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Month: August 2024
Wellness

Pets Make the Best Medicine

Having a ruff week? Need a little pick-me-up about meow?

Your best bet might be to get a pet!

Studies show time spent with dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters — even fish! — can be one of the most effective ways to stay happy and healthy.

In this article, our Dreamologists chatted with Tracy Mohr, Animal Services Manager for the City of Chico and general overseer of all things Chico Animal Shelter and Chico Animal Control. Tracy shared her thoughts on how animals can have a positive effect on health and wellness–as well as a few tips on keeping your pets healthy and well, too!

Science says: pets can boost your health

People who have pets are often healthier, says Tracy. For people who live alone, pets can be wonderful companions. They give people a reason to get up, a way to be active, and somebody to talk to. “Even fish can be beneficial for people!”

According to the CDC, some of the health benefits of owning pets include:

  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Decreased cholesterol levels
  • Decreased triglyceride levels
  • Decreased feelings of loneliness
  • Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
  • Increased opportunities for socialization

“All of us here at the Chico Animal Shelter,” says Tracy, “can agree that pets definitely enrich our lives and make them more pleasurable and more fun.”

Don’t have a furry friend? Here’s how to get the bene-pets:

If you don’t have the ability to have a pet of your own right now, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with animals here in town.

Tracy’s #1 tip? Volunteer! “At the Chico Animal Shelter, we have a volunteer program where you can come and walk dogs and socialize with the cats. You can sign up from home!”

A few of her other ideas:

  • Notice a neighbor with a lonely or barking dog? Offer to take it on a run or walk
  • Volunteer at another animal shelter in town, such as the Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation
  • Offer to pet-sit for a friend or family member
  • Offer to throw a ball for a neighborhood pooch
  • Volunteer with Meals on Wheels – they also help out senior-aged pets!
  • Watch some cute pet videos on YouTube
  • Live-stream pups and kittens at rescue centers (you’re welcome)

Pets need to stay healthy, too! Here’s how.

Sorry, table scraps and endless naps. Our furry friends need a wellness regimen, too!

Good food:

“A good diet,” says Tracy, “is always important. It should be appropriate for the age and activity level of the pet. Just like with people, if you have a good diet, that’s half the battle! Try to avoid too many treats and people food, and ask your vet for a healthy food recommendation.”

Exercise:

Dogs, says Tracy, need to get out for a walk, and indoor cats should have environment-rich exercises where they can look out the window, play, and be active.

I said, Doctor!

Be sure they’re up to date on vaccinations, and always keep an eye out for an abnormal behavior in your pet. Something looking off? Head to the vet, or consider telemed for pets! “When somebody adopts or fosters a pet through Chico Animal Shelter, they have access to telemed services. It’s not a vet, but it gives a few tips!”

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Make sure your pets are microchipped and have a collar. If they’re dogs, they need to be licensed in Chico and all of California. Together, “these will get the animal home without needing to come to the shelter,” says Tracy. P.S. Need a tag? Visit chicoanimalshelter.com to fill out a form for a free pet tag!

Whether you’re out horsin’ around or just doggone crazy for cockatiels, pets are a wonderful way to boost your wellness and stay healthier this season. “Pets are a great addition to our lives,” says Tracy. “They definitely make our lives better.”

At Square Deal, we’re proud to be another Chico business working alongside wonderful organizations like Chico Animal Shelter and the amazing work they do to rescue, care for, and protect our furry friends.

And we might be a little biased: is there a better nap companion than a pet? We maintain there’s no better night’s sleep than one with a furry friend. ???
Wellness

Food Is a Fuel: How Nutrition Affects Health

“Food is fuel”

Words to live by, according to Diana Coggan, Health and Beauty Buyer at New Earth Market and our fourth interview in the Year of Good Sleep Wellness Series!

As a long-time industry expert in health and wellness, Diana brings a wealth of knowledge on the right foods and supplements to power your body through any season of colds, flus, or pandemics. Her role at New Earth Market is to help people understand how nutrition affects health and suggest foods and supplements that are right for their individual needs and goals.

Her number one tip?

Eat good food.

“Food is the fuel our bodies run on,” she says. “If we’re eating good, minimally–processed foods, we can expect our bodies to operate optimally. More simply: Garbage in, garbage out.”

What is considered “good food,” you might ask?

Viva Variety

Diana recommends a variety of fresh foods, good fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, and fruits to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. An easy way to do this: “Eat the rainbow,” she recommends. Grab your kiddos for a trip to the produce department, and ask them to help you choose a variety of foods from every color. “Every color has different nutrients, so you want a broad spectrum of colors in your diet.”

Celebate Carbs

“Whole grains are not the enemy!” says Diana. “You have to eat the right kinds and in moderation.” Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread flour, and oatmeal are your base fuel to keep full, maintain healthy weight, and help ward off heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns. Refined and processed white flour and white rice, on the other hand, convert to sugar in our body almost immediately. White bread? “Essentially, it’s glue.”

Chew the Fat

Skip the low fat and no fat options, Diana suggests. “Our bodies really need those fats, especially the brain–a fat dependent organ.” Raw nuts (not roasted or salted), avocados, olive oil, coconut oil are all great options.

Find Fermentation

Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchee, kombucha really help with gut health and digestion. “With the advent of processing and refrigeration, as a society, we don’t eat enough fermented foods,” she notes. For vegans or lactose-intolerant people, there are even some tasty dairy free yogurts and kefirs to try.

If I’m eating all the right foods, do I need supplements?

Most likely.

“Supplements help fill in the gaps we might not be getting from diet,” Diana explains. Even the healthiest foods, for example, might not have everything you need as mass farming often strips the soil of vital nutrients.

Similarly, stress can play a huge role in how our bodies absorb nutrients. Supplements can help address any issues or illnesses that arise by providing what wouldn’t be in our normal diet–like extra boosts of Vitamin C or elderberries.

She recommends a good multivitamin and a quality probiotic for most people. “It’s going to help microbiome and gut health–that’s where our immune system starts. If you’ve got a healthy gut bacteria, you’re going to have a better chance of fighting off anything that comes your way.”

Just remember, she says, “Supplements have their place but they’re not a replacement for good food.”

New Earth, a family-run store founded to provide options for healthy, natural foods and supplements, is very particular about the products they bring in. Every item is reviewed for property ingredients, 3rd party testing, processing, bottling, etc., to ensure it meets the high standards of health and personalized help the store offers its customers.

“We don’t run it as a corporation,” she says. “People who work here are our family. In turn, we want to be able to take that family feel to the community and really welcome our customers into the stores. We really want the community to be healthy,” she says.

Any final suggestions on how to stay healthy this season?

“When it’s cold outside, don’t drink or eat cold things,” Diana says. “Our digestive system is like a furnace. If it’s already cold outside, your body is working hard to digest and metabolize, then you throw a cold salad or ice water in there, you’re cooling down that furnace and it’s harder for the body to work. Similarly, watch how much heat you eat during summer. Stick to cooler foods whenever possible to keep your system digesting properly.”

As another family-owned business in town, Square Deal Mattress Factory is thrilled to partner with companies like New Earth Market in search of better ways to stay healthy and ultimately get a better night’s sleep. Bon appetit!
Wellness

How to Pick the Healthiest Mattress

Today’s topic: how to choose the healthiest mattress for your unique lifestyle! 

In true Square Deal style, we asked our expert Dreamologists what to look for in a mattress and why these choices make a difference in your sleep quality and overall health. Read on for their suggestions.

 

1. First, determine what position you prefer for sleeping: Are you a side sleeper, stomach sprawler, or generally snoring on your back? When you know your body’s unconscious position preference, you can choose a mattress that best supports it. A mattress like the Registry, for example, is designed to relieve pressure points on shoulders and hips to support side sleepers. Proper support means no aches and pains, better sleep, and better overall health.

2. Second, do you sleep hot or cold? Often waking up overheated or drenched in sweat?  Look for a mattress with gel or a copper-infused foam layer designed to pull heat away from the body. Or, opt for construction encouraging extra airflow and circulation. If you’re freezing all night long, a non-toxic synthetic foam or contouring memory foam can help retain heat.

3. Next, consider if you need a hypoallergenic option: Most people have a build-up of one or more allergens in their bedrooms, especially if you have pets. These allergens are often concentrated in reservoirs like sheets and other bedding. If these allergies build up–or you’re already allergic to them–there’s a greater likelihood of increased health problems like asthma, congestion, sneezing, and other problems that lead to restless sleep and poor health. Core mattress materials like natural latex are antibacterial and antifungal can resist dust mites, mildew, and mold.You can also look for mattress toppers and bedding designed to block allergens–just be sure you wash them regularly!

4. Find the right size for you and your sleeping partner: The dreaded crick in your neck or kink in your spine is manageable every once in a while if you fall asleep on the couch, but constant pain from a cramped sleeping position results in poor quality of sleep and serious mobility problems during the day. Consider who will be on the bed with you each night. If it’s just you, a full size might be fine. You and a partner? Consider at least a queen size to give you enough room to move. 47 dogs, cats, and a kid or two? You might want to consider a king size. If you or your partner is especially tall, a California King or a custom XL mattress ensures enough space to sleep comfortably.

5. Finally, be sure to avoid toxins and chemicals: A mattress full of chemicals isn’t healthy. In fact, the gasses these chemicals release can cause dangerous health concerns like respiratory problems and cancer in animals. Synthetic materials and flame retardants have traditionally been to blame, but fortunately, more and more natural options are now available for mattress construction. Look for materials such as organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex rubber, and organic bamboo throughout the design.

 

The next time you’re shopping for a mattress, keep this handy checklist in mind.  Better yet? Reach out to one of our skilled Dreamologists. We’re here to help. Better sleep and overall health are just a few zzzs away!

Welcome to the opening installment of our Year of Good Sleep wellness series! Today’s post is the first of several articles from local wellness experts, bringing you tips and advice on how to stay healthy in 2021–and ultimately bring you better sleep.
Lifestyle

What Does Your Sleep Position Say About You?

What does your sleeping position say about you? When deep asleep, it’s the time when our defenses are down and our subconscious takes over. As experts in the Land of Nod, the SquareDeal Dreamologists decided to do a little sleuthing in the starry skies. (Okay, fine, we also wanted to write a funny blog involving constellations ). Our findings? The body language of sleep says a lot more than we might realize.

Cygnus: Stomach Sleeper with Arms Out or Up

Personality: If you rest in the position sometimes known as a free-faller sleeper, you’re probably not afraid of risk. You generally exude an air of confidence and fun. Often this brash behavior is a cover for nerves and anxiety, and you might be a little thin-skinned, especially in situations where you don’t have control.

Likes: Theme parks, start-up businesses

Dislikes: Organized feedback, surprise parties

Dreamologist tip: watch out for strain at the base of your spine from overarching. Try sleeping without a pillow, or add a pillow under your pelvis

 

Cassiopeia: Side Sprawl with Arms Outstretched

Personality If you’re a side sleeper with a tendency to stretch your arms above or to the front, then you’re most likely a pretty open, friendly person. Decisions may not always come to you quickly or easily, but you stick to them once made.

Likes: Pre-planned happy hours, new hires

Dislikes: Too many condiment options

Dreamologist tip: Watch out for head and neck support if you’re sleeping on the edge of your pillow.

 

Taurus: Side Sleeper Curled into Fetal Position

Personality: If you sleep on your side, curled into a ball, you’re in the same position—literally as about 41% of the world. This popular sleep position is often associated with a strong outer shell and a marshmallow heart. You might talk a tough game, but inside you’re sensitive and caring.

 

Likes: Black-and-white Judy Garland movies, salty snacks

Dislikes: Overenthusiastic huggers

 

Dreamologist tip: Watch out for back strain from bent knees. Try a pillow between your knees to alleviate pain.

Orion: Back Sprawl with Arms and Legs Outstretched

Personality: Sleeping with arms above your head, legs astance, you’re ready for whatever may come. An exposed position like this (not unlike when an animal shows trust by showing its belly) you’re probably a communicative person with an extroverted personality. You just might be the life of the party, and you’re generally an open book on most topics.

 

Likes: Singing badly in the shower, kicking off the sheets

Dislikes: Long periods of silence, possibly cheese

Dreamologist tip: Watch out for snoring and back pain. Try a pillow under your knees for extra support

 

Virgo: Back Sleeper with Arms and Legs Lying Flat

Personality: Arms and legs mostly straight down like a perfectly poised lady or well-trained soldier might mean that you’ve got high standards, strong morals, and a strong sense of duty. You might be a bit more reserved and have high expectations of others.

Likes: Regency romance novels, The Container Store

Dislikes: Bad grammar, people who don’t use their turn signals

Dreamologist tip: Watch out for snoring. Ensure your mattress and pillow firmly support your head and neck.

 

Gemini: Sleeping Side by Side

 

Personalities: Like the two twins Castor and Pollux bonded for eternity in the night sky, you and your partner have an unbreakable bond. You often sleep touching or entwined and have deep affection and loyalty for each other. Close-contact means you also enjoy mouthwash.

 

Likes: Long walks on the beach, mood music

Dislikes: Snapchat, twin mattresses

Dreamologist tip: Watch out for uncomfortable sleeping situations that wake you up with a kink in your neck. Consider snuggling for a few minutes, then assuming your most comfortable position for the rest of the night.

 

What do you think? Is your personality revealed by the sleeping stars? Are you another constellation we didn’t cover? Or do you just like to be comfy—whatever position that looks like? Tell us in the comments! ?

*Photos courtesy of StarDate
Bedroom

Dreamoligists Decode Mattress Terminology

In the market for a mattress, but a little overwhelmed by all the confusing terms? Never fear, your trusty Dreamologists are here to help! Below, we explain all the mattress terms you need to know, from platforms to pillow-tops, and everything in between.

Adjustable Base

A bed base that can move into several different positions. Usually controlled with a remote to raise the level of the head or feet.

Air Bed

Usually best for temporary rest like guests or camping! Air beds are filed with–you guessed it–air! and can usually deflate in minutes for easy storage.

Border Wires/Rod:

Steel wire or rods around the outside edge of the mattress or box spring to help a bed keep its shape.

Box Spring

Typically goes under a mattress to provide extra support. It features vertical coils and a steel border rod and is usually covered in a sturdy material. You’ll need a box spring if your bed frame doesn’t have another form of support. Our True-Flex® features the patented Dyna-Lock™ interlocking grid system for extraordinary support and spring action.

Coil:

Steel wires shaped into a vertical spiral, often encased in fabric or foam, designed to support the body when sleeping. Usually flexible and springy to add extra comfort and motion support.

Day Bed

Used as a bed by night, couch by day. Whereas a sofa sleeper or hide-a-bed looks like a couch during the day, a day bed looks like a bed at all times–usually just with more pillows and padding.

Edge Guard:

Wire or extra foam padding placed around the outside border of a mattress to prevent the dreaded side sag.

Foundation

An alternative to box springs, a foundation is a bed base constructed using a sturdy wooden frame and, in some models, a steel non-flexing spring.

Hide-a-Bed

Otherwise known as the bed that folds up in your living room sofa, it’s also sometimes called a “sofa bed” or “sofa sleeper” or “sleeper sofa.”

Hybrid Mattress

A mattress made of various types of material, like coils, memory foam, latex, foam, and pillow tops.

Latex Natural Foam

No springs attached! Latex natural foam mattresses don’t have any coils inside and are made of buoyant rubber from the Amazonian rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis). Naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.

Mattress Topper

A removable extra layer to customize your sleeping needs, a mattress topper can make your bed softer or firmer, cooler or warmer, and can be made of a variety of materials depending on your preferences.

Memory Foam

Sometimes called visco-elastic foam, memory foam is a Man-made foam primarily made of polyurethane, memory foam is known for its moldable, pressure-relieving properties.

Memory Foam Gel

Similar to memory foam, the gel provides additional temperature moderation and heat dispersal.

Murphy Bed

A space-saving design that uses hinges to fold a mattress up into a cabinet or wall unit until needed, at which time it lowers down into a regular bed.

Pallet Base

Sometimes called a “Bunkie-board,” a pallet is a 2? bed base constructed using a sturdy wooden frame. It’s usually covered with a thin upholstery and acts as a box spring alternative, especially with platform beds.

Pillow Top

You’ll recognize a pillow top mattress as one that has an extra, “separate” layer of padding sewn on top of the mattress to make it more soft and comfortable. This feature is an extra layer of padding on top of the mattress to provide a soft, extra-comfortable surface for sleeping. You may need to get sheets in a special “deep pocket” size to ensure they fit over the pillow top.

Pillow Top (Eurostyle)

Similar in idea to the regular pillow top, but instead of a separate layer sewn on top of the mattress, the extra stuffing is included beneath the cover of the main mattress for a sleeker look.

Platform Bed

Increasingly more common, platform beds are slowly replacing box springs. A simple pallet base or adjustable platform base supports the mattress, lifting it off the ground and allowing for under-bed storage at the same time.

Plush Top

In lieu of an extra layer of stuffing like a pillow top, this mattress is constructed with a softer top and a firmer bottom.

RV Mattresses

Like you guessed, these are designed specially to fit within the exact space of your RV. We can help you design one for maximum comfort and breathability.

Support Foam

The high-density foam usually found at the base of a one-sided mattress.

Trundle Bed

A two-fer design in which one mattress on wheels is tucked under the platform of the first mattress. The idea is usually to save space in smaller living areas.

Now that you’re in the know on all the main mattress keywords, come on down to our showroom and pick out your next good night’s sleep!
Bedroom

Pillow Talk: How to Choose the Perfect Pillow for YOU

You’ve got a Goldilocks-approved mattress. Hurrah! Now, it’s time to find a pillow to make your good night’s sleep just right. With so many options out there, it’s important your pillow complements your unique needs and supports your overall quality of sleep. One style doesn’t fit all!

 

The key to long-term comfort is a neutrally-aligned spine. In other words, your pillow shouldn’t allow your neck to bend forward, backward, or to the left or right. “Loft” (height) is one key to proper alignment, as it raises or lowers the position of your head. Support is another, and it comes from the “fill” or insides of the pillow.

 

This little chart can help determine what level of support you might need: 

 

Firm Medium Soft
Are you a side sleeper? x
Side sleeper with your arm tickling your ear? x
Do you sleep on your stomach? x
Do you wake up on your back? x
Do you like staring at cloud figures? x
Do you binge-watch movies in bed? x
Do you hug your pillow in your sleep? x
Do you take two pillows and shove them into one pillowcase? x

 

If you mostly answered:

 

Firm

…You need a pillow with a lot of support. This style is usually a bit thicker to lift your head off the mattress and straighten out your neck. Look for:

  • Latex Natural Rubber: Naturally made from the foamed sap of the hevea-brasilienis rubber tree, hypoallergenic, and antifungal. Bounces back quickly and is very soft.
  • Memory Foam (Solid Gel): Man-made and designed to help distribute weight, relieve pressure and contour around the head. The fill of a solid pillow cannot be moved around.
  • Buckwheat & Millet: Filled with the hulls of buckwheat and millet seeds, allowing continuous airflow and ventilation. Retains shape and loft under pressure and conforms to head and neck shape.

 

Medium

…You probably sleep primarily on your back. A medium-firm pillow supports the neck and head but won’t throw off proper alignment. Look for:

  • Latex Natural Rubber (Solid or Shredded): A less firm version of above!
  • Memory Foam (Shredded Gel): The same ingredients as the solid, just in a shredded design that allows the sleeper to mold and move it around.
  • Feather Blend (Duck and Down): Just as it sounds! A blend of quilled and down feathers provide medium support and allow you to fluff as needed.
  • Polyester: Usually available in a variety of firmness levels and can be squished and molded. Hypoallergenic options are often available.

 

Soft

…You need minimal support. This is the softest and usually flattest of them all and best for those who generally sleep on their stomach. Look for:

  • Latex Natural Rubber (Solid): Like “resting on air,” this soft style still provides adequate support but less loft.
  • Down: High level of compression for those needing a softer pillow, made from clusters of fluffy down
  • Polyester: Lightweight versions have the ability to feel similar to down and can easily compress.

 

Healthy mix of all: 

Consider a pillow with moveable, moldable fill with medium support.

When it comes to the right pillow, other considerations include allergies and conditions like sleep apnea. While we hope these tips offer a head-start on the best rest for your noggin’, the Square Deal Dreamologists are happy to help with a personal consultation. We sell all the options above, so come into our Sleep Center to find the perfect pillow for a good night’s sleep!
Re-Upholstery

4 Steps to Refill Your Couch Cushions

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing worse than a saggy seat.

A couch or chair with lumpy, frumpy, and worn out cushions is not only uncomfortable but also a surefire way to misalign your spine and injure yourself. Fortunately, if your furniture suffers this cushion catastrophe, we can help. Our team is expertly trained in restuffing your seats and bringing new life to your favorite lounging spots.

If you’d like us to refill your cushions, follow the 4 steps below.

1. Identify the Sag Source. While cushions are often the culprit, occasionally the structure springs might be causing the problem. Take a peek beneath the seat to determine what’s causing the furniture to sag. Not sure? Snap a picture, and we can take a look.

2. Measure Your Cushion. Use a measuring tape to determine the approximate width, height, and length. Then, give us a call for an initial quote. If the price is right, move to Step 3.

3. Find Your Filling. Using your original cushion for comparison, test your tush on our foam filling options. Go for a similar feel, make it harder or softer, add additional shape with a foam core, or swap in custom fillings like a down envelope for maximum fluffliness.

4. Schedule Your Service. Most cushion refills take about three to four days. Company headed your way tomorrow? We also have one-day service options!

Bonus: DIY at Home!

If you’re feelin’ crafty, we can supply all the stuffins you need to refill your cushions at home. Pro-tip: Once you’re ready to fit the foam into the cover, wrap it in a plastic bag or big sheet of plastic wrapping, then suck the air out with a vacuum. The foam will temporarily shrink down, so you can stuff it back into the cover. Just remember to take out the plastic bag so it doesn’t crinkle when you sit!
Wellness

Health Benefits to Sleep Seven Hours Tonight

Despite the fact that the CDC recommends most adults get about 7 hours of sleep each night, most people don’t get enough shut-eye. Work, school, socializing and technology are common sleep thieves, consistently robbing us of a plethora of positive effects.

The next time you’re tempting to put your pillow second-place to that last Netflix episode, consider these 3 benefits of a good night’s sleep:

Better Learning

Practice makes better…but sleep might actually make it perfect. Taking on a new hobby like the piano or Polish lessons? Adequate sleep can actually help you master a new skill in a way you couldn’t otherwise. A good night’s sleep allows you to better focus and understand material when you’re awake, and the various sleep stages may help the brain consolidate and organize new information at night so you can better process and remember what you’ve learned.

 

Better Health

Getting the right amount of sleep is like winning the lottery for better health. First, it can help ward off inflammation, which is linked to arthritis, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease among others. It can also help ward off depression, improve your mood, and boost your immune system. Want to lose a little weight? A good shut-eye helps maintain the proper balance of hormones that prevent obesity—and it may even help you lose a larger percentage of fat than muscle. Cha-ching!

 

Better Safety.

Here’s a sobering fact: The explosion of the Challenger space shuttle, the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill have all been attributed in part to sleep deprivation. Yikes. Getting the right amount of sleep means your brain focuses better, you have quicker reaction times, and you make better decisions, all of which can prevent disaster. A good night’s sleep also means you keep your family safe if you’re in the driver’s seat—not getting enough rest can affect your body the same way too much alcohol does. For reference: it’s illegal to drive if your blood alcohol content is .08 or higher; skipping a night of sleep affects you the same as if you were at .10.

Still completing one more chapter of your book or scroll through social media? Consider this: A good night’s sleep can dramatically spice things up between the sheets. ? The next time you’re tempted to forfeit a few winks, consider all the ways your body will thank you for those extra zzzs.
Lifestyle

7 Tips to Get Kids on a Regular Sleep Schedule

A good night’s sleep is crucial to healthy minds and bodies, so here are some fun ways to get the kiddos back on track towards a healthy sleep schedule:

Make a Bedtime Routine Photo Tutorial

Snap a pic of each stage of your child’s bedtime routine: bathtime, teeth-brushing, PJ time, book reading, potty break, etc. Then, print the pictures in order of operations and hang the photo at kid-level. Tip: Have fun with the photoshoot! Crazy jammies or bathtime gone wild make it exciting, not a chore.

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

Working your way toward a more regular sleep schedule may be as easy as melatonin for dinner. Rice, sweetcorn, cherries, grapes, poultry, nuts, tomatoes, olives, milk, and oats all contain naturally-occurring melatonin, a hormone that reminds your body it’s time for sleep. Be sure they don’t chow down too close to lights out, or the full stomach could cause discomfort and unrest.

Start a Final Countdown

If their sleep schedule is significantly off, a drastic change may cause more stress. Instead, make lights off time a bit earlier each night. Try increments or 10 or 15 minutes over the course of a week or two until you reach their desired bedtime. Be sure to have them wake up 15 minutes earlier each morning, too.

Give Electronics a Siesta

Studies show turning off electronics about an hour before bedtime results in quicker and better quality sleep. Replace this time before bed with other fun, yet relaxing, activities such as reading, drawing, coloring, brushing the dog, or even listening to a kid-friendly audiobook or podcast.

Cue the Sleepytime Tunes

Make peaceful music something to look forward to before bed. Involve the kids with a family event: snuggle up with PJs, fluffy pillows, and a glass of milk as you create a Spotify playlist together. Here are some ideas to get started; we love Rockabye Baby for their David Bowie and Ed Sheeran lullaby covers.

Encourage Daily Exercise

Exercise can help kids conk out faster and more willingly, so be sure it’s a part of their daily routines. The CDC recommends children 6-17 get at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day, and several sessions of fun and developmental play for kids 2-5 years old. Fun fact: Pillowfights count as cardio!

Try the 4-7-8 Technique

This unique breathing technique is intended to help increase oxygen flow to the blood, reduce heart rate, and encourage relaxation. A guided breathing meditation (sound only), might also work.

 

Kids are all so wonderfully unique, so what works for one may not for the other. Feel free to try out one or two or a combination of these tips, and be sure to keep a comfortable sleep environment at all times—fresh sheets, a comfy pillow, and a cool temperature all highly recommended!
Lifestyle

Pets on the Bed: Yay! or Nay?

Pet owners have many decisions to make: which brand of food, how many walks per day, the best toys to buy—but we all know the most important question to answer:

Pets on the bed: yes or no?

Right?! The battle wages strong between pet owners who share the bed and those who say overnights are off-limits. So who’s right? Is it merely a case of personal preference, or does science have something to say about the matter?

Let’s look at the facts.

 

Team Snuggle Bus:

People who sleep with their pets appreciate:

Extra warmth. Save on utility bills and skip the fire hazard. A heated blanket has nothin’ on your pet’s higher body temperature.

Security. When your head goes down at night, vulnerability goes up. A pup at your feet can provide a sense of safety, especially for children and singles.

Companionship. Banish lonely nights with a furry-friend snuggle. The unconditional love of a pet is the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep.

Stress-relief. Cat purrs have been scientifically shown to reduce blood pressure, while rhythmic snores and breathing of your pooch can reduce insomnia and help you relax. Fun fact: petting your animal releases oxytocin (responsible for mutual stress relief and well-being) in your brain and theirs.

Better health. Proximity to your pet may decrease risk of stroke and heart disease.

 

Team Oh Heck Meow:

People who prefer their pets off the bed cite reasons such as:

Dirty sheets. If your pet spends time outdoors, there’s a good chance dirt, bugs, and poo—along with the standard allotment of fur—might hit the pillow(top) alongside you.

Allergies. Year-round, allergies can be triggered by the various dust, dander, and pollen particles a pet brings in and leaves on the furniture and bedding.

Aggression. If an animal has a strong attachment to one pet parent, she may become aggressive when the other parent shares the bed. Similarly, some pets lash out when startled or squished in bed.

Sleep disruption. Let’s face it: pets do weird things in the wee hours, including scratching, snoring, digging, and general bed-hogging. All of these can impact the quality of your sleep.

The great divide. Pets are experts at sprawling on beds. If your cat or dog separates you and your partner, it may create a physical barrier to closeness and bonding at night.

 

Our vote?

At the end of the day (literally), comfort and happiness matter most. Whatever helps you enjoy your custom-made mattress—whether it’s pets on or off—is the team we support.

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