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ASMR, Ever Tried it?

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In the vast landscape of the internet, there emerges, every now and then, a trend or subculture that captures the collective imagination. One such phenomenon that has grown in prominence over the last decade is ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. But what exactly is ASMR? And why has it gained such a robust following?

Defining ASMR

ASMR is described as a tingling sensation that typically starts at the crown of the head and can progress down the spine and to other parts of the body. This sensation, often referred to as “tingles,” is typically triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, ranging from soft whispers to methodical tapping.

While the phenomenon itself is not new — many people can recall experiencing these tingles long before the term was coined — the name and the burgeoning community around it are relatively recent developments.

The Origins and Evolution

The term “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” was proposed in a 2010 online forum by Jennifer Allen, who sought to give a name to this widely experienced yet little-understood sensation. From there, it didn’t take long for a community to form around the phenomenon. Video-sharing platforms, particularly YouTube, became a hub for creators, often referred to as “ASMRtists,” producing content specifically designed to trigger ASMR responses in viewers.

By the early 2020s, ASMR had burgeoned from a niche internet subculture to a mainstream phenomenon, with millions of videos available and major brands even leveraging ASMR techniques in their advertising campaigns.

The Science Behind the Sensation

The biological underpinnings of ASMR remain a subject of research and debate. Early studies have suggested that ASMR may be linked to the brain’s release of endorphins, neurotransmitters known for their role in pain relief and pleasure. Other theories point to the potential role of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and social connection.

From a psychological perspective, many individuals find ASMR videos relaxing, using them as a tool for stress relief, anxiety reduction, or sleep aid. The methodical, predictable nature of ASMR triggers can provide a sense of calm and predictability in an often chaotic world.

ASMR, with its deeply personal and varied triggers, remains a complex and captivating subject. As researchers delve deeper into the science behind the sensation, the ASMR community continues to thrive, showcasing the diverse ways in which humans experience and interpret sensory stimuli. What began as whispered discussions in obscure corners of the internet has grown into a global conversation about the mysterious and soothing world of ASMR.

Binural Beats

There’s a relatively new approach to relaxation and sleeping that involves stimulating your senses with particular triggers in order to relax. The method is called Autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR for short. The term first appeared back in 2008 on Yahoo!.  Below is one of the most viewed YouTube videos on ASMR that includes a variety of triggers that prompt immediate relaxation. Let me know if you have experience in this practice or have had any positive results from it. Enjoy!

 

Sleep Recommendations: Must-Have Updates for Every Age

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A man lies in bed in a dimly lit room, propped up by pillows, looking intently at a laptop. He is covered with a blanket and appears to be either working or watching something on the screen.

National Sleep Foundation Updates Recommendations for Hours of Sleep by Age

The National Sleep Foundation has recently revised its guidelines for the recommended hours of sleep appropriate for various age groups, adding a new category specifically for adults aged 65 and older. These updates are essential as they reflect the evolving understanding of sleep needs across the lifespan. Understanding the recommended hours of sleep by age can significantly impact health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Updated Sleep Recommendations by Age Group

The latest recommendations offer a clear insight into how sleep needs change as we progress through different life stages. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the updated sleep ranges:

Newborns (0-3 Months): 14-17 Hours

For newborns, the recommended sleep duration has been fine-tuned to 14-17 hours per day. This adjustment reflects accumulating evidence that consistent sleep is critical for proper growth and development. Previously listed as 12-18 hours, narrowing the range emphasizes the importance of structured sleep patterns in the early months of life.

Infants (4-11 Months): 12-15 Hours

In the infant category, the sleep range has undergone a significant broadening—from 14-15 hours to 12-15 hours. This change acknowledges the growing variability in sleep needs as infants begin to sleep longer and may start to establish more regular sleep schedules.

Toddlers (1-2 Years): 11-14 Hours

Toddlers now require 11-14 hours of sleep each day, a slight increase from the previous range of 12-14 hours. This update emphasizes the importance of adequate rest in supporting toddlers’ rapidly developing brains and physical growth.

Preschoolers (3-5 Years): 10-13 Hours

Preschoolers have a new sleep recommendation of 10-13 hours, adjusted from the former 11-13 hours. As children in this age group become more active and engaged in various learning experiences, ensuring they receive enough sleep can help optimize their cognitive functions and emotional regulation.

School-Age Children (6-13 Years): 9-11 Hours

School-age children now have a sleep range of 9-11 hours, which reflects an expanded understanding of the need for restoration during sleep. Previously set at 10-11 hours, this broader range provides parents with more flexibility while highlighting the investment in children’s academic performance and behavior.

Teenagers (14-17 Years): 8-10 Hours

Teenagers should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep, an increase from 8.5-9.5 hours. This adjustment is crucial given the numerous physical and mental changes teenagers undergo, alongside the social and academic pressures they face.

Young Adults (18-25 Years): 7-9 Hours

A new category for young adults aged 18-25 recommends 7-9 hours of sleep. This group often experiences significant life transitions, such as college, careers, and relationships, making adequate sleep essential for mental clarity and emotional stability.

Adults (26-64 Years): 7-9 Hours

For adults aged 26-64, there’s no change in the recommended sleep range, which remains at 7-9 hours. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule in this age range is vital for overall health, productivity, and life satisfaction.

Older Adults (65+ Years): 7-8 Hours

The newly added category for older adults states that they should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This adjustment acknowledges that while sleep needs may decrease with age, quality rest remains critical for reducing the risk of chronic health issues and enhancing quality of life.

The Importance of Adequate Sleep

Understanding the recommended hours of sleep by age is not just about following guidelines; it’s about recognizing the profound impact sleep has on physical and mental health. Adequate sleep contributes to better mood, improved memory, and enhanced cognitive function.

Sleep also plays a crucial role in preventing various health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. By prioritizing sleep aligned with these updated recommendations, individuals across all age groups can make informed choices for their health and well-being.

Conclusion

The National Sleep Foundation’s updated sleep recommendations serve as an essential resource for understanding how much sleep is needed by age. By adapting to these guidelines, individuals can enhance their sleep quality, optimize their health outcomes, and improve their overall quality of life. Prioritizing the right number of sleep hours tailored to one’s life stage can lead to lasting benefits, shaping a healthier future for everyone.

Are you tired of being tired?

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I certainly am. I am embarking on a journey to the peak of sleep perfection. Along the way I will be sharing what products have worked for me. Everything from mattresses, supplements, aromatherapy and other alternative medicines along with emerging research and thought provoking discussions on the necessity of quality sleep for optimal performance.

We spend about a third of our lives sleeping yet few people actually take any measures to improve their sleep quality. I have found that often with a few minor adjustments you can dramatically improve your sleep.

Sleep is hot right now. By that I mean there is new technology being developed and new products coming out weekly that will help optimize your sleep. Sleep tracking devices will help you target where you are losing sleep and how to get back on track.

New mattress startups such as Nest Bedding, Leesa, Helix and others are bringing the cost of quality mattresses down to an affordable level.

New fiber technology such as celliant is now available that will actually improve circulation when you sleep on it. Keep an eye out for this in sheets, mattresses and other bedding products.

With all the emerging research on the dangerous and debilitating effects of sleep deprivation, it’s about time we as a society got serious about sleep and took the time to get to sleep!

This site features reviews of the newest sleep products on the market. I have been to industry trade shows and experienced first hand the old boys club that is the traditional mattress industry. I would like to introduce you to alternatives to high prices and mattresses that were made by former insiders who grew tired of the gimmicks and the secrecy.

The mattress industry, a seemingly innocuous domain catering to our basic need for a good night’s sleep, conceals a murky underbelly of deceit and exploitation. Behind the inviting showrooms and promises of comfort lies a complex network of shady practices that have left consumers tossing and turning in frustration. In this exposé, we will delve into the underbelly of the mattress industry, shedding light on the troubling truths that have long been obscured.

The Price Tag Paradox

Behind the glossy advertisements and irresistible discounts lies a paradoxical pricing scheme that bewilders customers. Manufacturers inflate prices artificially, only to offer substantial discounts, leaving consumers to wonder if they are getting a true bargain or being misled. The practice of “price anchoring” is pervasive, where retailers mark up products significantly before applying discounts to create an illusion of savings. This deceptive tactic erodes consumer trust, leaving them questioning the true value of their purchases.

Planned Obsolescence: The Disposable Mattress

Built-in obsolescence, a well-known strategy in other industries, has also found its way into the mattress market. Manufacturers produce mattresses with intentionally shortened lifespans, ensuring repeat business. By employing substandard materials and flimsy construction techniques, they guarantee premature wear and tear. This deliberate obsolescence not only impacts consumers’ wallets but also exacerbates environmental concerns, as discarded mattresses end up in landfills, contributing to the ever-growing waste problem.

Toxic Truths: A Breath of Chemicals

The sleep environment should be a sanctuary of health, but for many consumers, it unwittingly becomes a source of exposure to harmful chemicals. Mattresses are often made with synthetic materials treated with flame retardants and other potentially hazardous chemicals. These substances, known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have been linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and even certain cancers. The mattress industry’s lax regulations and inadequate labeling requirements allow these toxins to go unmentioned, leaving consumers in the dark about the dangers lurking beneath the surface.

Ethical Quandaries: Labor Exploitation

Beyond the health and financial implications, the mattress industry is marred by labor exploitation. Reports have surfaced regarding factories where low-wage workers endure grueling conditions, often subjected to long hours, substandard pay, and unsafe working environments. In their quest for cheaper production costs, manufacturers turn a blind eye to the human toll, further tarnishing the industry’s reputation and raising ethical concerns.

Final Thoughts on the Mattress Industry

The mattress industry, once seen as a provider of comfort and rest, has been unmasked, revealing an underbelly characterized by deceit, planned obsolescence, chemical hazards, and labor exploitation. Consumers are left grappling with a fundamental lack of transparency, making it challenging to navigate this treacherous landscape. It is imperative for both regulators and consumers to demand higher standards, enhanced transparency, and more stringent regulations to hold the mattress industry accountable. Only through collective efforts can we ensure that a good night’s sleep is not at the cost of compromised values and well-being.

I hope you enjoy my reviews and if you every have any questions, I make myself available via email at [email protected] to help clarify any confusion or help you make the best choice for your needs.

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.

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