Sleep Hacks Uncovered

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If you are suffering with sleep deprivation this could be down to a disturbance to something about your daily routine. One way to gain some control over our sleep is to look at what we consume.

Both sleep and diet are complicated, which suggests that there is no single food that is guaranteed to help you get a good night’s sleep, although there are some recommendations on foods and drinks that may make it much easier to drift off.

So how do you feed a good night’s sleep? There are 3 crucial nutrients to watch out for, Melatonin, Vitamin B and Magnesium.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in the brain which assists our bodies to manage sleep. The amount that we produce and the performance of its usage is impacted by our diet. Some foods high in melatonin are nuts, in particular almonds and walnuts. If you are feeling hungry after dinner, have a handful of these as they consist of minerals like magnesium and zinc that are important to a range of bodily processes. Tart cherries are fruits that also have trytophan and anthocyanins, elements that can help the body to produce more melatonin. Milk consists of melatonin too, and proof shows that a glass of hot milk can induce a good night’s sleep.

Vitamin B also helps to control the body’s level of trytophan. This is an essential amino acid, the building block of proteins that is important for maintaining healthy sleep. Essential amino acids are a group in which our bodies can not make as they have to be sourced through diet. Some of the very best foods high in vitamin B are complex carbohydrates and whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat crackers or popcorn. Chickpeas contain a good level of vitamin B, as does spinach, this leafy green vegetable is loaded with great nutrient’s for a good night’s sleep.

Magnesium is a powerful mineral that is understood to calm the nervous system and help prepare your body for sleep. A lack of magnesium has been linked to a difficulty falling and remaining asleep. Foods that are a terrific boost of magnesium include oily fish such as salmon, tuna (fresh, not tinned), sardines and mackerel. Researchers have actually reported that oily fish might aid with sleep by likewise providing a healthy dose of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, these are associated with the body’s regulation of serotonin. Quinoa and wild rice are rich in magnesium, very high in nutrients and likewise simple to add to your diet plan.

Sadly, a few of your favourite foods may be disrupting your regular sleep cycle. The primary offenders to keep an eye out for are broccoli and cauliflower, although they include a lot of vitamins that are good for you, they likewise have a lot of insoluble fibre that takes a while to digest. Dark chocolate includes levels of caffeine which need to be prevented in the afternoon and night if you are struggling to sleep. Orange juice is not a good pre-bedtime beverage as it is extremely acidic and contains a lot of sugar, which can give you a rush of energy, keeping you awake. White bread and sweet baked products quickly break down into sugar, entering the bloodstream and providing you a boost which can prevent sleep.

Whilst nutritionist’s advise consuming and avoiding specific foods to promote healthy sleep, they are less likely to be efficient if you have a bad bedtime regimen. This could be an incorrect temperature in your bedroom, too much sound or brightness, or if you go to sleep watching tv or listening to music. Any of these can suppress your body melatonin production and combat the benefits of sleep-promoting food. Reviewing your present sleep practices may assist you to sleep better.

It can take up to 4 hours to fully digest a meal, so going to sleep straight after a big meal can cause indigestion or heartburn. Making certain you give yourself time to wind down for bed is an excellent practice to keep, together with a consistent sleeping pattern.

Physical activity is also excellent for sleep, as well as your basic health. Tiring yourself out throughout the day means you are ready for 8 hours by the evening, and can absorb your food better. Weight reduction is accelerated by sleeping, and sleeping offers you the energy to workout, so entering into a good habit of doing both can act as a catalyst to your overall wellness.

If you are interested in Health & Wellbeing information, you may also be interested in Medical, Health and Education Ltd, mhe.ltd. MHE Ltd provide support, training and information on everything from PCR Testing, Drug and Alcohol Testing, Policy Development to health and wellness, including nutrition and cancer prevention information.

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Effective Home Remedies For Tooth PainEffective Home Remedies For Tooth Pain

Toothaches can be annoying, or they can be incredibly painful. So naturally, most people want to alleviate that pain as quickly as possible, but it’s not always possible to get a same-day dental appointment. While visiting a dentist for professional treatment is the only way to permanently get rid of tooth pain, there are a few things patients can try while waiting for appointments. Read on to find out what can help with tooth pain.

smiling young girl with missing front teeth holding a toothbrush in her right hand and pointing at it with her left fore finger

Rinse With Salt Water

Saltwater rinses are a great first line of defense against tooth pain. The salt acts as a natural disinfectant, which can help to heal any soft tissue wounds and reduce inflammation in the affected area. The saltwater may also help to loosen up food particles or debris stuck in or between teeth that are contributing to tooth pain.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses

Like saltwater rinses, hydrogen peroxide rinses can help to relieve inflammation and disinfect the mouth. Unlike salt, hydrogen peroxide has also been shown to reduce plaque along the gum line and alleviate bleeding. To make a hydrogen peroxide rinse at home, mix 3-percent peroxide with an equal amount of water and use it as a mouthwash as needed, being careful not to swallow.

Ice and Cold Compresses

Cold compresses or ice packs can relieve pain almost anywhere, including the mouth. Applying cold to any area causes the blood vessels to constrict, making the pain less severe and reducing swelling. Just make sure to wrap the bag of ice or cold compress in a towel to avoid tissue damage and don’t leave the compress in place for more than 20 minutes at a time.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is available in most grocery stores and it’s great at alleviating tooth pain. Soak a cotton ball in it and use it to rub the clove oil directly on the affected area. Some research suggests that clove oil is as effective as over-the-counter benzocaine at reducing oral pain, so even people who aren’t usually into natural remedies should give this one a shot.

OTC Anesthetics

Anesthetics are pain-relieving gels or liquids that can be applied directly to sore teeth and gums. These products contain benzocaine, which acts as a numbing agent. They’re safe to use while waiting for a dentist’s appointment, but don’t plan to use OTC anesthetics long-term.

OTC Pain Relievers

While dental patients are at the pharmacy looking for anesthetics, it’s worth picking up OTC pain relievers. Ibuprofen and naproxen are good options for adults, while acetaminophen is a better one for children.


It’s relevant to note here that it’s a myth that placing aspirin directly against the teeth or gums helps to numb the pain faster. In fact, this technique does not work and can harm the tissues inside of the mouth.

Garlic Paste

Garlic has long been recognized for its antibacterial properties, but not everyone realizes that it can also be used as a natural pain reliever. To use garlic as a home remedy for a toothache, crush up a clove until it’s the consistency of a paste, then add a little salt and apply it directly to the affected area. Slowly chewing a clove of garlic can also help.

There’s No Replacement for Visiting a Dentist

While there are plenty of things to help tooth pain at home in the short term, none of them should be considered a viable long-term alternative to visiting a dentist. There’s a reason the tooth hurts, and managing only the symptoms means that the underlying cause will go untreated. A dentist can perform a thorough exam, identify the underlying cause of a patient’s tooth pain, then treat the issue to alleviate it permanently.

Irlen SyndromeIrlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome affects a wide range of individuals. It’s common among children with learning problems, ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders.

The condition causes disruptions in how the brain processes light. This can result in a number of symptoms, including difficulty reading or writing, eye strain and fatigue.

It is not an optical problem

Irlen Syndrome (also referred to as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder that affects the brain’s ability to process visual information. It usually runs in families and is not currently identified by standardized educational, psychological or optometric tests.

People with Irlen Syndrome have trouble reading when the print appears to move, fade, disappear, swirl or form patterns on a light background. They also see words as pulsating, blurry or in different locations on the page.

These symptoms can cause a variety of physical and emotional problems. They can include headaches, eye strain, poor concentration and fatigue.

The best way to relieve these symptoms is with spectral filters which are worn as glasses. These are custom made to the specific wave lengths of light which cause the perceptual difficulties and are a very effective treatment for Irlen Syndrome.

It is not a learning disability

Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder, not a learning disability. Unlike dyslexia, which is a language-based disability of learning, Irlen Syndrome affects the brain’s ability to process visual information, not just words on a printed page.

Individuals with Irlen Syndrome are unable to process certain wavelengths of light that others can easily process. This can cause problems with reading, light sensitivity, headaches, fatigue, and poor depth perception.

This condition can have a negative impact on learning, behavior, academic performance, and overall health and well-being. It can also lead to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and underachievement.

Irlen Syndrome is a non-invasive condition that can be treated with coloured overlays and spectrally modified filters (lenses) worn as glasses. These filters correct the visual processing deficit, and can help improve comprehension, motivation, self-esteem, and academic/work performance.

It is not a brain disorder

Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing problem that affects 12-14 percent of the general population, but it increases to more than 46 percent of those with reading and learning difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, autism, head injuries, or other learning disorders.

The condition causes the brain to misinterpret certain wavelengths of light and can lead to poor brain interpretations, headaches, fatigue, sensitivity to light, visual distortions while reading or writing and difficulty attending to depth perception.

The problem can impact every area of an individual’s life, including reading, listening, handwriting and copying. It also has a dramatic impact on self-esteem and academic performance, as well as how an individual feels about themselves.

It is not a psychological problem

Irlen Syndrome is a neurological problem that affects 15% of the neuro-typical population and is the most common visual processing disorder. This disorder consists of difficulties with sensory modulation, which is the brain’s ability to process visual information.

This difficulty with visual perceptual processing is caused by hypersensitivity to certain wave lengths of full spectrum light that trigger the brain to process visual information incorrectly, often causing symptoms like blurry or moving print. It also causes headaches, fatigue, depth perception issues, strain and difficulty staying focused.

Research at Cornell University shows that filtering written material through individualized spectral filters calms and normalizes brain activity in people with Irlen Syndrome, improving their functioning and performance.

Many students with Irlen Syndrome are misdiagnosed as dyslexic or ADHD and end up spending months in therapy or receiving specialized reading programs that don’t improve their learning outcomes. This can leave them with low self-esteem and a poor sense of accomplishment.

Horses Can Heal: 5 Reasons to Try Equine Therapy in VictoriaHorses Can Heal: 5 Reasons to Try Equine Therapy in Victoria

Horses have a long history of collaboration with humans, from being an early mode of transportation to assisting with farm work. In recent years, these powerful creatures have taken on yet another impressive role as aided therapy animals. Horses have become an important partner for many occupational therapists. Their impressive resume does not end there, as many health professionals consider horses to be excellent additions to cancer patient therapy. This practice, known as equine therapy in Victoria, can be carried out in a variety of ways. From walking alongside a horse to riding atop one, equine therapy can have profound effects on both cancer patients and their loved ones.

Still have reservations about equine therapy? Here are five reasons why you should try it:

1. Fostering a deep connection, whether you love animals or not

Bonding with an animal is simple for some people. Some people are naturally drawn to animals of all kinds, while others avoid them. Horses are one of the few animals that work hard to connect with humans. Horses respond to patients in unusual ways, such as mirroring their emotions. Horses are even known to sync their heartbeat with their rider (or walker), fostering a strong bond.

2. Physical rehabilitation

Not all aspects of equine therapy are psychological. This one-of-a-kind therapy is also beneficial to physiological measures. Hand-eye coordination and low-impact exercise are two of the many benefits of caring for a horse.

3. Empowerment

Equine therapy can be an extremely empowering experience for cancer patients, whether it is learning something new or having the ability to do something on one’s own. Patients who participate in this type of therapy frequently express a sense of control and the ability to overcome fear and nervousness.

4. Less anxiety

It is difficult to pinpoint the precise reason why patients feel less anxious after participating in equine therapy. Perhaps it has to do with a sense of empowerment. Perhaps it’s the physical activity. It could even be the special bond formed with the lovely animal. Regardless of why patients experience less anxiety after equine therapy, feeling more relaxed and clear-headed is something that most cancer patients could greatly benefit from.

5. A much-needed change of scenery

Hospitals are an incredible network of resources and teams. Without them, society would be devastated. As amazing as they are, their sterile corridors can often feel like a prison for a long-term patient. Many wonderful therapies can take place within the walls of a hospital, but equine therapy is not one of them. Patients must travel to a green and fresh location for this type of therapy. Getting some fresh air in a wide-open field can be rejuvenating in and of itself. The green pastures provide an opportunity to tune out all disease-related thoughts and live in the moment.

Will it work for everyone?

Therapy with horses can be a good option for adolescents and adults, especially those who have had negative therapy experiences, dislike talk therapy, or find it difficult to put feelings into words.

“I love equine therapy for kids and teens who find office talk therapy intimidating and uncomfortable. ”Sometimes, just brushing the horse while talking changes the entire experience for them,” Devoille says.

She also recommends the approach for anyone looking to address relationship issues, social skills, or family dynamics, because equine-assisted therapy allows you to practice building a relationship, which can transfer to relationships outside of therapy.

It goes without saying that therapy with horses may not be the best option if you have allergies or a strong fear of horses. (However, if you want to overcome a fear or phobia of horses, gradual exposure can make a big difference. Just keep in mind that exposure therapy requires a completely different approach.)

Hamer Equine Assisted Learning (H.E.A.L.) provides physically and psychologically safe experiences with horses. We give participants the opportunity to explore issues that are bothering them or simply to enjoy being in the space with the horses. to learn more about what we do Please visit our website by clicking here.