A Sleep Aid to Dream About

Just when one thinks that there is just one too many sleep aids available in the market, think again. A new sleep aid that can promote dreaming has been formulated by drug researchers and pharmacologists.  The said is also said to be effective in improving one's memory.

This medication specifically targets the orexin system, which is also associated with the urges connected with feeding and addiction. Orexin is a type of hormone that was discovered in 1998 and is known to control or induce a number of physiological reactions and conditions such as narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder where people can fall asleep several times a day and experience paralyzing musculo-skeletal contractions.

A Swiss drug company named Actelion has also unveiled a new candidate drug known as orexin-RA-1 that can block the orexin system. Laboratory rats slept soundly and performed better in maze tests the following day than rats given with only conventional sleep aids, suggesting that the drug improves memory capacity. Measurements of muscle tone and brain activity revealed an increase in the dream phase of sleep. According to Actelion CEO Jean Paul Clozel, the dream phase is when memory is hardwired in the brain. According to Clozel, older medications reduce REM sleep. Lack of REM sleep makes people still feel tired even after they just woke up.

Shahrad Taheri, a doctor from the University of Bristol, said that orexin has great potential for promoting sleep and regulating appetite. Taheri said that orexin can be used to reduce cravings for food.

The new sleep aid drug is now undergoing stage trials. Clozel says that the drug could be available in the market by 2012.  He admitted that there are plans to extend its application beyond insomnia. Unlike older generations of sleep medications, orexin-RA-1 showed no signs of being addictive or of losing its effects over time. However, this type of medication should have a thorough inspection for possible unwanted side effects.  Existing sleep aids being sold in the market are known to have a number of side effects. Tests should be done in order to fully analze a new drug's effects in the brain, and how it can provide other beneficial effects without harming other human internal systems.

Aside from using medications, people with insomnia should continue receiving non-medical help to overcome sleeplessness.  Among the most common advice given to insomniacs by doctors and behavioral therapists include:

Cutting down on caffeinated drinks especially during hours that are too near sleeping time
Avoiding stimulating activities such as games, exercise, and watching action movies when on is about to sleep
Keeping the bedroom as a private place for sleeping.  An insomniac should not do work inside the sleeping quarters.
The room must be kept dark, free from noise, and comfortable enough to induce relaxation and drowsiness.

In very severe cases of sleep deprivation, the help of medical and psychiatric professionals should be sought.  Insomniacs, however, must make sure to consul these professionals first before using any sleep aid.  Using sleep aids without proper consultation could lead to substance abuse and, worse, to accidental death.  Sleep aid overdose is a very serious risk faced by insomniacs who use medications without the proper prescription.

Soon, however, new drugs such as orexin may help people with severe sleep deprivation gain back the ability to sleep, rest, and dream about better days and nights ahead.

A Quick Guide to Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis has been around for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian times even through today, hypnotism has been used in religion, medicine, mental therapy, and even entertainment. Patients often undergo hypnosis to help release stress or to overcome certain challenges in their lives such as smoking habits, obesity, anorexia, bulimia, insomnia, depression, and other conditions.

Hypnotherapy is similar to psychotherapy except it is undertaken when the patient is in a state of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is meant to help modify the patient's behavior, attitude, and emotional state for positive life changes. Hypnotherapy is usually performed by a professional hypnotherapist. In many cases, the hypnotherapist will train the patient in self-hypnosis so the patient can benefit from hypnotherapy at any time when needed.

What Happens During Hypnosis?

Before the actual hypnosis begins, both the patient and the trained hypnotherapist agree to the process. Hypnosis cannot be forced on the patient. There will usually be an informal talk between the two with questions and answers as well as an explanation of what is about to take place.

Next is the actual hypnosis. The hypnotherapist leads with his or her voice to gently guide the patient into a state of relaxation in mind and body. The patient may appear to be asleep, but is awake enough to be aware of what's going on - especially in the parts of the mind that can effect beneficial changes. The patient is led into comforting, pleasant thoughts and begins to daydream about happy times or hopes for the future.

When under hypnosis, the patient often feels very relaxed. It's similar to the warm comfort of a bed when one is very sleepy. The patient can terminate the session at any time if he or she begins to feel uncomfortable. When the session ends, the patient is able to ask questions and discuss the experience of hypnosis.

Hypnosis Today

Today, there are many different ways people can enjoy the benefits of hypnotherapy. They don't even have to leave their homes to take advantage of hypnosis. There are Internet sites that offer guides and tips on hypnosis, along with hypnosis training for those who want to become a trained hypnotist.

For self-hypnosis, there are great products available online, such as hypnosis MP3s and hypnosis CDs. With these tools, a person is able to enjoy the long-term benefits of hypnosis without paying high costs to visit a trained hypnotherapist.

These products are very helpful when times of stress arise or when you just needs a boost of self-confidence. They are fast, easy, safe and effective tools to help you tackle common life situations. On hypnosis MP3s and hypnosis CDs, the messages are positive and subliminal, offering exact trance-inducing frequencies. The hypnosis MP3 files are downloadable onto an iPod or MP3 player so you can take it with you wherever they go.

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not cure-all solutions, but they can be helpful in renewing your positive outlook on life and learning to overcome obstacles.

Beauty consciousness and Stretch Marks

Almost all human beings are conscious about their beauty and they adopt all means to improve or maintain it.  The quality of skin is having priority in the field of beauty care. Skin is considered as the mirror of the human body and it reflects the physical, mental and emotional status of every person.

The number of people attending beauty clinics and dermatologists is increasing day by day. Even though skin diseases are having low mortality, people are worried about skin problems because of the social stigma.


A person having a disease of some internal organ may not be worried but another person having a skin disease on the face may be depressed because of the simple reason 'others will come to know about my disease'.

Human skin has got several functions like protection, heat regulation, water balance, excretion etc. It gives protection and support to the deep body tissues and has got the ability to stretch to some extent due to the presence of protein fibers in the dermis. But too fast enlargement of the body parts cause excessive stretching on the skin resulting in breaking of collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis.

This causes slightly depressed discoloration called stria atrophia or stretch marks. Initially these marks are slightly pinkish and later become white or silvery in appearance.

Stretch marks are found in conditions like pregnancy, puberty, obesity etc. It is usually seen in places like abdomen, thighs, breasts, buttocks, shoulders etc. Once these marks appear, time is required for them to be less prominent.

Both men and women are the victims of stretch marks but it mainly affects women due to their beauty consciousness and causes psychological trauma leading to depression. On the other hand there are women who are least bothered to get rid of stretch marks and consider them as a badge of mother hood. Still the number of people visiting clinics to remove stretch marks is increasing day by day.

Because of the increasing need for the stretch mark treatment modalities, there are number of products in the market to deal with stretch marks cure. But most of those products are not proved effective scientifically but few of them give results in many cases. Modern treatment methods like plastic surgery and laser surgery for stretch marks have been proved effective in the treatment.

How To Look 5 Years Younger

How is this possible? By taking steps to improve your overall health and well-being so you will look and feel younger as you get older. Good nutrition, exercise, sleep, sun protection and a good skincare routine can help you maintain your youthful appearance and well-being at all stages of your life.


Your skin is the most visible indicator of your general health and the condition of your skin is often the first signal of illness nor nutrition problems. Sallow, dull or blotchy skin often reflects a disease or nutritional deficiency. A vibrant glowing complexion reflects a state of good general health.

Your skin needs protection both inside and out. Inner and outer nutrition are really two sides of the same coin. It makes sense to nourish the body within to obtain the correct balance of nutrients, because a healthy body is reflected in healthy skin. A correct balance of vitamins and minerals is essential for a wonderful, vibrant, healthy glow to your skin. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and using a high quality multivitamin supplement can do wonders for your appearance.

Your skin also needs specific nourishing. Skin also needs protection from damaging environmental conditions like exposure to sun, wind and pollution. This is why a regular skin care regime is so essential at any age. Our skin is the barrier that shields us from:

· Physical impact such as pressure and knocks

· Thermal influences from heat and cold

· Environment effects, such as chemicals, the sun’s UV radiation and bacteria. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin which provides a chemical defence against ultraviolet light.

To maintain healthy, glowing skin ensure:

· Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate and cleanse your skin

· Wear sunscreen on all exposed areas throughout all seasons

· Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables

· Top up with a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement

· Be vigilant with a morning and evening cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine