Latest news with #sleepexperts
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
67% of us experience parasomnias — expert shares 5 most common types and why they happen
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Experiencing a parasomnia, like sleep walking, can feel disturbing. Sleepwalking isn't the only parasomnia, though — other sleep conditions such as sleep paralysis, bed wetting and even sleep talking can be classed as a parasomnia. So what causes them? From stress and trauma, to lifestyle habits and medications (or even genetics) — there are many factors that can be responsible for parasomnias. Considering 67% of us experience parasomnias, we want to find out more. So, we're exploring what the most common parasomnias are, talking to sleep experts about why they affect some people more than others and strategies to manage or stop them to help you sleep better. What are parasomnias? Parasomnias are behaviours that occur during sleep, such as 'sleepwalking, sleep talking, or night terrors,' explains Dr Hamilton Gaiani, a double board-certified psychiatrist. He adds that these parasomnias are usually associated with 'stress, nervousness, or previous traumatic experiences.' 'For instance, sleepwalking occurs when the brain is not fully awake but the body is walking around, something that may occur when you're stressed or overwhelmed,' he explains. So, what's happening to the body when you're experiencing a parasomnia? Sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning adds that they can be categorised as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnias or rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias depending on which part of sleep they occur. She explains that there is another category called 'other parasomnias': 'This covers parasomnias that do not fit neatly into either the REM or NREM classifications." "NREM parasomnias typically occur in the first third of the night, whereas REM parasomnias tend to occur in the latter half of the night,' she adds. The 5 most common types of parasomnias explained There are many types of parasomnias, but these 5 are the most common. 1. Sleep walking Browning explains that someone who is sleepwalking is 'not fully conscious, but they may open their eyes, get up out of bed, walk downstairs, open the fridge, and even eat something, before going back to bed again.' Sleep walking might seem like a bit of a novelty, but this parasomnia can pose many dangers — especially if the walker leaves their house. 2. Sleep talking If you've ever been woken up by someone talking next to you, and they are fast asleep, they could be sleep talking. 'Sleep talking (or somniloquy) is a parasomnia where someone may start talking, mumbling, or shouting during their sleep without being aware that they're doing so,' the sleep expert explains. 'It can occur in any sleep stage but is most common in NREM sleep,' she adds. 3. Sleep paralysis A scary feeling to wake up to, explains that sleep paralysis is 'a state where you become paralyzed and cannot move or talk while falling asleep or waking up.' He explains that it's often linked to stress, anxiety or insufficient sleep condition could be more common than you think, with one study showing that 4 in 10 of us have experienced it. 4. Night terrors and nightmare disorder Night terrors are short episodes of fear or terror that seem to occur during deep sleep, says Dr. Gaiani. 'They may result in activity such as screaming, thrashing, or pounding heart.' 'The individual typically does not recall the episode in the morning. Night terrors are a parasomnia since they interrupt normal sleep and are usually precipitated by trauma or stress,' he explains. The reason individuals don't remember these episodes is because they usually take place during NREM sleep. 5. Bedwetting Wetting the bed while you sleep can be a traumatic experience, explains sleep expert Dr. Leah Kaylor. She explains that it's classed as a parasomnia because it 'happens during sleep without conscious control over the bladder.' This is a parasomnia which is more common in children, but adults can also experience the condition due to extreme stress, trauma, health conditions or poor sleep habits. What causes parasomnias? 'Parasomnias can be caused by a mix of physical, emotional, and environmental factors,' says Kaylor. She adds that one common cause is sleep deprivation. 'This is when the body doesn't get enough rest; it increases the chances of unusual brain activity during sleep.' Stress and anxiety are also major triggers Stress and anxiety are also major triggers, 'because they can make the brain more active during sleep, leading to disruptions like night terrors or sleepwalking,' she explains. But your sleep habits and lifestyle can also play a part. 'Irregular sleep schedules, such as going to bed at different times each night or doing shift work, can confuse the body's internal clock and increase the risk of parasomnias,' Dr Kaylor says. Genetics can also play a role as well as certain medications or substances, such as sleeping pills, stimulants or alcohol. How to stop parasomnias There are different ways to help manage parasomnias and even help to stop them, we've looked at a few solutions below but if you experience them frequently or their impacting your quality of life, you should speak with a specialist to find the right solution for you. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule Your body works off a sleep/wake cycle called the circadian rhythm. This is like a pre-programmed internal clock telling your body when to wake up and when to go to sleep. So keeping a consistent sleep schedule will allow your body to easily fall asleep and stay asleep, cycling through the individual sleep stages properly, which will help ward off parasomnia symptoms. Limit alcohol and other substances Although alcohol and other substances could relax you and help you initially get to sleep they could affect the quality of your sleep, says Browning. 'As alcohol affects sleep architecture, it can cause more fragmented and disturbed REM sleep in the latter part of the night, increasing the likelihood of parasomnias.' Try CBT Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps to change how we think and ultimately our actions. So, how can it stop parasomnias? 'CBT can help those dealing with the stress, anxiety, or trauma that causes sleep disorders or parasomnias - this is because it helps to alter the negative thought processes,' explains Improve sleep hygiene If you're being disrupted when you sleep it could be a good time to look at your sleep hygiene. So, what does this mean? Sleep hygiene refers to your environment and the habits you have that can impact your sleep. If you're waking up due to street lights or sunshine blaring into your bedroom it could be time to invest in black out blinds. If noise is the problem, then earplugs could be your best bet. Make sure where you sleep is also clutter free, well ventilated and has comfortable bedding — all key things to help you get a better night's sleep. Medication If none of the lifestyle solutions above help to cure your parasomnia then it may be worth looking at medications to help you. But always consult a physician or doctor before starting any medication (especially if it hasn't been prescribed for you) to make sure it's the right option.
CNET
16-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
You're Not Washing Your Sheets Often Enough. Here's How to Do It Right
There's nothing better than sliding into bed after a long, exhausting day. However, that feeling of comfort and calm can only hit its peak when your sheets are truly clean. If it's been a while since you last washed your bedding, you might be curling up in more than just cozy linens. Bedding can quietly collect all kinds of stuff you don't want to think about too often, like sweat, dead skin cells, body oils and dust mites. Your pillowcases may be even worse, especially if you wear makeup, use hair products or apply skincare at night. Over time, that buildup can lead to skin irritation and even disrupt your sleep quality. According to sleep experts, the sweet spot for washing your sheets is about once a week, give or take depending on your habits. Not sure where to start? Whether you're new to doing laundry or just want to make your routine a little more efficient, these six tips will help you clean your bedding properly and keep your sleep space feeling fresh and healthy. How often should I change or wash my sheets? The common rule of thumb is to wash sheets every other week. Ideally, sleep experts recommend changing sheets every week but agree that every two weeks is the absolute longest one should go sleeping on the same set of sheets. When to wash all bedding Bedding type Frequency Sheets Once a week or every other week Pillowcases Once a week or every other week Duvet covers Once a week or every other week Comforters Once a month or every other month (or more frequently if you sleep with pets) Duvet inserts Once or twice a year Mattress pads Every three to four months Why do we wash our sheets and bedding? Hygiene is always important, even with our bedding. If you can't see stains or smell any odor, it doesn't mean your sheets are clean. Sheets can accumulate dead skin, mites, animal dander, pollen, makeup, bodily secretions and more grime, which may cause discomfort or skin rashes. One of the biggest reasons to regularly clean sheets is because of sweat. In a May study, 41% of participants reported experiencing night sweats in a month and generally, people tend to run hot when covered in blankets or living in warmer climates. Sweat can soak into the sheets which can clog up the fibers and make the sheets smell. You should wash your sheets more often if you tend to sleep with your pet. Elena Grigorovich/EyeEm/Getty Images You should also wash your sheets more often if: You have allergies or asthma You have sensitive skin You sweat or overheat frequently You sleep naked You sleep with a pet You eat in bed You get in bed before showering You lay in bed wearing clothes you wore out in public You have an infection or open wound that touches the bedding What's the best way to machine-wash my sheets? Most bedsheets are machine washable and aren't much of a hassle to clean. Cotton and linen bedsheets are especially easy, while silk and satin are a bit more temperamental, requiring cold temperatures and slow spin cycles. It's best to always check the care tag on your sheets but this is the best method to machine-wash the majority of sheet sets: 1. Don't overwhelm the machine It can be tempting to just throw every pillowcase, fitted sheet and comforter right into the machine but throwing everything in at once may be too much and you may not get a good clean. I recommend washing the fitted and flat sheets together with your pillowcases and then washing any heavier comforter, quilt or throw blanket separately. Definitely don't throw in any clothing or towels with your bedding because it could leach color or have buttons and zippers that will damage delicate sheets. Bulkier items like duvet covers should be washed alone. iso_petrov/Getty Images 2. Check the label I always recommend checking the care label for the ideal washing temperature because some fabrics can shrink in the wash. It's best to use the hottest temperature the sheets can tolerate because hot water most effectively kills germs and bacteria. Colder cycles may not fully get rid of the grime. Polyester blends are best in warm water, while cotton can tolerate hot water. Silk and satin sheets should be washed on a cold, gentle cycle. 3. Separate by color Separate your sheets by color to preserve the colors and prevent dye from transferring. This means that you should make sure to put light-colored and dark-colored sheets together before washing. 4. Check bedsheets for stains Stains are better when cared for pre-wash, so take a few minutes to examine your sheets or pillowcases for stubborn blemishes. You can use a gentle dish soap and water, or baking soda and water mixture to let sit for a few minutes if you spot a dark mark or makeup stain. 5. Measure out detergent Less is usually more when using detergent. Too much detergent can lead to the machine using excess water or cause buildup in the washing machine's pipes. Most detergents are acceptable to use on cotton and linen sheets but choose a detergent for delicate fabrics to wash silk and satin sheets. There are many silk or satin-friendly detergents on the market. A good rule of thumb is to use 2 ounces (1/4 cup) or half a cap full of liquid laundry detergent for a regular-sized load of bedding. You can also use 4 ounces (1/2 cup) or 1 full cap of liquid laundry detergent for a larger load of bulkier items. I also recommend skipping the fabric softener because it can weaken the fabric. 6. Dry completely For most sheets, you can use the dryer on low to medium heat. Satin and silk sheets would do best to air dry because they can be easily damaged even on a low-heat dryer cycle. You can also throw in a few dryer balls with your bedding because they allow gaps, helping the bulkier sheets to dry more quickly and evenly (I always hate when I think I'm finally ready to make my bed and I realize one whole section is still damp from being bundled up). You can avoid cleaning your bedsheets as often by making it a habit to not eat in bed, not sleeping with your pet and only cuddling down in the sheets after a shower. It may seem like a hassle to strip your bed every week but it's well worth the extra effort, so you can sleep and relax a little easier. For more hacks, check out how to remove makeup stains from bedding and our sleep experts' favorite bed material. Can you wash sheets and clothes together? While you can wash sheets and clothes together, many experts recommend washing them separately to prevent clothes from getting caught in the sheets and not being washed thoroughly. Sheets may also have different washing instructions from clothes so washing them separately can help preserve the different fabrics and prevent damage. More cleaning and laundry tips
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The shocking new inventions that will completely change your hospital visits: From the 'twin' who will do your check-ups for you to the magic mirror that can diagnose you in under a minute
You wake in the morning at the perfect time in your sleep cycle, as your smart mattress is syncing with your calendar to give you a gentle shake at the optimal moment. Your smart pillow has adjusted itself through the night, rising up or down, based on your snuffles and snores to give you optimal sleep.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers can save £163 on Emma's premium cooling mattress – but time is running out
The temperature's rising in the UK, but your sleep doesn't have to suffer. Emma's exceptional Hybrid Thermosync Mattress is now 20% off in the brand's Early Summer Sale, a £104 saving that savvy shoppers won't want to miss. BUY FROM EMMA As someone who has tested numerous sleep products (and some of the best mattresses) over the years, I can confidently say this isn't your average option. The Hybrid Thermosync stands out with its revolutionary temperature-regulating technology, which actively responds to your body throughout the night. The graphite-infused foam layer absorbs and dissipates excess heat, critical for those sweltering summer nights when sleep feels impossible. This technical innovation transforms restless, sweaty nights into refreshing, uninterrupted sleep. Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress £415.20 (was £519) The sophisticated seven-zone support structure deserves particular attention, delivering targeted pressure relief exactly where your body needs it most, aligning your spine regardless of your preferred sleeping position. "While memory foam is known for being warm to sleep on, Emma uses an open-structure Airgocell foam in the Premium Plus, and this increases air circulation and breathability, stopping you from getting too hot," our sleep experts previously noted for the Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress. "Add in the Infinity pocket springs, which are designed for maximum airflow and the cooling cover, and you have a recipe for a great night's sleep without overheating." 4 With temperatures climbing and this substantial discount only available until June 23rd, timing is critical. The £104 saving represents exceptional value for a premium sleep product that typically commands a much higher price point. While the temperature regulation is undoubtedly impressive, this mattress delivers on multiple fronts: • Motion isolation technology (essential for couples) • Edge-to-edge support that maximises usable surface area • Premium breathable cover with moisture-wicking properties • 200-night trial period for absolute peace of mind 4 Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress £415.20 (was £519) BUY FROM EMMA The sale extends beyond this flagship product, with substantial savings across Emma's range: • 20% off Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress • 15% off Original Foam Pillow Bundle • 25% off Premium Cloud Pillow Bundle • 20% off Premium Mattress Topper • 20% off 4-Seasons Duvet The combination of cutting-edge cooling technology, substantial discount, and limited-time availability makes this one of the most compelling Emma mattress deals currently on the market.
CNET
19-05-2025
- CNET
Best Cheap Mattresses on Amazon of 2025: Tested Picks From Our Sleep Experts
CNET's team of sleep experts has been testing and reviewing mattresses for years. At this point, we've collectively tested over 300 beds. During that time, we've established a testing process that every bed goes through in our 6,000-square-foot mattress warehouse in Reno, Nevada. We've got two mock bedrooms where our hands-on testing process happens, and a space where our Mattress Smasher 9000 rates each bed. Our testing process involves everyone in the office to ensure every perspective, body type and gender is represented. For some factors, like durability, we use our years of experience to estimate based on what the bed is made of. However, key factors in our process allow us to objectively compare beds to each other. Firmness Our firmness testing process has two parts: subjective and objective. The subjective firmness score we give each bed comes from our team's experience lying on the bed in different positions. We note how supportive or soft a bed feels and whether any positions are uncomfortable. Our objective mattress testing involves the Mattress Smasher 9000, a proprietary device designed by the CNET labs team. The MS9K presses down on each bed with the force of a 160-pound person and objective rates the firmness. We then compile the data. For firmness, we always test the mattress ourselves before the MS9K can rate it. That way, our experience isn't clouded by the data. That's the thing about mattress testing: It's nice to have objective numbers, but the subjectivity is how we help you find the right bed. Motion isolation Think of motion isolation as how well a bed dampens movement across the surface. This is significant for people who sleep with pets or have a different sleep schedule than their partner. Memory foam tends to perform well in motion isolation, while some hybrids have more bounce, lowering their score. To test motion isolation, we do two things. First, a team member lies on the bed and closes their eyes. Then another person will move around on the bed to simulate cosleeping. How much movement is felt is recorded. The second way we test motion isolation is the water glass test. We set a glass on the edge of the bed and roll toward and away from it, making sure to note how much the water moves around. The bed doesn't have good motion isolation if it sloshes or tips over. Edge support Edge support, or the strength of the bed's perimeter, is essential for couples who need access to the whole sleeping space. It's also crucial for those with mobility issues who have trouble getting in and out of bed. To test edge support, we sit and lie on the edge of the bed and measure how much the edge caves in under our weight. If it feels like we might roll off, the bed receives a low score. Traditionally, hybrids perform the best in this area. Temperature Temperature is one of the biggest selling points in the mattress industry. Unfortunately, there are no regulations or requirements that a brand has to meet before it can claim to cool you at night. We use our knowledge and hands-on experience to help you determine what's real and what's marketing. Our testing rooms are temperature-controlled, and we test beds without sheets to get the clearest picture of how well a bed regulates temperature.
