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Sleepy Kneez Pillow Review

Sleepy Kneez

Side sleepers sometimes have issues with sore knees when they sleep. This is because their knees often lay on top of each other without any padding. A common solution to this is using a pillow in between your legs as a cushion. However, pillows are often too big and too thick which leads to a … Read more

Best Mattress Topper? Check Malouf

A black box with gold and white text reads "ISOLUS Sleep Products" with a 3-year warranty logo above. The word "KING" is written below, along with "2.5' Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper." The mattress topper box is placed on a wooden surface.

If you find that your bed is a bit too stiff for your taste these days, you may want to consider a mattress topper. It’s a much more economical choice as opposed to buying a new mattress. I often encourage readers who have only slept on inner springs and are mulling a memory foam mattress … Read more

Ironwood Bed Frames | Tough and Easy!

A neatly crafted wooden pallet with smooth, rounded edges and cut-outs for forklift access sits on a flat surface in a workshop. Among the background's wooden materials and workspace elements, it's easy to imagine this sturdy pallet repurposed into a custom bed frame.

If you are considering making the leap from an inner spring to memory foam mattress you need make sure that you have a proper frame that will support you and the weight of the mattress adequately over time. A frame I highly recommend is the Ironwood Bed Frame. It is very sturdy yet portable and … Read more

Danican Pillow Protector

A plain white square Danican pillow with a small red tag featuring a white cross on the top right edge. The pillow has a simple design with subtle black piping around its edges. The backdrop is plain and white.

I recently wrote about the Danican mattress and it’s superior cooling properties. The Danican company also makes mattress and pillow protectors as part of their bedding ensemble. Danican has roots in Denmark and recently set up shop in America, hence the name Danican. They are offering some very nice quality products and their pillow protector … Read more

Let the Sleep Shepherd Put You to Sleep

A person with closed eyes is lying on a white pillow, wearing a black cap with a yellow crescent moon and blue cloud design—possibly enjoying the benefits mentioned in many Sleep Shepherd reviews.

I’ll admit it, at first I was very skeptical. A hat that puts you to sleep? Measure’s your brain waves? Say what? When I showed it to my wife she started laughing. It wasn’t until I started reading more about this invention that I grew interested in conducting a Sleep Shepherd Review The Sleep Shepherd is … Read more

Nap Anywhere Review

A dark blue, ergonomically shaped seat cushion with a cutout at the bottom center and the word "nap" printed in yellow and "Anywhere" printed in blue on the front. Perfect for comfort, this Nap Anywhere cushion sits elegantly on a wooden surface, ready for any relaxation needs.

https://youtu.be/ZDqkQ9ne3h4 While searching for innovative travel pillows, I stumbled across a product called, Nap Anywhere. It’s not really even a pillow, instead, its a sort of cushioned head rest that allows you to rest your head to the side without relying on a wall or some external support. It came with a some really cool … Read more

HemingWeigh Acupressure Mat Review

A person wearing a black sports bra and black shorts lies on an acupressure mat with white circular pressure points. The person has their eyes closed and appears to be relaxing or meditating.

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.

Melatonin Shades

Wooden-framed amber-tinted Melatonin Shades are displayed in front of a cylindrical bamboo case adorned with a logo of a sleeping face and the words "THE ME LATONIN D ES CO M.N." on it. The sunglasses and case rest on a gray drawstring pouch.

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.

 

SEE ALSO: The Yawnder’s Recommended Sleep Aids

Re-Timer Review: Beat the Winter Blues

A woman with blonde curly hair is wearing white smart glasses and a yellow top. She is smiling while talking on a mobile phone, her re-timer glasses contributing to her vibrant energy. The background shows a blurred urban landscape with buildings and trees.
Re-Timer

Reset to an optimal circadian rhythm and get that body clock back in check. Alter your sleep due to shift work or travel. Bring the sunshine inside when there simply isn’t enough natural light in those long winter months. Re-Timer light therapy glasses change your sleep patterns to suit your life.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Re-Timers are portable, blue or green light-emitting glasses designed to help adjust your body’s internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. This can be beneficial for people who:

    • Experience jet lag due to frequent travel
    • Work night shifts and struggle with daytime sleepiness
    • Have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
    • Suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

How do they work?

Light exposure, particularly blue and green wavelengths, plays a crucial role in regulating the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleepiness. By mimicking natural daylight, Re-Timers suppress melatonin production in the morning, helping you feel more alert and awake. In the evening, avoiding bright light exposure allows melatonin levels to rise, promoting better sleep.

Features of Re-Timer glasses:

    • Portable and comfortable: Unlike traditional light therapy lamps, Re-Timers are worn like glasses, allowing for hands-free light exposure while going about your morning routine.
    • Safe and effective: The emitted light is 100% UV-free and meets international eye safety standards. Six published clinical trials support their efficacy in adjusting sleep patterns.
    • Adjustable intensity: You can choose between two brightness levels (315 lux and 500 lux) to personalize your light therapy experience.
    • Timer function: The glasses automatically turn off after the set treatment duration (20, 30, or 60 minutes).

Things to consider:

    • While generally safe, Re-Timers may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with certain eye conditions or epilepsy. Consulting a healthcare professional before using them is recommended.
    • The effectiveness of light therapy can vary depending on individual factors and the specific condition being addressed.

Overall, Re-Timer light therapy glasses offer a convenient and potentially effective way to manage sleep issues related to circadian rhythm disruption. If you’re interested in trying them, talking to your doctor or a sleep specialist can help determine if they’re the right fit for you.

The Science of Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Many people with SAD experience symptoms like low mood, fatigue, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.

Light therapy is a well-established and effective treatment for SAD. It involves sitting in front of a bright light box for 20-60 minutes each day, usually first thing in the morning. The light emitted by the box mimics natural sunlight and is thought to work by:

    • Suppressing melatonin production: Melatonin is a hormone that makes you sleepy. In people with SAD, melatonin production may be increased during the day, contributing to fatigue and low mood. Light therapy helps to suppress melatonin production, making you feel more alert and awake.
    • Regulating your circadian rhythm: Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Light exposure plays a key role in setting your circadian rhythm. In people with SAD, their circadian rhythm may be out of sync, contributing to their symptoms. Light therapy can help to reset your circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.
    • Increasing serotonin levels: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. Studies have shown that light therapy can increase serotonin levels in people with SAD, which may contribute to improved mood.

The Science Behind the Mechanisms:

The exact mechanisms by which light therapy works are still not fully understood. However, research suggests that it may involve changes in several brain regions and neurotransmitters. For example, light therapy has been shown to activate the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates the circadian rhythm and melatonin production. It may also increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in mood regulation.

Effectiveness of Light Therapy:

Numerous studies have shown that light therapy is an effective treatment for SAD. In fact, it is often considered the first-line treatment for this condition. A review of research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that light therapy was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of SAD.

Things to Consider:

While light therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Side effects: Some people may experience side effects from light therapy, such as headaches, eyestrain, and irritability. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
    • Not for everyone: Light therapy may not be effective for everyone with SAD. It is important to talk to your doctor to see if light therapy is right for you.
    • Importance of consistency: For light therapy to be effective, it is important to use it consistently, every day, for at least a few weeks.

Light therapy is a safe and effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder. If you are struggling with SAD, talk to your doctor about whether light therapy is right for you.

My Re-Timer Findings

If you live anywhere a bit north or south of the equator you can understand how lack of sunlight can affect your sleep schedule. I live in Minnesota where the sun sets around 5pm during most of the winter. That means that you are usually going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. Too much of this routing will inevitably lead to changes in mood and energy levels. You can also get this same side effect from traveling to different time zones where your body has to adjust to local time. A common problem among business travelers.

To remedy this, I have purchased a “Happy Light” which I would sit in front of for about half an hour each morning, or at least try to. Usually I am way too busy with getting the kids out the door and trying to get to work on time to spare another half our to sit tethered in front of a light.

Enter the Re-Timer. It’s works just as effectively if not more so than a happy light and it can be worn just like a regular pair of glasses. UV free light unobtrusively beams right to where your body needs it the most to get you energized and back on schedule. Since it’s portable, I’m much more likely to put them on and can even use them in bed while my wife is still sleeping without waking her up as well. The Re-Timer is charged with a standard USB cable and each charge lasts up to 4 hours. Given I only need to use it for 30 minutes a day I can go a whole week without having to recharge. If you travel frequently it’s your best bet for getting your sleeping schedule in sync with local time. It comes with a nice carrying case that can pack neatly into your suitcase.

The Re-Timer is backed by peer reviewed research that proves its efficacy. Knowing that, if you have been diagnosed with SAD, you may be able to purchase this product as a Health Savings Account (HSA) expense, tax free.

I look forward to using my Re-Timer this coming fall as the days start getting shorter and will report on my progress as winter approaches. In the mean time, do yourself and your sleep a favor and get one of these!

Update 12-17-15

We’re getting close to the Winter Solstice and I am feeling the full effects of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). This past week I have had an insatiable appetite, especially for carbohydrates. In fact, I bought a box of donuts on impulse on the drive home from work a few days ago and ate 3 that night. I’m lethargic and have a short temper.

Thankfully I remembered the re timer. I used it this morning at 6am for 20 minutes in bed. It’s very convenient and doesn’t light up the entire room so that your significant other can still seep. It’s amazing how dark it really gets this time of year in Minnesota. It took me a little while just to tolerate the light near my eyes let alone wear the glasses. After 20 minutes I turned them off and the room looked pitch black.

It takes about 4 days for the effects of the re timer to kick in so I am going to do this all weekend. I’m also going to keep to a consistent sleep time which will also help with energy levels.

It’s nice to know that I have this tool in my sleep arsenal. 

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.

Re-Timer light therapy glasses are priced at $179 USD on their official website. They come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the results. You can also get a 4-year protection plan through Asurion for an additional cost, which covers accidental damage, drops, spills, and cracked screens.

Here’s a quick summary of the price, trial, and warranty options:

FeatureDetails
Price$179 USD
Trial30-day money-back guarantee
Warranty1-year manufacturer’s warranty (includes defects in materials and workmanship)
Optional protection plan4-year Asurion protection plan (covers accidental damage)

Light Therapy Glasses Similar to Re-Timer

Here are a few popular light therapy glasses similar to Re-Timers:

1. Luminette 3:

    • Pros: Clinically proven to improve sleep quality, reduce jet lag, and boost energy levels. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, with adjustable nose pads and ear hooks. Offers a wider range of light intensity levels (150 to 270 lux) compared to Re-Timers.
    • Cons: More expensive than Re-Timers, priced at $199 USD. Requires charging every 3-4 days, whereas Re-Timers last up to 6 hours on a single charge.

2. AYO Premium Blue Light Therapy Glasses:

    • Pros: Stylish design with interchangeable lens colors. Blocks harmful blue light from digital screens, potentially improving sleep quality and reducing eye strain. Affordable option, priced at $69.99 USD.
    • Cons: Not specifically designed for light therapy, so the light intensity may not be as effective as dedicated therapy glasses like Re-Timers or Luminette 3.

3. TheraSpecs Winslow Indoor Glasses:

    • Pros: Ideal for people with light sensitivity or migraine headaches, as the glasses block specific blue wavelengths that can trigger these conditions. Available in a variety of lens colors and styles. Relatively inexpensive, starting at around $129 USD.
    • Cons: Not intended for regulating sleep patterns like Re-Timers or Luminette 3. May not be suitable for everyone, as the tinted lenses can affect color perception.

4. Lumos Light Therapy Glasses:

    • Pros: Discreet and stylish design that looks like regular eyeglasses. Offers personalized light therapy programs based on your chronotype (morning lark or night owl). App integration allows for tracking your sleep patterns and progress.
  • Cons: Most expensive option on this list, priced at $349 USD. Requires charging every day. Less research available on the effectiveness of Lumos compared to other brands.
Re-Timer

Reset to an optimal circadian rhythm and get that body clock back in check. Alter your sleep due to shift work or travel. Bring the sunshine inside when there simply isn’t enough natural light in those long winter months. Re-Timer light therapy glasses change your sleep patterns to suit your life.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.