Forget Being A Night Owl, Getting Better ZZZ’s Is What’s Cool (and Healthy)

Sleep is a very important part of our lifestyles. Did you know that an adult should be getting about seven to eight hours of sleep every day to properly recharge? Getting an appropriate amount of rest has a number of benefits including improved memory function, a stronger immune system, better concentration, and even weight loss. On the other hand, losing an hour of sleep from the recommended number of hours significantly reduces an individual’s ability to function at their maximum capacity.
Humans generally spend 1/3 of their lives sleeping. Moreover, it is an activity considered to be just as important as following a healthy diet and exercise. On the other hand, trivia shows that humans are also the only mammal that willingly delays sleep.

True enough, getting proper zzz’s is something most of us often take for granted. A shocking worldwide statistic has ranked the Philippines as the fifth country with the worst sleepers, with individuals getting an average of only six hours and 22 minutes of sleep. Sleep deprivation in the country affects about 50 million Filipinos, making the problem a national issue.
Regular loss of proper sleep can lead to circadian rhythm disorders. The circadian rhythm is a term that refers to a person’s internal body clock that regulates the 24-hour cycle of biological processes. It’s the body’s very own timer that triggers the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. For adults, a dip in energy commonly occurs in the middle of the night and after lunch time. Noticeable big dips on this routine commonly means that an individual is sleep-deprived and is not getting enough rest.
Circadian rhythm disorders happen when there is a mismatch on the internal body clock due to the continuous disruption of sleep patterns. One of the most common disorder falling in this category is delayed sleep, which causes a person to feel tired at a later time than the usual. Individuals with this kind of disorder are the night owls, or those who feel more productive, alert, and creative late at night.
The opposite of this is advanced sleep phase disorder which is characterized by regular early bedtimes (6PM to 9PM), a habit that is very common among the elderly. In the Philippines, however, one very common sleep problem is shift work disorder caused by irregular sleeping patterns from night shifts. Common among business processing outsource (call center) employees, the disorder arises when the circadian rhythm cannot properly adjust to changing sleep patterns. Shift work disorder can often lead to problems like excessive sleepiness and insomnia.
But what makes a good sleep? According to the World Association of Sleep Medicine, there are a number of ways one can do to improve their sleeping patterns. The following are tips you can follow:

1. Refraining from using your bed for regular activities (e.g. eating, working, etc.) 2. Avoiding intake of caffeine six hours before bedtime.
3. Eating a light meal for dinner.
4. Limiting naps to not more than 45 minutes.
5. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment (using the right mattress and bedding, keeping the room dark and well-ventilated).
With sleep deprivation being a real concern in the country, several big names in the industry have jumped into action to help solve the problem. Among the leaders in the pack are The Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) comprised of physicians and sleep doctors, and the World Sleep Society, an association of sleep specialists focused on advancing sleep health worldwide by encouraging education and promoting sleep-focused research. Partnering with them is Uratex, The Sleep Specialist, the leading manufacturer of innovative sleep solutions. The company has been focused in creating quality sleep innovations like specialized mattresses and pillows that can help improve an individual’s rest.
These names have been proactive in furthering sleep education and awareness in the country. This month, they are coming together once more for World Sleep Day, an annual event that celebrates sleep importance and tackles issues like better sleep education. Organized by the World Sleep Day Committee, the event will be held on March 16 and will feature talks on better prevention and management of sleep disorders.
Sleep deprivation should be considered a major national issue that should be swiftly addressed. With proper education and the support of thought leaders and action takers in the industry, the country is taking a progressive step towards achieving proper zzz’s.

Did I just mention sleep in my title? Well, as what my hubby calls me before, the sleepy mom, then perhaps this will get your attention about sleep solution, as Uratex held and exquisite event with Team Kramer called My Home Event which slated last September 4, 2014 at SM Megamall. As the leader in foam manufacturing in the Philippines and the designer and producer of premium mattresses, Uratex emphasizes the importance of sleeps because the family who sleeps and takes a good sleep is happier, healthier, and does more bonding activities.
This event is in partnership with SM Home, SM Store, and SM Megamall as Uratex showcased its newest and elegant and comfortable beds, the different kinds, and how they service the needs of each family member. A quality good night's sleep on one of Uratex’s mattresses or its variations can help dad become more motivated, mom more energetic, and the kids less stressed and yet still enthused and excited about life.
Good sleep is the one key to maintaining good health and ensuring energy, mental sharpness, and emotional calm the next day. It also spells the difference between a happy disposition, mood swings, and a grumpy day. It is essential for all people, regardless of age, and a good rest is vital especially for a family. Dad and mom need to be productive for their workplaces and nurturing to their kids. The children, meanwhile, have to deal with school challenges, peer pressure, changes in perspective, and their own emotional and inner growth. Their older brothers and sisters who are working will have to confront work deadlines, demanding bosses, and romantic relationships where they have to give more of themselves.
Uratex Philippines, which has grown immensely in 46 years from a modest company to the foam leader in the country, has always kept the family’s welfare in mind. Perhaps being a family-owned company is one of the reasons behind this. Another is the company’s constant research and development who sees to it that all its clients receive the excellent foam that they deserve and enjoy the quality sleep that they need.

A big king-size bed is ideal for the family. While helping to ensure the intimate bond between the father and mother, it can on occasions transform to become the ‘happy healthy playground’ of the kids. Stories can be read, the events of the days can be recapped, or a favorite DVD marathon with a late midnight snack can bring the family even closer together.
Uninterrupted sleep and quality foam that can provide rest to the body is part of the service that Uratex provides, thanks to its passion for excellence that characterizes its products. Innovations such as the “Quali-5 Cellular Technology” make sure that the Uratex foams produced by the company are of high and world-class quality. The Quali-5 Cellular Technology shows the company's strong adherence to quality; its quality assurance through its ISO-9001 certified facilities; world-class equipment; superior formulation and process engineering technology; and usage of best raw materials.

The Airlite is best for family members who want a cooler sleeping environment. The more flexible and portable sofa beds are recommended for those who prefer a little more me-time, watching their videos or chatting with friends and colleagues while lying down on their leisure time. Sofa beds also come in handy when visitors visit the home; these guests can stretch out on the sofa beds, enjoying meals and the conversation.
Dad and Mom like me and my hubby can enjoy special ‘couple time’ with the Hamptons Collection, with its trademark plush comfort that encourages a more leisurely demeanor, can help create a more romantic mood in private. The Hamptons Collection comes in five models: Royale, Prestige, Mystique, Premiere, Elite.
Regardless of the model, each family member can find the Uratex mattress fits for him or her – and with it, enjoy a luxurious sleep that will recharge them the next day and probably add a rosier outlook.
Uratex’s other products help induce this high-quality of sleep for the customers. Uratex pillows have different types, sizes and functions that will suit your need and preferences to help you achieve a great sleep. Meanwhile, the hyper-soft mattress enhancer adds that extra comfort to every bed, enhancing the relaxation for each family member who uses it, inviting him or her to unwind by sleeping in a cradling position. Mattress and pillow protectors help keep the mattress and pillow clean and fresh.
Uratex is always sensitive to the needs of its customers and alert to provide the personalized kind of sleep solution that they need. This is one reason why it has been winning the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands awards the past six consecutive years. Winners like Uratex are chosen based on their trustworthiness and credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer needs, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.