I am on several email lists for news and some has come across recently that I felt that I needed to share.  There are some pretty alarming statistics.

-Only 20% of teenagers get enough sleep (8-10 hours is optimal)

-According to a study done at the University of Michigan states that children who get less than 9.75 hours of sleep are 40% more likely to be overweight by sixth grade.

-The same study shows a direct correlation between the hours of sleep a child gets and their risk for obesity.  The rate for obesity declines with more sleep.

-Adults who sleep less that 7 hours have a high risk for weight gain.

-Only 20% of teens get adequate sleep.  A survey reported that 16% of teens admit to having sleep problems and 28% admit to falling asleep in school.

-New science relates the lack of adequate sleep to increased risk for obesity, depression, alcohol and drug abuse and future cardiovascular disease.

-Adolescents with a history of sleep problems are twice as likely to have ADHD as those without.  Some ADHD medications can exacerbate the sleep quality issues.

-A good night of quality sleep is key to memory and learning.  Our brain takes information in our short term memory and moves to the long term memory during sleep.

How can you and your family get the quality and ideal amount of sleep?

-Set a sleep schedule and do your best to keep it!

-Stay away from caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, as well as alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime.

-Stay physically active and exercise early in the day.

-Have a relaxing bedtime routine to get your body ready for sleep

-Make breakfast your biggest meal of the day.

-Get lots of bright light in the morning.

-Drink 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water per day.  Even mild dehydration (1/2 cup of your body’s water) could turn into   low-grade chronic fatigue.

-Naps are ok but try to limit them to 15 minutes.

-Go to bed when you are sleepy.  If you don’t fall asleep in 15-20 minutes get up and leave the bedroom.

-Move the television out of the bedroom.

-Keep the bedroom cool and add blankets if you are chilly.

There are many products designed to help capture that sometimes elusive deep sleep.  Aromatherapy seems to be gaining popularity because the scents can be changed to address specific issues.  Lavender promotes relaxation while peppermint clears sinuses and has a calming quality.There are sleep and relaxation CDs that help the body as well as the mind to relax.  A good quality ionizer can clean the air of pollutants and impurities to ease breathing and relaxation. Dust mite bedding covers help to reduce the allergens on sheets, mattresses, and pillows.  Bed linens made with natural fibers breathe helping to maintain comfortable temperatures.    There are many things to try, but the important thing is to keep searching for the combination that is right for you and your body. Get the rejuvenating sleep that your body deserves every night.

We recieved the following note from a customer:

Hello, this is a follow-up, thank you note for your great customer service we recieved a few months ago from your office.  I recieved the Flamingo therapy light for a Christmas gift in December.  It wasn’t working quite right.  I placed two calls to your ofice concerning this.  I recieved prompt remidies both times.  We recieved a new unit and it’s working well.  Thanks so much for your assistance & positive attitude.  We will refer others to you.  Mk, St Paul, MN

You are welcome Mk.  And thank you for taking the time to send that nice note.

It is rare that we have a problem with a new light.  But we will always do what we can to make sure that our products work for  you.