112 33 http://www.truerest.com/images/theme_images/rss_logo.jpg http://www.truerest.com/index.php We believe 60 minutes in the REST pod will surpass the benefits gained from the most restful sleep. The special solution of salinated water makes floating on water feel like floating on air. Sign up today to receive $30 off. en nick@truerest.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-29T20:53:33+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/what_is_relaxation/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/what_is_relaxation/#When:20:53:33Z In common terminology, relaxation means that we leave ourselves free of tension. Relaxing the mind may mean that the mind is stress-free or active. In today’s lifestyle, this seems impossible. Nowadays, most of us are under stress during most of the week and relax only on the weekends. This is considered the common way of life. But is this the right way of living? Is living a relaxed life all the time not our right? Let us reclaim it. Bad stress: If you ask anyone why he/she is under stress, what answer do you expect to get?...I have so much work to do, deadlines to meet, tasks to be completed, and the list goes on and on. Don’t you think that something like this will be the response?   Let’s discuss why most of us are stressed. At some time in our life, while we are chasing our dreams, we lose our habit of sitting back and reflecting. We begin giving auto responses. If we are held up in a traffic jam, our response is either to worry about the work ahead, or blame the system or some such negative thought. Not many of us think, oh all right, if the traffic is not moving, let me relax, listen to some good music, go back to some childhood memories, or remember good friends; ultimately making the best use of the time to relax and enjoy life. This habit is taking a big toll on our quality of life. We have taken stress as a way of life. There a lot of options out there to help people reduce stress. One effective relaxation routine is flotation therapy. Flotation therapy is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to reduce stress and increase relaxation. All incoming stimuli are reduced to a minimun allowing the mind to focus on clearing the stress. REST helps the body relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During a flotation session a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. This technique really can help you reclaim your life, stress-free and all. At TrueRest, we strive to reduce stress and pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2012-01-29T20:53:33+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/scoliosis/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/scoliosis/#When:21:21:59Z Scoliosis is a medical condition that refers to a lateral or rotational curve and deformities in the spine. There are different types and causes of scoliosis. Congenital scoliosis is a condition that develops after birth, while idiopathic scoliosis develops as a secondary symptom of another condition. Scoliosis can affect anyone and serious cases can be physically debilitating. Scoliosis causes the spine to either develop or curve into a C-shape or into other directions. It is often painful but some conditions during adolescence tend to not cause too much discomfort except for the obvious physical or skeletal imbalance. To get proper diagnosis, a person must consult an orthopedist who specializes in spine diseases and bone abnormalities. The orthopedist will usually ask the patient to undergo the following examinations: •Physical Examination - Your doctor will check your back, chest, hips, legs, and even the skin. The doctor will look for imbalances or structural abnormalities in your shoulders, legs, and chest. Specifically, the doctor will look to see of your head is centered over your shoulders, and whether opposite sides of your body look even. Another easy way to detect scoliosis is to examine whether your pant legs drop at equal length. •X-ray - If you have unusual, persistent low back pain or a large spinal curve, the doctor will ask you to take an x-ray examination. The x-ray of your back will give a more detailed picture of the spine and the curvatures. •Curve Measurement - Using the X-ray image, the doctor will measure the curve and determine what kind of therapy or treatment is needed based on the degree of curvature. Curves that are greater than 20 degrees need immediate medical treatment, which may include surgery. Depending on what kind of scoliosis you suffer from and the severity of it, there are different approaches in the treatment and management of scoliosis, as shown below: •Bracing - This is recommended for children or adolescents whose curves progress to 30 degrees and beyond. Bracing allows the spine to be held in a straighter position and prevents the progression of the curve. A brace will not make your spine straight but it will help improve the posture and reduce the curvature. •Surgery - When bracing fails to give the desired results, surgery is often seen as the next option. Bracing might not work for everyone. The main purpose for surgery is to join together the bones of your curve and realign the vertebrae. The surgical procedure is called spinal fusion. •Flotation Therapy – Flotation therapy is a fairly recent pain management method, which is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to reduce anxiety and just relax the entire mind and body. REST helps the body and mind relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. The tank includes an easy to open lid, allowing users to regulate the amount of time they spend within the tank (a typical session is 45 minutes), and also includes an underwater lamp that can be turned on and off by users.  At TrueREST, we strive to reduce stress and joint pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2012-01-22T21:21:59+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article_arthritis_pain/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article_arthritis_pain/#When:15:03:40Z Pain is something that everyone needs to deal with since it is a fact of life. But for many people, pain takes on a very dramatic meaning, especially when the pain comes from a condition called arthritis. Arthritis can affect the entire body and inflicts pain on the bones, tendons, and muscles. To alleviate the pain, some people have resorted to the use of arthritis pain relief medications or natural pain relief techniques. On the other hand, some individuals have a higher pain tolerance or pain threshold and do not need to take medication to stop arthritic pain. Medically speaking, pain tolerance refers to just how much pain a person can withstand before breaking down emotionally or psychologically. In some cases, it may also refer to how much pain a person can endure before passing out. However, some people afflicted with arthritis claim that pain tolerance may also refer to the body and mind’s ability to incorporate or endure pain on a daily basis and, thereby negating pain as a hindrance. It is very interesting that pain tolerance can be actually developed by training the mind and the body to “ignore” pain. However, the use of the term “ignore” might be a misnomer in this case. Patients who refuse to take arthritis pain relief medications attest that those who have pain tolerance don’t so much as ignore pain as they do simply “live with it.” The idea is that people with a high level of pain tolerance have developed a threshold that can be similar to people with alcohol tolerance. Other people can drink a lot without getting drunk. Some people can take pain more frequently and at higher levels compared to others.  Pain tolerance is still the subject of much debate in scientific circles. There are many patients who claim that it is real and that they can actually demonstrate their ability to withstand pain. On the other hand, people who have taken arthritis pain relief medications claim that the drugs can dull the mind’s ability to drown out the sensation of pain. They further claim that the dulling sensation also prevents them from performing other daily tasks. However, despite reported side effects, most prefer to stick to using arthritis pain relief medication. For one thing, most people would rather not have to spend the time needed to grow accustomed to the pain. Another obvious reason is that not everyone can develop a high tolerance for pain. In some ways, pain tolerance is affected by a person’s psychology and outlook. Deciding who needs to take drugs to control arthritis is an important task for a pain control specialist or doctor. Since a person’s state of mind determines how much a person can mentally handle before breaking down, a doctor cannot simply decide if medication is needed without a thorough consultation. In addition, there is also the possibility of developing drug dependence due to long-term use of arthritis pain relief. Whether patients can develop pain tolerance when taken off arthritis pain relief treatments is arguable, at best. Not everyone has the same threshold of pain as those who don’t take the medication, and others may simply be capable of enduring more pain. Other determinants such as physical conditioning, psychological state, and other physiological factors also have an effect on the development of pain tolerance. Other individuals suffering from pain may prefer natural pain relief techniques. Flotation therapy, which is a fairly recent pain management method, is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to reduce joint pain and relax the body. REST helps the body relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. The tank includes an easy to open lid, allowing users to regulate the amount of time they spend within the tank (a typical session is 45 minutes), and also includes an underwater lamp that can be turned on and off by users. Arthritis and the pain it causes can be a debilitating and detrimental disease to for individuals and their loved ones to cope with. At TrueREST, we strive to reduce stress and joint pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-12-14T15:03:40+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/anxiety_ends_with_flotation_therapy/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/anxiety_ends_with_flotation_therapy/#When:23:28:17Z Anxiety is not a hidden agenda in our lives. It is powerful, available and gratefully controllable. As a wise man once said we should not ask why we are anxious we should ask why not? With every aspect of modern life being fast paced and overloaded we have to make a concerted effort to slow down. We also have to be careful not to cause anxious behavior to overflow and spill into the lives of the people with which we are in contact. Coworkers, spouses, and our children can all be affected by the power our anxiety has on us. Sometimes others can see it long before we even notice it is crowding in on us. Sometimes we can inadvertently create anxiety in others merely by our choice of words or actions. If the cycle of anxiety is going to end it has to be recognized, addressed, and extracted from every aspect of our lives.Coworkers or employees can experience inadequate work performances simply by working in a stress filled workplace. Slowing the pace and considering how people work better in a stress-free environment is a major step in the right direction. It is not a difficult step and has so many great benefits for everyone involved. Spouses may only realize there is something wrong yet not fully recognized that stress and anxiety are occurring and causing ripples in the marriage. It is very likely that if one marriage partner is anxious due to money problems, working too much, or parenting issues the other partner is also anxious. This vicious cycle can wreak havoc on a typically loving home and the people who dwell within. Children live what they learn. They may truly believe they are creating the anxious behavior in mom or dad because of something they did. Young children will internalize and reflect their concerns in guilt. Older children will more likely rebel and act out in school to attempt dealing with the emotional overload of dealing with parents who are not relaxed. The good news is anxiety is effectively treated in various ways. One way to help reduce anxiety is through flotation therapy, which is a fairly recent pain management method, is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to reduce anxiety and just relax the entire mind and body. REST helps the body and mind relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. The tank includes an easy to open lid, allowing users to regulate the amount of time they spend within the tank (a typical session is 45 minutes), and also includes an underwater lamp that can be turned on and off by users. Ultimately, everyone hopes to lead a stress-free life, not only for their sake, but for the sake of everyone they are in contact with. Flotation therapy can greatly help individual’s reduce anxiety. At TrueREST, we strive to reduce stress and joint pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-12-05T23:28:17+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/managing_joint_pain/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/managing_joint_pain/#When:20:52:35Z You can conquer joint pain.No one wants the joint pain they are suffering from to inhibit their daily activities.Luckily, when the strains of physical activity or disease start to affect your joints, there are some effective ways you can fight back, without the sometimes serious side effects of many drugs. Celedrin a natural compound composed of special fatty acids, which is available in supplement form, was shown to alleviate joint pain and increase range of motion, with no reported side effects. Research has shown that the special fatty acids in Celadrin inhibit inflammation in endothelial cells that line the inside of various body cavities, and decrease the pro-inflammatory effects of arachidonic and other fatty acids. In addition, they may help to lubricate an affected joint, resulting in joint pain relief and increased mobility. Flotation therapy, which is a fairly recent pain management method, is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to reduce joint pain and relax the body. REST helps the body relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. The tank includes an easy to open lid, allowing users to regulate the amount of time they spend within the tank (a typical session is 45 minutes), and also includes an underwater lamp that can be turned on and off by users. Maintaining your ideal body weight and exercising regularly can help reduce joint pain. However, not just any type of exercise will do. Exercise programs should be individualized, because people have different strengths and weaknesses. Do some research or ask your physical therapist what excersies would be right for you and your particular joint pain. Applying extra heat or cold to the affected area can help relax muscles and reduce joint pain. Use a heating pad for 20 to 30 minutes at a time can greatly help reduce joint pain. There are also other options for heat on the market besides a heating pad. Applying cold can greatly help reduce joint pain as well because of the numbing properties of an ice pack - wrapped in something, never apply ice directly to the skin. These are just a few of the easy and effective ways to reduce joint pain. Learning how to manage joint pain is the key. At TrueREST, we strive to reduce stress and joint pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-12-03T20:52:35+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/relax_chill_out_get_rid_of_that_stress/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/relax_chill_out_get_rid_of_that_stress/#When:19:18:57Z It’s time to relax, chill out, and release that physical, mental and emotional stress. When dealing with everyday stress and the probability of stress build-up, NOW is always the right time to be proactive; to beat stress before it beats you. Think of stress as a silent enemy. It can sneak up on you at any time and get you down before you even realize what’s happening. More often than not stress is accompanied by it’s close companion: higher levels of anxiety. So, what do you do? You take action, that’s what. Your very first line of defence is to establish a habit of performing a regular relaxation routine. Getting into a deep state of relaxation induces calmness to soothe your body, your mind and your emotions. And what is a state of calmness? It’s the exact opposite of stress and anxiety. As a matter of fact, you could call it the antidote to stress and anxiety. Start using this antidote. Take time out at least twice every day to partake in some sort of relaxation routine, two simple and effective ways are listed below. Regard this as your quality time; a time for you and you alone. Start thinking calm, feeling calm, and being calm. One great and effective relaxation routine suggests that you: lie down or sit in a comfortable place, breathe deeply and release the breath slowly, while doing so imagine all feelings of stress an tension leaving your body, repeat the cycle of breathing a number of times until your breathing falls into a rhythmic pattern. Another effective relaxation routine is floatation therapy. Flotation therapy is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank.This is a great way to reduce stress and increase relaxation. All incoming stimuli are reduced to a minimun allowing the mind to focus on clearing the stress. REST helps the body relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. Don’t let stress get the best of you. These two techniqes are great ways to reduce stress. Give them a try and make your life a little less stressful! At TrueRest, we strive to reduce stress and pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-11-21T19:18:57+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article/#When:20:43:30Z Many people suffer from chronic low back pain. Back pain can either creep up slowly and then get worse, or it can hit you all at once. You may wake to find that you cannot get out of bed due to your back pain - hitting you like a lighting strike out of the blue. Either way, back pain is a terrible thing to cope with. Depending on the level of pain, most people end up going to the doctor after a few days or a couple of weeks tops. Upon going to the doctor, a lot of the people suffering from back pain are told by physicians that surgery is needed. This news alone can be devastating in itself. Back surgery requires a recovery time that most people cannot afford to take. Back surgery is also is very expensive. Not only does it take a significant amount of time to recover and is expensive, sometimes it may not even be necessary. In other words, many people that suffer from low back pain, have surgery when other alternatives could have been used. Some people that rush into back surgery have even found that their back actually hurts worse than it did before the surgery. Some people also need follow up surgery either to correct mistakes made in the initial surgery, or to fix problems in the back that happen later. Other methods of dealing with back pain can be physical therapy, biofeedback, traction, exercise, steroid injections, flotation therapy, and electric stimulation therapy of muscles and nerves just to name a few. Specifically, combining physical therapy with pain medication can greatly help to relieve back pain. Make sure you always consult with your doctor before taking any pain medication. Involving yourself in physical activities such as stretching, walking, or sit-ups (if possible),will strengthen the muscles around the vertebrae disc which takes pressure off the nerves that cause back pain. Flotation therapy is often referred to as the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank.This is a great way to reduce pain. REST helps the body relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. When it comes to low back pain, going under the knife should always be the last resort. It is expensive and may not even provide you with the results you had hoped for. Everything under the sun should be tried, and tried again before undergoing surgery - specifically the techniques previously listed. At TrueRest, we strive to reduce stress and pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-11-16T20:43:30+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article_managing_headache_pain/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article_managing_headache_pain/#When:20:35:34Z One of the most complex forms of illnesses is headache pain. In fact, this condition is very common as it not only triggers adults, but teenagers and children as well. Although unpleasant, headache pain is basically regarded as a normal part of a person’s daily life. Headache pain is actually among the top reasons for medical appointments to doctors and physicians today. The major causes of headache pain vary from the different cases of headache. Among the top factors that trigger headache pain are viruses, bio-chemicals, hormones, and bacteria. Genetics also has something to do with a person’s susceptibility to headache pain. People with low levels of serotonin are more likely to suffer from headache. Serotonin is the neuro-chemical that protects an individual from pain. Types of headache pain: While irritating and unpleasant pain is inevitable in all types of headache pain, it actually comes in different forms. It is really important for one to know the various types of headache pain in order to have proper diagnosis and application of headache pain relief treatments. 1. Migraine headache pain: This type of pain occurs on one side of the head. The pain can become severe to the point that it can interfere with a person’s daily productivity. 2. Cluster headache pain: This type of headache pain is severe and sudden. Although a cluster headache has a shorter duration compared to other types of headache pain, it can trigger up to six times   in one day. 3. Sinus headache pain: An infection, swelling, and irritation of the sinuses can spark a sinus headache pain. This type of headache pain is oftentimes mistaken with tension and migraine pains.  4. Rebound headache pain: A rebound headache pain is oftentimes caused by over-consumption of headache medications. Instead of diminishing the pain, pain reliever drugs can ultimately cause headache pain when abused.  Headache pain relief - Guidelines and precautions:        Once headache pain is diagnosed, the doctor will then prescribed proper medications to alleviate and relieve pain. Apart from prescribed drugs, there are also non-prescription pain relievers that are regarded as safe when taken properly. The restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST) is one great non-perscriptive pain reliever. REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to reduce pain. REST helps the body and mind relax both during the flotation session as well as afterwards. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. Headache pain is aggrivating, but managable. Make sure you know what kind of headache pain you are experiencing and try to deal with it in a way that you see suitable. At TrueRest, we strive to reduce stress and pain and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-11-16T20:35:34+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/the_importance_of_rest_relaxation/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/the_importance_of_rest_relaxation/#When:20:58:03Z Rest and relaxation are vital. However, life is busy and it seems to just get busier each year. Work, family, school, and other commitments eat the day away and leave you with no time to sit back and relax. Despite all of this, getting enough rest is imperative to living a healthy lifestyle and when you do not relax and get enough sleep you are putting yourself at risk for illness as well as other side effects. Side Effects of Not Getting Enough Rest - Believe it or not but the body needs enough rest each night to function properly. The amount of rest each individual needs every night differs, however, the average adult needs approximately seven to eight hours of sleep each night to restore their body with the energy it needs to handle the demands of living each day. Unfortunately, most individuals cut back on their sleep to pack more activities into their day. Eventually this runs the body down allowing more viruses and diseases to attack the body because the immune system is not functioning as well as it should. This can then cause the individual to get sick and miss days or even weeks of all of those important activities. When you get enough rest your body runs as it should and your immune system is stronger and able to fight off infections more easily. Also, when you don’t get enough rest you have difficult concentrating, thinking clearly, and even remembering things. You might not notice this at first or blame it on your busy schedule, but the more sleep you miss and rest you miss out on the more pronounced these symptoms will become. In addition, a lack of rest and relaxation can really work a number on your mood. It is a scientific fact that when individuals miss out on good nights rest their personality is affected and they are generally more grumpy, less patient, and snap easier. As a result, missing out on rest to fit in all those activities might make you a bear to be around, which is not much fun at all. One great way to help you get the rest you need is through the restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST). REST is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This is a great way to relax and even reduce stress - ultimately helping you get the rest you need. During the flotation therapy a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. The tank is light-insulated because often times light signals the body to wake up, while, a decrease in light helps induce the body to sleep. The tank is also very quiet, but the individual may have the option to play soothing music while they are in the tank. Not only does one’s mind get a chance to relax, the body, submerged within the tank, also relaxes. This feeling of deep relaxation is not limited to the tank. Many individuals will end their session, return home, and go to bed, still feeling full body and mind relaxation and therefore, getting the rest they need. The next time you find yourself rest deprived try the restricted environmental stimulation technique to help you get the rest you need to live a healthy life. At TrueRest, we strive to reduce stress and increase rest and relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. In today’s day and age people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-11-15T20:58:03+00:00 http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article_i_need_a_sleep_aid_-_what_are_my_options/ http://www.truerest.com/index.php/site/article_i_need_a_sleep_aid_-_what_are_my_options/#When:20:54:30Z For those that experience sleep loss on a regular basis it is a cause of concern and they might want to look to a sleep aid to help them cope. One such option you can choose is a natural sleep aid. A typical all-natural sleep aid would be an herb, food, or method that is used to promote sleep. Some of the most popular natural sleep aids include the following: Valerian - This herb’s use as a sleep aid can be traced back centuries. Interestingly, Valerian works similarly to conventional sleeping pills. By increasing the levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, Valerian induces drowsiness and sleepiness. You can take Valerian an hour before bedtime as an extract, tea, or capsule. You can experience its full effect after a week or two of regular intake. Ultimately, Valerian is a great natural sleep aid. Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique - The restricted environmental stimulation technique (REST) is a method that takes place in a flotation tank. This technique is fairly new and can be a great sleep aid.  This is a great way to relax and even reduce stress. During flotation-REST a person lies horizontally in a quiet, light-insulated tank, filled with Epsom salt and saturated water. The tank is light-insulated because often times light signals the body to wake up, while, a decrease in light helps induce the body to sleep. The tank is also very quiet, but the individual may have the option to play soothing music while they are in the tank. Not only does one’s mind get a chance to relax, the body, submerged within the tank, also relaxes. This feeling of deep relaxation is not limited to the tank. Many individuals will end their session, return home, and go to bed, still feeling full body and mind relaxation and therefore, sleeping better. Ultimately, REST is a great natural sleep aid. Aromatherapy - Aroma therapy can be a great sleep aid. This form of therapy relies on your body’s response to certain olfactory signals. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang work well in calming your body and mind. You can try putting lavender sachets in your pillow or adding lavender oil to your bath water. You can also try sipping chamomile tea before going to bed. Relaxation Techniques - Besides the REST method there are other relaxation techniques that individuals can practice on their own, prior to bedtime. Some methods you may want to consider include deep breathing, visualization, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation - all of which, if done properly, can be great sleep aids. Sleep-friendly Diet - Different foods have varying effects on your sleeping pattern - practicing a particular dieting technique can be a great sleep aid. Whereas caffeine and sugar-rich foods can disrupt your sleep, foods rich in tryptophan and magnesium can help you sleep better and longer. Including foods like milk, turkey, legumes, dark greens, and nuts in your diet is a good way to boost your body’s tryptophan and magnesium levels. Music - According to studies, slow and soft music can soothe and relax the body, making it a great sleep aid. By playing soft tunes before bedtime, your body becomes primed for sleep. Sounds of nature like water flowing through rocks or chirping birds are also good choices. Exercise - Regular physical activity boosts your body’s endorphin levels. Endorphins, also known as the body’s “feel good” hormones, relax and soothe the body - therefore making exercise a great sleep aid. Exercise also relieves muscle tension and stress which promotes deep sleep. However, keep in mind not to exercise close to one’s bedtime as this can increase adrenaline levels and induce insomnia. Getting the proper amount of sleep is vital to an individuals’ health. These natural sleep aids can help you get the sleep you need. At TrueRest, we strive to reduce stress and increase relaxation through the innovative method of flotation therapy. Flotation therapy can be a great sleep aid especially in today’s day and age when people are going nonstop, which doesn’t allow them to relax and greatly increases stress. We provide quality therapy to Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities. Visit our about us page, call us for information at 480-389-0853, or stop by at 15033 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, D101, Scottsdale, AZ to help you live a relaxing, stress-free life. 2011-11-15T20:54:30+00:00