Category: Healthy Lifestyles

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Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous

Should You Order a Mattress From an Online Store?

When it comes to good sleeping habits, owning the perfect mattress for your bed is critical. When it is time to buy a new bed set, your first instinct is naturally to head out to the nearest department store and test out a few mattresses to see how well they suit your body. While this is a good indication of what you can expect in a new bed, it may not necessarily mean that buying a mattress direct is the best deal.

That’s right, you can purchase bedding online just as you can with pretty much anything else under the sun. Depending on where you shop, your package will come delivered within days so you can sleep well at night.

Are there advantages to shopping online for a new bed? If you live in a remote area, you may find purchasing via the Internet is just as cost effective, if not more, than driving to a store. Buying direct from a manufacturer, too, may afford you a discounted price than if you go through a retailer. You may find some places offer perks like free shipping or free pillows to accompany your order if you buy at a certain date.

If you are not interested in endless financing, you will find online stores will accept one-time payments for your purchases. Consequently, if you are in need of alternative payment options, a reputable store will make them available to you.

Consider, too, you can test a mattress in a store, then check online for a comparable, cheaper model or price. Online bedding stores also offer models you may not find locally.

There are a number of advantages to buying your bed online, but ultimately you must determine for yourself which is best for you and your sleeping habits.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and organic pillows.

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Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom

Sleep – Part of the Natural Rhythm of Life

If you separated a traditional mattress into all of its individual parts you would have a bunch of metal, synthetic fabric, petroleum based foam and some plastic. Essentially, most mattresses are made from chemicals and metal.

Why should this be of concern?

When at rest or at sleep, your body is vulnerable. Your body “breathes”; both absorbing and releasing elements into and from the environment; it is part of our life-rhythm. Toxic gases may be released from your traditional mattress and the fluids released from your body at night can mix with the chemicals in a traditional mattress creating a toxic swamp that can be detrimental to your health.

Traditional mattresses provide breeding havens for dust mites, mold and mildew. Many people unknowingly suffer from allergic reactions to the surface that they sleep on and the creatures that live in it.

After a few years of use, traditional mattresses begin to sag; especially pillow top models.

The coils and springs wear and start to separate, creating a canoe effect. If your mattress is flippable; that may help prolong the inevitable deterioration of a conventional mattress, but only by a few months or a couple of years at best.

When stripped down to the basics, your antiquated traditional mattress looks like a medieval torture device composed of carpet insulation and wiry springs rather than a rest inducing sleep sanctuary.

As our knowledge of man-made environmental hazards has expanded, our awareness of the importance of natural, organic products has grown as well. Organic mattresses, which by nature are healthier, have become more refined and elegant – even surpassing the comfort level of expensive conventional inner spring mattresses.

Gone are the days when consumers where forced to settle for “canvas-like, assemble-yourself, latex slabs in a bag”. Today, top of the line organic mattresses, like CozyPure®, offer beautiful, tight-top finished organic mattresses that out shine the aesthetics of much more expensive designer mattresses. Companies such as, CozyPure®, create organic mattress that are finished with soft, luxurious, organic color-grown, which reflects it’s balance and harmony with nature.

Natural latex is pure and fresh; both soft and buoyant, allowing a comfortable amount of softness, while still maintaining the necessary amount of orthopedic support required during healthy sleep.

When combining the health, environmental, durability and comfort issues of a conventional mattress, versus a quality organic mattress, then the choice is clear – an organic, natural latex mattress is far superior.

For help creating your perfect sleep environment, call Organic Comfort Zone at 800-229-7571 today.

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Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom

Dangers Hidden in Your Mattress

Looking for a cheap mattress? Before making that purchase consider the importance of the surface that you might be sleeping on, after all, on average, you spend eight hours every night on your mattress.

Sleep is the time when your body regenerates and is the most vulnerable. A percentage of the contents of your mattress will be taken into your body either by respiratory or dermal absorption.

dust-mites2.jpgConventional mattresses are breeding grounds for mold, mildew and dust mites which can cause moderate to severe allergic reactions in some people. Less apparent, but potentially more harmful are the toxic flame retardants used in traditional mattresses. The polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) class of synthetic chemicals used as flame retardants have been found in alarming concentrations in human blood and breast milk – a potentially major concern for human health.

According to Margarita Curras-Collazo, an associate professor of cell biology and neuroscience, “Long-term exposures to PBDEs may pose a human health risk, especially to infants and toddlers who are more likely to ingest household dust or acquire these chemicals through mother’s milk.”

Though PBDE’s can be found in many household items, such as televisions, computers and furniture; few items come in to direct contact with you and for as long of an extended period as your mattress. Therefore, it only makes good health sense to avoid a sleep surface that contains any chemical fire retardants until more scientific research has been done.

As a safe, healthy alternative that’s free of toxic chemicals; natural, organic latex mattresses are all at once, dust mite, mold and mild dew resistant and contain no PBDE’s. A quality organic mattress uses natural wool or other plant based batting instead of dangerous chemicals as a fire retardant, enabling it’s owner to sleep assured that they are not absorbing harmful gases, allergens and other harmful components from their sleep sanctuary.

cozy_embrace.jpg

A quality, natural, organic latex mattress provides the necessary orthopedic support required for healthy body restoration and with minimal care, will outlast a traditional mattress by 20 years or more.

The only drawback is that a good organic mattress may require more cash upfront, however, when factoring in the health benefits and longevity of a natural latex mattress; it proves to be the better bargain.

With all the research data presented, common sense concludes the better option is purchasing an organic mattress, which only leaves the choice of organic mattress manufacturers in question.

Most people agree that buying American made products is better; the quality regulations and standards are higher and because the merchandise is not imported, it is not saturated with pesticides inside cargo containers. To a greater extent, American Made means buying local rather than international, thus, reducing the carbon footprint.

If you’ve done your homework properly, then it’s finally time to enjoy all the wonderful benefits of a healthy, sound and safe good night’s sleep for the next few generations. Your time, money and energy will have been well spent – now relax and pleasant dreams.

Give us a call toll free at 800-229-7571 and we will be happy to talk to you about healthy sleep alternatives.

– Rex

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Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom

A Heath Plan For America Begins With the Basics

A new health plan for America is the current and constant topic up for debate and it seem that everyone has an opinion. The only agreement is that we all need to stay as healthy as possible and enjoy the highest quality of life, but there are more keys to good health than doctors, hospitals and drugs.

The building blocks of good health are fresh air, clean water, a balanced diet, proper exercise, rest and deep, peaceful sleep. When all the life sustaining components are met in harmony and balance, then health risks are reduced; add in a dose of love and companionship and we will all feel better!

Nutrition and exercise are often addressed when discussing healthy lifestyles, but rest and sleep are frequently neglected; while lack of sleep remains a chief complaint among many Americans.

Busy schedules, stress and improper mattresses and bedding account for the growing numbers of our sleep deprived population.

Your bedroom should be your own special sleep sanctuary. Eliminate things such as televisions, computers and other distractions and keep your bedroom clean, simple and fresh. Create a sleep sanctuary that is calm, cool and as organic and natural as possible.

Starting with your mattress and working outward seems most logical when creating your sleep environment.

– How old is your mattress?
Most conventional mattresses are designed to need replacing within 5 – 7 years.

If your mattress is 5 years old or older, chances are, it’s time for a new one. If you have a quality natural latex mattress, then it should last 20 or more years before retirement is required.

– How comfortable is your mattress?
As our bodies age, we may need a sleep surface that offers additional layers of softness. Perhaps a new organic mattress topper is the solution; a few inches of natural latex can make a considerable difference.

– Are allergies keeping your from a good nights rest?
Conventional mattresses and bedding can harbor dust mites, mold and mildew.

Natural latex mattresses are mold, mildew and dust mite resistant and most quality organic mattresses contain organic wool which acts as a natural fire barrier while it wicks away moisture.

– Are you hot at night?
Are you waking up feeling over heated? The chemical reactions between your body and conventional mattresses can make you feel uncomfortably hot while you are sleeping. Natural latex mattresses have temperature regulating properties that adjust to your body temperature so over heating is never a problem.

The same applies to organic wool comforters and natural and organic pillows.

– How do you select the right mattress?
Choosing a comfort level is an individual decision, whether your preference is firm, medium or soft, but remember that you can always make a mattress softer by adding a topper, however, you cannot make a mattress firmer.

Consult with a knowledgeable sleep expert. Most reputable mattress companies will have trained staff members to help you select the perfect mattress for your specific needs.

Natural, organic latex mattresses generally are the best choice for healthy sleep. When shopping for your new organic mattress, choose a company that has been in the organic industry for a considerable amount of time. Many companies are only recently offering organic selections and far too many are simply combining non-organic components with minimal amounts of natural products and calling the “green”.

– Buying directly from the manufacturer
Consider buying directly from an organic mattress manufacturer.

Generally, the warranty is the same as if buying from a retailer while the discount may be greater. Organic mattress manufacturers such as Organic Mattress Factory, which produces CozyPure® organic mattresses, periodically offer consumers factory direct pricing which exceeds savings normally found at retail establishments.

In essence, one of the best personal health plans for Americans is to invest in quality, healthy sleep. A new natural, organic mattress may be the best solution to staying out of the doctor’s office and avoiding expensive medications.

Remember; eat well, sleep well and breathe plenty of fresh, clean air.

– Rex

Categories
Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom

Good Night. Sleep Tight. The Doctor was Right

by Rex Mitchell for Organic Comfort Zone News published Oct 14, 2009

Looking for ways to feel strong and invincible? Want to slow down the aging process and look more beautiful? Thinking about shedding a few pounds? Searching for ways to strengthen your immunity against colds and viruses? The solution could be lurking behind your bedroom door.

According to a survey taken by the National Sleep Foundation, the typical American sleeps under seven hours per night on weeknights and more than one-fifth of the population reports sleepiness interferes with activities several days a week. Alarmingly, most said they were resigned to this situation. About half of the population reports difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up early and feeling unrefreshed. Many adults unsuccessfully attempt to “catch up” on their sleep during the weekend or on their days off from work.

Recent studies now indicate conclusive links between quality sleep and how it affects stress, work performance, athletic abilities, obesity and aging.

The evidence of a correlation between stress and sleep or lack there of is overwhelming. According to the Better Sleep Council (BSC) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), “Stress is a leading culprit that is robbing Americans of sleep.” In essence, the organizations found that stress can create a lack of sleep, while a lack of sleep will compound stress. Additional research for the Oklahoma State University (OSU) confirms that poor sleep can elevate stress. The findings from the OSU research study can be found in the March 2009 Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, which also suggests that improved sleep quality reduces stress and helps us deal with and manage everyday stressors.

Diet and lifestyle play an important part in getting a good night’s sleep, but according to the OSU study, there is a significant decrease in stress after a good night’s sleep on a new mattress compared to one that is more than five years old. The BSC advises consumers to evaluate their conventional coil mattress for optimum comfort and consider replacing it every five to seven years. When replacing a worn mattress, great consideration should be given to a natural, organic latex mattress which will provide orthopedic and therapeutic support without need for replacement for twenty years and beyond. The CozyPure® brand organic mattress is favored highly amongst owners for quality, durability and reliability.

“The components we use in CozyPure® mattresses are rated superior for safe emissions, as well as longevity and resiliency.” says Cheryl Hahn, owner of Organic Comfort Zone. “We take these healthy quality components and build healthy sleep systems designed for outrageous organic comfort to provide deep and nutritious rest.”

The CRN says “Now, more than ever, it’s important to think about taking an integrative approach to preventative healthcare.” Getting a good night’s sleep on a supportive, quality natural organic mattress is an investment in one’s own healthy lifestyle.

Lack of quality sleep can affect more than your mood and personal life; according to the BSC, employees are paying a high price for too little sleep when it comes to productivity. “Some believe you can accomplish more if you spend less time sleeping, but limited sleep can affect every aspect of your life, including job performance,” said Dr. Bert Jacobson, Better Sleep Month spokesperson and author of the new study Subjective Rating of Perceived Back Pain, Stiffness and Sleep Quality Following Introduction of Medium-Firm Bedding Systems. “In fact, sleep deprivation impacts your level of alertness, your productivity and your ability to socially interact with colleagues.”

The results from a survey conducted in 2007 by the BSC showed that employees are attempting to compensate for a lack of quality sleep by:

* Drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks (33 percent)
* Taking a nap (17 percent)
* Going outside for fresh air (18 percent)

Startlingly, only 13 percent of Americans said that they are willing to commit to more sleep to feel more awake and productive at work, which stresses the fact that every minute of sleep needs to be at optimum quality. Our sleep deprived society cannot afford to loose precious sleep wasted on an antiquated mattress and sleep system. A healthy sleep environment and a new organic mattress, pillows and wool comforter will provide a deeper, more peaceful and relaxing slumber, allowing Americans to wake with fewer joint, muscle and body aches, while feeling much more refreshed and productive.

Over-extended Americans have become far too reliant on the “quick fixes” of stimulant drinks, including tea, coffee, energy drinks and so-called performance enhancement supplements which claim to improve all aspects of our daily lives from sports to our sex lives while ignoring what many experts say; “all we really need is a good night’s sleep”.

As further evidence to the impact that healthy sleep has on our bodies and coordination, a recent research study, authored by Cheri Mah of Stanford University, was conducted on a half dozen healthy students on the Stanford men’s basketball team, who maintained their typical sleep-wake patterns for two-weeks, followed by an extended sleep period in which they were allowed as much extra sleep as possible. To evaluate improvements in athletic performance, the students were judged based on their sprint time and basketball shooting percentages. The results of the study showed significant improvements in athletic performance, including faster sprint time and increased free-throws. The athletes also reported increased energy and improved mood during practices and games, as well as a decreased level of fatigue.

The amount of quality, healthy sleep a person gets affects his or her physical health, emotional well-being, mental abilities, productivity and performance. Studies associate lack of sleep with serious health problems such as an increased risk of depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while subjects that received adequate healthy sleep experienced improved mental health, cognitive skills, improved metabolism and stronger immune systems.

Furthermore, insufficient sleep causes neurocognitive changes such as excessive daytime sleepiness, altered mood, and increased risk for work-related injury and automotive accidents. With declining sleep times there has also been an increase in the number of both obese and severely obese people in the United States.

Robert D. Vorona, M.D., from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA and colleagues examined patients’ total sleep time per 24 hours in relation to their body mass index. One-thousand-one patients completed a questionnaire involving demographics, medical problems, sleep habits, and sleep disorders. The patients were classified as being of normal weight, overweight, obese, or severely obese.

The researchers found that total sleep time decreased as body fat increased, except in the severely obese group. Men slept an average of 27 minutes less than women, and overweight and obese patients slept less than patients with normal body fat. The difference in total sleep time between patients with a normal body fat and the other patients was 16 minutes per day, reaching 112 minutes, or 1.86 hours, over a week. In addition, night-shift work was associated with 42 minutes less total sleep time.

The findings of this study suggest that extensions of sleep time may be necessary, as an extra 20 minutes of sleep per night seems to be associated with a lower body fat.

Finally, when all variables are considered, it can easily be concluded that lack of quality sleep contributes dramatically to the aging process; superficially, we look worn and tired and internally, it’s much the same.

Sleep is a time when our bodies heal. During deep sleep, our heart rate slows and our brain begins to act in a different way; this is the time when the body is healing and regenerating. Scientists are beginning to realize more of the physical effects that lack of proper sleep has on the body. There is recognition that sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, preventing the body from being able to ward off infections and viruses. Compound a weakened immune system with mold, mildew and dust mites that live and multiply in conventional mattresses and there’s a formula for disaster. Because natural, organic CozyPure® mattresses are mold, mildew and dust mite resistant, sleepers are enabled with much purer respiration allowing a deeper, safer sleep, which in turn encourages immunity.

In a study done at the University of Chicago, Dr. Eve Van Cauter found that, “after four hours of sleep for six consecutive nights, healthy young men had blood test results that nearly matched those of diabetics. Their ability to process blood sugar was reduced by 30 percent, they had a huge drop in their insulin response, and they had elevated levels of a stress hormone called cortisol, which can lead to hypertension and memory impairment”.

Lack of sleep or improper sleep has a tremendous negative impact on daily life, including social, professional and physical well-being. Something as simple and base as slumber is far too often overlooked as a cause of failings or lack of advancement in our careers, marriages, weight loss and even recovery from illness.

It is time for a wake-up call for Americans to become more invested in their own sleep and the best place to make that commitment is in the bedroom. Survey your sleep situation by evaluating the health of your current mattress and bedding. Consider that you spend about a third of your life sleeping, therefore, your mattress and bedding should be the safest and most comfortable sleep system available; it’s an investment in your health and wellness.

Begin your journey today by replacing your worn chemically-treated traditional mattress and bedding with pure, natural, organic bedding and an organic mattress from a quality, trusted brand such as CozyPure®, available at Organic Comfort Zone in Norfolk, Virginia. To learn more about their healthy sleep systems, you can call them toll-free number at 800-229-7571.