A Good Night’s Sleep

I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in 16 months (actually make that about 20 months since the last four months of my pregnancy were no bed of roses). However, my lack of sleep has a definite trigger–my still not sleeping son. For many people, they don’t have such a clear reason for their sleeplessness or even know that they aren’t getting all the rest they should.

A new technology–Zeo–”the world’s first science-based sleep educational tool and coaching program.” The system consists of a lightweight Zeo Headband, the Zeo Bedside Display, an interactive Web site at www.myZeo.com and the 7 Step Sleep Fitness™ Program.

You wear the headband as you sleep and it transmits real-time data to the bedside display about your sleep trends. In the morning you can  view a sleep graph showing their personal sleep data, including total time slept, the amount of time it took to fall asleep, the time awake in the middle of the night and the total amount of REM, Light and Deep sleep

The display also has an optional SmartWake™ alarm feature that will look for a “natural awakening point” based on your sleep patterns to decrease the grogginess associated with waking from Deep sleep. (I need this!)

One the website users can combine their sleep data with lifestyle elements like caffeine use and stress to get a more accurate picture of their sleep habits.  The final components is a coaching program with specific recommendations to meet your sleep goals based on your personal needs.

The system is available beginning at $399.

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

I have a teething baby. He’s less than four months old, but his teething is in full swing. Unfortunately that means two steps back in the sleep department.  At this point I am willing to try about anything.

I bought one of those FIsher Price Rainforest soother machines with the jungle sounds and lullabies. He seems to like looking at it, but it isn’t getting the job done. Our old version had a white noise options as well as some ocean wave and running water sounds.  I think I may have found a solution, however.

Thingamababy recently reviewed some white noise mp3s available for free.  You can download these files and burn them on a CD to loop or use your ipod or mp3 player to soothe your sweet little one (or yourself) to sleep. 

According to  the Canton Becker site:

Soundtrack #1
Just white noise, sounds like ocean waves but more gentle. 35 min.

Soundtrack #2
White noise plus a reassuring heartbeat. 35 min.

Soundtrack #3
Same as above, but also with some extra ambient sounds to add depth and variety. 35 min.

Some people swear by white noise so I’m willing to give it a go. Here’s to sweet dreams . . .