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Exploring Innovative Sleep Solutions for Athletes at the Paris Olympics

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 08:08:10 -0700

News Article

PARIS, France – As the Paris Olympics progress, the quality of sleep and recovery conditions for athletes has become a notable point of discussion. This year's Games have brought the sleeping arrangements in the Olympic Village under scrutiny, with numerous athletes voicing concerns over the "rock solid" cardboard beds, originally introduced for sustainability reasons.

Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns and gymnast Simone Biles are among those who have publicly shared their discomfort, highlighting the impact of poor sleep on athletic performance and recovery. Sleep expert Dr. Carlos M. Nunez emphasizes the crucial role of rest in an athlete's regimen, citing it as one of the three pillars of health alongside diet and exercise (1) .

Amid these challenges, the focus has shifted to potential solutions that can enhance athlete recovery through better sleep. One such innovation is the Vestims mattress, which incorporates Vascular Endothelial Stimulation System technology. A study conducted by the University of Saint Mark and Saint John in 2019, published on PubMed (2), sheds light on the benefits of this technology. Participants sleeping on Vestims mattresses showed a 336% increase in systemic or body wide blood flow, which is critical to performance and postevent recovery and a 520g improvement in fat free muscle mass, highlighting potential benefits for athletes needing quick recovery and improved blood circulation .

As athletes and teams seek ways to optimize their performance, technologies like the Vestims Elite Sports mattress (2) are gaining attention for their potential to significantly improve sleep quality and recovery times. With ongoing discussions about environmental conditions and sleep disruptions in Paris, including the heat and potential noise from air conditioning units, the importance of adapting sleeping technologies to support athlete health and performance has never been more apparent.

As the...Read More

Active Mattresses Stimulate Pressure-Induced Vasodilation and Enhancing Endothelial Function

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:28:45 -0700

Introduction:

Prolonged bed rest can lead to serious health risks, particularly for bedridden individuals, such as patients recovering from illness or seniors with limited mobility. One of the critical challenges faced by these individuals is the development of pressure ulcers, which result from prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin. However, the human body possesses a remarkable mechanism called Pressure-Induced Vasodilation (PIV) that helps maintain blood flow and tissue health under low-pressure conditions.

PIV involves the dilation of blood vessels in response to intermittent pressure, promoting improved blood circulation and oxygenation in the skin and underlying tissues. An essential player in this process is the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, which releases key vasodilator factors to support healthy vascular function.

Innovative medical technology has now led to the development of Vestims® Active Mattresses, which actively stimulate PIV and enhance endothelial function. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind PIV and endothelial function, and how Vestims® Active Mattresses offer a revolutionary solution in preventing pressure ulcers and promoting skin health during extended bed rest.

Understanding Pressure-Induced Vasodilation (PIV):

Pressure-Induced Vasodilation is a critical physiological response that occurs when the skin is exposed to intermittent pressure....Read More

The outcomes of sleep.

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:39:07 -0800

At Squirrel Medical, we recognize that the outcomes of sleep, including improved vascular endothelial function, resting blood flow, changes to metabolism, blood pressure, and general body composition, are scientifically proven to benefit patients. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to prioritize adequate sleep for our patients to improve their overall health and well-being.

Research has shown that adequate sleep has a positive impact on vascular endothelial function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, adequate sleep can increase resting blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, leading to improved overall health and reduced risk of various diseases. Sleep also plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and getting enough sleep can prevent negative effects such as weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes.

Blood pressure is another vital biomarker that can be positively affected by sleep. Patients who get enough sleep have lower blood pressure, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Finally, getting enough sleep can lead to an improved general body composition, which can reduce the risk of various diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

In conclusion, healthcare professionals must prioritize adequate sleep for their patients to improve their overall health and well-being. As healthcare providers, we need to recognize the science behind sleep and its positive outcomes to encourage our patients to prioritize quality sleep in their daily routine. By doing so, we can promote better health outcomes for our patients, leading to a healthier and happier population.

International sleep charity

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:11:29 -0800

At Squirrel Medical, we recognize the importance of sleep for overall health and wellbeing. That's why we are proud to support the International Sleep Charity (ISC), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with sleep disorders.

Through various initiatives, the ISC spreads awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits, offers free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-I) sessions, collaborates with researchers and academics to test prototypes for sleep-related businesses, and leads epidemiological research on the impact of poor sleep. The ISC is at the forefront of improving sleep health and providing valuable resources and support to individuals and families struggling with sleep disorders.

Squirrel Medical is proud to support the ISC in its mission to help people worldwide improve their health and wellbeing by sleeping better. We recognize that quality sleep is essential for optimal physical and mental health, and we believe that the ISC's initiatives are making a significant difference in the lives of people worldwide.

In conclusion, if you or someone you know is struggling with a sleep disorder, we encourage you to check out the International Sleep Charity. And if you're a business or organization looking to make a difference in sleep health, we encourage you to support the ISC in their mission to promote healthy sleep habits and improve the quality of life for millions of people. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against sleep disorders.

https://www.internationalsleepcharity.org

Sarcopenia, Fraility & Mattresses

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:55:48 -0800

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength that affects older adults, leading to an increased risk of falls and frailty. (Fielding et al., 2011)

An increase in fat-free muscle mass, as measured by the fat-free mass index (FFMI), can improve balance and reduce frailty in older adults. (Janssen et al., 2004)

Resistance training and proper nutrition have been found to be effective in improving fat-free muscle mass and reducing the risk of falls and frailty in older adults. (Goodpaster et al., 2006; Izquierdo et al., 2010; Pahor et al., 2006)

The use of a Squirrel Vestim mattress has been found to increase fat-free mass and improve endothelial function, which is linked to sarcopenia, frailty, and balance issues. (Baker et al., 2019)

Therefore, maintaining and improving muscle mass through various interventions can help older adults improve their balance, reduce their risk of falls, and prevent frailty. (Tieland et al., 2018)

References:

Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R. Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use. J Wound Care. 2019 Oct 2;28(10):676-682. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.10.676. PMID: 31600104.

Fielding, R. A., et al. (2011). Sarcopenia: an undiagnosed condition in older adults. Current consensus definition: prevalence, etiology, and consequences. International working group on sarcopenia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 12(4), 249-256.

Goodpaster, B. H., et al. (2006). The loss of skeletal muscle strength, mass, and quality in older adults: the health, aging and body composition study. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(10), 1059-1064.

Izquierdo, M., et al. (2010). Maximal strength and power characteristics in isometric and dynamic actions of the upper and lower extremities in middle-aged and older men. Acta Physiologica, 199(3), 365-376.

Janssen,...Read More

Repositioning in bed is good for you.

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 03:40:45 -0800

Humans are designed to sleep on the ground, with a network of capillaries positioned between the skin in contact with the ground and the bone above it. If pressure goes unrelieved for around 20 minutes, cells within the skin and underlying tissue can experience oxygen starvation and a build-up of waste toxins, leading to poisoning and ultimately irreversible damage and death.

Ancient humans sleeping in the wild not only faced the effects of unrelieved pressure, but also danger from predators, fire, and other environmental factors. To counteract this, humans developed an inbuilt alarm clock that causes them to wake up and reposition approximately every 11 to 18 minutes. This repositioning prevented the negative effects of pressure on skin tissue and allowed humans to stay alert to potential dangers.

Modern studies on tribespeople equipped with sleep trackers have shown that they naturally wake up several times an hour, and it is theorised that one of the reasons is to check the danger. The cause of this waking is discomfort, as a result of staying in one position for too long. This discomfort is not a negative, but rather a natural part of human physiology.

However, in the modern world, people are waking up and repositioning less frequently, and this has significant impacts on long-term health and well-being. This decrease in repositioning is due to a variety of factors, including misconceptions about the importance of repositioning, the use of sleeping pills and recreational drugs, unnatural working patterns, and the stress of modern life.

The first step to improving sleep and health is to acknowledge that...Read More

The importance of blood flow on skin tissue is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:44:39 -0800

The importance of blood flow on skin tissue is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

A study conducted by Tsukahara et al. aimed to evaluate the relationship between cutaneous blood flow and the three-dimensional morphology of the skin in 40 healthy women aged 60-77 years. The researchers measured various aspects of blood flow on the cheeks and foreheads and analyzed the surface morphology of the skin. The results showed that while there was no correlation between blood flow and surface morphology on the forehead, significant negative correlations were observed on the cheek. The resting blood flow and mean blood flow during cooling had particularly high correlations with the surface morphology parameters related to local changes on the cheek. The skin elasticity and water content of the stratum corneum did not show any correlations with the blood flow or surface morphology parameters. The study suggests that reduced blood flow can contribute to the development of deep wrinkles, known as glyphic wrinkles, on the cheeks in elderly women.

A special type of vascular stimulation (vestims) mattress, designed to improve blood flow, has been reported to increase blood flow by 336% simply by sleeping on it. Such a mattress uses technology to promote circulation and rejuvenate the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve overall skin health. This can include aiding in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

In conclusion, blood flow is a crucial factor in maintaining healthy skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. By choosing a mattress that promotes blood flow while sleeping, individuals...Read More

Microcirculation and its effects on the immune function.

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:07:46 -0800

The microcirculation is vital for immune function and infection control, as it is responsible for transporting immune cells such as leukocytes and lymphocytes to sites of infection and inflammation. These immune cells help to identify, neutralize, and remove pathogens and other harmful agents, and their transport to sites of infection is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system. Additionally, the microcirculation plays a role in regulating blood flow to the body's tissues and organs, which can impact the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and affect the overall health of the body's cells and tissues.

One way that the microcirculation can be impacted is through the use of active mattresses. A recent study (Baker et al., 2019) found that eight weeks of sleeping on a special type of active mattress led to significant improvements in microvascular function, as measured by increased resting blood flow, improved post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH), and increased skin temperature. (1)

Results included a significant 197% improvement of endothelial function, which is the bodies ability to distribute blood flow effectively and a 336% increase of long-term resting blood flow within the microcirculation of the big toe. Accordingly, the flow of warm blood improved skin temperature at the feet by 3.5ºc. Remarkably, these results were achieved without clinical intervention, without lifestyle, modification, or medication.

These improvements suggest that vestims mattresses have a positive impact on microcirculation and endothelial function, which in turn benefit the immune system and help to prevent infections.

Immune Response & Blood Flow

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 03:26:22 -0800

Professional soccer players endure a substantial amount of physical stress throughout the playing season and pre-season training, which can have a significant impact on their overall health. The physical demands of the sport can cause changes in body composition, leading to a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in fat mass during the off-season. This can negatively affect an athlete's performance and overall health.

Moreover, the physical stress of soccer can have a significant impact on peripheral blood flow, which is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. Reduced blood flow can increase the risk of injury and weaken the immune system's ability to respond to health challenges and infections. (1)

To mitigate these issues, it is crucial for professional soccer players to carefully manage their recovery, especially during the off-season. In a recent study, scientists discovered that using a specific type of Vestims mattress for eight weeks improved key health indicators, including endothelial function, blood flow, and fat-free mass, without any additional clinical interventions, exercise, diet changes, or medication. (2) These results indicate that the use of the Vestims mattress could be a valuable tool for professional soccer players who aim to improve their health and performance.

In conclusion, professional soccer players face high levels of physical stress during the playing season and pre-season training, which can have a substantial impact on their body composition, blood flow, and immune system. To counteract these effects, it is crucial to monitor recovery and the use of the Vestims mattress can be a helpful aid in improving overall health and...Read More