So, What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless Leg Syndrome also known as RLS is a disorder in which a person feels a constant urge to move his/her legs- which almost always relieves the unpleasant sensations. Although RLS is not a sign of any serious medical problem it can be very uncomfortable and often interrupt our precious sleep. RLS usually occurs at night when you lie down in bed or during the day when you sit for a long period of time. The unpleasant sensation is often described as tingling, aching or pulling deep within the legs. Although LRS mostly occurs is middle-aged and older people it is sometimes present in younger people (I am a 24-year old healthy female and have been experiencing RLS since I was 10). That’s because RLS is believed to be passed down in families however the abnormal gene has not yet been identified. To learn more about Restless Leg Syndrome  check out National Sleep Foundation’s article dedicated to explore the cause , symptoms, treatment options as well as many other aspects of RLS disorder. :

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/rls-restless-legs-syndrome-diagnosis

by Agnieszka

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Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Cool Product – Blackout Curtain

If you are like me, and many others, you may find it difficult to maintain a good, sound sleep when there is too much ambient light in the room. This can be especially problematic in rooms that have windows facing parking lots, main streets or other well-lit areas. In addition, those people that have work or other schedules that require sleeping during daylight hours may find it difficult to stay asleep when there is so much light coming in the room.

Can't sleep - Too much light

Fortunately, there are some products on the market that can help. When we had our custom curtains made for the entire house, we had the fabricator using an extra thick insulating panel in our bedroom curtains to help block the excess light when the curtains are closed.

For those who are not planning to purchase custom curtains, or frequent travelers that stay in bright hotel rooms, Blackout Curtain ToGo has a solution for you. You can order their affordable curtains direct, from their website. Here is some additional information about their product-line:

Blackout Curatin

Blackout Curtain ToGo© AKA Blackout ToGo© is a unique sleep assistant that all light sensitive travelers should take with them.

Blackout ToGo© is a kit of multiple sized Blackout Curtains that block light from LED lamps, alarm clocks, any electronic device that emits light when off and light from outside your room.

Blackout ToGo© will take a light polluted hotel room or home environment and in a few minutes convert it into a darkened room that is easy to fall asleep in.

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Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Yahoo! Green: Sleep better in your own bed

Lori Bongiorno over at Yahoo! Green’s Conscious Consumer blog has some great tips for getting a better sleep in your own bed:

You don’t have to spend a fortune on bedding to get a good night’s sleep. Taking good care of the pillows, comforters, and sheets you already own will help you sleep like a baby and also save you money because you won’t have to replace them as often.

Prolonging the life of bedding is also a plus for the planet. Fewer resources are needed to make and ship replacements and it will also put less strain on landfills.

Below are some tips for making the most of what you have:

Pillows:

  • Cover your pillow in two layers to protect it from dust, dirt, and body oils. The first layer should be a case with a zipper and then put a traditional pillowcase over the zippered cover.
  • You can throw polyester, feather, and down pillows into your washing machine. Use the delicate cycle. Be sure to check the seams on down pillows first so that feathers don’t leak out. Good Housekeeping columnist Heloise suggests washing two at a time for balance.
  • Pillows can go in the dryer on a low setting. Fluff often. You should add tennis balls in with down or feather pillows to help plump them up. They’ll take a long time to dry.

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    Important:
    The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.