Wellness

Sleep Disorders Age Us Faster and Hasten the Onset of Disease

Published

17 years ago

March 26, 2008

Simple insomnia, so common in older adults, may speed the onset or increase the severity of age-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and memory loss.

Nearly a decade ago, researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that not getting enough sleep does a lot more than make us feel tired the next day. Chronic lack of sleep can obstruct basic metabolism and hormone production in the same way that aging does, and has the same signs as the early stages of diabetes. If you chronically toss and turn, or wake up feeling unrested, it’s time to ask your doctor if you are suffering from one of the many treatable sleep disorders.

Sleep researchers have amassed a list of sleep disorders as long as your arm, some with pretty complex names and text-book style descriptions. They encompass the gamut of mental, emotional and physical problems — almost everything you could think of that might keep you awake tossing and turning, waking and sleeping, all night long. The bottom line is that almost all sleep disorders can be treated, and if it’s interfering with your life, it should be treated. Lousy sleep for weeks on end can make you older and sicker than your years.

The Chicago researchers showed how just one week of sleep deprivation altered test subjects’ hormone levels, and their capacity to metabolize carbohydrates. Elevated blood sugar levels, following a high-carbohydrate meal, took 40% longer to return to normal compared to when the subjects got a good sleep. The ability to secrete and respond to the insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar, dropped by 30%. They also exhibited higher concentrations of cortisol, a hormone which also helps regulate blood sugar, and lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Raised cortisol levels are often seen in older people, and may be involved in age-related insulin resistance and memory loss — neither of which you want if a good night’s sleep can prevent it.

These kinds of changes are the same as those seen with ‘insulin resistance,’ a precursor to type 2 diabetes. And they are also seen in cases of obesity, which is a comorbid diabetes condition. This means that people with sleep disorders may be pushing their bodies towards type 2 diabetes, so common in older Americans that it’s considered almost an epidemic. We need to take sleep disorders seriously, and get them handled right away.

Sleep drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, carry risks that you can avoid by looking for more natural remedies. If sleep problems seem less serious than needing a doctor, you should try a natural, drug-free sleep aid that contains relaxing sleep-inducing herbs like valerian root, chamomile, and passion flower. The hormone melatonin, found in all living creatures, also helps you relax and get a good sleep. And it’s a terrific anti-aging antioxidant that should be part of your ant-aging diet anyway.

Chronic lack of sleep acts as a kind of stress on the body, and continued stress almost always results in something breaking down eventually. But in the study mentioned above, the subjects’ blood sugar and hormone concentrations were restored after they ‘caught up’ on their sleep. This tells us that if we can discover what’s keeping us awake, or help us get a good night’s sleep with a natural drug-free sleep aid, we can reverse some or all of the negative effects that sleep disorders have been causing.

America’s average sleep time has grown shorter in recent decades, from 9 hours to 7 hours or less, and with the advent of late-night television, many are going to bed much later. The old adage, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” has been scientifically proven, at least as far health goes. Studies show that getting to bed well before midnight, even as early as 9 or 10 p.m., makes a big difference in balancing our systems and reducing disease and aging. And although many people trade their sleep time for work or play and seem to get away with it, it will catch up with most of them in the future. Many experts now say that 8 or even 9 hours of sleep is necessary for most people, and is just as important as adequate exercise.

There’s nothing wrong with getting lots of sleep, and there’s a lot that is right about it. Research into ‘sleep therapy’ — putting a patient to sleep and keeping him asleep for extended periods of time — can sometimes alleviate a whole range of conditions, from physical illness to depression. We don’t want to stay asleep for weeks on end, but we don’t want to get older and sicker any sooner than we have to. Treating our insomnia may not make us wealthy, but it’s a wise way to start getting healthier.

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Travel

Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.

Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.

Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.

3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road

1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.

Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.

2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.

3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.

Quick Tips by Age

Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.

Travel Smarter with Routine

Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.

Climate & Altitude Considerations

Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.

A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Safe travels—and sip often!

Wellness

Vitex (Chasteberry): A Natural Hormone Balancer for Women

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2025

Good Life Guide

If you’re looking for a natural way to ease PMS, regulate your cycle, or support fertility, Vitex—also known as Chasteberry—may offer a gentle, effective solution. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, this herbal remedy supports hormonal balance and overall reproductive health in women.

What Is Vitex (Chasteberry)?

Vitex agnus-castus is a small fruit-bearing plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Its berries have been used for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans associated Vitex with purity and balance, calling it “Chasteberry.” During the Middle Ages, it was used in monasteries to help support celibacy, which is why it’s also known as “monk’s pepper.”

Despite the folklore, Vitex doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it influences the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—key regulators of hormone production. The result is a natural boost in progesterone levels, helping to balance cycles often disrupted by estrogen dominance or irregular ovulation.

Benefits of Vitex for Women

1. Helps Reduce PMS Symptoms

If you deal with mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability before your period, Vitex may help. It works by lowering prolactin levels, which are often elevated during PMS, helping to ease both emotional and physical symptoms.

2. Supports Cycle Regularity

For women with irregular periods or inconsistent ovulation—especially after stopping birth control or in cases of PCOS—Vitex can help bring consistency. It supports the hormonal signals that govern regular menstrual cycles.

3. Boosts Fertility Naturally

Vitex is often used by women trying to conceive, particularly if they have a luteal phase defect or low progesterone. By supporting ovulation and increasing progesterone levels, Vitex helps create a more favorable environment for conception.

4. Eases Perimenopausal Symptoms

As hormone levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, Vitex offers support without the need for synthetic hormone replacement. It may help reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

How to Take Vitex

Vitex is available in several forms, including:

Capsules
Liquid tinctures
Herbal teas

For best results, take Vitex in the morning when hormone levels are most responsive. Consistency is key—daily use for 8–12 weeks is typically needed to see noticeable changes.

As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

Recommended Vitex Supplements

These trusted options are known for quality and effectiveness:

Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry: A potent, organic capsule formulated for daily hormone balance.
Nature’s Way Vitex Fruit: A budget-friendly capsule with a standardized extract.
Hiland Naturals Chasteberry Tincture: A liquid version for those who prefer flexible dosing.

Vitex is a time-tested herb that continues to support women’s wellness today—helping with everything from monthly cycles to fertility and perimenopausal transitions. With consistent use and the right guidance, it can be a valuable part of your holistic health routine.

Travel

Beat the Heat: Your Essential Guide to Summer Travel Hydration

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer adventures are all about making memories—from hiking rugged trails and wandering vibrant cities to basking on sun-soaked beaches. But while you’re checking off destinations, don’t forget the one travel essential that truly fuels the journey: hydration.

Why Hydration Deserves a Spot at the Top of Your Packing List

Traveling in the summer heat puts your body under extra stress. Whether it’s from blazing sun, higher elevations, long flights, or hours of outdoor activity, these conditions can quietly and quickly lead to dehydration. The effects? Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or worse—heat exhaustion.

The good news is that staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can keep your energy up and your body balanced, no matter where your passport takes you.

How to Build a Smart Hydration Strategy for Summer Travel

Start with these simple, proactive steps before you even zip your suitcase:

Look up the weather and climate of your destination
Set hydration reminders if you tend to forget to drink regularly
Learn the early signs of dehydration—dry mouth, fatigue, darker urine
Pack hydration aids in both your carry-on and checked luggage

Now let’s take a look at three standout hydration essentials to help you beat the heat in style.

1. HYDRATED Bioactive Precision Peptides™ Drink

If you want hydration with benefits, HYDRATED by MAKE Wellness is a smart pick. It isn’t just flavored water—This refreshing drink is loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.

Why travelers love HYDRATED:

Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat
Comes in travel-ready packaging with refreshing flavor options
Offers a subscription model with discounts (10% off initially, 20% off by month four)

Whether you’re trekking through deserts or strolling busy summer streets, HYDRATED helps you stay resilient when plain water just isn’t enough.

2. HydroFlask Insulated Water Bottle

A trusty water bottle is a travel MVP, and HydroFlask lives up to the hype. With sizes from 18oz to 64oz, these bottles keep your drink ice-cold for up to 24 hours—no matter how hot it gets outside.

Why it’s a summer essential:

Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold and hands dry
Built tough for outdoor use and airport toss-arounds
Easy-to-fill design (great for ice cubes or HYDRATED mixes)
Works with multiple cap styles for different activities

Pair your HydroFlask with HYDRATED in the morning, and you’re set for a full day of adventures with refreshingly cool hydration at your side.

3. Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tablets

Short on space? Nuun electrolyte tablets are a clever solution. Just pop one into your water bottle and you’ve got a lightly flavored, electrolyte-rich drink on the go. A study even found they help improve fluid balance in active men and women.

Why travelers reach for Nuun:

Lightweight, travel-friendly packaging
Low in sugar, but high in key electrolytes like sodium and magnesium
Variety of flavors to fight “water boredom”
Fast-dissolving and ready in minutes

They’re a great backup to HYDRATED or a stand-alone option for minimalist packers and budget-conscious explorers.

Tailoring Your Hydration to the Destination

Beach Vacations
Sun and salt draw moisture from your body faster than you think. Start your day with 16oz of HYDRATED, then sip 8oz per hour while you’re out under the sun. Keep your HydroFlask in a shaded spot to help it stay cool longer.

Mountain Trips
Higher altitudes increase water needs by 25–50%, and the dry air means you’ll feel thirsty less often even as you lose more fluids. Aim for 16–20oz of HYDRATED in the morning, and refill whenever you can.

City Explorations
Urban adventures often mean miles of walking. Map out water refill stations (many cities have apps for that), and don’t forget to carry your insulated bottle for all-day hydration.

Set Yourself Up for Success the Night Before

Drink 16oz of water or HYDRATED before bed
Chill your water bottle in the hotel fridge overnight
Lay out any electrolyte supplements you’ll need for the next day
Check the forecast to plan your intake accordingly

Hydration = Energy, Enjoyment, and Ease

Your travel memories should be defined by great experiences—not the fog of dehydration. By packing a hydration strategy (and a few smart tools like HYDRATED), you’re investing in energy, recovery, and comfort on the road.

Don’t wait until you’re parched to sip. Start early, stay consistent, and let hydration help you unlock every moment of your summer escape.