Archive for the ‘SAD and Seasonal Moods’ Category

In a January 2013 article written for the Office of Health Safety Canada, author Ann Ruperstein outlines and illustrates the extraordinary safety problem that fatigue and sleep disorders have become, especially as a result of the increase in use of flexible shift workers. She also identifies the research and increasing corporate interest in measures to respond to the problem.

According to Dr. Adam Moscovitch of University of Calgary, over the last 100 years the average amount of sleep diminished from 9 hours to six, and at least 10% of the population is affected by chronic sleep deprivation. Moreover, in this 24/7 world, many see sleeping as an unproductive “a waste of time”, and attempt to accomplish more and more during each day.

Does it matter? In a recent Australian study, researchers compared the cognitive functioning due to sleepiness with that due to alcohol consumption. They match; a professional working with 17 hours of wakefulness will have the same decision-making and reflex capability as someone who is legally impaired with alcohol.  According to statistics from the National Sleep Foundation in Virginia, over 200,000 car accidents a year are related to sleepiness and fatigue. The Exxon Valdez oil spill, Three Mile Island nuclear accident, and multiple airplane crashes all cite fatigue as a significant factor in the catastrophes.  Managing fatigue among flexible schedule professionals is a national safety issue as much as a productivity and health issue.

 

Both the Canadian and the U.S. occupational safety and health agencies have substantially increased their focus on the real consequences of sleep deprivation. The changing picture of the global workforce –a wider range of professions working more flexible hours than ever in history – compelled the OSHA agencies to expand their historical focus on factory and machine safety to include fatigue issues.

 

It’s almost fall, and some of us are experiencing the fall funkies, the winter blues, or just the blahs, which increase as you experience less daylight and more gray days – a natural response actually, but not one that needs to overwhelm you. Get control of the seasonal cycle this time by using a light box or visor for your lux therapy, and a dawn simulator to help reprogram your body’s clock.

Let us know how we can help you with your fall/winter blues!

And, check out what our friends at Best New Alarm Clocks.com have to say about the SunRise Alarm Clock in Charcoal, and post your own review!

“Really great product, good company This is a super product that provides a great way to wake up in the mornings. We wake up much easier and more refreshed with the Sunrise Clock. Great find.”

“Before buying the BioBrite clock, I read in one of the earlier reviews that the method of programming the clock was rather complex– This is not true.”

“I received my BioBrite a month ago and have been using it ever since. It’s fairly easy to set up and works really well for me.”

“What a fabulous alternative to a shrill alarm jarring you awake out of a deep slumber. The Biobrite is a sunrise clock that really works.”

“I have one window to my bedroom and not much light gets in at all. Before i got this when I woke up I had no idea if it was 6AM or 10AM.”

…And many more…

As we move into the winter with its shorter days and longer darkness, it’s natural to feel lethargic during the transition of the seasons. But extended lethargy, depression, loss of energy can take a toll on your work, your quality of life and that of your family and friends, so addressing the “winter blues” is important.

Fortunately, there’s help for the transition to winter and the weeks after- dawn simulation clocks. BioBrite’s dawn simulator clocks, a series appropriately named the BioBrite SunRise Alarm Clocks, have received positive reviews from print and Web media alike, including online customer reviews on Amazon and eBay.com. BioBrite products have been featured on Good Morning America, the Today Show, The Doctors and in People Magazine, Newsweek Magazine, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and other well-known programs and publications.

Like most models in the SunRise Alarm Clock series, the Radio features a sleek, modern design and a large globe crafted from hand-blown glass. Light softly fades up toward full brightness in adjustable 15-, 30-, 60- or 90-minute cycles, emitting a warm, dawn-like glow to gently rouse you from sleep. The radio feature can be programmed to turn on along with the clock’s glow, but can also be used separately, eliminating the need for two bulky devices on your nightstand. All models in the SunRise Alarm Clock series feature a built-in, back-up beeper to ensure you rise on time.

 

 

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