall, Managing Features Editor, Huffington Post, cites in her 2013 article, “How Mobile Phones Affect Sleep,” a study concluding sleeping near our phones also has negative physical implications even if we don’t touch it. “If your phone wakes you up in the morning, it may also be keeping you up at night. A 2008 study funded by major mobile phone makers themselves showed that people exposed to mobile radiation took longer to fall asleep and spent less time in deep sleep.” Her article also discusses the aforementioned “need” to stay connected and how it is costing us valuable sleep. An additional resource cited in this article indicates that “nearly three-quarters of young people fall asleep each night with their phones within reach.”  We may all have a hard time convincing a teenager that they will actually live through the night without their phone but  it really is a habit to be discouraged.  Older (and wiser) cell phone users may be easier to convince that “unplugging” for eight hours each night may be well worth it.

There is plenty of research, articles and books that discuss healthy sleep habits.  Taking a break from your electrical devices is certainly a step in the right direction.  Once you break that habit, take the time to research the importance of the materials you are sleeping on.  Many mattresses and bedding materials are just as full of junk as your social media.  Sleeping on natural latex and using organic bedding not only provides better, but a more healthful, sleep!

Coming soon – How “smart” are the sleep snobs at CozyPure?  We know about a good mattress but where are our cell phones when we are sleeping?  I’m going to poll our staff…

Categories
Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Made in the USA Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Home Organic Comfort Products & Sales Woman-Owned

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift: SLEEP

It is no secret that moms are some of the most sleep-deprived people in the world. They tend to juggle responsibilities all day and spend countless hours at night thinking about how to juggle even more. Studies show that mothers with small children are seriously lacking sleep, which over time can have some pretty negative effects on both physical and mental health. No matter how old her children, mothers tend to continue the habit of putting others needs before their own. Instead of shopping for the trendiest new gift of fashion or settling for the obligatory flowers, why not give Mom what she really wants (and needs) – SLEEP!
Just in time for Mother’s Day, CozyPure has assembled a bundle of some of our most popular items for the sleep deprived mom. We’ve paired together:Mother's Day Bundle

  • Our best selling LaNoodle pillow, the perfect pillow for Mom – it is adaptable to any type of sleeper, made with all natural latex and organic cotton (no harmful chemicals) and simply the coziest pillow to be found – and designed to last up to 10 times longer than conventional pillows
  • Our ever popular Pebble Pique Travel Blanket which is handcrafted in our Virginia workshop and made from luxurious Organic Cotton Matelasse and beautiful like Mom
  • Organic Lavender Linen Spray, soothing aromatherapy to relax Mom’s mind, body and spirit

This trifecta is the perfect Mother’s Day gift and will arrive packaged in our kraft bag with a complimentary handcrafted note card.

Due to the handcrMothersDay_online cardafted nature of our items, we can’t guarantee delivery by Mother’s Day on orders received after May 1st. However, Mom will agree it’s worth the wait. In the meantime, you can print out a gift announcement HERE to put in Mom’s card notifying her that the gift of sleep is on the way!

Our products are sustainable, natural and organic and made in the USA, and our company is woman-owned by a mom that grew this company while raising children of her own. She thinks sleep is the perfect gift and every mom is sure to agree!

 

The retail price for the items in this bundle is $133 – the Mother’s Day Bundle is being offered for $99.  Valid until Mother’s Day 2016.

Categories
Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom Organic Mattress & Bedding

Eat healthy – sleep healthy!

NO FORMALDEHYDE, PBDEs, OR TOXIC CHEMICALS

We use three ingredients in our mattresses:

    • Organic Cotton
    • Pure Wool
    • Natural Latex Rubber

bed-materials
Really that’s all we use.

No hidden FR barriers. No hidden polyester blends. No synthetic latex. No foams. No glues. No toxic chemicals.


WHAT’S IN THAT CONVENTIONAL FOAM MATTRESS?
Polyurethane Foam and Memory Foam is made from petroleum-based chemicals, as well as flame retardants and viscosity inducing agents. A polyol is a substance created through a chemical reaction using methyloxirane (also called propylene oxide).

This is just a short list of toxins found in an analyzed type of memory foam: Formaldehyde, Styrene, TDI (Toluene Di-Isocyanate), Polyol (Poly Ether Gycol), Silicone Surfactant, Tertiary Amine, Stannous Octoate, Flame Retardant, Pigments/Dyes.

Toluene Di-Isocyanate (TDI) is the most common isocyanate employed in polyurethane manufacturing, and is considered the workhorse of flexible foam production.

Methyloxirane and TDI have been formally identified as carcinogens by the State of California, and are on the List of Toxic Substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

The “trickery” is in the mattress law label which only discloses the final material, not what chemicals were used to make that final material.

Besides food, our bedding is the most intimate product we use on a daily basis. The FDA does NOT regulate the chemicals that go into making mattresses or bedding – and it’s not on the label.

Choose organic components and sleep healthy!

 

amaizingwool-belle


CozyPure uses only natural and organic materials in the manufacture of bedding and mattresses. For more information visit their website at www.cozypure.com

Categories
Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous

Best And Worst Foods For Your Sleep

We’ve all had those nights of tossing and turning for hours before finally falling asleep. Those nights are certainly unpleasant when one has to awake early on the next morning. Well, I’ve posted in the past about how music can aid in falling asleep, and how reducing your exposure to light in the hour before bed can also benefit you. I have also ranted about eating well and I’ve given tips and lists of what food to eat and what foods might be best during the winter time. So I decided to combine the two and figure out which foods might be best to consume before going to bed.

milk-and-glass

1. Milk (or other various dairy products) is rich with calcium and research shows that calcium deficiency can make it hard to fall asleep at night.

2. Fish contains vitamin B6 which aids in creating melatonin.

3. Poultry, because like most Americans know, one unbuttons their pants and takes a nap after feasting upon a feast of  poultry (i.e. Thanksgiving).

4. Cherries contain melatonin in them, so munching on a few of those, or drinking some tart cherry juice, should get the job done.

5. Fortified Cereal because carbohydrates are great for sleep.

6. Bananas contain muscle relaxants magnesium and potassium, which help you, well, relax.

7. Sweet potatoes contain both carbohydrates and potassium.

8. Tea, when decaffeinated, is great for hitting the sack because some blends, such as chamomile, can increase drowsiness.

thanksgiving_dinner_1280x1024

Now that we have gone over some of the better foods to snack on before bed or possibly incorporate into dinner, lets review some of the foods that can keep you up at night.

1. Anything too spicy, like salsa or curry, can keep you awake at night, burning for something to drink.

2. Chocolate contains both high calories and caffeine, which are both counterproductive in the sleep process.

3. Coffee, even when decaffeinated contains some amount of caffeine and also dehydrates ones body to a degree, making falling asleep a task.

4. Alcohol disturbs the body’s natural sleep cycle.

5. Fat, in fatty foods such as beef or pork, are terrible for sleep, and they can totally kill your vibe, and figure.

IMG_9684

So there you have it, a list of foods that are both nutritious and delicious, and great sleep aids. You also have a mental picture of what to refrain from before bedtime, and in some cases, altogether. Now that winter is coming into full swing it might help to cuddle up next to the fire with a hot cup of tea, or get cozy underneath a warm wool comforter with a soothing glass of milk.

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Sleep Tips

How to Read a Book Comfortably Before Bedtime

This year’s Book Lovers Day is coming up on August 9th. We have been asking for comments on our blog about what do you like to read before going to sleep. We also asked readers to share how they get comfortable while reading. Here are our own tips on how to read comfortably no matter what time of the day it is.

Good Posture – You don’t want the hours you spend reading to end up giving you neck or back problems. Find a comfortable sitting position with good back support. Hold your book at an angle where you can read it easily but you are not going to feel sore when you get up afterward. Right before bed is a favorite time to indulge in a good book for many readers. While reading in bed might be cozy, you probably don’t want to do it for a protracted length of time. The same goes for working in bed on your computer.

Good lightingPoor lighting while reading can cause eyestrain. Read your books in a properly lighted area. If you are reading in bed and don’t want to disturb your partner, try using a book light. When using a reading light, aim light over the shoulder opposite from the hand you are using to turn the pages, so your hand does not cast a shadow on the book. Set the light over your left shoulder if you are turning the pages with your right hand and vice-versa. You should also contrast lighting levels when reading. If you are using a bright reading lamp, turn on another light in the room to balance out lighting so there is not a stark contrast between a dark room and light from the lamp.

E-readers  – E-reader devices are winning over legions of readers due to their convenience of carrying an entire book collection in slender device. Some E-readers use “digital paper” that displays text on an unlighted screen. Newer E-readers feature a backlit screen that use LED lights similar to laptop computers. LED screens eliminate the need for a booklight by illuminating the text you are reading. Sleep experts have expressed concern that E-readers and other tablet devices could throw off a reader’s circadian rhythms and contribute to sleep problems. You can adjust your e-reader’s settings brightness settings where you can read comfortably and reduce excessive glow.

Do you have some tips for staying comfortable while reading? Please share them! We want to hear from you!

Our Book Lover’s Day contest contest continues through August 30thLeave a comment on our blog and you could win a grab-bag of books!

Categories
Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom Natural Home Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding

Cool Your Head While Sleeping – Use an Organic Pillow

Does a hot head prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep?

Having to flip your pillow over in search of that elusive cool spot is more than just uncomfortable, experts say it can contribute to insomnia and cause you to miss out on precious sleep time. This can be an even bigger problem during the summer months. Even with air conditioning, the wrong type of pillow can make your head feel hot and sweaty.

While an organic pillow can’t cure insomnia, a pillow made from organic cotton and latex can help lower the heat around your head and give you a better chance to get a good night’s sleep.

One example is the CozyPure® Pure Performance Pillow, made from a silky soft organic cotton sateen fabric. Our 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton fabric is breathable, offering more airflow and a cooler sleep than synthetic blend pillows and allowing body heat to dissipate easily.

Inside the CozyPure® Pure Performance Pillow are pure latex noodles. Pure latex does not retain heat in the same way blended foams or synthetic batting do. The spaces between the latex noodles also assist with airflow and cooling your head. They also provide support, to cradle your head and neck for individual comfort.

Organic cotton fabrics combined with pure natural fillings provide the ultimate in sleep quality and comfort.

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Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

Categories
Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Sleep Tips

Benefits of A Good Nights Sleep

Have you ever had days when you just can’t remember things? When it’s hard to even add something as simple as 2+2? It’s time to consider that sleep could be your problem.

Sleep is very important in our everyday life. After a good nights sleep your thoughts are clearer, and your emotions are less fragile. Without adequate sleep, judgement, mood and ability to learn and retain information are weakened. Achieving restful sleep begins with keeping a consistent sleep schedule and creating a bedroom environment that promotes relaxation starting with your mattress. Your mattress and sheets can contribute to a better sleep. Using fibers such as polyester can overheat your body at night and make you feel uncomfortable. Natural fibers like cotton and pure wool wicks your body’s moisture causing you to stay  a little cooler so you can sleep better through the night. Don’t forget coverings such as blankets and even your pajamas which should also be made from natural fibers to help contribute to better sleep.

Sleeping helps repair your body. It produces extra protein molecules while you are sleeping that helps fight infection to keep you healthy. These molecules help your immune system repair your body cells when you are stressed or have been exposed to harsh elements such as pollutants and infectious bacteria.

Having a good nights sleep can help lower blood pressure and elevated levels of stress hormones. High blood pressure can be life threatening  and the physical effects of stress can produce “wear and tear” on your body  and degenerate cells. Sleep helps to slow these effects and encourages a state of relaxation.

Improved memory is also a result of better sleep. When you don’t have enough sleep it gets difficult to concentrate. This can lead to memory problems with faces, facts, lessons, or even conversations. Sleeping well eliminates these because as you sleep your brain is busy organizing and correlating memories.

If you are trying to loose a few pounds remember food and exercise  are not the only things that you have to control, sleep is also an important factor. Sleep helps regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. When your body is deprived of sleep, the normal balance is interrupted and your appetite increases.

Getting a good nights sleep is a great way to ensure that your day will be just a little better. Remember, your body needs sleep just as much as it needs food.

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Jamar Diggs is a PR Communications and Social Media 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.

 

Categories
Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom

Sleep Tips for A Better Nights Sleep

Do you toss and turn every night? There are a lot of factors that interfere with a good nights sleep. It could be pressure from work and family to relationship issues and illness. We can’t always control the factors that ruin our sleep but adopting habits that encourage a good nights rest is a great place to start.

Try sticking to a sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same times even on weekends and holidays help your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you don’t fall asleep within about 15 minutes get up and do something relaxing and go back to bed when you are tired.

Watch what you eat and drink. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. Your discomfort could keep you up. Reduce the amount you drink before going to sleep to decrease middle of the night bathroom runs.

Creating a bedtime ritual is an easy way to tell your body when its time to wind down. You could read a book, listen to calming music, take a bath. Doing relaxing activities before bed create an easier transition to becoming drowsy.

Create your room ideal for sleeping.  Make your room cool, dark and quiet. Try using room darkening shades, a fan, earplugs or other items that can create your ideal sleep environment. Your mattress and sheets can contribute to a better sleep. Using fibers such as polyester can overheat your body at night and make you feel uncomfortable. Natural fibers like cotton and pure wool wicks your body’s moisture causing you to stay  a little cooler so you can sleep better through the night. Don’t forget coverings such as blankets and even your pajamas which should also be made from natural fibers to help contribute to better sleep.

Limiting daytime naps will help you get a good nights sleep especially if your struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to about 10-30 minutes during the mid-afternoon.

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity promotes better sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and to enjoy a deeper sleep. Make sure to exercise earlier in the day. If your exercise before bed you may be too energized to sleep.

When you have many things to do and think about – your sleep suffers. Consider healthy ways to handle stress. Start by getting organized, delegating tasks and setting priorities. Take a break when you need one. Before bed, quickly write down what’s on your mind and save it for tomorrow.

Hopefully with these tips you are able to receive the best sleep you deserve and wake up a little less crabby. If you have trouble sleeping often, contact your physician. Finding and treating an underlying cause may also contribute to a better sleep for you.

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Jamar Diggs is a PR Communications and Social Media 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.

 

Categories
Natural Bedroom Organic Comfort

How to soften a mattress that’s too firm.

Yesterday I received an email from a business associate thanking me (again) for giving her the gift of a great night’s sleep.

I was on the phone with Mrs “Tee” last month and we got to talking about her husband’s recent back problems. Under doctor’s orders they had to go out immediately and buy a very firm mattress. The new mattress was an extra firm innerspring support system with conventional compressed padding on the surface. Now this may have been ideal for MR Tee, however Mrs Tee found herself suffering through the night with pressure point pain, tossing and turning, and not feeling very happy the next morning. It wasn’t long before she found herself sleeping in the guest bedroom every night, where the mattress wasn’t quite so firm and uncompromising. As we chatted, she asked if there was anything that could help.

It didn’t take me long to recommend one of our most popular items: the LaNoodle Cuddle-Top

Our LaNoodle Cuddle-Top has a 100% satisfaction rate with our customers and because there’s nothing like it available anywhere it’s a bit difficult to describe the incredible comfort it can bring to your mattress. Even if your mattress is already comfortable (like mine) the Cuddle-Top adds a layer of puffy softness that cuddles you perfectly.

Inside our LaNoodle Cuddle-Top are thousands of little pieces of natural latex (shaped like tiny noodles). They move freely around your curves and create a soft cushion under your body that makes the surface of your mattress delightfully soothing. I call them my nourishing noodles 🙂

Mrs Tee was worried that it would take away the firmness her husband needed. I told her that of course there was a chance however since latex has a firm resiliency, the Cuddle-Top usually doesn’t compromise support. Because “firmness” is very subjective, I couldn’t guarantee anything, but I was confident it was the best option for them to try, and hopefully get them sleeping in the same bed again!

When the LaNoodle Cuddle-Top arrived, Mrs Tee wrote me after the first night. She was so excited that she actually slept comfortably on the firm mattress. I asked how Mr Tee liked it but after only one night he wasn’t ready to give the five stars yet.

So yesterday, after a few weeks of use, Mrs Tee sent another email with some BIG LOVE to confirm it’s still incredible for her and for hubby too. She thanked me for giving her great sleep and a better attitude when she wakes up in the morning. Every day we receive emails and phone calls from happy customers and it always makes me smile. I love hearing our products are helping people sleep better and feel better.

May is “Better Sleep Month”… the time of year to think about improvements in your bedroom that will help you sleep better. It could be a new pillow or comforter, a new mattress or simply a mattress topper. If you’re lucky to have the perfect sleep system, then revel in better sleep this month and beyond. If you’re not so lucky, then make a commitment to invest in your sleep health.

There are great days ahead of you… but you need a great night of sleep to get there.

Sleep Well,
Cheryl


Cheryl Hahn is the President and Founder of Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure® organic mattresses and bedding and Tomorrow’s World, one of America’s first green-living stores.

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