Screens and Sleep: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Your Rest
PSA! It's not just blue light that's keeping us awake!
While scrolling through LinkedIn one day, I stumbled upon a post by Dr. Michael Gradisar, where he shared an intriguing article about a bidirectional model of sleep and technology use. Naturally, I had to download it immediately!
As a sleep specialist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in British Columbia, I’ve often heard the assumption that it’s the blue light from screens keeping us awake at night. But from personal experience, I knew there was more to the story. I’ve relied on technology to help me fall asleep since childhood—starting with books on tape (shoutout to "The BFG" and the unforgettable whizzpopping scene!) and progressing to DVDs on my tiny 13-inch TV. Even now, my nightly routine involves watching The Great British Baking Show with my husband and reading on my Kindle, both of which relax me and help me drift off to sleep in minutes.
Combat Fatigue: Recovering from a Restless Night’s Sleep
Sleep is something our body is naturally meant to do. It is our environment and our daily choices as humans that usually influence our sleep. There are medical considerations that definitely can interfere but that is a completely different post!
Have you ever wondered why your pet can sleep anywhere anytime? They never have difficulty falling asleep once all is settled and stay asleep all night. Their sleep is usually only disrupted by natural reasons (Milo sometimes has to poop at 2am if we feed him too late - again our fault haha).
As humans we self sabotage sleep - usually accidentally because we are just so tired and still need to get through the day.
All of our patterns of behaviour serve us in some way and I’m here to provide you with some examples of actions you can take to take care of yourself during the day with hopefully a by product of getting out of the cycle or sleep sabotage.
How to Build your Child’s Confidence to Fall Asleep Independently
You are likely here because you want to know if you can truly teach your child how to fall asleep on their own.
I share my top two strategies and some proactive measures to ensure you can have the tools to teach your child to fall asleep on their own.
PCOS and Sleep: How to Take Charge of Your Night!
Alright, buckle up, PCOS warriors! We're about to embark on a wild ride through the wondrous world of sleep and its peculiar relationship with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Spoiler alert: it's a rollercoaster of sleep disorders and sneaky bedtime bandits!
How to Get Over Jet Lag Fast!
Answering the question: “Can we get over jet lag fast?” Good news is YES! With a few careful choices you can support your circadian rhythm to move swiftly and align to the new time zone!
“Why Can’t I Sleep” - Part 1
Answering the question: “Why Can’t I Sleep?”. In this Part 1 blog we dive into some behavioural and health related reasons that could be impacting your sleep. From Sleep Apnea to Restless Legs. We have some top four reasons! Check it out!
Why Sleep Is Important in Cancer Prevention.
Do you have a family history of cancer? Are you worried about someone in your life with cancer? Be sure to read this blog post to learn how to prevent cancer from developing and support cancer treatment.
Three Reasons Why I Chose The Haven Mattress
Having trouble deciding on the different mattresses out there? Read on for my experience with the 14” LUX Pillowtop Mattress and why I choose to recommend Haven to my audience!
Top 3 Things to Think About When Designing Your Bedroom
We moved into a brand new space! This meant figuring out how to create the bedroom of our dreams. Starting with the mattress! If you are looking for a King Mattress then read on about my experience with Haven Mattresses!
Four Bed Accessories To Level Up Your Sleep!
Does your bedroom need a makeover? Make sure you have all the practical things in place first to protect your mattress and set yourself up for a cozy night’s sleep! Read on for four tips to level up your bed game!
Why Understanding Your Hormones is important for Sleep.
Have you ever struggled with restless legs, acne, unexplained weight gain. It is possible your hormones may be behind it! Check out this blog post to learn more about how hormones play a role in sleep and overall health and wellness.
How To Level Up Your Evening Routine To Improve Your Sleep
An evening routine is essential to supporting a healthy night’s sleep.
Just like young children need bedtime routines, adults need them just as much or more. As adults we are transitioning from a busy day of go-go- go and may find it difficult to wind down and relax our bodies and mind. An evening routine can be a nice disconnect from distraction, stress and a time to focus on what’s important to you as well as calm the mind and body so that when you get into bed, you drift off quickly and seamlessly.
How Journaling Can Help Reduce Stress
Journaling can be a daunting and scary activity because you just don’t know what is going to come out once pen hits paper. Read more to find out WHY journaling can be a game changer to how you show up in the world.
Part 2: What To Eat To Support A Better Nights Sleep
If you are anything like me I enjoy an after dinner snack. I have always struggled to find the perfect options as some can interfere with the quality of my sleep. Dr. Adam is here again to explain why certain foods are helpful and others interfere with quality sleep.
Part 1: How Nutrient Deficiencies Contribute to Sleep Problems
Nutrition can have a profound impact on the quality of sleep. When it comes to improving sleep, it is important to rule out any potential physiological variables. In Part 1 of our interview, I speak with Dr. Adam Godkin about what nutrient deficiencies should we be aware of when it comes to sleep disturbances.
How Blue Light is Affecting Your Productivity
If you are a business owner and have employees or are an entrepreneur working for yourself here are a few reasons why you may want to consider monitoring blue light exposure through the use of blue light blocking glasses, screen protectors and more:
Sleep and Caffeine
Before we start let’s do a little assessment of your current caffeine story:
What and how much of caffeinated drinks or foods are you eating across your day. (chocolate, coffee, green tea, black tea, decaf coffee/tea, energy drinks, coke).