How often do you wake up feeling grouchy and thinking that the day is off to a bad start for some reason? Could it be because you didn’t get enough REM sleep during the night?

REM sleep is an essential part of the human sleep cycle. And during deep sleep, which comes immediately before REM sleep begins, the body restores itself so we can be fresh and productive the following day.

This article looks in detail at this remarkable sleep phase, explains what it does for our mind and body, and discusses some recent research findings.

What Is REM Sleep?

One thing we know is that all animals need sleep—in one form or another. For humans, there is a distinct four-part sleep cycle that we go through at night and sometimes during a long nap (see below).

Different animal species have their unique sleep patterns and behaviors, but all mammals, humans and otherwise, experience REM sleep as part of the sleep cycle.

The Sleep Cycle

What follows are the four stages of the human sleep cycle.

NREM (non-REM) Sleep

1. Light sleep (5-10 minutes): At this stage, your eyes may be closed, but you wake easily.
2. Transitioning to deep sleep: You remain in a light sleep at this stage, but your heart rate slows, and body temperature drops. You’re preparing for deep sleep.
3. Deep sleep: This is when “you’re out like a light.” Your body repairs and regenerates tissue, growing new bone and muscle, and fortifying the immune system.

REM Sleep (stage four of the sleep cycle)

There is only one REM sleep stage during the sleep cycle, and this is when you’re “awake asleep”—dreaming, in other words. Your heart rate and breathing speed up, and your muscles twitch. Your brain is very active during this time.

REM sleep typically starts around 90 minutes after the sleep cycle begins. Each REM stage can last from ten minutes to an hour. The most extensive REM cycle is just before you wake up. The most recent dream might still be vivid when you waken.

Does the Body Go Into REM Sleep During a Nap?

The answer to this question depends on how long your nap is and how much of the sleep cycle it can cover.

Like many people in today’s busy society, you might enjoy a twenty to thirty-minute power nap during lunch hour. You won’t get any REM sleep during this brief interval, though.

What you will get, though, is the sleep that occurs during the second stage of the sleep cycle, before REM sleep begins. This is ideal for a power nap because it allows you to waken alert and refreshed, not groggy.

Since an hour-long nap provides enough time to move through a whole sleep cycle, this is a different experience from the power nap just discussed. You might not be so alert upon waking.

Can Sleep Disorders Interfere with REM Sleep?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSR) is one sleep disorder that has been shown to have a serious impact on the incidence of cardiovascular disease, glucose metabolism, and cognitive function.

There is also REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a type of sleep disorder called parasomnia. Sleepwalking is one manifestation of this condition. Others include:

• Talking
• Shouting
• Physical lashing out
• Punching and kicking
• Cursing
• Clear recall of dreams on waking

The Sleep Foundation provides accessible information on these and other sleep disorders.

What Role Does Bedding Play in REM Sleep and the Sleep Cycle?

Because room temperature is a key factor in a sound sleep, you should make sure your bedroom temperature is regulated to be neither too hot nor too cold for your comfort. You should consider your bed coverings as well as the thermostat here.

For example, natural fibers like bamboo, cotton, and linen are better for wicking away sweat than most synthetic fibers.

With pillows and mattresses, firmer is not necessarily better than softer. You should lie on different mattresses in the showroom for as long as possible and let your body tell you which is the most comfortable.

If you’re thinking about a new mattress and weighing the pros and cons, such as Nolah vs Nectar, give some thought to the role your mattress can play in encouraging REM sleep.

What Else Have Researchers Been Discovering About REM Sleep?

Intriguing and useful research findings on sleep and the importance of REM and deep sleep often appear in the media. Here is a couple from summer 2020:

More REM Sleep Makes People Less Fearful

This study found that people who spent more time in REM sleep had lower fear-related brain activity when receiving mild electric shocks the following day.

The findings further suggested that people with adequate REM sleep before frightening experiences could make them less prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Not Getting Enough REM Sleep Could Shorten Your Life

Another recent study found that getting less REM sleep might heighten your risk of death from any cause besides cancer.

Having read this rather distressing news, though, you will be heartened to know that “you can train your brain to achieve better sleep” and allow your body the time it needs for both REM and deep sleep.

Words to Live by

Here are a couple of worthwhile reminders about REM sleep and the sleep cycle. Try to keep them in mind:

• You have to be awake for at least a short while before falling asleep. In other words, being awake is part of falling asleep. So don’t panic if you don’t fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.
• Not everyone needs eight full hours of sleep, and the amount required varies from person to person. So, again, don’t panic about over or under-sleeping. Follow your body’s signals on how long to sleep.

And now, it’s time for bed.

Zzzzz…

People can be so desperate to get a good night’s sleep that we might have lost touch with what getting a good night’s sleep even means. Getting proper REM sleep is essential. There are lots of headlines telling us we need precisely eight hours of sleep that just thinking about it can keep us awake!

Some of what we discussed in this article might provoke anxiety. Think of it this way instead: the ways people deal with anxiety are precisely what we need to relax to the point where we can start the sleep cycle quickly and easily.

If you learned some new information from reading this article, keep following our website to discover more interesting and timely topics.

People have been familiar with the healing properties of cannabis for millennia. Before this plant became notorious due to abuse, it was known for its many beneficial properties for human health. Today, science is working to restore cannabis to its old glory, and it seems to be succeeding.

Derivatives of this plant, cannabinoids, have been found in the human body. There comes the link between your body and the positive effects of cannabis on your health. This fact intrigued scientists, so they continued with research on cannabinoids.

On the link below, see how many of these compounds exist:

https://potguide.com/blog/article/how-many-cannabinoids-are-found-in-marijuana/.

That’s how they have discovered the endocannabinoid system. It is because of cannabinoids that the system got this name. All mammals have it since the level of the zygote. Its role is to establish balance at the cell level, and it performs this function all the time.

The role of the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered almost 30 years ago, quite by accident. Until then, scientists did not know that there is a mechanism in the human body that maintains health and balance at the physiological level. It consists of a series of receptors of two types, CB1 and CB2. They are located in all body tissues and organs.

As receptors are present throughout the body, the proper functioning of the ECS can help regulate any organ’s work. This system helps with inflammatory processes, internal infections, and boosting immunity. In general, positive effects can be seen in all organ systems.

The ‘fuel’ for ECS receptors are the cannabinoids your body makes. The production of these compounds takes place 24/7. The body regulates the secretion of these compounds in the optimal amounts. These are necessary to maintain balance in your body. When there is a stalemate, outside help is needed – cannabinoids from cannabis.

Mechanism of Action of CBD

If you check this reference, you will see why CBD is one of the cannabinoids that attracts the most attention. This compound is an ingredient in many cannabis products on the market, and among the most sought after is CBD oil. Cannabidiol has a very beneficial effect on ECS, almost like natural cannabinoids.

This mechanism of action is not simple. CBD does not have a direct effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors. That’s a good thing. Because of that, cannabidiol is not psychoactive. As it doesn’t trigger receptors directly, it doesn’t affect your mind. THC, which is also a cannabinoid, provides a ‘high’ effect.

CBD stimulates ECS to suppress an enzyme that prevents the production of a natural cannabinoid. This cannabinoid is also known as anandamide. It helps regulate essential functions such as appetite, memory, sleep, and, most importantly, pain. Specific receptors control each of these functions. Activated receptors release neurotransmitters. These chemicals regulate mood, the wakefulness cycle, painful sensations, and so on.

Use of CBD Has Therapeutic Properties

Some people need a little help because maybe their ECS is not working as it should. The role of cannabidiol is to work instead of anandamide for a while. After some time of taking CBD, the natural secretion of endocannabinoids backs to normal.

Minimal doses of CBD give the best results in treating symptoms of many diseases. With a small amount of cannabidiol, you will become more sensitive to this compound. That’s why you feel more healing effects.

When using synthetic drugs, the opposite happens. After prolonged use, you don’t become sensitive but resistant. That is why many conventional therapies lose their effectiveness after some time. They need ‘reinforcement’ in the form of CBD.

Small doses of CBD can make your ECS work more efficiently. Start using CBD oil as a supplement to make your body stronger and more resistant to diseases and harmful effects from the environment. Optimal doses of cannabis should be adjusted to your health condition. Only then, your body is ready to fight all kinds of health threats.

Cannabinoids improve your internal health by acting on the ECS. Proper work of this system helps you cope with chronic pain, inflammation, mental disorders, and many other conditions. Still, you should keep in mind that CBD from cannabis is not a drug (at least not officially). It would help if you took it only as an adjunct therapy.

As cannabis based Cannabidiol (CBD) gains positive reviews from animal health experts, pet parents across the globe have started switching to this drug for their pet’s well-being. Additionally, the research claims in support of this compound’s potential to cure chronic illnesses like osteoarthritis in canines have further strengthened the user’s trust in cannabidiol. No wonder the demand for such a bioactive drug is expanding rapidly.

Alternatively, owing to a little or almost no knowledge, many pet parents have been facing issues in formulating the CBD dose for their dogs. To top it off, the constant stress of drug overdose side-effects adds up to their confusion and fear.

Understanding the struggle and risk of wrong dose administration, this article highlights 6 simple ways that will help you formulate a right dose for your paw friend. So, go ahead and get started!

Determining CBD Sensitivity: Before jumping on this health supplement, try to determine whether your pet is fit for such a health supplement. In simple words, opt for a thorough analysis of your dog’s medical history.

Such analysis will bring across in-depth insights on your pet’s health issues, medical allergies, its bodyweight, commonly noticed breed-specific diseases, that will help you to determine whether it is safe to go ahead with this organic supplement or not.

Choosing a Credible Brand: As mentioned earlier, the compound popularity has resulted in a rise of virtual brands offering this life-enhancing drug. Having said that, each brand’s product differs slightly owing to minute differences in their chemical composition. Hence, the absence of uniformity in composition makes it imperative for users to refer to a brand-specific dosage chart before administering the medicine.

Using Dosage Calculator: As not everyone is a pro at this scientific calculation, it is always advisable to opt for an online dosage calculator. Don’t worry! By entering keywords like CBD dose calculator, you will easily come across websites like https://www.holistapet.com/cbd-dosing-chart-for-pets/ which offer calculators designed specifically for canines. All you need to do is fill in the data pertaining to your canine’s body weight and health issues.

Experiment with Dose Frequency: For getting the technique right, it is pivotal that the experiment must be based on the frequency of the dosages. Ideally, one should start with a low dose. Once it is provided, check the reaction of the pet and monitor it for some time. Later on, only after proper calculation, one can think of increasing the dose.

Remember not to quickly opt for a high dosage as your pet may not be able to take it and end up witnessing a kind of side effect. Every dog tends to respond differently to the amount of CBD given. So, checking out the recommendation by the manufacturer itself could be helpful.

Any underlying health issues – Considering your pet’s underlying health issues is important to avoid any negative effects of CBD on your furry friend’s health. You can read more about it here. In such cases, consult the doctor before moving ahead. Make a full disclosure of the medical history as well as medication to the doctor.

Reviews and Recommendations – Whether you choose an online source or offline, consider thoroughly going through the reviews and recommendations. At times, taking the help of an expert in determining which source to opt for, could be a good move.

In case, you choose to go online for the purchase, do your hands-on research before buying anything. Read through the blogs and ratings people left and then only decide which way to go.

If you make a purchase from a reputable company, chances are they will provide you with the direction and suggestion on the dosage based on the weight of your canine friend. However, in order to be completely sure about it, using a calculator won’t harm at all. Finding the right medication is important for the health of your pet and be as patient as you can be in the entire process.

We hope the article helped you in some way or the other! Take care of your canine friend & be cautious of the CBD dosage that you decide to give so as to make them stress-free and healthy.

 

Hard water isn’t bad just for your skin and hair. It may also contribute to heart disease, infertility, and nutrient deficiencies. Calcium and magnesium, its primary compounds, may affect the absorption of iron, zinc, and other minerals.

Current evidence shows a direct link between the hardness of drinking water and cardiac events.

The minerals in water can also leave stains in your sink, ruin your clothes, and dry out your hair. In the long run, they may damage your pipes, leading to costly repairs.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can always use a water softener system to prevent these issues in the first place.

A quality water softener system will provide you with clean, safe water. Your skin will look better, your clothes will last longer, and your appliances will function properly.

Interested to find out more? Let’s see what a home water softener is and how it benefits your household!

How Does a Water Softener System Work?

As mentioned earlier, hard water has high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that can build up on your appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Water softeners are designed to remove these minerals. Most models consist of a brine tank, mineral tank, and control valve.

The brine tank stores a concentrated solution of potassium or salt. The mineral tank, on the other hand, filters the water by removing excess calcium and magnesium.

The flow of water that goes into and out of these tanks when they clean themselves is regulated by a control valve.

Several types of water softeners exist, but most devices have the above mechanism of action.

They come in different sizes, so you need to consider the hardness of water as well as how many water fixtures you use before choosing a device.

Why Use a Home Water Softener?

The minerals in hard water can affect your skin’s pH balance, cause your appliances to work harder, and leave unsightly stains in the toilet and sink. You may also notice that your water smells like rotten eggs or has a strange taste.

With a water softener system, these problems will be just a bad memory.

You’ll no longer see scale buildup on your appliances or feel that your skin is dry and itchy. Your clothes will look like new, not gray and faded.

These devices can also save you a small fortune in repairs because your plumbing fixtures will no longer get damage from limescale buildup. Plus, your water bills will go down.

Beware, though — water softeners require maintenance to function properly. Cleaning them regularly is a must. If you don’t do it, they can get contaminated with fungi and bacteria.

All in all, a home water softener is an investment in your health.

On top of that, your appliances will perform better and last longer. Not to mention that you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you enjoy.

Get a Water Softener for Your Home

From healthier skin and hair to cost savings, water softeners have numerous benefits. Once you start using one, your hair will become smoother and shinier. Plus, you’ll have cleaner clothes and dishes, with no residues.

Depending on your needs and budget, you can opt for a salt-free water softener system, a dual-tank exchanger, or a magnetic model. Ion-exchangers are popular too and have an affordable price.

Small changes, such as adding a water softener to your home, can have a big impact on your health — and your wallet.

For other handy tips, check out our Lifestyle section! We’ll show you what to look for in a shower filter, how to set your AC thermostat, how to choose the perfect apartment, and more.

 

Parasite cleanse refers to a supplement or dietary procedure used for detoxifying the body and eradicating parasitic infections. Professionals performing the cleanse aim to go about the act without using any prescription medications. Though there’s small research in place to suggest the effectiveness of parasitic infection treatment, enough evidence is present to prove that it’s a helpful process.

 

Here, we aim to throw light on what are parasites and why parasite cleanse serves to be a good means of eradicating them from your system.

What are Parasites?

Parasites are found living off other organisms, or hosts, and are dependent on them for their survival. In most cases, parasites cause infections in human bodies without giving off any signs of existence in their hosts. They may cause severe infections as they continue to reproduce, grow, and invade different organ systems if not arrested in good time. Parasite cleanse serves to be an effective means of eradicating them from the host’s body.

Common Parasitic Infections

Some common infections caused to human hosts by parasites include giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and toxoplasmosis.

What Causes Parasitic Infections?

Ingesting contaminated water or food is the most commonly found reason for parasitic infections. You may also get exposed to topical parasites when you are traveling abroad.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection Caused by Parasites

Depending on the type of parasites and the part of the system they affect, the usual signs of parasitic infection are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, stomach, fever, gas, diarrhea, cramps, constipation, upset stomach, and weight loss, among other symptoms.

Treatment

Once you are aware of the kind of parasitic infection plaguing your body, choose the most suitable way to treat it. While specific parasitic infections would disappear without any intervention, especially if you have a healthy and strong immune system, others may take effort and time to treat. In some cases, medical practitioners may prescribe oral medication to treat the infection through proven and effective means.

There are several instances when infected people choose to go the ‘natural remedies’ way to cleanse their system from parasites. They prefer using unconventional yet effective means of parasite cleanse to go about the act.

Home Remedies: Parasite Cleanse

You will come across several natural health practitioners and parasite treatment experts using supplements and herbal aids to remove infections. The most commonly used supplements for this cause are anise, barberry, berberine, curled mint, goldthread, goldenseal, propolis, oregano oil, Oregon grape, black walnut, grapefruit seed extract, clove oil, and wormwood.

You may want to explore other plant-derived medicines and naturally based supplements for the purposes of home-based parasite cleanse. These substances help in cleansing the liver, intestines, and all other organs in the digestive system. Homeopathic drugs are also recommended by alternative health care experts to eliminate certain parasites in more cost-effective ways.

Parasite Cleanse for Good Health

It is a good idea to check out the different types of parasite cleanse, especially those without any harmful side effects, to get back and maintain your good health. Herbal detox supplements suggested by your doctor or medical practitioner is a good way of triggering off your next supplemental detox program. Start today.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

No one wants to suffer from back pain and muscle soreness. These problems are recurring, and even if you take medication, they are not enough to prevent the problem from coming back. If your bones and muscles are in pain, you can’t expect healing overnight. Regardless of the treatment you choose, you will go through a process towards recovery.

If you don’t want surgery or excessive medication, you might want to go for chiropractic treatment. It is an alternative to the regular procedures for bone and muscle pain. It is a non-invasive process that involves adjustment of the areas affected.

The chiropractic procedure only takes a few minutes, but you might need to come back at least three more times to ensure that you will not suffer from chronic pain ever again.

Just like undergoing surgery, you can’t expect to heal the next day. You need to go through a process of recovery, and it is not comfortable at first. After the first trip to your chiropractor, you might experience flu-like symptoms. Don’t fret if you start feeling this way. It is normal, and you need to go through it on your way to recover. This stage is the toxic relief stage where your body starts reacting to the adjustments made.

Your body releases negative energy after the treatment, and in the process, you won’t feel well. The good thing is that this process is quite rapid, and the negative energy expulsion will soon pass.

Take the recovery period seriously

After the first adjustment, your chiropractor will require you to come back a few more times. Follow the order if you want to recover. You also need to avoid doing strenuous physical activities since they could trigger the problem. Since your body is starting to eliminate toxins, it also helps if you also avoid eating dishes that are quite toxic, like processed meat and fast food dishes.

Get enough rest and don’t go back to work yet. You need to take some time off until you are well again. If you need to start working, request that you only do simple tasks. However, even when you are seated at work, you still need to be careful. Observe proper posture. Use a horseshoe neck pillow to support the neck.

Change your sleeping habits

You need to sleep early and have enough hours of rest to avoid further pain-related problems. You also need to change your pillow, so it is appropriate given your condition. You can also replace the mattress so that it is firm. This type of bed is right for people with chronic pain. Once you feel like you are well, still avoid doing harmful activities, or else you will suffer from injuries again.

Now that you understand the impact of chiropractic care, you need to make a reservation. There are a lot of people seeking physiotherapy in Cirencester. If you are in the area, you need to make an appointment soon to get immediate treatment.