Latest news with #RebeccaRobbins
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is orthosomnia? How obsession with wearable tech could impact sleep
Millions of Americans are turning to devices to keep track of everything from heart rates to sleep. But the latter could pose a problem for some wearable tech users who end up more stressed than rested when it comes to monitoring things like their sleep score. Nancy Chen, a marketing manager and part-time boxing instructor, who was drawn to having access to sleep data, told "Good Morning America" that her device became a problem of its own. "Sleep has always mattered a lot to me, and I would always get a little stressed if I knew I wasn't gonna sleep enough," she said. "It was this cycle of, I knew that my sleep score was gonna be bad, and then I was kind of like stressed about it. It was too much data." The constant monitoring can lead to a phenomenon known as orthosomnia, defined by the Sleep Foundation as an obsessive pursuit of optimal sleep that is driven by sleep tracker data. "Orthosomnia refers to individuals for whom tracking may have become or is potentially stressful," sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, told "GMA." "The information they receive stresses them out, and then they it causes them to struggle the next night." The harder people with orthosomnia try to control their sleep, the worse it gets. While health trackers can have many benefits, they may be triggering for perfectionists or those with Type A personalities, Robbins said. "The thing about sleep is it's not always going to be perfect every night, and sleep is a function of all of the things that we experience in a typical day -- and some of that might be stressful," she said. While there are many benefits to health trackers, including understanding one's sleep patterns, if you're experiencing stress from those trackers, Robbins recommends putting it in a drawer and returning to some healthy sleep strategies. "Unwinding before bedtime, calming your mind, using some breathing activities, journaling before bedtime, a warm shower," she suggested, adding that people should try to be "filling the moments before we want to be falling asleep with healthy, relaxing activities."
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Teens Spend a Frightening Amount of Time on Phones While Driving
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study from Mass General Brigham has exposed the frightening phone habits of teen drivers. According to the researchers, many teens spend an average of 21% of their driving time looking at their phones. Meanwhile, 70% of students reported taking long glances at their phones while driving. Researchers surveyed more than 1,100 high school drivers across the United States and conducted in-depth interviews to understand the social norms and beliefs fueling this high-risk behavior. The findings, published in Traffic Injury Prevention, come as road safety experts continue to warn about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly among young drivers who face a higher crash risk due to inexperience. The study's authors say the results can help shape targeted interventions aimed at reducing phone-related distractions on the road. Why It Matters Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes among young drivers. Long glances at a phone significantly increase the likelihood of an accident. The Mass General Brigham study found that teens not only acknowledge the risks, but also perceive distracted driving as a common behavior among peers. Stock image: Driver using a phone in a car. Stock image: Driver using a phone in a car. Photo by photolab / Getty Images "Driving distracted doesn't just put the driver at risk of injury or death; it puts everyone else on the road in danger of an accident," Rebecca Robbins, MSc, PhD, lead author and researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said in a statement. In an email to Newsweek, Robbins said the study, "revealed beliefs young people hold," such as the dangerous belief that using a phone while driving allows one to be 'entertained' while driving. "Young people admitted that some of the activities they did on their phones while driving included checking Instagram, Snapchat, or reading/sending text messages," Robbins told Newsweek. What To Know The study revealed that 21% of teen drivers' time on the road is spent glancing at their phones, with 26% of those glances lasting two seconds or longer. Many teens cited navigation, entertainment and texting as reasons for checking their devices while driving. According to the researchers, 65% of respondents said "entertainment" was their reason for distracted driving, while 40% said "texting". Researchers used the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction framework to explore how social norms, perceived behavioral control and beliefs about the outcomes of distracted driving influence behavior. Teens recognized the usefulness of navigation apps, but simultaneously acknowledged the risk of accidents associated with taking their eyes off the road. What People Are Saying Robbins told Newsweek that distracted driving endangers young people, but also the traveling public around them. "We evaluated beliefs and behaviors relating to distracted driving among young people in a geographically representative sample in the US," she added. What's Next Robbins said future research on how to reduce distracted driving is "urgently needed," especially among young people. "Our work identified beliefs that could be targeted in campaigns," she said. "For instance, some young people shared strategies, such as turning on 'do not disturb' mode, or putting their phone in the back seat, that are useful for reducing the temptation to use a phone while driving. "Moreover, our research revealed that those young people in our study that endorsed self-efficacy beliefs that they were able to practice these safe driving behaviors (e.g., use of 'do not disturb' mode while driving) were less likely to drive distracted. "Therefore, future message-based interventions might consider promoting awareness about these safe driving practices among young people."
Mint
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Study finds teen drivers spend 21% of their time on phones while driving
A new study has raised serious concerns about distracted driving among teenagers, revealing that teen drivers in the United States spend as much as 21% of their time behind the wheel looking at their phones. The research, conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, involved survey responses from 1,126 teen drivers across all four regions of the U.S., along with in-depth interviews with a smaller group of high schoolers. The findings paint a worrying picture of how frequently smartphones are used while driving, even when young drivers are aware of the risks. What's particularly alarming is that more than 5% of the total driving time involved glances at phones lasting two seconds or longer, enough to qualify as dangerous, especially at high speeds. Despite being aware that distracted driving is unsafe, most participants admitted to using their phones regularly while driving. 'Distracted driving is a serious public health threat and particularly concerning among young drivers,' said Dr. Rebecca Robbins, the study's lead author. 'Driving distracted doesn't just put the driver at risk of injury or death, it puts everyone else on the road in danger of an accident.' Although 30% of phone usage was attributed to navigation, teens were more likely to use their phones for messaging (40%) and entertainment apps (65%). The study notes that while teens understand the dangers, the behaviour has become normalised due to peer influence. 'Many teens acknowledged that while their parents and peers disapproved of using phones while driving, they often did it because their friends did the same,' the researchers wrote. To address this growing concern, the study suggests that interventions must focus not just on education, but also on shifting social norms and promoting practical steps. Dr. Robbins emphasised the need to 'enable safety features like 'Do Not Disturb While Driving' and physically separate drivers from their phones.' Apple introduced the 'Do Not Disturb While Driving' feature in iOS 11, and a separate study by an insurance company found that 70% of iPhone users have enabled it. However, compliance among teens appears to be low, according to this latest report. The issue isn't confined to the U.S. In India, a 2018 study by the India Road Safety Collaboration (IRSC), an initiative led by IIT students in partnership with Ford, found that 25% of parents admitted to using mobile phones while driving with their children in the car. Although phone use while driving is legally prohibited in India, enforcement remains inconsistent, and violations are widespread, according to traffic authorities. The study comes amid growing debate over road safety laws in the U.S. While some states have imposed stricter rules around mobile phone use while driving, others still allow it under certain conditions. Critics argue that licensing requirements in the U.S. are too lenient, especially for young drivers, and call for stronger enforcement and better training. Parents of teen drivers are being urged to take a more active role in talking to their children about distracted driving and to make use of available technology to minimise risks.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prepare to Catch the Squishiest ZZZ's With SquishPillow, the First-Ever Sleeping Pillow From the Makers of Squishmallows™
Sweet Dreams Just Got Softer as Jazwares Debuts Its Ultra-Soft Pillows Launching In-Store June 22 Exclusively at Target PLANTATION, Fla., June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Squishmallows™ superfans, get ready to sleep and snuggle like never before! Jazwares, one of the world's leading toy companies and makers of the globally beloved Squishmallows brand, is making dreams come true with the debut of the SquishPillow by Original Squishmallows. The new line of ultra-cozy pillows is designed specifically for sleep. It combines Squishmallows' proprietary super-soft fill with a dreamy, ultra-soft pillowcase made from the brand's signature velvety material. To ensure every consumer gets the full sleep experience, an ultra-soft pillowcase is included with every SquishPillow purchase. Disrupting the pillow aisle with pure joy, SquishPillows are rolling out exclusively at Target stores on June 22 and will be available on Launched in 2017, Squishmallows has grown into a global plush sensation and is now extending its reach into the world of sleep essentials with the SquishPillow. Driven by consumer research that uncovered a significant number of pillow purchasers have already slept on a Squishmallows, Jazwares has now gone one step further and crafted the perfect snooze companion that delivers the ultimate coziness in a perfectly constructed sleeping pillow format. Designed to provide personalized support while keeping things cozy all night long, the SquishPillow comes in standard ($29.99) and king-sized ($39.99, exclusive) options, with two distinct firmness levels: firm, available at launch, and medium, releasing this Fall. "At Jazwares, we're always listening to our fans, and when we learned so many were already using their Squishmallows as pillows, we knew we had to dream up and disrupt the home goods category by developing a branded pillow unlike any other," said Laura Zebersky, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Jazwares. "The SquishPillow is the ultimate blend of comfort, functionality, and squishiness - perfect for at home or on the go, and we're thrilled to launch this exciting new extension to the Squishmallows brand just in time for back-to-school and cozy nights in." Sleep Scientist Dr. Rebecca Robbins added, "Healthy sleep is intimately related to virtually every aspect of our health and well-being. A great night's rest can unlock the key to increased productivity, weight management, better mood and mental health, and improved heart and brain health." Dr. Robbins explains, "A great pillow is an essential component of a great night's rest. Having a pillow on your bed that you love and that is cozy can go a long way toward a good night's rest." To top it off, fans can personalize their nap setup with six uniquely Squishmallows-themed pillowcase styles (sold separately, starting at $9.99), with additional styles launching later this year. Featuring vibrant colors and beloved character patterns, they offer the perfect cozy accent for any bedroom, dorm, or dream den. This summer, Squish your way to better sleep. For more information on the SquishPillow and other Squishmallows news, visit Squishmallows on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and ABOUT SQUISHMALLOWS Since its debut in 2017, Squishmallows has featured collectible plush with lovable personalities, a whimsical design, and an ultra-soft feel. Throughout 2022 and 2023, The Toy Association honored Squishmallows with a total of 10 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, including License of the Year and Overall Toy of the Year. Some fan-inspired engagements include the back-to-back viral activations at VidCon Anaheim, with a one-of-a-kind Squishmallows Human Claw Machine in 2022, and a giant Squishmallows pit, nicknamed the "Squish Pit," in 2023. The brand's ongoing expansion and passionate fan base continue to make Squishmallows a collectible phenomenon and evergreen lifestyle property. ABOUT JAZWARES Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and Adopt Me™. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook. "This release contains disclosures which are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "believe," "potential," "should," "continue" or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements are based upon Jazwares' current plans or expectations and are subject to several uncertainties and risks. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Jazwares has no specific intention to update these statements. As a consequence, current plans and anticipated actions may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by Jazwares or on Jazwares' behalf." HI-RES VISUAL ASSETS AVAILABLE HERE View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACTS: DKC (on behalf of Jazwares)jazwares@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Prepare to Catch the Squishiest ZZZ's With SquishPillow, the First-Ever Sleeping Pillow From the Makers of Squishmallows™
PLANTATION, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Squishmallows™ superfans, get ready to sleep and snuggle like never before! Jazwares, one of the world's leading toy companies and makers of the globally beloved Squishmallows brand, is making dreams come true with the debut of the SquishPillow by Original Squishmallows. The new line of ultra-cozy pillows is designed specifically for sleep. It combines Squishmallows' proprietary super-soft fill with a dreamy, ultra-soft pillowcase made from the brand's signature velvety material. To ensure every consumer gets the full sleep experience, an ultra-soft pillowcase is included with every SquishPillow purchase. Disrupting the pillow aisle with pure joy, SquishPillows are rolling out exclusively at Target stores on June 22 and will be available on Launched in 2017, Squishmallows has grown into a global plush sensation and is now extending its reach into the world of sleep essentials with the SquishPillow. Driven by consumer research that uncovered a significant number of pillow purchasers have already slept on a Squishmallows, Jazwares has now gone one step further and crafted the perfect snooze companion that delivers the ultimate coziness in a perfectly constructed sleeping pillow format. Designed to provide personalized support while keeping things cozy all night long, the SquishPillow comes in standard ($29.99) and king-sized ($39.99, exclusive) options, with two distinct firmness levels: firm, available at launch, and medium, releasing this Fall. "At Jazwares, we're always listening to our fans, and when we learned so many were already using their Squishmallows as pillows, we knew we had to dream up and disrupt the home goods category by developing a branded pillow unlike any other,' said Laura Zebersky, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Jazwares. 'The SquishPillow is the ultimate blend of comfort, functionality, and squishiness - perfect for at home or on the go, and we're thrilled to launch this exciting new extension to the Squishmallows brand just in time for back-to-school and cozy nights in." Sleep Scientist Dr. Rebecca Robbins added, 'Healthy sleep is intimately related to virtually every aspect of our health and well-being. A great night's rest can unlock the key to increased productivity, weight management, better mood and mental health, and improved heart and brain health.' Dr. Robbins explains, 'A great pillow is an essential component of a great night's rest. Having a pillow on your bed that you love and that is cozy can go a long way toward a good night's rest.' To top it off, fans can personalize their nap setup with six uniquely Squishmallows-themed pillowcase styles (sold separately, starting at $9.99), with additional styles launching later this year. Featuring vibrant colors and beloved character patterns, they offer the perfect cozy accent for any bedroom, dorm, or dream den. This summer, Squish your way to better sleep. For more information on the SquishPillow and other Squishmallows news, visit Squishmallows on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and ABOUT SQUISHMALLOWS Since its debut in 2017, Squishmallows has featured collectible plush with lovable personalities, a whimsical design, and an ultra-soft feel. Throughout 2022 and 2023, The Toy Association honored Squishmallows with a total of 10 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, including License of the Year and Overall Toy of the Year. Some fan-inspired engagements include the back-to-back viral activations at VidCon Anaheim, with a one-of-a-kind Squishmallows Human Claw Machine in 2022, and a giant Squishmallows pit, nicknamed the 'Squish Pit,' in 2023. The brand's ongoing expansion and passionate fan base continue to make Squishmallows a collectible phenomenon and evergreen lifestyle property. ABOUT JAZWARES Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and Adopt Me™. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook. ' This release contains disclosures which are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "believe," "potential," "should," "continue" or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements are based upon Jazwares' current plans or expectations and are subject to several uncertainties and risks. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Jazwares has no specific intention to update these statements. As a consequence, current plans and anticipated actions may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by Jazwares or on Jazwares' behalf.'
