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Here's What Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

Here's What Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

Buzz Feed10 hours ago

We know what they don't do in the mornings. So, what do sleep doctors do? One thing that came up consistently was ensuring they were exposed to light early in the morning.
'One of the first things I do in the morning, usually within 30 minutes of waking, is exposing myself to natural sunlight by going outside or sitting by a window,' Rohrscheib said. 'Light during the day is very important for keeping our circadian rhythm well-regulated. Studies have shown that a lack of sunlight exposure can reduce the quality of your sleep, contribute to insomnia, and negatively impact mood.'
Dasgupta also makes sure to get sun exposure first thing in the morning. 'Getting sunlight exposure first thing in the morning upon waking up can increase alertness and energy during the day, leading to improved sleep at night,' he said.
Another big tip that came up? Exercise. 'Getting active quickly is a fantastic way to signal to your brain that the day has begun,' Winter said. 'The exercise does not have to be particularly intense. I start my day off by walking my dogs every day or walking with my wife to work.'
Interestingly, another thing Winter always makes sure to do is make his bed. 'It's not only symbolically powerful, but it's also a great deterrent for individuals who might want to slip back into bed during the day and feel the napping might adversely affect their sleep the upcoming night,' he said.
As far as we're concerned, the fact that sleep doctors don't say anything about giving up coffee is a big win. As long as we can have our coffee, we don't mind dragging ourselves out of bed before checking emails and scrolling through Instagram.
HuffPost.

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My phone is wrecking my sleep — and it has nothing to do with blue light
My phone is wrecking my sleep — and it has nothing to do with blue light

Tom's Guide

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  • Tom's Guide

My phone is wrecking my sleep — and it has nothing to do with blue light

After an exhausting day, I get comfortable in bed, pick up my phone and allow myself some guilt-free scrolling time. Suddenly, I'm bombarded with people living in war zones, missiles landing in cities and families being detained. But between each harrowing clip are slightly surreal videos of AI cats, influencers videoing their new product hauls and comedy sketches. It's a bizarre and unnerving feeling as my brain tries to navigate the correct emotional response to each three second reel before my finger is swiping upward to the next piece of content. It's no surprise that I'm feeling anxious at night and overstimulated when I'm trying to fall asleep And recently, as the constant news cycle becomes even more deplorable and we're getting real-time, real-life footage from those at the scene, it has become unbearable. I can't help but worry we're doing real damage to our brains by consuming content in this way, and I'm scared it'll desensitize us to the suffering of others. But right now, I'm experiencing one consequence of using my phone in this way first-hand. My sleep is struggling. It's no surprise that I'm feeling anxious at night and overstimulated when I'm trying to fall asleep, and now my dreams are taking a turn for the worse. So, I've decided to ban my phone an hour before bed time. And no, this isn't burying my head in the sand, it's simply prioritizing sleep, and therefore, my mental and physical health. I've spoken to Dr. Ola Otulana, a GP and physician, and Dr. Emma Lin, a board-certified Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, to find out about the real impact social media and the constantly-updated news apps have on our sleep and how we can ensure we're getting a good sleep every night. 'Flicking through a mix of emotionally charged and often distressing content on Instagram keeps the brain in a hyper stimulated state,' says Dr. Otulana. 'It mimics a state of alertness making it harder for the mind to transition into rest.' So, if your nighttime routine is anything like mine was, I'd recommend ditching social media. Dr. Lin says that in this state, it's impossible to relax. "Your brain is too busy thinking, reading, responding, scheming," she says. "Sleep is a still brain." 'Reading distressing news before bed activates the body's stress response,' says Dr. Otulana.. Reading distressing news before bed activates the body's stress response 'It raises your cortisol levels, keeps the sympathetic nervous system engaged, and increases mental arousal,' he adds. Cortisol is the hormone released in the mornings to help wake us up. If this is released at night, the effect can be bad. 'This delays sleep onset, reduces sleep quality, and often leads to fragmented or dream disrupted sleep. The brain essentially stays in a defensive mode rather than shifting into recovery.' And Dr. Lin has seen this in her patients. 'I have seen many insomniacs who don't realize that their evening activity of reading the newspaper is part of their issue,' she says. With the availability of 24-hour news on our phones, it's only going to get worse Why do we love scrolling? Turns out, it's literally addictive. 'When you're scrolling through all these different posts at a high rate of speed, you're getting little bits of dopamine to the brain,' explains Dr. Lin. 'That is a brain chemical that makes you feel excited. But too much of that too close to bedtime leaves the brain alert,' she adds. 'It's like your brain is wired, but your body is tired.' It's like your brain is wired, but your body is tired Dr. Otulana agrees. 'Phone use keeps the mind cognitively active as well. Whether you're reading, reacting, or scrolling, your brain stays alert and engaged,' he says. 'This mental stimulation can delay the natural rise of melatonin and interrupt your body's circadian rhythm and also increase the likelihood of restless sleep," the doctor adds. "Even without blue light it is the content and interaction that overstimulate the brain.' This explains my vivid and disturbing dreams recently and a feeling like I'm 'on' all the time. Even when I wake up in the night I'm not groggy, I feel awake instantly. Delaying the rise in melatonin can make it difficult to fall asleep. You're less likely to feel naturally tired, and once your circadian rhythm is dysregulated, you can expect energy dips throughout the day, too. At night, we cycle through different sleep stages and each plays an important role in our mental and physical health. REM sleep, the stage in which you dream, helps process emotions and consolidate memory. Getting enough REM sleep improves our mental resilience which is key for better mental health. If you miss out on this sleep stage, you're likely to struggle the next day. But this is also a two-way relationship. Mental health struggles like depression and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, disrupting our sleep cycle and reducing the time we spend in each sleep stage. Ultimately, this can lead to a cycle of poor sleep and poor mental health that's hard to break. This is why it's essential you prioritize your rest and recovery. If you're already struggling, a stream of over stimulating content isn't going to help. So, take a leaf out of my book. If you want to keep your phone with you before bed for important messages, mute the notifications from your social media and news apps, or even hide them from your home screen all together. Turn off news and social media at least an hour before bed 'Turn off news and social media at least an hour before bed,' advises Dr. Otulana. He says to 'Replace scrolling with calming activities, reading, taking a warm shower, or gentle stretching.' Creating a relaxing nighttime routine can be a great way to tell your mind and body it's time to unwind. 'If your mind is racing, write down your thoughts in a notebook. Creating a consistent, calming bedtime routine helps signal to the body that it's time to wind down,' the doctor advises.

Here's What Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning
Here's What Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

Buzz Feed

time10 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

Here's What Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

We know what they don't do in the mornings. So, what do sleep doctors do? One thing that came up consistently was ensuring they were exposed to light early in the morning. 'One of the first things I do in the morning, usually within 30 minutes of waking, is exposing myself to natural sunlight by going outside or sitting by a window,' Rohrscheib said. 'Light during the day is very important for keeping our circadian rhythm well-regulated. Studies have shown that a lack of sunlight exposure can reduce the quality of your sleep, contribute to insomnia, and negatively impact mood.' Dasgupta also makes sure to get sun exposure first thing in the morning. 'Getting sunlight exposure first thing in the morning upon waking up can increase alertness and energy during the day, leading to improved sleep at night,' he said. Another big tip that came up? Exercise. 'Getting active quickly is a fantastic way to signal to your brain that the day has begun,' Winter said. 'The exercise does not have to be particularly intense. I start my day off by walking my dogs every day or walking with my wife to work.' Interestingly, another thing Winter always makes sure to do is make his bed. 'It's not only symbolically powerful, but it's also a great deterrent for individuals who might want to slip back into bed during the day and feel the napping might adversely affect their sleep the upcoming night,' he said. As far as we're concerned, the fact that sleep doctors don't say anything about giving up coffee is a big win. As long as we can have our coffee, we don't mind dragging ourselves out of bed before checking emails and scrolling through Instagram. HuffPost.

Is the Solawave red light therapy wand worth it? I tested it for 21 days
Is the Solawave red light therapy wand worth it? I tested it for 21 days

New York Post

time14 hours ago

  • New York Post

Is the Solawave red light therapy wand worth it? I tested it for 21 days

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. If you've been on TikTok, Instagram, or in an Ulta Beauty skincare aisle lately, you've probably seen the Solawave Wand. It's a compact, FDA-cleared skincare tool that promises to reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, and deliver brighter skin through red light therapy, microcurrent stimulation, warming massage, and facial sculpting, all in one tiny device. Many people online have found this tool to make a truly significant difference. But does it really work, or is it just another beauty gadget we'll all forget about in six months? I spent three weeks using the Solawave Wand daily to find out. Amazon Pros: Compact and travel-friendly Reduces redness and post-acne inflammation Easy to incorporate into nightly skincare Doesn't require a full face mask Cons: Time-consuming if you want to treat the full-face Not as strong as professional-grade red light tools Requires patience and consistency Combining red light therapy, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and facial massage, this multitasking wand is designed to reduce fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness to leave skin noticeably smoother and more radiant. Pair it with the Solawave Renew Complex Serum, recommended by the brand, to achieve a soothing, all-natural formula infused with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and other beneficial ingredients, maximizing the benefits of each treatment. In just three minutes per area, you'll feel the warmth and see the glow as it targets the forehead, under eyes, cheeks, and jawline with its 180-degree rotating head. It's lightweight, rechargeable, and travel-ready with a protective case. Overall, I highly recommend it, and it comes in three lovely shades of rose gold (which I enjoyed), gold, and charcoal. If you're interested in testing other competitors, read our LYMA Laser review or consider shopping full-face LED masks recommended by dermatologists to cover the entire face with one hit. Number of therapies: Four | Battery life: Up to a week | Results: Up to 21 days Solowave Review Advertisement Does Solawave work? Yes, but it depends on what you're using it for to get quick and easy results. The Solawave is a handheld skincare wand designed to deliver results that mimic in-office treatments but from your bathroom mirror. The company has also launched a Solawave mask ($349), which offers full-face red light exposure. However, the wand remains one of its most popular products, thanks to its portability; I even brought it along on weekend getaways. It worked wonders before my friend's baby shower, right before I (regrettably) popped a very juicy zit. I used the Solawave, and the blemish was barely noticeable the next morning. How to use a Solawave A lot of people are curious about how to use a Solowave. I read the directions and thought it would be complicated, but it was incredibly easy to use. Just plug it in to charge for up to two hours. Once it's ready, press the button and boom, as Sabrina Carpenter says, 'hot to go.' It's built to be used for just a few minutes per day, starting at three or if you begin to feel uncomfortable, but it can eventually be worked up to 12 minutes over time in one setting. Emma Sutton-Williams But before we dive in any further, I should give you a brief history of my skin so you can compare it to yours. As a child, I was burned with 3-degree burns, and later, a windshield of glass went through my face, so it has more uneven bumps and scarring that won't be taken away without plastic surgery and most definitely not a wand. And don't get me started on acne growing up — it was a pimple patch. While testing this wand, I've also been dealing with a rollercoaster of stress due to health issues, things entirely out of my control. Like clockwork, my skin tends to react under pressure, so I kept that in mind while testing. The Solawave Wand combines four skin therapies: Red light therapy to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation Microcurrent to tone facial muscles and lift Facial massage to depuff and stimulate circulation Therapeutic warmth to help with product absorption and relaxation Begin by cleansing your face thoroughly and then gently pat it dry. Solowave recommends using its 2-in-1 Face Cream & Neck Cream or you can buy the 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand & Activating Serum Kit for a more effective session. The substance feels velvety and a bit thick for my preference, but anything to help improve my fine lines and even out my skin tone. I also like that it helps the wand glide effortlessly across my skin. I tested it by applying it to half of my face and the other half with my standard moisturizer. I wish I could tell you I saw a night and day difference, but I haven't noticed any massive changes — yet. However, these things do take time, and the ingredients in the serum are supposed to brighten dark spots and leave the skin feeling refreshed and balanced. @solawave Get more from your light therapy with LightBoost topicals! Works with any device brand. ♬ original sound – Solawave – Solawave Using any water-based serum will work; however, avoid oils, as they can interfere with the microcurrent. If you're unfamiliar with microcurrents, it's a non-invasive treatment that mimics the natural currents in your body to boost cellular activity and reduce the appearance of aging. Who doesn't like that? The wand activates automatically when it touches your skin, so once it's on, slowly glide it over your face in upward and outward motions. After each use, wipe the wand clean with a soft cloth and recharge it as needed. Final Verdict If you're looking for a convenient, effective red light therapy tool under $200 that targets red spots, the Solawave Wand is one of the best options on the market. It's easy to use, visibly helps with redness, and adds a calming moment to your nighttime routine. I wanted my Solawave before and after shots to be mind-blowing, but there is a very minimal difference at first glance. But when my skin was agitated, it reduced the redness significantly. It's not a miracle worker, and it won't give you laser-like results because nothing except lasers can smooth over your skin with a deep peel. It will help your skin recover faster, glow a little more, and feel noticeably healthier over time. And for that, I'm keeping it in my skincare drawer. How we tested Over the course of three weeks, I used the Solawave 4-in-1 Facial Wand nightly as part of a consistent evening skincare routine. Each session lasted five minutes, focusing on areas with fine lines, puffiness, and uneven tone. I paired the wand with the brand's Activated Serum and evaluated changes in skin texture, hydration, and overall glow, tracking both immediate post-use effects and longer-term improvements. FAQ How often should I use the Solawave wand? For best results, it's recommended to use the wand 3–5 times per week for about 5 minutes per session. Consistency is key to seeing lasting improvements in tone and texture. We also suggest using it for 8 weeks before you make up your mind. Can I use the Solawave wand every day? Yes, many users (myself included) use it nightly. Just make sure to listen to your skin. If you experience irritation, take a day or two off, as it can cause your skin to become red if you're not careful. Do I need to use the Renew Complex Serum with it? While not required, the Renew Complex Serum is designed to enhance conductivity and results. Using a conductive serum ensures the wand's microcurrent function works properly. When will I start seeing results? Some people notice a glow or temporary lift after the first few uses. More noticeable improvements — like reduced puffiness or fine lines, typically show up after consistent use for 2–3 weeks. Is it safe for sensitive skin? Generally, yes. The wand is designed to be gentle, but if you have very sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, it's best to do a patch test or consult your dermatologist. Starting with shorter sessions may also help minimize any reaction. Can I use it over acne or breakouts? It's best to avoid active breakouts, especially if they're inflamed. Instead, use the wand to support healing in surrounding areas and return to breakout spots once the skin has calmed down. This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post's office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to her honest thoughts on Kim Kardashian's Skims undergarments and apparel, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.

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