MindComet

The Power of Sleep

In a study presented at SLEEP 2010, a conference for the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC, states that children who have regular bedtimes and who get adequate sleep score higher on developmental assessments (language, literacy, early math abilities).  The recommendation for children varies by age, but according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine preschool children should have a minimum of 11 hours per night.

Also at SLEEP 2010, researchers presented findings that show extended sleep improves athletic performance.  The research subjects were university football players who improved 20 and 40 yard dash times.  For this study, extended sleep meant a minimum of 10 hours per night.

According to the CDC, preschool children need 11-13 hours per night, elementary students needs 9-11 hours per night, teenagers need 8.5-9.5 hours per night, and adults needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night. 

Are you sleeping enough?  How much better would your life be if you slept more?  Think about it.

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on Jun. 09, 2010

Scientific Support for Chocolate

As chocolate is something of a hobby for me and I always love it when I run across scientific backing for chocolatey goodness.  Recently, I ran across an article in the Harvard Gazette that says that chocolate, in moderation, can help reduce the risk of a certain type of stroke.  The study says it may be through chocolates positive effects on blood pressure and blood vessle flexibility that help reduce the risk of strokes.  All it takes is a few squares of dark chocolate per day.  That is a prescription I can really get behind!

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on Mar. 04, 2010

Good News For Drinkers!

Moderate drinkers that is….  According to a study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, non-drinkers and heavy drinkers have a higher likelihood of suffering from depression and anxiety than their moderate drinking counterparts.  Even more troubling for the non-drinkers, according to the study, they had fewer friends and were less well-adjusted socially than the other groups. 

For clarification sake, moderate drinkers have two drinks per week.  So I say that beer at Happy Hour on Friday with your friends is a great idea!

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on Oct. 13, 2009