ANCSLEEP BLOG

Modern sleep culture encourages going to sleep, and sleeping throughout the night. This is known as monophasic sleep because there is one time to sleep. 

Some cultures practice biphasic sleep. This consists of sleeping throughout the night with a daily nap in the afternoon. In those countries, there are two times to sleep. 

Polyphasic sleep schedules involve more than two sleeping periods each day. Quick nap breaks could count, with reduced sleeping throughout the night. Babies are examples of populations who follow a polyphasic sleep schedule. They follow this pattern until they are about three months old, and then they learn to sleep throughout the night with about two naps throughout the day. Others who work unusual hours or jobs that require attention at all times but also follow this sleep pattern.

There are some benefits and harms of polyphasic sleeping. Some prefer it, while others do not. Is it right for you? Continue reading to find out.  

Lucid dreaming is a state of dreaming where the dreamer is aware that the dream is taking place but will not leave the dreaming state. Speculation about lucid dreams even go as far as to say that dreamers are able to control their dreams while lucid dreaming. About 55% of adults have had at least one lucid dream, and almost a quarter of people have at least 1 lucid dream a month. 

There are some benefits of lucid dreaming, according to some research. The treatment of nightmares is one of those proposed benefits. However, other studies show that lucid dreaming actually has a negative impact on mental health before of how much they can disrupt sleep by blending the lines between dreams and reality. 

Weighted blankets are becoming more and more popular with sleepers who struggle with insomnia or nighttime anxiety. Weighted blankets must have enough pressure to induce a calming feeling in order to be effective. However, this pressure needs to be balanced so the user doesn't feel suffocated by the blanket throughout the night. Here, we are going to discuss the proper dimensions of your heavy blanket, so you can ensure you are using one that truly helps, instead of hurts, your sleep. 

Late-night cravings are very hard to resist, and part of the reason for unknown weight gain. After-dinner treats, or desserts, are commonly craved after a savory meal. One of the favorites, chocolate, has been controversial for years. It has a trace of caffeine so it may not be the best option for someone trying to get a good night's sleep. It also has theobromine, which is a compound that can produce wakefulness. 

However, chocolate is not all bad. It does have nutrients that can help with sleep. One ounce of 70% cacao has more than 15% of daily recommended doses of magnesium. This is the same as half a cup of black beans or quinoa. Magnesium can be a helpful sleep aid, as it can promote relaxation and improve sleep. Chocolate also has the amino acid tryptophan, which can help the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that can regulate sleep and positivity. 

The combination of chocolate and sleep aids may provide you with the perfect balance to get that late-night sweet while also helping you get a good night's rest. Continue reading to learn about chocolate-covered sleep aids to see if they are a good fit for you. 

Insomnia induced by the consumption of alcohol, drugs, and other medications is called substance or medication-induced disorder. This means that the effects of using any of those substances is the cause of any sleep issues you may be experiencing, including sleep deprivation, excessive sleepiness, and unusual behaviors during sleep. 

Substances or medication-induced sleep disorder differs from primary insomnia or exhaustion because it affects individuals right after they have taken a drug. Staying up late, participation in activities induced by drug or alcohol use can all interfere with sleep significantly, and the effects last much longer. Continue reading to learn more about how substances can lead to a sleep disorder. 

Sleep is vital for your ability to concentrate, regulate your mood, general health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people with ADHD struggle with their sleep issues, so they do not get the sleep they need. It can take time and practice to develop an effective sleep routine that helps you get the sleep that you need. 

There are steps, however, that can aid in achieving an adequate amount of sleep for a good night's rest. These sleep strategies can help both children and adults learn how to fall asleep with their ADHD.

The most popular supplements purchased in the United States includes multivitamins, Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acid, and herbal remedies. Melatonin is also a dietary supplements that is a recommended sleep aid. 

Dietary supplements are widely used, but some may pose certain health risks due to limited regulation from the federal government agencies. Some supplements contain harmful ingredients or inaccurate concentrations that don't align with the print on the label. It is up to the customers, however to find formulations that which they can trust, which is something that over half of Americans are unable to do, according to a recent survey.  

Continue reading to find out where to find reputable sleep aids, so you can ensure that you are buying the best thing for your health. 

Work performancing and making sure you are able to keep the job that supports your family can introduce a major source of stress into your life. Your new job may be great, as far as benefits and striving towards what you want in your career. However, it could be costing you your sleep. 

Regardless if you are in a new job, old job, or looking for a job, there are many "job jitters" that can creep into your sleep. New jobs can create worries about imposter syndrome, getting along with colleagues, and concerns about workload. This is called anticipatory anxiety, and can fall into the same category as Sunday scaries. 

Stress can make it impossible to get a good night's rest, especially if it's associated with rumination. A survey found that 73% of respondents have lost sleep due to worrying about work. New job and current job worries are normal, but shouldn't take over your life. Continue reading to learn how to take back the night and get a good night's rest. 

Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone that your brain releases when the eyes sense darkness. For those who do not produce enough melatonin, it can also be purchased in a supplement form. Available forms of melatonin include tablets, liquids, patches, gummies and sprays. 

Melatonin is normally used, and intended to be used on a short-term basis for temporary sleep issues. Melatonin can help individuals with shift-work disorder, sleep-wake phase disorder, and jet lag. Melatonin is normally well tolerated without causing many side effects, but because it is not Food and Drug Administration regulated, it is not monitored. This means there could be variations in dosage, as well as other potential health concerns if it is not taken with caution. 

Continue reading to find out more about melatonin dosage by age.  

Apnea is the term for brief pauses in breathing. In children, these events can be common, and very scary for parents. It's important to know common causes of apnea in children, so parents and practitioners know when to be concerned, and when not to be. Pauses in breathing, cyanosis (turning blue), unresponsiveness, are all signs to look out for and can determine the severity of the issue. Here are possible causes of apnea in children and neonates.