Different types of foods can have various sleep-inducing qualities. Eating these foods during certain times can also optimize your sleep quality. The following low-calorie consumables contain factors that contribute to healthy sleep and are common to obtain.
Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, kiwis boast an impressive array of health benefits, and their ability to aid in sleep is no exception. One of the key factors behind their sleep-inducing properties is their high serotonin content. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep-wake cycles. Consuming kiwis before bedtime can help increase serotonin levels in the brain, promoting a sense of relaxation and tranquility, making it easier to fall asleep. Additionally, kiwis are rich in another sleep-friendly compound, namely, antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. So, if you're seeking a natural and delicious way to enhance your sleep, reach for a couple of kiwis before bedtime and let these little green powerhouses work their magic on your slumber.
These vibrant and juicy delights not only satisfy our taste buds but also contain a natural sleep aid that can work wonders for those struggling with sleep issues. Cherries are a rich source of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycles. Consuming cherries, particularly tart cherries, can provide a natural boost in melatonin levels, helping to promote a sense of drowsiness and setting the stage for a peaceful slumber. Furthermore, cherries are packed with powerful antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation in the body can lead to increased comfort and ease, making it less likely to experience sleep disturbances. Whether you enjoy them fresh, dried, or as cherry juice, incorporating cherries into your bedtime routine might just be the delicious solution you've been seeking to drift off into dreamland effortlessly.
Not only is salmon a delectable addition to your dinner plate, but it also packs a plethora of health benefits that extend to improving your sleep. One of the key factors contributing to salmon's sleep-promoting prowess is its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These essential fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, which can aid in achieving a more restful sleep. Moreover, DHA has been linked to increased production of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep. Additionally, salmon is a top-notch source of vitamin D, which is associated with better sleep quality and can help regulate your body's internal clock. By incorporating salmon into your diet, you're nourishing your body with a wealth of nutrients that support overall well-being and contribute to a more peaceful slumber.
When it comes to promoting a peaceful night's sleep, walnuts are a mighty and nutritious option that deserves a spot on your bedtime snack menu. These brain-shaped wonders are packed with essential nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, making them a wholesome addition to any diet. What sets walnuts apart, though, is their unique combination of sleep-enhancing properties. Walnuts are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep patterns and signals to our bodies that it's time to wind down. By munching on a handful of walnuts before bedtime, you can help boost your melatonin levels, paving the way for a more relaxed and faster transition to dreamland. Additionally, walnuts are an excellent source of tryptophan, an amino acid that supports the production of serotonin and melatonin, further promoting sleep-inducing effects. Moreover, these nuts are rich in magnesium, a mineral known for its ability to relax muscles and calm the nervous system. This can lead to reduced anxiety and tension, fostering a more comfortable environment for slumber. So, if you're on the hunt for a satisfying and wholesome way to improve your sleep quality, reach for walnuts, and let their natural sleep-boosting goodness nourish both your body and mind.
Renowned for their calming properties, chamomile teas have been cherished for centuries as a gentle sleep aid. The secret lies in its unique composition, containing a flavonoid called apigenin, which binds to specific receptors in the brain, inducing a sense of relaxation and reducing anxiety. This, in turn, paves the way for a more peaceful transition into dreamland. Additionally, chamomile is caffeine-free, making it an excellent bedtime beverage that won't disrupt your sleep cycle. Sipping on a warm cup of chamomile tea before bedtime can create a soothing bedtime ritual, signaling to your body that it's time to unwind and prepare for a restful night ahead.
If you've ever wondered why Thanksgiving dinner seems to make you sleepy, the answer lies in the star of the show - turkey! This delectable poultry contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which plays a crucial role in promoting relaxation and sleep. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep-wake cycles. When you indulge in a hearty serving of turkey, the tryptophan makes its way to your brain, where it gets converted into serotonin. This, in turn, leads to the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for signaling your body that it's time to sleep. The combination of tryptophan-induced relaxation and the festive ambiance during Thanksgiving may explain why many people feel drowsy after the meal. So, whether it's Thanksgiving or any other time of the year, incorporating turkey into your diet can be a delicious way to naturally support better sleep. Just remember, moderation is key, as too much turkey can leave you feeling too stuffed for a restful slumber. So, enjoy your turkey mindfully, and let its tryptophan-rich goodness pave the way for a peaceful and rejuvenating night's sleep.
If you're on a quest for a more restful night's sleep, consider adding whole grains to your diet. Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat, are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. These carbs trigger the release of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, in the brain. As a result, you experience a sense of relaxation and contentment, which can help lull you into a more peaceful slumber. Furthermore, whole grains boast an abundance of essential nutrients, including magnesium and B vitamins like folate and niacin. Magnesium, in particular, plays a vital role in promoting muscle relaxation and calming the nervous system, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep. Incorporating whole grains into your evening meal or as a bedtime snack can provide a steady release of energy throughout the night, preventing blood sugar fluctuations that might disrupt your sleep. So, if you're seeking a wholesome and natural sleep aid, whole grains are an excellent addition to your diet.
Optimal consumption times of sleep-inducing foods can greatly contribute to improving sleep quality and promoting overall well-being. It is generally recommended to consume sleep-inducing foods about one to two hours before bedtime to allow sufficient time for digestion and the release of their sleep-promoting properties. This timing helps avoid discomfort or indigestion while maximizing the benefits of these foods. By incorporating sleep-inducing foods into a bedtime routine and consuming them at the optimal times, individuals can support a restful and rejuvenating night's sleep.
As results may vary per individual, it is always recommended to consult with a sleep clinician if you have prolonged issues with sleeping. Issues such as falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting quality sleep can have major impacts on your health and wellbeing. Contact a sleep clinician at EssentialAir CPAP today using the contact form below. If any of these foods have helped you get better sleep, let us know through our Instagram linked below!
EssentialAir CPAP is a medical equipment supplier based in Toronto, Ontario. We are a team of sleep apnea specialists, with strong ties to medical practitioners and hospitals.
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Some of you may be frustrated by the long wait to get a new CPAP or APAP machine. Wondering why most home care companies don’t have any in stock. It’s a compounded issue caused by a few global factors affecting the CPAP industry, including shipping logistics and parts procurement. ResMed CEO Mick Farrell and Global Operations President Andrew Price did a great job discussing said problems facing the industry in a Youtube video recently posted.
There’s the much-publicized recall from Philips Respironics earlier this spring. Philips recalled at least 3.3 million devices, which caused them to stop producing DreamSations for new patients so that they may concentrate on repairing or replacing affected machines. This puts them out of the new patient market for at least 12 months, meaning the demand will need to be filled by ResMed. As the number two player in sleep apnea and respiratory devices globally, Respironics left a large demand gap for ResMed to fill.
Naturally, when word of the harmful foam and recall got out, some CPAP users would look for alternative machines as soon as possible. That’s where ResMed comes in as one of the leading CPAP and APAP manufacturers capable of producing large amounts of devices. To remain fair, ResMed has been issuing monthly allocations of CPAP and APAP machines to home care companies like EssentialAir CPAP. Now the supply has been cut to a percentage of what it used to be while demand remains stable.
While ResMed is focused on producing as many sleep apnea and respiratory care devices as possible, their capacity is limited by the ongoing global parts supply shortage. Namely, the semiconductors found in a variety of modern electronics like cellphones, computers, and cars with driver assistance systems and autonomous driving. Each of those cars needs around 1000 to 3000 chipsets each. Even those newfangled cloud-connected home appliances require semiconductors! ResMed is competing with those large volume manufacturers for the same part and they’re on an allocation-based system as well.
Another hurdle to overcome is simply getting the parts to their production facilities and moving the final machine to patients in need. Airfreight has been hard to find as people are flying less due to COVID-19, which means the rear cargo hold of planes meant for commercial goods is no longer available or in reduced supply. ResMed even had to charter Boeing 777s planes to get the CPAP and APAP machines from their facility in Singapore to North America.
Not to put all their eggs in one basket, ResMed is shipping large 40-foot containers across the ocean, but delays are inevitable at ports because of a global worker shortage. Delivery reliability is an issue as well. Before COVID, containers were delivered on time at a rate of around 75%. Now it is less than 40% of the time.
Once the sleep apnea and respiratory devices have arrived in North America, not all of them will make it onto the shelves of home care companies. Machines will be allocated in a triage-like system, going to patients needing ventilation with COVID-19, with COPD, with neuromuscular disease, overlap syndrome, patients with central sleep apnea, those with complex sleep apnea, and then patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Though there is a delay and bit of a wait, there’s no time like the present to contact our team of clinicians for more information or to reserve a machine on the wait list.
]]>Continue reading to know more about this recall, possible side effects and to find out if your machine is affected.
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Due to FDA regulations, Philips Respironics announced a recall on June 14 of 2021, for certain Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiLevel PAP) machines, and mechanical ventilators over potential health risks posed by the polyester-based polyurethane (PER-PUR) foam used for sound abatement. This recall affects all machines manufactured before April 26 of 2021.
For those using the affected BiLevel PAP and CPAP machines, Philips does advise that you discontinue the use of your device and speak with your physician or medical device provider first to determine the best course of action for continued treatment.
What’s happening to the foam?
Said foam may degrade and the resulting particles or gases, called volatile organic compounds, could be inhaled or swallowed by the person using affected machines. According to the initial laboratory analysis performed by Philips, the breakdown might be exacerbated by the machines’ hot and humid settings, and by using ozone or ultraviolet (UV) light cleaners or other cleaning methods outside of the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Philips Respironics’ solution for the recall.
Following the recall, Philips Respironics developed a plan to repair affected machines by replacing the polyester-based polyurethane foam with silicone-based foam. If the machines cannot be repaired, Philips will replace them altogether. The FDA did originally approve of this plan, but additional information was later obtained regarding the silicone foam in similar devices sold outside of the US, wherein one safety test did not receive a pass. On the other hand, machines marketed inside the U.S. received acceptable results. Now, Philips has been asked to conduct additional tests via an independent laboratory. While this is ongoing, Philips will still move forward with the repair and replacement program in the U.S. and it should be completed by September of next year.
Symptoms to watch out for.
Philips Respironics released a list of potential health risks that are caused by the black, broken-down foam pieces or volatile organic compounds entering the device’s air tube.
Potential risks associated with exposure to degraded foam include:
The potential risks of exposure to chemical released include:
What does this all mean for first-time CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical ventilator patients?
Be aware that there will be delays because Philips Respironics is currently not taking machine orders for new patients. Instead, the company is changing its production lines to focus on the repair and replacement of machines in the coming months. Meaning the market gap for first-time patients is largely being filled by ResMed. While ResMed is scrambling to increase production, there will still be delays due to the excess demand, slowdown of the global supply chain, and the new AirSense 11 release. In the name of fairness, ResMed has limited the amount machines each clinic is able to receive per month and the amount varies from month to month. Thus, the machine waitlist most clinics have in place for future allotments.
For those who are affected by the recall and would like to discuss treatment options with one of our trained and experienced clinicians on staff, please don’t hesitate to reach out via mobile or email.
For more information and a full list of recalled machines, please visit the Philips website here: Medical Device Recall Notification
]]>It is not uncommon for people who use CPAP machines to complain of dry eyes. The better you understand why this happens and ways to prevent it, the better you’ll be able to protect yourself from the unpleasant symptoms of dry eyes.
Continue reading to find out the reasons why and solutions.
**Promo available in blog**
]]>Symptoms:
Dry eyes can happen when tears aren’t providing sufficient lubrication. Below is a list of possible symptoms:
Causes:
***It’s important to note that there are many other possible causes of dry eyes (not only CPAP therapy). If you never had dry eyes and it appeared once you began using your machine, that’s a good indication that the cause is related to your therapy. If you've always experienced dry eyes please speak to your doctor.
Solutions:
Dry eyes are uncomfortable but it can also cause damage to the surface of your eyes and lead to eye infections. Below are some of the solutions that can help overcome dry eyes.
Since it is very important to replace your mask/cushion regularly, we would like to offer you 20% off (valid August-September 2021)! Please call us at 416-618-6776 ext 1, to receive your discount. Free delivery available with a minimum purchase of $100.00 before promo.
Lastly, if you have further questions about the blog we would be happy to help! Please call us at 416-618-6776 or email at reception@essentialaircpap.com.
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