April 2009 Archives

Innovative Custom Products, Inc. (ICP) announced today that ICP has acquired Scent To Sleep - a California company. Scent To Sleep manufactures and distributes a revolutionary All Natural Non-Drowsy Sleep Mist (www.ScentToSleep.com).

According to Sherry Williams, Senior VP, "We love Scent To Sleep products so much, we bought the company. Scent To Sleep is so easy to use and really gets the job done. By simply applying 3 to 5 sprays on your pillow, bed, pajamas, or in the bedroom five minutes before bedtime, you will feel relaxed, and go right to sleep...and the best part is you wake up feeling refreshed and energized."

Scent To Sleep is all natural, safe, environmentally friendly, and one of the most innovative non-prescription sleep aids to hit the market. Its proprietary formulation contains no chemicals or harmful ingredients, has no horrible prescription side effects, and you never have to take a pill.

According to Sherry, consumers love this product too! "With one exposure in Woman's World Magazine, sales increased ten-fold." Scent To Sleep is expected in some retail chains later this year. In the meantime, consumers can purchase Scent To Sleep at www.drmistICP.com, the corporation's ecommerce website. Scent To Sleep is available in Luscious Lavender Scent and Decadent Green Apple with Vanilla, backed by the company's 100% Money-Back Guarantee, and retails for $11.99.

The company is currently offering a 2-for-1 National TV Promotional Special as a way to introduce Scent To Sleep to the public. Simply visit www.drmistICP.com and order Scent To Sleep and a second bottle will be shipped FREE with your order.

SOURCE Innovative Custom Products, Inc.

Sit 'n Sleep announces its sponsorship of SleepBook.com -- a new educational web site designed to educate people about the importance of quality sleep. Site visitors are encouraged to take a short, but comprehensive survey about their sleep habits. Once the survey is complete, a free, customized "Sleep Book" of approximately 35 to 40 pages is generated and delivered to the user's inbox.

Sleep Book users have two sleep survey choices -- instant or multi-day. The multi-day survey includes questions that are emailed over the course of three days and inquire about the user's previous night's sleep. The multi-day survey provides users an in-depth and detailed analysis of their sleep habits and quality.

Once the sleep survey is complete, users receive a customized Sleep Book outlining how the person is sleeping now and how he or she can sleep better in the future. The book addresses dreams, environment, sleep routine, diet, and more.

The Sleep Book is filled with individually-tailored sleep health advice, and also includes a wide range of tips and strategies for achieving a better night's sleep.

Of course, the sleeper's mattress plays a large role in the level of sleep quality.

"At Sit 'n Sleep, our top priority is to help people in Southern California to sleep better," Larry Miller, president of Sit 'n Sleep says. "Our sleep consultants know that a mattress is only as good as the quality of sleep people get from it."

Sit 'n Sleep is the largest mattress retailer in Southern California and the company's commitment to sleep health is unsurpassed.

"We're the only mattress retailer in Southern California to use a sophisticated body diagnostic machine in all of our store locations," Miller adds. "Our body diagnostic machine makes more than 17,000 calculations to match sleepers with an optimal mattress type. The data is amazing."

So, when the diagnostic machine data is coupled with the sleep survey data, a SleepBook.com user is well on his or her way to resting easier.

The Sleep Book and interactive survey were conceptualized and developed by William Fernandez, Director of Interactive Marketing for Wingman Media, a full-service retail advertising agency.

Visit: www.sleepbook.com.

- On Average a Quarter of Europeans Surveyed From UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland Claim Worsening Quality of Sleep Thanks to the Economy(1)

- Portuguese are Most Affected, With 42% Making the Admission, Compared to 17% of the UK(1)

- 66% of European Adults on Average Have Experienced Problems Sleeping Over the Last 12 Months, but Only 19% of These Have Visited the Doctor(1)

- Debilitating Next-Day Side Effects Associated With Sleep Deprivation Could be Costing Europe Billions of Euros, Increasing Traffic Accidents and Seriously Impacting on the Health and Well Being of Those Affected

Lundbeck today announced the results of a new sleep survey of 6,694 Europeans (aged 18+) across seven countries to mark the second annual World Sleep Day, which falls today, 20th March. World Sleep Day is an international event organised by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and is aimed at raising awareness of the burden and impact of sleep disorders. The survey was conducted online by YouGov.

Of the 66% of Europeans in these 7 countries who have experienced sleep problems over the past 12 months, on average nearly half have experienced poor concentration during the next day, one in five feel their work has been affected and 68% suffered from sleepiness during the day1. Not only do next-day side effects from poor quality (non-restorative) sleep have a serious impact on an individual's health and well-being, they also create a significant burden on society. While little information is available about the direct and indirect cost of sleep problems in Europe, in the US it is estimated that insomnia costs society up to $107 billion a year(2).

Through World Sleep Day, WASM is also highlighting the dangers of drowsy driving, caused by people suffering next day effects of sleep problems. WASM claims that improved diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders could help to cut fatal or serious road traffic accidents by up to one third(3).

"This survey highlights that despite the availability of a broad range of treatment options for the significant number of people across Europe suffering from sleep problems, very few people are seeking support from their doctor," said Professor Colin Espie, Professor of Clinical Psychology Director, University of Glasgow Sleep Research Laboratory . "There is no need for people to suffer in silence when lifestyle changes and treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapies and medications can all help to tackle sleep problems."

Interestingly, the survey reveals that Polish adults are the worst affected with sleep problems, with over three quarters (76%) experiencing difficulties sleeping over the last 12 months, compared to just 57% of UK adults. It's also not good news for European women who on average suffer from more sleep problems than their male counterparts (73% of women vs. 59% of men)(1).

As demonstrated by this survey, sleep habits and patterns are different throughout Europe, and reported sleep quality differs from nation to nation. No clear reason exists why some nations sleep better than others; however some links have been made to cultural behaviours and differences towards sleep.

"Sleep disorders affect some 238 million people worldwide. In the US alone, almost 60 million complain of insomnia(4)," said Executive Vice President Anders Gersel Pedersen, Head of Drug Development at Lundbeck. "Sleep is a basic human need and is as important as eating or drinking. A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep leads to long and short-term health risks."

In the short-term, people with the most common sleep disorder, insomnia, suffer from poor alertness, impaired efficiency, difficulty in concentrating and excessive daytime sleepiness(5). They also suffer from increased irritability and mood swings that can have a negative impact on relationships(6). In the longer term, there are a number of serious health implications that can be linked to sleep disorders and insomnia, including depression and anxiety, obesity, glucose intolerance leading to type 2 diabetes, weakened immune system, heart attacks, stroke and falls(7,8,9).

Notes to Editors

About the Survey

The survey polled a total of 6,694 adults (18+). Total sample sizes were 2194 adults in the UK, 1000 in Germany, France and Poland, and 500 in Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th January and 10th February 2009. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in each individual country. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Where 'European adults' have been referenced, an average figure was taken from all 7 countries.

A breakdown of the survey results can be requested from the contact provided above.

About World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of sleep for good health. This year's slogan is 'Drive alert, arrive safe'. The event is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. Lundbeck is a gold sponsor of World Sleep Day 2009.

SOURCE H. Lundbeck A/S

Now more than ever, Americans need their shut-eye. Unfortunately, sleep is usually one of the first things people scrimp on when time is short and stress is high. In a turbulent economy, nearly 30 percent of Americans lose sleep at least a few nights per week, according to a 2009 Sleep in America poll by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Lack of sleep means more than fatigue and grouchy countenance: obesity, hypertension, increased risk for stroke and diabetes, cardiac stress, depression, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, short term memory loss have all been associated with sleep deprivation.

"Millions of Americans are feeling the financial crunch," said Craig Schwimmer, MD, MPH, FACS, founder and medical director of the Snoring Center, a medical practice dedicated to treating snoring and sleep apnea. "As a result, sleep is no longer a priority, set aside in favor of burning the midnight oil. Unfortunately, this rarely helps: the NSF found 51 percent of the American workplace reports that daytime fatigue interferes with the amount of work they get done."

Economic consequences of sleep loss cost the country an estimated $15 billion a year in increased health care costs, automobile accidents, workplace accidents, and decreased job performance, according to the Better Sleep Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on the importance of sleep. Every day, nearly 80,000 drivers fall asleep at the wheel, leading to 100,000 crashes and 8,000 deaths per year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over half of American adults - nearly 110 million licensed drivers - have driven when drowsy at least one within the past year; 28 percent of surveyed adults admitted to nodding off or falling asleep behind the wheel.

According to the NSF 2009 Sleep in American Poll, only 28 percent of Americans get the recommended eight hours of sleep, a drop of 10 percent since 2001. Sleep loss is cumulative, too: losing one hour of sleep per night for a week is as bad as going an entire night without sleep.

Sleep loss is especially detrimental to those suffering from disruptive snoring or sleep apnea, as they are not getting restful sleep to begin with. Addressing sleep issues is critical, as what may appear as innocuous snoring can in reality be sleep apnea, a potentially-fatal condition. Sleep apnea is characterized by loud, habitual snoring and stop-breathing spells. Patients often complain of poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and morning headache, among other symptoms. Estimated to affect up to 10 percent of adult males and up to 4 percent of adult females, sleep apnea is common in overweight people and causes significant respiratory and cardiac strain.

"Sleep apnea disrupts sleep because people with sleep apnea actually wake up many times during the night (unbeknownst to them), and therefore do not get normal, restorative sleep," said Dr. Schwimmer.

While maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can vastly improve sleep apnea, for most patients, medical treatment is required. Today, minimally-invasive procedures such as the Pillar Procedure are making snoring treatments quicker, easier, and more permanent than ever before.

"The Pillar Procedure is a minimally-invasive treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea that stiffens the soft palate by placing small implants inside, thus reducing palatal vibration," said Dr. Schwimmer, who is the nation's leading provider of the Pillar Procedure. "Its combination of comfort, convenience and efficacy has revolutionized procedural treatment of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea."

Whether diet and exercise or medical treatment is required to ensure adequate sleep, the point is to prioritize healthy rest. Sleep is no longer a luxury for the leisure set; it is a necessity that a stressed society must afford.

About The Snoring Center

The Snoring Center(SM) is a unique medical practice dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea with effective, minimally-invasive treatments. Founded by Craig Schwimmer, MD, MPH, FACS, a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, it is the world's leading provider of the Pillar Procedure and offers additional office-based treatments for sleep-disordered breathing.

Snoring can be indicative of serious health problems; even mild snoring can disrupt sleep, depriving snorers and their bed partners of the rest they need. Lack of sleep can cause everything from fatigue and short tempers to decreased job performance and auto accidents. The Snoring Center specializes in minimally-invasive, out-patient treatment options, including the Pillar Procedure and turbinate coblation.  For more information please visit www.snoringcenter.com.

SOURCE The Snoring Center

Founder and CEO of Christine Fee Wellness, LLC, Christine has announced her latest crusade -- educating people about the benefits of a restful night's sleep and teaching individuals how to achieve high-quality sleep through her revolutionary wellness line Good Night, Sleep Right(TM).

At least 70 million Americans have a constant problem with sleep. Millions more feel chronically anxious and zapped, wired and tired at the same time, or just flat-out fatigued and fat -- suffering from their own personal energy crisis that challenges their overall health. Relying on caffeine, quick sugar fixes and sleep aids can only go so far.

For this reason, Christine is excited to debut her Good Night, Sleep Right(TM) wellness line in April of 2009, which features a DVD program with coordinating products, including aromatherapy oil. These items are designed to work together to help anyone get a good night's sleep quickly, easily, and without chemical sleep aids.

What distinguishes her from countless other fitness gurus and lifestyle experts? She's famous for helping people transform themselves from the inside out through better sleep habits.

"All the Pilates, dance, aerobics, weight training or whatever in the world won't make a huge impact without quality sleep. It's not just a lack of exercise and attention to diet that catches up to people. Sleep deprivation is what I find as the most common denominator in those who struggle with looking and feeling their best. You can't get much of anything done without a good night's rest."

"The ultimate consequences of poor sleep habits go largely underestimated and far beyond just a ragged appearance -- they trigger higher anxiety, moodiness, a dampened sex life, and an overall lower quality of life," Christine says. "In fact, people report being happier with more sleep than with more income. That says a lot about how much sleep can boost our wellbeing, even in a down economy."

SOURCE Christine Fee Wellness, LLC

New research shows a switch in the bedroom could positively impact sleep quality, and, in turn, may improve quality of life. A recent sleep study released today and conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital by Harvard researchers, examined sleep surface, sleep quality and quantity, and their impact on quality of life and well-being.

Results of the study show that after only six weeks, the majority of participants who switched to a different bed reported a significant improvement in sleep quality, the ability to fall asleep faster and sleep longer, as well as a decrease in back and neck aches and a significant decrease in soreness, stiffness and pain. Study participants also reported that improved quality of sleep led to improvements in their quality of life, such as a decrease in food cravings, a belief that they appeared younger-looking, and a decrease in negative moods.

"During the study, participants switched from their current bed to the SLEEP NUMBER(R) bed, which offers the sleeper the ability to adjust their side of the mattress to the ideal level of comfort, firmness and support for them," explained Pete Bils, senior director of research and sleep innovation for Select Comfort. "These findings add to previous clinical studies conducted at Stanford, Duke and other leading universities. These past studies found participants sleeping on a Sleep Number mattress fell asleep faster, were more rested, experienced relief from back pain, and spent more time in the deeper and more restorative stages of sleep," Bils added.

Participants who were part of a couple also reported that improved quality of sleep led to greater intimacy and expressions of affection with their partner. Specifically, the majority of study participants reported an increase in the stimulating exchange of ideas with their partner. And, nearly half reported increased kissing and laughing as a result of improved sleep quality.

"For anyone with a sleeping partner whose idea of comfort conflicts with theirs, for people who experience pain and soreness when they wake, or for anyone who wants to experience a better night's sleep, the dual-adjustability of a Sleep Number bed provides a potential solution," continued Bils.

Methodology

The in-home sleep study was conducted through Massachusetts General Hospital by Dr. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., director of the program in aesthetics and well-being, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Participants in the study switched from a current mattress to a SLEEP NUMBER(R) bed from Select Comfort Corporation (Nasdaq: SCSS), the nation's leading bed retailer. Eighty-four participants switched from their old mattress to a new Sleep Number bed in the same size as their current mattress. Participants were between the ages of 25-71. The study was commissioned by Select Comfort Corporation.

About the Sleep Number Bed

Unlike traditional mattresses made from metal coils or springs, each Sleep Number mattress gives sleepers total control over their sleep experience because they can adjust their side of the bed to their Sleep Number setting at the touch of a button - going from a soft zero to a firm 100 - to achieve the exact level of comfort, firmness and support that's ideal for them and their body.

SOURCE Select Comfort

Adults who suffer chronic sleep problems may face an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, new research indicates.

In a study to be presented on April 1, 2009 at the World Psychiatric Association international congress "Treatments in Psychiatry," scientists found that the more types of sleep disturbances people had, the more likely they were to have thoughts of killing themselves, engage in planning a suicidal act or make a suicide attempt.

"People with two or more sleep symptoms were 2.6 times more likely to report a suicide attempt than those without any insomnia complaints," said the study's leader, Dr. Marcin Wojnar, a research fellow at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan in the United States and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 877,000 people worldwide die by suicide every year. The UN health agency says surveys indicate that for every death by suicide, anywhere from 10-40 suicide attempts are made.

"Identifying those at high risk of suicide is important for preventing it and these findings indicate that insomnia may be a modifiable risk factor for suicide in the general population," Wojnar said. "This has implications for public health as the presence of sleep problems should alert doctors to assess such patients for a heightened risk of suicide even if they don't have a psychiatric condition. Our findings also raise the possibility that addressing sleep problems could reduce the risk of suicidal behaviours."

Scientists have consistently linked sleep disturbances to an increased risk of suicidal behaviour in people with psychiatric disorders and in adolescents, but it has been unclear whether the association also exists in the general adult population.

In the study, the broadest and most rigorously conducted of its kind, scientists examined the relationship over one year between three characteristics of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep and waking at least two hours earlier than desired) and three suicidal behaviours (suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts) in 5,692 Americans. About 35 percent of those studied reported experiencing at least one type of sleep disturbance in the preceding 12 months.

The most consistent link was seen for early morning awakening, which was related to all suicidal behaviours. People with this problem were twice as likely as those with no sleep problems to have had suicidal thoughts in the preceding 12 months, 2.1 times more likely to have planned suicide and 2.7 times more likely to have tried to kill themselves.

Difficulty falling asleep was a significant predictor of suicidal thoughts and planning. Compared with people who reported no sleep problems, those who had trouble initiating sleep had 1.9 times the risk of suicidal ideas and 2.2 times the risk of planning suicide.

People who had trouble sleeping through the night - waking up nearly every night and taking an hour or more to get back to sleep were twice as likely to have thought of suicide in the last year and were three times more likely to have attempted it than those who had no sleep problems.

The results were adjusted for several factors known to influence suicide, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety disorder and other mood disorders, as well as chronic medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung disease and cancer. They were also adjusted for the influence of sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and marital and financial status.

How sleep disturbance might increase the risk of suicide is still poorly understood, Wojnar said. Scientists have proposed that insufficient sleep may affect cognitive function and lead to poorer judgement, less impulse control and increased hopelessness. A dysfunction involving serotonin a brain chemical involved in mood regulation that plays an important role in sleep, psychiatric disorders and suicide is also suspected.

Further research is needed to determine whether other sleep problems, such as sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing during sleep) and non-restorative sleep, where people feel unrefreshed after an adequate amount of sleep, are also associated with suicidal behaviour, Wojnar added.

The study was funded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the US National Institute of Mental Health.

Source: World Psychiatric Association