Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a frustrating condition that can disrupt and negatively impact the quality of daily life. The normal, everyday movement of simply standing up triggers rapid heart rate, dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure that usually resolve upon laying down. Although the cause isn’t … Read More
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), hypersomnia is recurring and severe episodes of daytime sleepiness or prolonged sleeping at night. Daytime sleepiness may cause an irresistible lapse into daytime napping, sometimes without warning, called sleep attacks. After waking up from a nap or sleep attack, … Read More
Have you ever been jerked out of sleep by a sudden twitch or uncontrolled muscle movement, or noticed jerks and twitches in your sleep partner? You are not alone, since these movements during sleep occur in up to 70 percent of people. They are commonly called sleep starts or hypnic … Read More
Many people stay up late and head to bed past midnight for only a few hours of sleep. Maybe you have a habit of catching up on work, reading, or watching T.V. until 1 a.m., having a late night snack before you fall asleep. Or maybe you work the graveyard … Read More
There was a period of time in my life where I listened to the same CD every night as I fell asleep. The gentle songs immediately soothed me into a relaxed state, helping me to fall asleep faster. When I am having trouble sleeping or am in an unfamiliar environment, … Read More
Studies examining the association of sleep behaviors with neuromuscular performance and daytime function in older women found that sleep deprivation is associated with worse physical function during the day. Women who slept less than six hours per night walked 3.5 percent slower than those who slept six to eight hours. … Read More
You have lack of motivation to participate in the things you love. You feel hopeless. You’re fatigued, unable to sleep well or concentrate. As a result, your relationships at home and work suffer. If you’re bogged down by a lack of motivation, don’t just chalk it up to boredom or … Read More
Has a friend ever bragged about how refreshed he feels after just four or five hours of sleep the night before? Do you know a child who resists going to bed at a reasonable hour because she “doesn’t feel tired?” Do you find yourself on an inconsistent schedule when it … Read More
Studies published in 2015 shed new light on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and, thus, chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. The condition, known medically as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), appears to be a biological disorder, not a psychological issue, as determined in multiple studies, including recent work by scientists at Columbia University and … Read More
Weight loss isn’t all about what we do or don’t eat. Daily habits are also particularly important when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Getting exercise might be the first thing you think of when it comes to healthy weight-loss habits, but another important tip involves something pretty simple: … Read More
