Authored by Hui-Ling Lai, PhD., RN, and Marion Good, PH.D. FAAN of Case Western Reserve University’s Francis Payne Boulton School of Nursing were published as “Music Improves Sleep Quality in Older Adults” (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49 (3), February 2005, p.234-244). The study found that soothing music-specifically music with a tempo of 60-80 beats per minute (BPM)-resulted in significantly better sleep quality, better perceived sleep quality, longer sleep duration, greater sleep efficiency, and more.

Food is also related to sleep by appetite and metabolism. Research by Dr. Van Cauter shows that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have bigger appetites due to the fact that their leptin levels (leptin is an appetite regulating hormone) fall, promoting appetite increase. This link between appetite and sleep provides further evidence that sleep and obesity are linked. To top it off, the psychological manifestations of fatigue, sleep and hunger are similar. Thus, when you’re feeling sleepy you might feel like you need to head for the fridge instead of bed.

Sleep problems cannot be cured by drinking cup after cup after cup of black coffee.  Coffee, a common morning stimulant, is OK to consume when it’s done in moderation.  However, over consumption of caffeine rich items, such as coffee, can lead to some annoying side effects that can actually decrease someone’s productivity throughout the day.
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Sleep researcher Roger Ekirch’s work on changing sleep patterns in man led him to a discovery that surprised him: the biggest shift came with electricity and artificial light.
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It’s miserable not getting enough sleep when you are pregnant. It is hard to console yourself that your sleeping problems in pregnancy are good practice for the arrival of your new baby. Your body needs rest and relaxation to stay fit and healthy. Here are Ten Tips for a good night’s sleep:
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As always, here are a few links to keep you updated on the study of sleep!

Losing sleep can make you sicker than you think by triggering other disorders, according to the Canberra Times.

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One of the quickest ways to reduce your stress level is to improve the quality of your sleep.  However, the method you use to combat your sleeping problems is just as important as getting more sleep itself.  While sleep medications or over-the-counter sleep aids may seem like the fastest fix, they are unlikely to become a long term solution.
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Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest driving weekends of the year, with millions of Americans heading out to vacation homes or on quick getaways.  However, many of them drive while sleep deprived - probably because they want to make the most of their time!  Besides, you don’t get a vacation from sleep disorders or sleep problems.  Unfortunately for them, driving while drowsy has been shown to be just as dangerous as driving drunk.
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