The Unmatched Insulating Power of Down: Nature's Ingenious Design Down insulation, derived from the soft underplumage of waterfowl, offers unparalleled warmth and comfort that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. Each down cluster, composed of light, fluffy filaments, traps air to retain heat. This unique structure provides superior warmth without bulk, making down the most efficient natural insulator. The Science Behind Down Insulation Down’s effectiveness stems from its unique structure. Each cluster

As the temperatures rise, many people instinctively store away their down comforters, fearing they might be too warm for summer use. However, this common belief overlooks the unique qualities of down comforters that make them suitable for year-round comfort, including the hottest months. Natural Temperature Regulation Down comforters excel in temperature regulation due to the natural properties of down. This soft, insulating layer beneath the feathers of ducks and geese traps

Ever wonder what happens inside your body during those peaceful hours of sleep? Surprisingly, your body is hard at work, burning calories. Despite the common belief that sleep is a time of complete rest, various physiological processes are at play, contributing to caloric expenditure. Let's dive into the fascinating science of how your body utilizes calories while you're catching those Z's. Understanding Caloric Expenditure Your body requires energy for essential functions

Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being, but for those with allergies, getting a good night's rest can be challenging. Allergies can exacerbate sleep problems, leading to discomfort and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. However, with the right strategies, it's possible to minimize the impact of allergies on sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. In this article, we'll explore seven tips for sleeping better with

Q&A Sleep Myths By James B. Maas, Ph.D.  Does the brain rest during sleep? Most people thought of sleep as a passive, dormant part of our daily lives.  By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) researchers have evidenced that neurons in the brainstem, which connects the brain with the spinal cord, produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine that keep some parts of the brain active while we are awake. So, contrary to popular

Rooted in Routine: Everything you must know about getting your children to sleep, but are too tired to ask!   By Jill Barnum, MA Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body for health and performance. Good quality and quantity sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, and our kids need it just as much as we do. Sleep deprivation can lead

The start of a new year of school is just around the corner and that means you want your kids to put their best foot forward. To help them, it’s important to recognize that those laid back days will soon be replaced with busy schedules and after-school activities. Of course, for most families, those relaxed days of summer vacation meant a lax sleeping schedule, so how do you get everyone back on

Sleep & Weight Management Also published in Complete Wellbeing Magazine By James B. Maas, Ph.D. and Rebecca S. Robbins Contributions by Rebecca G. Fortgang and Sharon R. Driscoll Practicing good sleep hygiene, including meeting your individual sleep need every night, is essential for maintaining your weight and a healthy life style. The quantity and quality of your sleep influence the hormonal activity that regulates your appetite. Sleep deprivation and poor sleep

The Architecture of a Good Night’s Sleep By James B. Maas, Ph.D., Rebecca S. Robbins, and Sharon R. Driscoll Maas Presentations, LLC and Cornell University Given that we spend (or should spend) one-third of our lives sleeping, it's alarming how little we know about our down time. Does it surprise you that 40% of laypersons and physicians think the brain shuts down and takes a rest when we fall asleep? In

“The skin is the largest organ in the body. When your body is healthy it will manifest first by giving you a glowing, radiant complexion!” - Dermatologist Diane Berson Do you want vibrant, healthy, younger looking skin? We have the answer for you: sleep! Not getting enough sleep not only leaves us tired, irritable and unable to concentrate on our daily routine, but it also has major effects on our skin.