Natural latex mattresses not only provide an unsurpassed sleep surface, they replace conventional inner- spring mattresses, which generally end up in the landfill, with a sustainable resource. Natural latex mattresses use rubber harvested from the milky sap of the rubber tree (hevea brasilienises), with a small percentage of natural fillers. Latex was originally harvested from rubber trees that grew in the wild in Brazil and had been used by indigenous people for centuries. The rubber trees were widely dispersed, with a natural tendency to grow far from each other, making harvesting extremely inefficient. As demand for rubber grew, seeds were eventually transplanted in what is present day Malaysia with great success.
In an era when we are surrounded by synthetic materials which greatly tax our environment and resources, natural latex represents the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Anyone who has slept on a latex mattress can attest to the incomparable comfort from the natural ability of latex to distribute body weight and relieve pressure points. In addition latex is a very durable material, creating mattresses that regularly last for 20 or more years, without any significant changes in the support or feel of the mattress. Rubber trees are now grown on plantations in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Asia, Africa and South America, providing jobs for numerous indigenous workers. Latex is very efficiently harvested and trees that have reached the end of their productive cycle are replaced and the lumber is used for furniture and in construction.
It is not only refreshing to sleep on a natural latex mattress, but also to know that it's a bio-degradable resource that is easily replenished. Conventional inner-spring mattresses carry with them a variety of hazards. The new federal open-flame fire standards for mattresses have added more than a pound and a half of possible toxic chemicals in the ticking of the average queen mattress. These chemicals can create toxic off-gases that are released into our home environment and then the chemicals are dumped along with the mattresses into land fills, with components that will not bio-degrade. Simply put, once a conventional mattress has outlived its usefulness, generally 2- 7 years, they become a nuisance to our environment.
As with many products, consumers are rethinking traditional purchases and looking for green alternatives that are toxin-free and environmentally friendly. Articles that stress the need for safer materials and chemical for use in the home abound and many of these express concerns about "toxic mattresses." A little research will find extensive discussions about the dangers of toxic fire-retardant chemicals in mattresses. When newborns and infants are involved, the purchase of a green mattress is one of the most important decisions a parent can make, as certain fire-retardants are banned in Europe and have been linked to SIDS.
Much of the latex used in mattresses is a blend of synthetic and natural latex to lower the cost and, perhaps, to add some durability. However, it is the natural properties of latex which set it apart. Only natural latex is anti-microbial, hyper-allergenic and a sustainable resource. In addition, it is the natural latex that creates the feel that has made latex mattresses so popular. Synthetic latex would feel just like polyurethane foam without the addition of natural latex.
Do your body a favor and investigate the feel of an all natural latex mattress. Much of what Mother Nature has supplied cannot be duplicated by artificial means, and natural latex is no exception. A natural latex mattress will last for 20 or more years, has an unsurpassed feel, the wonderful qualities of remaining free from dust mites, mold and allergens and is created from a resource that is green and sustainable. Going green has never felt better!
- Written by KC Ennis
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Employees are paying a high price for too little sleep when it comes to work productivity. Individuals experience an alarming decline in quality of work, poor judgment and trouble retaining information as the top work-related consequences from lack of sleep. According to the Better Sleep Council (BSC) 2007 Better Sleep Month survey, 44 percent said they were likely to be in an unpleasant or unfriendly mood— all bad news for employers, employees and customers.
You cannot accomplish more if you spend less time sleeping. In fact, sleep deprivation impacts your level of alertness, your productivity and your ability to socially interact with colleagues.
Sleep deprivation impairs your quality and accuracy of work, clear thinking or judgment and memory of important details. Companies would be more productive and offices would be happier places if employees got more of the sleep they need. If you are looking to improve your daily work performance, you could benefit by improving the quality of your sleep.
Tired employees often turn to quick-fix performance enhancers to remedy their sleep deficiency problem, including:
• Drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks
• Taking a nap
• Going outside for fresh air
Few are willing to make the commitment to get more sleep in order to feel more awake and productive at work. It can be simple to make noticeable improvements in your performance.
Mattress Matters
Many people are losing sleep on mattresses that may no longer provide optimum comfort. For a good night’s sleep it is recommended that you evaluate your mattress (especially an inner spring mattress) every five to seven years for comfort and support and replace if necessary. Many people are sleeping on mattresses that are five years old or older, with some even on mattresses eight years old or older. Traditional inner spring mattresses are not designed to withstand that many years of use. However, if you are sleeping on a latex mattress or memory foam mattress, you can sleep comfortably for 15-20 years and sometimes longer.
The quality of sleep is directly affected by the age of your mattress. In fact, the study showed new mattresses provided immediate and sustained benefits in sleep comfort and quality plus reduced back pain. For the average person, better sleep quality can be as simple as a new bed.
Five Tips to Improve Sleep and Work Productivity
A new mattress significantly impacts the quality of your sleep; further suggesting that consumers should regularly evaluate their mattresses for sufficient comfort and support. Here are five tips to improve sleep and work productivity:
1.) Pay your sleep debt. Getting even 30 minutes less sleep than your body needs can lead to accumulated sleep debt, which has both short- and long-term consequences for health, mood and performance, both on and off the job. It’s important to schedule 8 hours of sleep each night (7.5 to 8.5 is optimal) and maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule, even on the weekend.
2.) Evaluate mattress performance. Though your mattress may not show physical signs of wear, it loses comfort and support over the years. It’s important to evaluate your mattress every five to seven years to ensure it still provides optimal comfort and support. The age of a mattress directly impacts the quality of sleep.
3.) Bedroom business. Use your bedroom for sleep and sex only. The bedroom should be an uncluttered environment that is relaxing, comfortable and conducive to sleep and relaxation. Keep work, computers and televisions out of the bedroom!
4.) Kick the caffeine habit. Research shows that caffeine interferes with getting a restful night’s sleep and waking refreshed in the morning. Avoid caffeine close to bedtime.
5.) Make the investment. You spend one-third of your life in bed. Be sure to invest in the best quality and most comfortable mattress you can afford to ensure a great night’s rest for a healthier, happier and more productive you.
Who knows? You might just make more money when you get more sleep!
- written by Joy Milkowski
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