Latest news with #SleepAwarenessWeek
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sleep deprivation is putting parents and their mental health at risk: 'There were nights where I was awake from midnight until 6 a.m.'
Fiorina Arcuri MacAskill anticipated waking up multiple times throughout the night with a newborn. But after giving birth to baby Liam in February 2022, it was obvious that he was having trouble sleeping through the night — and so was MacAskill. 'Pretty much the day he came out of me, I'd say that's when the sleep deprivation started,' MacAskill told Yahoo Canada. MacAskill, now 39, was suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety, much of which stemmed from sleep-related concerns. 'I was terrified something was going to happen to him while I slept,' she said. 'There were nights, especially in the very beginning, where I would stay awake watching him to make sure he was breathing....I had a very hard time sleeping. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. MacAskill said Liam was a 'FOMO baby,' a term used to describe a baby who has trouble sleeping because they have a fear of missing out on all the exciting things happening around them. While some infants adapt to a sleeping schedule as they age, MacAskill said it was getting harder and harder to put Liam down to sleep when he was six months old. 'I was up all night with him, trying to resettle him getting back down,' she said. 'There were nights where I was awake from midnight until 6 a.m., pretty much constantly.' MacAskill — and Liam — struggled to get a good night's sleep for at least a year, and her experience is not uncommon. A recent Snuz survey found 70 per cent of parents surveyed lost an average of three hours of sleep each night in the baby's first year. Added together, that's 133 nights worth of sleep lost before the baby's first birthday. The lack of sleep took a toll on MacAskill's mental and physical health. She cried for hours, which triggered depression that felt like a weight on her chest and shoulders. 'My eyes constantly felt heavy,' she said. 'I didn't have energy to do anything.' Even getting dressed was a challenge some days. We all know a good night's sleep is essential to recharging our minds and bodies. Sleep can help us regulate our emotions, improve our immune systems, and promote cell restoration and repair. This Sleep Awareness Week — March 9-15, 2025 — it's important to take stock of your sleep situation and find ways to improve your sleep health. From sleep trackers and mattresses to the best pillows for neck pain, Yahoo Canada is here with tips to get your best-ever shut-eye. Luckily, when Liam was around 13 months old, MacAskill found a new sleep program that focused on redistributing his sleep schedule throughout the day. Liam just turned three last month, and both mom and baby are getting more sleep. 'He's sleeping better and deeper throughout the night,' she said. 'Once he's in bed and asleep, I go to bed as well. Now I'm getting several hours in a row.' Still, MacAskill's experience with sleep deprivation as a first-time mom is one of the factors MacAskill and her husband are weighing as they decide whether to have another child. 'It's definitely been a rollercoaster,' she said. 'I tell myself I will sleep someday.' Yahoo Canada spoke to a sleep coach to get insight into sleep deprivation among parents and what steps can be taken to combat it. Here's what you need to know. According to Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Canadian adults aged 18 to 64 should get seven to nine hours of good quality sleep on a regular basis. While three-quarters of adults meet this recommendation, new parents commonly experience lack of sleep, especially in the early months. Parenting on little to no sleep is no joke: it can impact your mood, energy and general ability to function. According to Henry Ford Health, sleep deprivation can lead to low mood, difficult coping with everyday problems, and an increased risk of postpartum depression. While seven to nine hours of sleep are recommended for positive health and well-being, parents can survive on less — for a time. 'Adults can survive temporarily on four or five hours of sleep,' said psychologist and certified sleep coach Macall Gordon. Gordon speaks to lots of parents who are experiencing parental burnout due to lack of sleep. Gordon recommends parents find ways to get a solid block of sleep each night, even if it means parents sleeping in shifts. 'It's not going to serve people to be in burnout,' she said. 'So split up the night. Have one parent go into another room, put in earplugs, and get five hours of sleep.' 'Really dedicate yourself to that small chunk of sleep so you can think clearly the next day and also stave off any kind of mood disruptions,' she said. If there's a support system of friends or family available, they can help tired parents carve out time to relax by babysitting. They an also offer to help with other tasks, like meal prep or laundry that can be an added burden for already exhausted parents. Depending on resources, a night nurse or postpartum doula can also ensure that you getting a chance to recharge without worrying about having to wake up multiple times a night. Gordon also wants new parents to know that some babies are harder than others. Her new book, Why Won't You Sleep?!, explores how some parents struggle with 'livewire' children. 'These babies come into the world just more 'on.' They burn brighter, they're more alert and intense,' she said adding that these babies are often described as fussy, colicky, or they cry more easily and more intensely. 'These parents are feeling a little crazy, because none of the parenting information is talking about them,' she said. 'They're just way more exhausted, because these kids are hard.' With this in mind, Gordon suggests tackling the child's sleep schedule first. 'Once we get children sleeping, parents automatically are going to be sleeping,' she said. Other sleep experts suggest parents avoid caffeinated beverages, like coffee, tea and pop, and avoid screen time before bed. However, if the child is finally sleeping well and the parent is still unable to get some shut-eye, Gordon says it may be time to seek guidance from a professional. 'If it continues and you're still not sleeping, even though the baby is sleeping, that may be something to pay attention to,' Gordon said. 'Because it can be an indication of postpartum anxiety or something that needs to be checked out.'
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to clean a mattress in 7 simple steps, according to an expert
Cleaning your mattress may seem like a daunting task, but all it takes is a few common household products — some of which you may already have on hand — a little elbow grease, and some dry time. To help refresh your mattress for spring, we spoke to mattress expert Derek Hales, founder and editor-in-chief of NapLab. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and walks us through how to clean a mattress on your own, including the products you'll need to get the job done. "Most of us are capable of cleaning our own mattress," Hales told Yahoo Canada. "While the process can be time-consuming, it's not difficult. That said, it does require specific care, baking soda, a vacuum cleaner, lots of towels, and lots of time." We all know a good night's sleep is essential to recharging our minds and bodies. Sleep can help us regulate our emotions, improve our immune systems, and promote cell restoration and repair. This Sleep Awareness Week — March 9-15, 2025 — it's important to take stock of your sleep situation and find ways to improve your sleep health. From sleep trackers and mattresses to the best pillows for neck pain, Yahoo Canada is here with tips to get your best-ever shut-eye. Read on to see Hales's recommended products and how to get the job done. The first step when cleaning a mattress is to remove all the bedding and sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the mattress. "Allow this to sit for 8 hours," Hales said. "I use Arm & Hammer, but any brand is fine." Later, you'll remove this with a vacuum. Hales recommends cleaning your mattress with baking soda once a year to remove dust and reduce odours. However, if there are more complicated stains (like blood or urine), the cleaning process requires more time and specific care. Something to keep in mind: Hales advises against using any harsh products on your mattress, like bleach or detergents. All you need are common household products to refresh your mattress and remove dust, pet dander and dead skin cells. Baking soda is an affordable and effective product for cleaning and deodorizing all around the house. This two-kilogram size is "incredibly economical," according to one Amazon reviewer, and Hales recommends it as a key way to clean your mattress. Guests on Earth FRANK Attitude Nature Clean The Unscented Company After the baking soda has sat for eight hours, you'll want to remove it. When it comes to choosing the best vacuum to tackle this part, Hale said to choose one with a straight suction attachment so the vacuum doesn't push baking soda deeper into the mattress. "Don't use a roller brush," Hales said. "If you can afford it, I always recommend Dyson. Ideally, you want a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment." He recommends the Dyson V11, V12, or V15. "I used to test vacuums in a previous life," he adds. Vacuuming the mattress can be done more frequently — like every three months or once a month if you have pets or allergies — to keep on top of dust. Don't forget to target the sides of the mattress and between the mattress and box spring if you have one. If your vacuum has a crevice attachment, it can clean hard-to-reach places, like around raised mattress edges or along decorative quilting. Backed by nearly 2,000 reviews, this Dyson V11 cordless vacuum boasts strong suction and up to 60 minutes of run time. Amazon shoppers say this model "lives up to the hype" and is "surprisingly powerful." Now that your mattress is vacuumed, you can address any more serious stains. For that, Hales recommends a pack of washable microfibre towels. "These are great for dealing with liquid spills that need to be blotted out," he said. However, be careful with any moisture on a mattress. "If moisture cannot be completely removed from the mattress, it is likely to serve as a breeding ground for mold," he said. That's why it's important to take care with liquid stains. "Don't scrub liquid stains. Doing so risks pushing the liquid or stain further into the mattress," he said. "Liquids need to be slowly blotted out using a dry towel, sponge, or cloth." The cloths can also be used to further dry the mattress later. This 12-pack of microfibre cleaning cloths are machine washable and lint-free. With an average rating of 4.4 stars, shoppers say these cloths pick up dust and spills "effortlessly." Once your mattress is clean, spritz a bit of fabric spray on top. "Febreze is great, but I've also used off-brand fabric sprays that seem to do a well enough job," Hales said. "This is just used to help freshen up the smell." Don't go too crazy, though: "Remember, it's liquid, so give it a few sprays evenly spread across the mattress, but not so much that it feels notably wet." At this point, you can open up a window to let in some fresh air or use a hair dryer to help speed along drying out the mattress. This 700-ml bottle of Febreze is a classic for a reason. Shoppers love the "fresh and clean" scent that is effective at eliminating even "stubborn smells." For stubborn stains, Hales recommends using a spray bottle containing equal parts distilled water and white vinegar. "It's great for helping kill bacteria," he said. As with any liquid spray, be careful not to overdo it: "Once fluid has penetrated deep into the mattress, especially foam mattresses, it's incredibly difficult to fully dry," Hales said. Less is more when it comes to intentionally adding liquids to a mattress. With more than 8,000 reviews averaging a 4.7 star rating on Amazon, this all-natural distilled white vinegar comes in a 32-ounce glass bottle. Shoppers note they use it in the kitchen and beyond as a "powerful" cleaning agent. To avoid a sticky situation in the first place, invest in a good waterproof mattress protector. "The most important part of cleaning a mattress is prevention," Hales said. "Using a quality mattress protector will ensure you never have a major spill or stain that needs to be cleaned." Be sure to pick one that's machine-washable and removable. This "Amazon's Choice" mattress protector has nearly 42,000 reviews. Shop it in twin, twin XL, full/double, queen and king. Some experts say you can use a tiny bit of gentle laundry detergent mixed with lukewarm water to dab a stubborn stain gently with a microfibre cloth. However, Hales recommends using natural cleaning solutions, like baking soda or vinegar, instead. But now that your mattress is clean, you're going to want freshly laundered bedding to match. Don't forget to wash your duvet and mattress protectors, too. With an average rating of 4.6 stars, Tide's Free and Gentle hypoallergenic detergent has more than 25,000 reviews from Amazon shoppers who say it's "ideal" for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hundreds of Yahoo Canada readers love these 'perfect' bed sheets — and they're 54% off (shop them for just $30!)
Are your sheets starting to look a little worse for wear? If you're looking to overhaul your bedroom (psst — you might want to give your mattress a deep clean while you're at it), Amazon Canada has a ton of bedding deals as part of their current markdowns. One deal we're eyeing? This extremely popular sheet set that has more than 352,000 customer reviews. It's currently marked down to $30 (that's a whopping 54 per cent off!). In the past month, more than 3,000 people have bought these sheets. Check out the details below to learn more about this "perfect" bedroom must-have — and hey, what better time to score some new bedding than during Sleep Week? We all know a good night's sleep is essential to recharging our minds and bodies. Sleep can help us regulate our emotions, improve our immune systems, and promote cell restoration and repair. This Sleep Awareness Week — March 9-15, 2025 — it's important to take stock of your sleep situation and find ways to improve your sleep health. From sleep trackers and mattresses to the best pillows for neck pain, Yahoo Canada is here with tips to get your best-ever shut-eye. The sheets are available in seven different sizes, ranging from twin to California king, and come in more than 40 different colours and patterns. These cooling sheets have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon and more than 350,000 reviews. The four-piece set comes with two pillowcases, a flat sheet and a fitted sheet that has 16-inch deep pockets that'll tuck under your mattress. The fabric is softer than Egyptian cotton as well as breathable and cool, so you won't be up all evening covered in sweat during hot nights. The regular price of these sheets is $65, but right now, they're on sale for more than half off — ringing in at just $30. ⭐ 4.4/5 stars 🛍️ 352,000+ ratings 🏅"They're just perfect." Two shoppers say that they love the sheets so much that they've repurchased them multiple times. They say that they "feel great to sleep on" and are "absolutely fantastic." Another says they're the "softest sheets" they've ever bought, they keep their colour after being washed a few times, they don't wrinkle and that "they're just perfect." If you tend to overheat while you sleep, these might be the sheets for you, as one shopper said they "kept me cool all night." However, one shopper says these sheets are "thinner than expected," while another says that they're not exactly "hotel quality" because of how thin they are. Another expressed they wished the elastic on the fitted sheet was a bit thicker to keep it in place. Looking for new bed sheets? These sheets from the CGK Unlimited Store have more than 253,000 five-star reviews to back them. Although some people find these sheets to be thin, many others say they love them so much that they've bought them over and over again. Shoppers say they're great to sleep on, are soft, don't wrinkle and keep them cool at night. Seems like a win in our books! Not interested? Shop more deals by category below: Best Amazon deals: All Best Amazon fashion deals Best Amazon home deals Best Amazon beauty deals Best Amazon kitchen deals
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Celebrate Sleep Week with more than $700 off a new Leesa hybrid mattress
Celebrate Sleep Week with more than $700 off a new Leesa hybrid mattress Save 20% on hybrid mattresses, organic models and top-sellers at Leesa's Sleep Week sale. — Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. ICYMI: it's Sleep Awareness Week, which means that if you've been putting off buying a new mattress for your home, now's the time to finally invest in a model you'll love—without the splurge! All of our favorite mattress brands are turning out for Sleep Week 2025 and hosting sales on all types of mattresses, including Leesa, where shoppers can save more than $700 on select hybrid mattresses (yes, really!) through the end of March. Whether you're desperate to replace an old mattress or simply want an upgraded bed that caters to your sleep preferences better, Leesa is one of the most reliable destinations for shopping the best Sleep Week mattress deals. To simplify your search for the perfect model, we've curated a complete Leesa mattress buying guide below, with options ranging from supportive hybrids to bases with cooling options. What makes Leesa mattresses unique? Leesa is known for its wide selection of medium-firm, hybrid mattresses that combine the support of a classic oil model with the cushioned softness of a memory-foam mattress. The brand prioritizes using high-quality materials in its mattresses, as well as avoiding less-safe items that are typical in the makeup of other types of mattresses—like fiberglass. Sleep Week 2025 shopping guide: Leesa's best mattress deals Leesa Original Mattress, Queen This supportive Leesa mattress is a great option for side sleepers who want a base with enough memory foam to provide targeted pressure relief across the body. $1,059 at Leesa (Save $273) Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress, Queen Breathable, responsive and designed for all types of sleepers—this hybrid mattress ticks all of our boxes and currently boasts a steep Sleep Week deal of over $400 off. $1,599 (Save $400) Leesa Legend Hybrid Mattress, Queen Save over $500 when you shop this Sleep Week mattress sale on one of Leesa's most popular (and most supportive) hybrid models. $2,079 at Leesa (Save $520) Leesa Reserve Hybrid Mattress, Queen Touted as one of the best Sleep Week mattress deals on Leesa's site, this luxurious model stands out with its cooling cover and zoned springs. $2,959 at Leesa (Save $740) Leesa Plus Hybrid Mattress, Queen Get your dream mattress at the right price with savings of 20% off on Leesa's beloved Plus Hybrid, equipped with a gel-infused memory foam layer for a cooler night's rest. $1,319 at Leesa (Save $330) Leesa Natural Hybrid Mattress If you want something with a more natural build, get this organic cotton mattress on sale for Sleep Week. $1,679 at Leesa (Save $420) Shop the Leesa Sleep Week sale When can I shop the Leesa Sleep Week sale? Sleep Awareness Week 2025 takes place this year between Sunday, March 9 and Saturday, March 15; Leesa's Sleep Week sale takes place over the same dates and will last throughout the remainder of March, with mattress deals being offered sitewide on the brand's most popular models. More: Shop all the best mattress deals at Leesa How to easily clean your mattress using baking soda It's probably time to clean your mattress. Here's how to with just two items. USA TODAY What is Sleep Awareness Week? Sleep Week is an annual celebration that's hosted in March of every year, and focused on raising awareness around how your sleep quality can affect your overall health. More: Rest easy with Avocado's Sleep Week deals: Save $140 on organic mattresses How do I choose the right mattress? There are several different types of mattresses to consider, and your ideal model will depend on a couple factors: what type of sleeper you are (a side, back or stomach sleeper); your comfortability preferences—i.e. whether you want something that's softer or more firm; and your shopping budget. Hybrid mattresses are often the best option for couples, as they combine the benefits of a coil mattress with that of a memory-foam model. As fas as other sleep tips, if you're a hot sleeper, you might consider a cooling mattress with a more breathable build. And those coveting a personalized sleep experience should consider a smart mattress from top mattress brands like Eight Sleep or Sleep Number. Our mattress buying guide (above) provides more refined mattress recommendations from Leesa, in particular. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I browsed thousands of Amazon deals, and these are the best ones this week
How are we feeling on this fine Hump Day? Personally, I'm still feeling the effects of losing that one hour of sleep over the weekend. More coffee, please! It's no wonder the National Sleep Foundation has dubbed this Sleep Awareness Week — we've gotta prioritize catching those z's. That'll be a whole lot easier with some comfy new bedding, and the best Amazon sales this week include plenty of discounts on pillows, sheet sets, mattresses and more. Top Amazon deals Cozsinoor Bed Pillows, Queen, 2-Pack for $30 (was $120): 75% off Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler for $200 (was $250): All-time low Zinus Green Tea Mattress, Queen for $148 (was $200): All-time low Black & Decker Dustbuster for $45 (was $56): Beats Black Friday price iRobot Roomba for $130 (was $250): Nearly 50% off How does a queen-size Zinus memory foam mattress for a record-low $148 sound? Pretty dreamy, if you ask me. And if you're all good on the bedding front, an iRobot Roomba is nearly 50% off at $130, and a Black & Decker Dustbuster can be yours for just $45 (less than it was during Black Friday). That'll make your spring cleaning a piece of cake. You have my full permission to sleep a bit late this week while your circadian rhythms adjust to the longer days ... just don't sleep on these deals. Related: You're not dreaming! Save up to 80% on bedding with the best Sleep Week deals P.S.: Before we jump into the rest of these Amazon sales, I need to make you aware of an insane Disney+ and Hulu bundle bargain: In this guide: All-time low prices | Rare Amazon deals | Best home deals | Best kitchen deals | Best tech deals | Best fashion deals | Best beauty and wellness deals If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
