I have carefully studied and evaluated many mattresses, sheets, pillows, duvet inserts, comforters, sleep gadgets, and adjustable beds for over a deca... Full Bio
Yogabed was a brand of mattresses that offered memory foam options. It gained popularity for its convenience, comfort, and direct-to-consumer business model. However, in the highly competitive online mattress market, companies and products often undergo changes in terms of branding, product lines, or even ownership. In 2017, Yogabed was acquired by Marpac, a company best … Read more
Ever since Christmas 2014 I have been enjoying my Acupressure mat from HemingWeigh. This acupressure mat is made up of tiny sets of plastic spikes that don’t pierce your skin. The HemingWeigh model also comes with a head rest although I wouldn’t recommend using that right away until you acclimate to the regular mat. An acupressure mat is designed to promote circulation and relaxation. When I first used it, I lied down on it with a t-shirt on since I was afraid that the spikes would hurt too much. Most sites I have come across recommend using an Acupressure mat for about 15-25 minutes per session.
When you first lie down on the mat you feel an acute sharp poking pain. However, after about 5 minutes your body starts to release endorphins to deal with the pain. At this point you may notice a sort of warming sensation in your back. The pain will dissipate and you will start feeling relaxed. I try not to focus on anything and just let the mat do its work. After about 4 sessions I was able to graduate to using the head rest but you need to make sure its positioned properly to get the full benefit. I wouldn’t say there really all that much benefit to the head rest but it is a nice option if you don’t want your head on the floor.
I stay on my mat for 25 minutes at a time usually at night after I workout and after a shower. I find that lying on the mat help with recovery from my workouts and makes me fall asleep much faster. I’m not sure why that is but if you read through the reviews on Amazon.com you’ll find that many people get this benefit which is why I’m listing in on yawnder.com.
The HemingWeigh mat also comes with a carrying case which is nice if you are going somewhere that you know has uncomfortable sleeping conditions. For maximum benefit you may want to turn on some relaxing tunes and get some aromatherapy going along with a dim, blueblocking light. All this together would make an ideal relaxation/sleep environment.
This is my first Acupressure mat review and I may be reviewing other mats in the future but given the price and the results you get for that price, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better.
I should also not that when looking at other Acupressure Mat reviews, some reviewers have mentioned that the spike pattern on the mats doesn’t differ. So there really aren’t any options for changing the pattern that I’m aware of. The HemingWeigh Acupressure mat is the highest reviewed acupressure mat on Amazon right now and one of the most affordable!
Please let me know your experience using an acupressure mat.
Welcome to a new era in mattress shopping. The days of going to a mattress store, lying on dozen’s of beds for 10 minutes each and being thoroughly confused with names, models, features, fillings and warranties are over. There are new online start-ups, including Tuft & Needle, that are disrupting the mattress industry and doing a phenomenal job!
Tempurpedic was the first company to introduce consumers to memory foam. For years Tempurpedic was the only game in town until slowly other companies started getting in the memory foam game. However, prices didn’t change all that much and if they did, there was a big sacrifice in quality. Fast forward a decade and there are now all sorts of online mattress companies emerging that are proving to be a quality mattresses.
Tuft & Needle is the first online bed start-up company bed that I have tested. For context, I have been through dozen’s of beds looking for the right amount of support and comfort and so far have not been 100% with any of my mattresses to date. I currently sleep on a king size organic latex mattress from Savvy Rest which is a great mattress but cost me over $3,000. For comparison, you can get a king size Tuft & Needle mattress for $500 including delivery!
Below is my experience with Tuft & Needle from the ordering process to how it sleeps.
Ordering the Tuft and Needle Mattress
What irritates me most about mattress shopping is the over abundance of choices. There’s so many options that you end up getting analysis paralysis. With Tuft & Needle, they only make 1 mattress. No different levels of firmness, no pillows, sheets or other accessories. Why should you be satisfied with only 1 choice? Well, for starters, it allows Tuft & Needle to focus on making 1 really exceptional product instead of multiple mediocre ones. Additionally, if for any reason you don’t like the mattress, they offer a 30 day no hassle return. And really the return process couldn’t be simpler. According to their website, you can donate it to a local charity and then send them your receipt as proof for a full refund. No need to ship back to the company:
To return your mattress, we work together to donate it to a local charity or non-profit. It’s that easy. Once your mattress is donated, send us a scanned or photographed copy of your donation receipt via email and we’ll process your refund in full.
We’re experts at finding donation locations. If you’re unsure of where to donate or need help, just let us know by phone or email [email protected]; we’d be happy to help find places! If we can’t find a donation location, then we’ll coordinate with a 3rd party pickup service free of charge.
The order form is literally 1 page and you just enter your name address and credit card info. You then get follow up confirmation and tracking information (shipped via fedex). It took about 1 week from hitting “order” to the mattress arriving at my doorstep. Tuft and Needle is headquartered out of Phoenix so if you’re in the area, you can test out their bed by making an appointment on their website and going to their local showroom.
Unboxing the Tuft and Needle Mattress
Below is a video of me unpacking the Tuft & Needle mattress. I received full sized mattress because it fits well on my Lovesac Sactional couch which I use to test beds. Unpacking super easy. For context, the box containing the full size mattress weighs about 50 lbs. so it’s fairly easy to drag into your bedroom for setup and there’s not much packaging left over after you’re done.
Findings of the Tuft and Needle Mattress
I tossed my 14 lb. bowling ball on the mattress to see how much give it has. See below
Here are some pictures to illustrate the softness of the Tuft and Needle Mattress
And another one…
How does it feel to sleep on a Tuft and Needle Mattress?
I had my first night’s sleep on the Tuft and Needle mattress 3 days ago. This may sound funny but I didn’t sleep well the first night because I couldn’t get over how comfortable it is! It is like sleeping on a marshmallow, not that I’ve ever slept on one but I can imagine this is how it would feel. Like I said I’m primarily a side sleeper and the Tuft&Needle mattress was perfect for it!
There are some reviews online saying the mattress is too firm but I couldn’t disagree more. In fact, it feels a little than my organic latex bed from Savvy Rest. I’m a side/stomach sleeper so I’m a bit more finicky than a back sleeper in terms of need for softness. I have been waking up each time with absolutely no neck or hip soreness. You sink into the bed but it bounces back and rolls with you as opposed to a typical memory foam mattress that takes time to regain its shape.
Check out the Consumer Reports Tuft and Needle Mattress review. Consumer reports ranks the Tuft and Needle above 37 other memory foam mattresses rated! It is rated higher than the Tempurpedic Cloud Supreme.
I had my wife and daughter take naps on the bed and they both love how it feels. My 7 year old daughter wanted to replace it with her old mattress right away.
I honestly see no downside to giving this mattress a try. It is unlike anything I have tested out in the stores and the quality is right up there with mattresses costing at least twice as much. It is the highest reviewed mattress on Amazon right now with 757 customer reviews which says something. Given their generous and hassle free return policy, I strongly recommend giving this mattress a try.
UPDATE JUNE 6, 2015
Having owned this mattress for almost 3 months, I would say that this is a good mattress for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers can be the most finicky when it comes to comfort and the level for firmness of the Tuft & Needle is perfect!
Disclosure: We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue. I do not have an affiliate relationship with Tuft & Needle.
Today I received my Tuft & Needle Mattress and was able to do my official Tuft & Needle Mattress Unboxing. Below is the video. The takeaway from this experience is that it was super easy and inflated way faster than I thought it would. You can hear the mattress sucking in air as I cut open the plastic. This was by far the easiest mattress setup I have ever done.
You’ll notice that I decided to do the Tuft & Needle Mattress Unboxing in my basement. I decided too put the mattress on my Lovesac Sactional couch in case it needed to air out. While there was that typical memory foam odor, it was wasn’t bad at all! I look forward to sleeping on it tonight and reporting back with my first night’s sleep tomorrow. Enjoy!
UPDATE, Please check out my full Review HERE
Camping season if finally here! I occasionally go camping in Norther Minnesota and no matter what the season or temp during the day, the evenings can get cold. Below is a great infographic on how to stay warm while camping this season. It’s beyond the normal advice of just bringing a warm sleeping bag. Use these tips to sleep warm while camping this year and you will gain maximum comfort.
The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a relaxation exercise that involves taking a deep breath for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and then exhaling slowly for 8 seconds. This breathing exercise is said to help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
To perform the 4-7-8 breathing technique, follow these steps:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth.
Take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of 4.
Hold your breath for a count of 7.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8, making a whooshing sound as you breathe out.
Repeat the cycle for 3-4 times or as long as you need to feel relaxed.
It is recommended to practice this breathing exercise daily, especially when feeling stressed or anxious. The 4-7-8 breathing technique can be used as a relaxation tool to help you fall asleep faster, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
Why Does the 4-7-8 Breathing Trick Work?
The 4-7-8 breathing technique works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. When we feel stressed or anxious, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to physical symptoms like increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and muscle tension.
By taking deep breaths and holding the breath for a few seconds before exhaling, we increase the amount of oxygen in our body and slow down our heart rate, which can help counteract the effects of the stress response. Additionally, exhaling slowly through the mouth can help release tension in the muscles and promote relaxation.
The 4-7-8 breathing technique also helps to focus the mind on the breath, providing a sense of mindfulness and present-moment awareness that can help reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Regular practice of this breathing exercise can train the body and mind to respond more calmly and efficiently to stress, promoting greater overall well-being.
How Many Times a Day Can You Do It?
The 4-7-8 breathing technique is generally safe and can be practiced multiple times a day as needed. It’s a portable relaxation technique that can be performed virtually anywhere, anytime. However, it’s recommended to start with practicing the technique two times a day, for a couple of minutes each time, and then gradually increasing the duration or frequency of the practice as per individual preference.
It’s important to note that if you experience any discomfort or dizziness while practicing the technique, you should stop immediately and return to your normal breathing. In some cases, the 4-7-8 breathing technique may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory problems, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new relaxation technique.
How Did it Become Popular?
The 4-7-8 breathing technique has been popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil, who has been teaching it for many years as a relaxation technique. While there is no direct evidence suggesting that Navy SEALs use this specific technique, it’s possible that they may use variations of this technique or other breathing techniques as part of their training.
Breathing exercises, in general, are a common practice in many military and law enforcement training programs. Controlled breathing techniques can help improve focus, reduce stress, and regulate heart rate, which can be beneficial in high-pressure situations. Navy SEALs and other special operations forces are trained to remain calm and focused under intense pressure, and breathing exercises can be a useful tool for achieving this state of mind.
However, it’s important to note that the specific techniques and methods used by Navy SEALs and other special operations forces are typically classified and not publicly available.
How Else is it Used?
The 4-7-8 breathing technique is widely practiced as a relaxation exercise by individuals and groups around the world. It has been recommended by healthcare professionals, yoga and meditation teachers, and personal development experts as a tool for managing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
The technique has gained popularity as a simple and accessible tool for reducing stress and improving overall well-being, and it is used by many people in a variety of settings, including in workplaces, schools, and hospitals.
In addition to the 4-7-8 breathing technique, there are many other breathing exercises and techniques that are used by various groups and individuals, such as yogic breathing (pranayama), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and diaphragmatic breathing, among others. Each of these techniques may have unique benefits and may be more or less suitable for different individuals and situations.
Other Breathing Exercises
There are many different types of breathing exercises and techniques that can be used for relaxation, stress reduction, and improving overall health and well-being. Here are a few examples:
Diaphragmatic breathing: Also known as belly breathing or deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths that engage the diaphragm muscle, which can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Alternate nostril breathing: This technique involves inhaling and exhaling through one nostril while closing off the other nostril with your finger, and then switching sides, which can help balance the body and calm the mind.
Box breathing: This technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and holding the breath again for a count of four, which can help regulate the breath and calm the mind.
Kapalabhati breathing: This yogic breathing technique involves forceful exhalations through the nose, which can help increase energy levels, clear the mind, and promote detoxification.
Breath counting: This technique involves counting the breaths, typically up to 10, and then starting over again, which can help focus the mind and promote relaxation.
These are just a few examples of the many different breathing exercises and techniques that can be used to improve health and well-being. The key is to find the technique that works best for you and to practice it regularly for maximum benefits.
It’s 8:21 in Minneapolis, Minnesota right now and the sun has set. I am posting this review from my laptop in my bedroom with the lights on. What makes tonight different is that I’m wearing my new Melatonin Shades. These glasses are designed to block out blue light that suppresses natural melatonin production. It is now well documented that screen time at night before bed is bad for quality sleep. Staring at a screen, no matter how small, will emit blue light that tells your body to stay awake. Wearing the Melatonin Shades, my body does not get that message which makes it that much easier to sleep.
So why not just take a melatonin pill instead? I do use melatonin pills on an occasional basis but the effects of long term usage aren’t really known and I am hesitant to use sleeping supplements habitually.
The Melatonin Shades should provide the same benefits. As a plus, it’s a one time cost as opposed to pills that you consume.
The Melatonin Shades themselves are very comfortable and they make everything have a yellow tinge to it. They are perfectly appropriate for using your laptop or phone but I probably wouldn’t want to watch TV for an extended period of time with them.
I can see these glasses being very useful for people who work overnight shifts and need to start their sleep routine during daylight hours.
So far I am very happy with the Melatonin Shades and recommend them to people who just can’t part with their electronics in the bedroom.
Entrepreneur has another article on the latest trends and research on sleep or sleep hacking. Despite all the claims, the doctor in this article says there’s really no way you can function optimally on a reduced sleep schedule. The article covers the latest sleep hacking gadgets and trends in sleep hacking including poyphasic sleep.
Polyphasic is a method of sleeping in small increments usually no longer an hour at a time so that you aren’t sleeping at all for long periods. People who practice polyphasic sleep say that they can function on less that 5 hours of sleep per day. Polyphasic sleep was made popular in pop culture by Kramer from Seinfeld who tried it, with poor results!
There are claimes that Tesla and DaVinci also practiced polyphasic sleep but there is really little evidence to back this up.
It will be interesting to see what technology actually is effective in promoting sleep efficiency and sleep quality. I don’t think the sleep hacking trend is going to die down anytime soon. However, I would warn against trying to achieve polyphasic sleep as few if any who try it find it successful and there’s emerging research that your brain is doing work while you are sleeping. People who get the recommended 8 hours of good quality sleep have better memories and moods.
UPDATE: Check out my official Live and Sleep Mattress Review HERE! The Live and Sleep Mattress is a very new company in the start-up mattress space. They are headquartered out of Nevada. Similar to Tuft&Needle, YogaBed and Leesa, they also have a philanthropic angle where they have partnered with the National Alliance to End Homelessness … Read more
Looking to maximize your sleep time? The latest sleep infographic below from Donal gives very specific instructions on what you should be doing throughout the day to ensure you have the best night’s sleep. Unlike other sleep infographics, this sleep infographic is very specific about what you need to do. Most sleep infographics are full of statistics about the general population which really doesn’t seem to help much in terms of actually learning how to sleep better.
This may be something you could post in your bedroom just as a remind of how important sleep really is. I think it should be in every doctor’s office to show patients. It’s amazing how many maladies stem from lack of sleep and being tired all the time.
Evelina Children’s Hospital in London developed a sleep app for parents to help get their children a good night’s rest. The sleep app for children is called, “Kid’s Sleep Doctor. This will probably be the first in a long line of sleep apps for children. Children’s hospital builds sleep app – BBC News.
The Warby Parker of Bedding? BuzzFeed has a great article on all the new mattress startups popping up online. Saatva, Yogabed, Leesa, Keetsa and Tuft & Needle are all out to get a share of the mutli billion dollar mattress industry. Some insiders think that these mattress startups will fail but I think they are … Read more
Another great sleep article from CNN about how lack of sleep can actually lower your IQ. It also makes a correlation between sleep and being an effective leader. Manager or leaders that get adequate sleep are better able to regulate their emotions and make better decisions. There’s again a call for napping at the office to improve productivity. Here’s the full article, How sleep can make you a better leader – CNN.com.
Forbes has just taken notice of the ASMR trend and has a decent sized article on the potential to make money with ASMR. The article features Springbok ASMR and details how she got in the ASMR busines and how she makes money with ASMR. Apparently before ASMR grew in popularity, people looked to videos of Bob Ross for their ASMR fix before they knew ASMR was even a thing! The full article is here: Is There Any Money To Be Made In ASMR? .
In our hyper-connected, always-on society, achieving a full night of quality sleep has become something of a luxury. With the rise of digital devices, stress, and other lifestyle factors, sleep disturbances have increased, impacting physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one … Read more
Coming soon to an app store near you, a device that can detect when and how often you snore at night. Device records snores to track sleep | Fox News. Snoring apps are the new sleeping apps. Specifically designed to listen to and record your snoring while you sleep. Preliminary reviews say that these snoring apps … Read more
Ever tried sleeping on buckwheat? Me neither, until I was given an organic buckwheat filled pillow from Bucky. Bucky Inc. is based out of Seattle, WA and has been in business since 1992. According to their website, their manufacturing is increasingly done in the USA. Like bamboo, buckwheat is a sustainable material that Bucky Inc. has made available in the USA.
If you have neck soreness or pain when you wake up in the morning, it could be due to your pillow. I have found this to be especially true with traditional pillows that are filled with down or even foam. A typical nights sleep on these pillows starts out just fine but then I often find myself shifting positions and readjusting my pillow because it has sunk or shifted during the night.
With the Bucky pillow, I was able to mold the perfect support for my head and neck and noticed there was no sinking. Obviously you will still notice some shifting during the night if you change sleep positions but it is very easy to get the pillow back into your favorite position. Sleeping on buckwheat takes some getting used to. The Bucky pillow felt too hard at first, especially against my ear, but after a few more uses I grew accustomed to it. To alleviate this minor discomfort, I could have used a sleep mask to provide another layer of softness. I have already acclimated after just 2 nights with the pillow and it has become my favorite by far.
I had a great night’s sleep with my Bucky pillow. My wife gave it a try the following night with the same results although she also mentioned that it was a bit hard. However, that’s a small price to pay for alleviating neck soreness. And, like I said, the hardness sensation goes away after a few uses. Buckwheat pillows seem to be ideal for back and side sleepers as they provide good spinal alignment.
Aside from the amazing support, the Bucky pillow does not trap heat like a memory foam pillow. This would be a great pillow for people that sleep hot or live in warmer climates. Since it is filled with buckwheat, the pillows are on the heavier side but I see that as a plus since they won’t move around as easily. It also has a pleasant smell since it is made from all natural material. You can even add your own scents such as lavender to the pillow by unzipping the cover and putting in the desired amount.
If you’re in the market for a new pillow and are a side or back sleeper give the Bucky pillow a try. It is a completely different sensation compared to traditional pillows and may be the last pillow you ever need to buy!
Peerj.com just published a new ASMR study on the effects ASMR has on mood, meditative states, relaxation and general well being. In the ASMR study They found that the majority of participants noticed an improvement in mood and relaxation and that the findings warranted more study. This is a very encouraging step forward for ASMR research. The full ASMR study from the journal PeerJ can be found here. Expect to see lots more weird videos come online due to this groundbreaking ASMR study.
Six minutes of this bedtime yoga could help you sleep better | WQAD.com. This page includes some good yoga routines for sleep. It has been long known that yoga induces relaxation so it’s only natural that yoga would be beneficial for sleep.
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