Category: Natural Fibers

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Environment Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Products & Sales Sleep Tips

CozyPure’s wool comforter: A lesson in temperature regulation

Wool has a natural property of helping with temperature regulation, contributing to proper shell temperature during sleep.

Working at CozyPure has caused me to examine my sleeping habits. And I’ve discovered something about myself…I’m a cover kicker. For those who aren’t aware of this type of sleeper, it’s when you’re constantly kicking the covers off and searching for them over and over again in the night. I just never seem to be able to find that perfect temperature to maintain REM sleep.

 

TroyLaNoodle
I may never be much of a heavy sleeper, but I need the sleep I get to mean something positive for my health.

So, I began researching temperature regulation and its effect on a healthy night’s sleep. The facts about this subject were eye-opening. What I have learned is that us endotherms have two zones to regulate during sleep. These two zones are the core temperature and the shell temperature. Now, the brain does the work when it comes to the core temperature. Our hypothamalus regulates the temperature in our core, i.e. the abdominal, thoracic, and cranial cavities, which contain the vital organs. It is our shell temperature that is most affected by external temperature. So, if the room temperature isn’t conducive to proper shell temperature regulation, the result can be a night of pulling the covers on and off, never quit achieving that precious REM sleep we all need for healthy living.

 
Then I considered my background when it comes to external temperature. My dear departed mother simply could not stand warm weather. To give you an idea, we had a particularly bitter winter with very low temperatures when I was a child. Our heat had given out for a few days. We were all bundled in sweats and blankets. My mother was dressed like it was mid-summer in Florida. Over time, my body became conditioned to being in a pretty chilly indoor environment. I’ve come to prefer a very cool bedroom. Heavy blankets and comforters simply haven’t worked for me.

 
So, getting the wool comforter from CozyPure and using it for the first time, I was definitely skeptical. The comforter is soft, yet substantial to the touch, at least seemingly more substantial than someone like me could handle. Before I even settled in for my first nap with the comforter, my first thought was that this was going to have me sweating inside of a half-hour period. But as I settled in under the CozyPure comforter, I was eventually given exposure to proper temperature regulation during sleep. I had achieved that level of comfort where you can’t determine where your body ends and the comforter begins. And as for sweating…not a drop. I remained cool and relaxed for the duration of my nap. It’s amazing how nature has the solutions to problems we create in our lives. I may never be much of a heavy sleeper, but I need the sleep I get to mean something positive for my health. Thanks to the CozyPure wool comforter, I can keep my shell temperature just where it needs to be for a healthy restful sleep.

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Made in the USA Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers News Coverage Organic Mattress & Bedding Woman-Owned

As Seen on TV – Behind the Scenes at CozyPure Mattress Factory

Cheryl Hahn being interviewed by Cheryl Tan for HR Business Weekly.

There’s never a boring moment here at CozyPure.  Some days you come in to a ton of online orders, some days you are swamped with customers in our Norfolk, VA showroom, and some days it’s “lights, camera, action,” fortunately for me the latter isn’t too often. Today we were visited by Cheryl Tan and her camera crew to do a segment for HR Business Weekly, a 30 minute show produced by WVEC ABC13 and their partners, that serves as a resource and voice for entrepreneurs and small to medium sized businesses in the region.

Cheryl Hahn being interviewed by Cheryl Tan for HR Business Weekly.
Cheryl Hahn being interviewed by Cheryl Tan for HR Business Weekly.

They were here to interview Cheryl Hahn, our fabulous owner, as “entrepreneur of the week.”  There is always plenty to say about our organic latex mattresses and Cheryl’s passion to her company,natural latex mattresses, organic bedding materials is inspiring to other local entrepreneurs.

 

Cheryl let us know that filming would be taking place in the workshop and showroom today and my seat in the lobby is often a hot-spot for traffic so I knew to brush my hair.  What we could not foresee is that one of our artisans would be out sick today.  When the camera is on, you naturally want everything to look it’s best and CozyPure’s workshop looks best when everyone is busy working.  So, guess who had to fill in?  That would be me, the new girl.  I’ve never operated a sewing machine in my life but for “staging purposes” I sat in front of one today and that is all I intended to do was “sit“. However, I was quickly approached by a true artisan that thought it would look even better if I was actually working and she taught me how to sew on a blanket’s binding.  I never expected to sew today and I don’t expect to sew tomorrow but I’m glad I could fill an empty seat, while the cameras were rolling at least.

Just for the cameras, I pretended to sew.
Just for the cameras, I pretended to sew.

The camera crew seemed mesmerized by our workshop bustling with activity – there is something aesthetically pleasing about seeing hands working with beautiful raw materials.  In our workshop our artisans make the finest bedding materials from all natural materials.  This behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that goes in to every CozyPure mattress is sure to make a great video for the local viewing audience.  The camera crew captured the sewing of organic cotton, the tying of handmade wool comforters, even the creation of CozyPure’s exclusive LaNoodle pillows, hand filled with pure natural latex noodles.  There are much more interesting things going on in the workshop than me pretending to be a seamstress, but that was the highlight of my day nevertheless.

Written by Angela Carey, CozyPure’s newest team member.  Angela brings over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing to the CozyPure staff and is currently greeting customers, answering phones and pretending to sew when the camera is on.  

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Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding

ORGANIC COMFORT MADE FRESH DAILY with Farm Fresh Ingredients

Organic Comfort Made Fresh Daily with Farm Fresh ingredients

NATURAL LATEX RUBBERRubberTree_Milk_copy

SUPERIOR MATTRESS MATERIAL In 1931, the world’s first latex mattress was made. The features of not having to be flipped, staying fresh, responsive, supportive and keeping its shape made the mattress a huge success.

PROVEN TO PROVIDE HEALTHIER SLEEP The year 1954, latex foam is proven to contain exceptionally high anti-bacterial properties by Dr. Theo Lammers from the Institute of Hygiene Gutenburg University, making it the hygienic ideal for mattresses, superior to all other materials: unsurpassed in comfort and support, exceptional durability, stays cool, and is the healthiest choice due to its high anti-bacterial and allergy-free properties.

IDEAL FOR ASTHMA AND RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Further work in 1956 by Drs Fuchs & Gronemeyer at the Asthma Clinic, concluded, “the advantages of latex foam mattresses have been outlined by health and surgical authorities and the bacteriostatic (capable of killing bacteria), as well as fungus and mite resistant properties of latex material found by Lammers is confirmed.”
Throughout the decades, the cost of this premium material made it more expensive for manufacturers to produce and consumers often didn’t want to buy this higher priced option, thus latex mattresses were soon overshadowed by beds made with synthetic batting and petroleum foams placed over innerspring coils.

BOUNCING BACK In 1991, our flagship mail order catalog, Tomorrow’s World, was one of the first companies to offer a selection of natural latex mattresses made with organic cotton and wool. Consumers are beginning to understand the value equation of their purchases and realize that investing in a quality latex mattress will pay for itself many times over the lifetime of use it provides.

DECEPTIONS The popularity of latex mattresses comes with a price to consumer research. Many “so called” latex mattresses often only contain a small layer surrounded by foam and/or coils. Some “natural” latex really only contains a percentage of natural. Even materials such as “organic cotton” are being advertised on certain mattresses when in fact the fabric is blended with synthetic polyester. In this era of popularity for latex mattresses it’s imperative for the consumer to do thorough research so they can be 100% sure they are getting the product they think they are purchasing.

HOW OUR NATURAL LATEX RUBBER IS MADE Rubber tapping is the process by which rubber is harvested. An incision is made in the bark of a rubber tree, which cuts through the bark so the latex drips into a collecting cup. The work is done at night or in the early morning before the day’s temperature rises, so the latex will drip longer before coagulating and sealing the cut. Rubber tapping does not hurt the trees and it’s a great way for the indigenous people to make a living using their natural resources.

Each rubber tree weeps about one tablespoon of latex daily and a Queen size 6” core needs the daily output of 2500 trees, spread over 12 acres of rubber plantation, providing a living to eight rubber tappers. Interestingly, these rubber trees account for the removal of 143 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the environment every year.

100_natural_latex_rubberDon’t let the “creaminess” fool ya. Our natural latex rubber is made from the milk
of the Hevea Brasiliensis (rubber tree), so some folks think it will be too soft (like milk).
Actually, natural latex rubber is the firmest, heaviest and most durable component you
can use inside a mattress. Once the rubber tree milk sap is harvested and baked, this solid,
thick core can last for decades offering you support and comfort -WITHOUT the chemicals.

Natural latex rubber is proven to be the very best component used for mattress support, comfort, durability, as well as offering a healthier sleeping environment. It’s naturally dust mite resistant; it’s breathable so you don’t sleep hot; it’s resiliency is known to last for decades; it’s responsive support offers comfort and proper alignment.

Our natural latex is made from 100% natural rubber direct from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, known for the finest rubber plantations in the world. No synthetic latex. No poly foams. No fillers. No lies.

THERAPEUTIC PURE WOOL
sheep
TEMPERATURE REGULATING AND HELPS KEEPS YOU DRY Wool provides a temperature controlled sleep environment that’s perfect for your body. No matter the season, wool is able to maintain the perfect body temperature. In the winter wool produces warmth without overheating and has the ability to keep you comfortable and in the summer you don’t overheat because of its moisture wicking process.

The average sleeper looses a pint of moisture every night and wool is able to absorb this moisture without feeling damp. The cells of wool fibers are able to quickly and efficiently absorb and evaporate moisture. Due to the natural crinkled structure, wool has an enormous capacity to store air. This property allows your skin to breathe as you sleep surrounded by natural, dry warmth – without the clammy feeling associated with synthetic materials. You’ll wake up well rested and refreshed. It’s the perfect ingredient for your mattress and comforter.

CALMS THE HEART FOR DEEPER SLEEP Studies show that the heart rate is significantly lower when sleeping with wool. Feathers, down, polyester and other synthetic fibers had no effect on (and sometimes increased) the sleeper’s heart rate. A lowered heart rate induces a deep, relaxed sleep.

NO DUST-MITES, MOLD OR MILDEW People with allergies are able to use wool products because it is resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew which can trigger allergic reactions. Wool is also dust-mite resistant because it evaporates moisture rapidly and dust-mites can’t thrive in a dry environment. Our wool is not chemically acid-washed, and it’s also completely covered in organic cotton, so even people with wool allergies can enjoy sleeping with a CozyPure® mattress and comforter.

NATURALLY FLAME RESISTANT Using ONLY WOOL we passed Federal Regulation PART 1633 – Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattresses – so we don’t need to add any FR barrier or chemicals.

Because healthy bedding materials are becoming more popular, many manufacturers are now adding wool as a marketing tool – but that doesn’t mean the wool is the actual fire barrier. In most cases you’ll find they add wool under the fire barrier just so they can “claim wool” simply to sell their mattress.

OUR MATERIALS ARE NATURAL, RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE


CERTIFIED ORGANIC COTTON

Cotton

Most consumers are unaware of the abundant textiles available to manufacture “green goods” and the opportunity to market products deceptively, otherwise known as “greenwashing”.  A perfect example is mattress ticking, the fabric used on the outside of a mattress.

Many mattresses offered today are marketed with “organic cotton” or “bamboo” fabric, however they neglect to tell you the content breakdown.

Mattress knits are comprised of three components: the face (top side), the fill (inside), the back (bottom). The majority of “organic cotton” knits feature organic cotton only on the top side. That is, the inside and bottom of the knit is made from polyester. These fabrics are advertised misleadingly to the consumer as “organic cotton” even though only 33% of the fabric is really organic.

CozyPure® never uses polyester blends in our fabrics. Adding synthetics would defeat our purpose of creating a natural sleep system that breathes. Man-made synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture which won’t allow breathability of the fabric. We also don’t process our organic cotton with chemical finishes such as formaldehyde, which is often used on wrinkle-resistant sheets.

ORGANIC COMFORT MADE FRESH DAILY WITH NATURE’S FINEST INGREDIENTS!

made-fresh-daily

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Made in the USA Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Products & Sales

It started with a kiss…

There’s been a lot of excitement from customers about our “new” kiss collection.

The truth is though, it sort of started with a “kiss” because this is just like the mattress we offered 20 years ago (except our fabric is nicer now).

It’s also similar to what lots of organic brands offer today.

We discontinued this collection a few years ago when we decided to offer all of our mattresses with GOLS-certified 5-zone organic latex. But the thing is, the 100% natural latex rubber is a fantastic alternative for folks who are looking for a quality bed made from natural materials, but don’t want to pay the higher cost affiliated with the GOLS organic certificate or a premium five-zone responsive core.

So what’s the difference between our “Organic Comfort zone Collection” and our “Natural Comfort kiss Collection”?

They both feature our organic cotton matelasse stretch-knit fabric
They both feature reverse-flip comfort (two-sided design)
They both feature 100% wool as the natural fire barrier
They both feature zippered casing so you can adjust your comfort
They both feature 100% natural rubber with no synthetic blends or fillers
Purchasing either one will make you a Cuddle-Up Club member and enjoy 20% Off on our bedding accessories for life

They have a lot in common because they’re both wonderful mattresses.
Here’s the subtle difference:

Natural Comfort kiss Collection
features Monozone Natural Latex


natual latex kiss collection

Organic Comfort zone Collection
features Zoned Organic Latex


organic latex zone collection

Of course the other difference is the price.

Offering these options allow our customers to choose what’s most important to them, without having to sacrifice any quality.

If certified-organic latex is important to you, or if responsive zoning is important to you,
then choose the “Organic Comfort zone Collection“.

If pricing is a concern, yet you still want a mattress made with premium natural materials,
then choose the “Natural Comfort kiss Collection“.

Still have questions? Give us a call Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm EST, we’ll be happy to assist you!

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Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Natural Fibers Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding

Is Your Bedding Sustainable?

Earth Day is fast approaching and it’s the perfect time to evaluate how green you really are. Earth Day is the time that everyone thinks about the basic ways to conserve like recycling, buying local and using less energy. Why not consider changing what you rest your head on every night, your mattress?

Most conventional mattresses available today are made from synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals and a host of proprietary unregulated chemicals. Producing these materials contribute to generating more pollution in our environment, plus creates a dependency on our supply of nonrenewable resources. In addition  manufacturers use toxic chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), a class of synthetic chemicals as flame retardants. Disturbing concentrations of this chemical has been found in human blood and breast milk – a major human health concern.

All of these factors contribute to our health and that of our environment. The materials we choose for use in our CozyPure bedding and mattress components are made from earth-friendly renewable resources that are better for you and better for our environment.

tufting-comforter
CozyPure Wool Comforter Hand Tufted in Norfolk, Virginia

Making useful green products from sustainable materials that will last for years is a great representation of what Earth Day is all about; investing in something that’s not designed to break down and get replaced is not only smart for your wallet, it’s smart for our planet.

Start thinking about your purchases. Do you need it? Is it practical? Will it last? What’s it made from? Where was it made? Are you buying something simply because it’s cheap? You’ll find that when you start asking these questions chances are pretty good that in many cases you’ll put the product back on the shelf.

If you looking to “sleep green”, visit www.cozypure.com for a full collection of organic bedding and mattresses.

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

You Are What You Sleep

They say you are what you eat but what does your favorite sleep position say about you? Most people have a “go to” sleep position each night … mine is on my left side, fetal position, curled up in my blankets nice and tight. Are you a log? A starfish? A soldier?

Research suggests that our beloved sleep position can provide clues to our personalities … and even a glimpse into our mental and physical state-of-being. According to The Better Sleep Council (www.bettersleep.org), there are six common sleep positions:

fetus     A whopping 41% of participants sleep in this curled-up “fetal” manner. Women are twice as likely to rest like this and it is listed as the most common position. These sleepers are said to have a tough exterior but are still sensitive and may appear to be shy but warm up quickly.

logIf you sleep on your side with both arms down, you are a social, easy-going person who is trusting, sometimes to the point of being gullible. The study showed 15% of people “sleep like a log“.

yearnerA close third, or 13% of those polled, sleep in this side-lying position with both arms out in front of the body. Yearners are noted to be open-minded and still cynical, suspicious and stubborn about sticking to decisions once they are made.

soldierThese sleepers lie on their backs with arms down and kept close to the body. In the study, soldiers made up 8% and were said to be reserved, quiet, without fuss and hold themselves and others to a high standard. Soldier sleepers have a higher likelihood for snoring due to the flat-back position, which may not cause them to wake up often but may result in a less restful night’s sleep.

freefallThose people who lie on their bellies with arms under or wrapped around a pillow with head turned to the side, make up 7% of the population studied. Freefallers are brash, outgoing and are very uncomfortable with criticism.

starfishSleepers who lie on their backs with arms up near their head or the pillow account for 5% of participants. These people are good listeners, helpful and are uncomfortable being the center of attention. People who sleep in starfish position are more likely to snore and to suffer from a poor night’s sleep more often.

Hmmm … so if I let my sleep position define me, I have a “tough exterior but am still sensitive and may appear to be shy but warm up quickly”. This might not be so far off (at times, anyway). So, how do our sleep positions fit in to our finding the right mattress?

Did you know that CozyPure® natural latex mattresses have a unique 5-zone core for proper support? Even though some of our sleep positions are what comforts us, they may not be the best for our lower backs, necks and spines. What’s worse is that they could actually do more harm than good.

With CozyPures’s® 5-zone system, however, each “body zone” is given the correct amount of support. Zoning works by providing more density (firmness) where you need it most (center of the bed) since 70% of our body weight lies in the middle of the bed. CozyPure’s® lateral zones, which are symmetrical so the head and foot are the same, and the shoulder and lower-leg zones are the same, with the large middle section in the center of the mattress acting as the most expansive zone. This allows for easy rotation of your mattress keeping the more critical zones in-tact (shoulder area and mid-section). For more info, visit www.cozypure.com/natural-latex-5-zone-core?chapter=5

So, sleep comfortably, starfish. Rest easy, yearner. CozyPure’s® got your back. And, neck. And, spine. And, zzzzzz

 

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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 Products & Sales Renewable Energy Sleep Tips

You Want To Make A Difference?

Ever wonder what you could be doing to make the world a better place? Do you think that you probably won’t make a difference no matter what you do because you are just one person and how could you? Well, here is some news for you: YES, you CAN make a difference in the small things that you do everyday. Take small steps for humankind that one day might turn into leaps and bounds. For now, I can only do my best in making an impact on my local environment, but hopefully one day I’ll be able to reach out and make an even bigger difference in the lives around me.

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated. This saying is as old as the dirt beneath our feet and it rings true in most every aspect of our lives. If you aren’t treating someone the way that you would like to be treated then you’re just begging for karma to bite you in the butt.

2. Volunteering is something that can make a huge difference in your community. You can volunteer at an animal shelter, a homeless shelter, a woman’s shelter. You can volunteer at the library, it doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but it does have to count for something, even if it only counts for something in your own heart.

3. Donate your old clothes and toys or your kids old toys to local shelters and thrift shops. Everyone who shops at these places will appreciate your items, or at least someone will.

4. Consider buying free range meat if your not trying to become a vegetarian. Organic and whole foods are not only good for you but also for the environment from which they are grown. If you really want to make it count, shop at your local farmer’s market every once in a while and put your dollars into the local economy.

5. You can take shorter showers, wash full loads of dishes and laundry at once, assure your leaky faucets get fixed, and stray away from buying plastic bottles without the intention to reuse or recycle them. Purchase a water bottle that you can refill over and over again.

6. Sure conserving water is great, but why stop there? Go further in conserving your electricity by turning the lights out when leaving a room, recycle old bottle and cans, throw away your cigarette butts, reduce your waste output in general. Try composting.

7. Plant a tree, who knows, it could provide hope or at least shade.

8. Make your vote count, and by that I mean that if you can vote then you should. Voting is one way that everyone can make a difference in their community for the better. Remember that every vote counts, even yours.

9. Speak your mind. Expressing your opinion will get you respect so long as you stand by it, and it can make a serious impact on those around you.

10. Sleep organic. Remember, there is no better place to begin your quest in saving the world than in your own bedroom, so shop now and look for ways to improve your bedroom with natural latex bedding and various other forms of comfort for the mattress.

Now its your turn to make a change in yourself and in your community. You want a revolution? Get out and go and get it!

 

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

Dear Sleep Diary

For those of you who can not get to sleep at night, or who have an incredibly hard time doing it, a sleep diary might not be such a bad idea. You see, the pros of a sleep diary include getting to know when and how you are falling asleep each night, what you might be doing during the day that is keeping you from sleeping, and it can help you figure out what you could do in order to attain a good nights sleep.

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1. Buy a journal. You can pick one up anywhere – Walgreens, Target, anywhere…

2. Get your hands on a pen or a pencil. Again, you can get these items anywhere.

3. First, figure out what time you woke up, and jot it down in your journal. You might find that if you’re sleeping in too late then you might have a harder time getting to bed early.

4. Now think about what time you went to bed last night. If you have to wake up early, you might want to consider getting to bed earlier if you aren’t already.

5. What did you do before you went to bed. Do you have any specific routines? Perhaps reading a book or taking a bath will be able to put you to sleep for the night, and help to turn off your mind.

6. How long before your bedtime did you eat and what was it. Sometimes a glass of milk and a PB&J sandwich will help settle your stomach, sometimes a shot of Vodka can upset it. Remember, coffee before bed might not be the best idea.

7. How active is your lifestyle? Do you exercise often? If you do, how long before bed do you exercise? Remember that our bodies need exercise to keep us healthy, just try and make sure you aren’t doing it right before bed because it will get all your blood pumping and your heart racing and you’ll find yourself feeling as if you have just downed a cup of coffee.

8. Did you wake up during the night at all? If so, for how long? How many times? Perhaps you suffer from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea that should be checked out by a doctor.

9. What kind of mattress are you sleeping on? Is it springy and broken down? Maybe its time to purchase a new one, one that will last for over ten years. Remember, you spend a good third of your life on your mattress, so you’re going to want to get a decent one to snuggle up with. Think of choosing your mattress and bedding like you are choosing your spouse, you want it to be reliable, and you want it to be there for you, ready to cuddle up with at the end of a long day.

Besides helping one figure out what they might be doing wrong in terms of falling asleep, a sleep diary is also efficient in helping reproduce one’s dreams. The first thing that you must do upon waking up in the morning is to jot down whatever comes to mind about the dreams that you had last night. As time goes on, you’ll find that it is getting easier and easier to remember your dreams, and as more and more time goes on you might find yourself able to control your dreams better.

So, there are multiple reasons to keep a sleep diary, and now you can go out and try it for yourself. Good luck and goodnight!

cuddling-article

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Echoes of a Dream

Many of us have escapes that we use to get away from our day-to-day lives, and many of those escapes can be as simple as reading a book or watching a movie. Music, however, for the most part, seems to be universal in helping many people deal with their emotions. Music, and lyrics, and singing, and all kinds of different tunes can help a person either mentally prepare for a big event (like listening to your favorite jams before a big event) or to help you mellow out at the end of a long day. Music is great for break-ups as well as hook-ups. In fact, you could probably find a song to fit every occasion.

online-yoga

Studies have proven that when listening to music, the dopamine in peoples brains is activated, making us want to listen to more and more of it (unless, of coarse, the song is Friday.) However, no one has been able to figure out exactly why this is because while dopamine is activated during activities such as eating good food, or during exercise. If you are a gym rat, like myself, then you will understand how music can heighten one’s workout experience. As for myself, I will never understand those who are able to run on the treadmill or dead-lift without some awesome tunes ringing through their ear buds, but that might just be me.

So why is it that music gives us such a sensation that we feel the need to listen to it almost every day, at work, on the way to work on the way home from work, in the bath, in the bedroom, in the club. It’s almost like music was programmed into human DNA, and gives many of us a natural rhythm that can’t be defined by mere statistics of race or ethnicity (because some white boys can dance.) There are many different dynamics to music too, like sad, slow songs that you for some reason can’t get enough of and love to cry along to. There are fast tracks with pumping melodies and soaring chorus’ that make you feel like the universe is your oyster. Of course, there will always be that one boring song on an album that you skip every time that it comes on (OK, not always because sometimes an artist is that good.) I think it’s safe to say that for the most part, music gives us feelings.

These feelings can translate into our night lives too, because if you go to bed in a sour mood your probably not going to sleep very well, while going to bed in a neutral or happy state of mind can make for pleasant dreams. You might find that falling asleep to your favorite rock track can be a difficult feat, and that’s because its probably not designed to create delta waves in your brain which will help one fall into a deep slumber. White noise such as crashing waves and a ceiling fan can help to lull a person into the world of sleep, but classical music can also induce a person into this state. There are many things that you can find on the internet that will aid in helping a person sleep, and many musical compositions that can be found on YouTube and various other sites that can move this process along. Getting the proper support from your mattress and pillow and finding the necessary comfort are also factors that contribute to how fast one might fall asleep – besides the obvious how tired you are.

The Natural Transformation by Tomorrow's World

Some of these internet tracks are very interesting and might even carry over into dreamland. Listening to a song that remind you of the ocean could put you on a raft in the middle of the Pacific, while listening to some jungle oriented vibes could place you in a safari, among the beasties of the forest. Give it a try, listen to a soothing rhythm tonight that will help you drown out the world around you and escape into the realm of sleep.

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Swaddling Security

A baby Rhino was taken into custody at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center in South Africa, and now can not sleep without being attached to his female keeper at all times. The Rhino was found after poachers killed his mother. He was found lying down with his head crying on his mothers dead body, and now, can not escape the depression that swallows him. Why he needs someone there when he eats and sleeps and breathes, well maybe you would too if your mother was violently poached directly in front of your eyes for her horn.

rhino

Everyone takes comfort in knowing that somebody is there to protect them, or to watch over them. Think about it, it is in our nature, not just as humans but as animals, to need to feel protected or to protect, and when that feeling is threatened then we will obviously become restless. Have you ever tried to sleep at night without a blanket on top of you? Some of us do, and some of us sleep naked, but for the most part, even on hot nights, a blanket or a sheet will provide a person with a sense of security that will help to soothe them to sleep. In fact, depending on your self-esteem, this feeling might weigh you down throughout your day to day life.

I remember back to my middle school days when I would feel extremely uncomfortable or anxious if I was not wearing a jacket that zipped all the way up to my neck. Why? Because I was afraid of people seeing me, and hurting me because perhaps I wasn’t dressed right or what not. The fact of the matter is that in the end, humans are self-conscious beings who need to feel that they have some control over their lives at all times. This shines through in the animal kingdom, and in this case, the baby Rhinoceros who needs to feel protected at all times because his mama was butchered.

Why do babies especially feel this need to be protected? Because they are defenseless…

fitted sheet swaddle

For starters, babies do enjoy the feeling of being constricted, or hugged, or swaddled even. Many parents believe that swaddling is no good for their infants health, but in fact it promotes neuromuscular development, and reduces crying by 28%. Most of all, though, is that babies are found to sleep better when swaddled. This same theory applies to adults also, not that we need to be swaddled, but the feeling of security can be a welcome sensation in our lives, both day and night. Science says that cuddling provides us with the sense of security that we need in order to make us feel good and safe in our own bed, which will eventually translate into our real lives outside of the bedroom.

Now don’t get me wrong, cuddling does not always have to be done with a person. Sure, if you want that release of Oxytocin that the soft touch of another human can give to you, then yes, it should probably involve another, willing, person. However, snuggling up with one’s La’noodle pillow at night will not bring you any harm and can still help ease you into sleep with a better sense of security and comfort. Wrapping yourself up in a warm wool comforter on a comfy cozy bed can do wonders for you as you fall into a deep sleep.

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