Review: The S+ - Your Personalised Sleep Solution By ResMed

It seems that the new frontier for managing and improving our health is sleep. Everyone is talking about how important it is.

Co-founder and Editor of the Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington, has even written a book about it entitled "The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night At A Time" in which she asserts that only by renewing our relationship with sleep can we take back control of our lives.

Gwyneth Paltrow's book "Goop Clean Beauty" contains a whole chapter on sleeping soundly and the effect of a lack of sleep on our hormones (clue, it can make us fatter) and I recently reviewed "Breathe Better, Sleep Better" by Anandi The Sleep Guru which offers ways to bring your being back into balance and regain your sleep by breathing better.

Those of us approaching menopause or suffering from stress and anxiety may find that our sleep is one of the first things to suffer.

So what if there were a gadget which monitored both the quality and duration of our sleep - and offered ways to improve it?

Even better, what if there were a gadget you didn't have to wear?  I don't know about you but wearing a fitness tracker in bed has always seemed a bit odd to me.

The S+ by RedMed is the world’s first non-contact, fully comprehensive sleep tracking system, which features patent-protected SleepSensor technology. It makes it possible to track, analyse and improve sleep at home without a wristband, electrodes or mattress strips.

“Sleep is arguably the most important thing we do in our day. It’s easy to underestimate the impact that lack of it can have on our overall wellbeing.” said Dr. Guy Meadows, Clinical Director at The Sleep School and author of "The Sleep Book – How to sleep well every night." “We know lack of sleep can be harmful to our physical and mental health, yet we are doing very little to help improve our sleep. With its unique features, the S+ is the perfect present for those looking to improve not only the quantity but also the quality of their sleep.”

The S+ by ResMed comprises a device that sits beside the bed, a cloud-hosted Sleep Mentor system, and a free mobile app (Apple iOS and Android).

Its features include:

*highly calibrated respiratory and bio-motion sensor to measure and analyse sleep stages

*recording of the movements caused by the expansion and relaxation of the chest with breathing, and overall body movements such as position changes, arm twitches and shrugs

*delivery of sleep scores and sleep charts to a connected phone or tablet,

*personalised feedback and suggestions to help users improve their sleep.

The S+ also has a range of features to help improve sleep:

There's Relax to Sleep which provides a choice of soothing sounds that synchronise with breathing patterns to help with the process of falling asleep at bedtime.

Then there's Mind Clear allows users to record a voice message or type a text note to help clear their mind when trying to settle to sleep.

And Smart Alarm allows users to set a window of time for the S+ to naturally wake them when they are in light sleep, enabling them to wake feeling more refreshed.

At first I wondered if this gadget was going to be a gimmick but one week on and I'm hooked.

For a start you wake each morning to a sleep score which rates the night of sleep you've just had. Set-up couldn't be simpler - simply download the app, answer some basic questions and then sync your phone wirelessly with the main unit (which you place on your bedside table).

The S+ has a series of lights which indicate what the unit is doing. For example, there's a green light to indicate that the unit and your phone are connected and a red light to indicate that they're not - simple!

I am happy to report that once you start the app working as you go to sleep the light goes out completely.

As someone who has to cover those annoying red standby lights on TVs in hotel bedrooms because they keep me awake, I was very happy to find no such problem with this gadget. (High maintenance - me?).

There's also a second port in the main plug adaptor for you to charge your phone at the same time which is very useful.  I have found this very handy as the kids have always commandeered the charging cables for their iPads.

The app will also show you your breathing pattern in real time which is fascinating.  I have no idea how the S+ does this but it's great.

The S+ will also give you noise and light levels in your room.

You need to start up the app before going to sleep and you will be asked about your caffeine and alcohol consumption for that day, how stressed you were and how much exercise you've done.  (Too much, too little, extremely and when the heck do I have the time - are strangely not admissible answers).

You then have the option to clear your mind using Mind Clear.  Simply tap and record a helpful note or text to yourself.  You can also use this if you wake up in the middle of the night and remember that you need to do something important like buy lightbulbs or rearrange your crockery in order of size.

It's a very useful function for us bloggers too!

Once you have answered the questions, simply tap to start the app (which very sweetly bids you good night) and drift off.

Once you awake, simple hit the app button to switch off and look at your sleep score (this becomes a bit addictive).

You'll know how much light sleep, deep sleep and REM sleep you had, plus how recharged your body and mind are.

Through the day, the S+ also does some subtle nagging my mother would be proud of - viz sending messages about the effect of too much caffeine on sleep.  I haven't had a message about alcohol or lack of exercise yet but I suspect it's only a matter of time.

If you want to relax during the day, the unit also has a range of peaceful sounds (for example the sound of the ocean) which you can play via the app.  These are designed for you to breathe in time to which has an automatically calming effect.  An extra benefit for a Tinnitus sufferer like me is that focusing on your breath takes your mind off your Tinnitus. And, as you might expect, sleep is something that Tinnitus sufferers really struggle with.

The S+ is a brilliant system which allows you to explore the quality of sleep you are getting and to make some informed decisions to improve it.

There's a difference between knowing you're not getting enough sleep and seeing that you didn't even get 7 hours for the past three nights.  Equally, we all know that too much caffeine affects our sleep but confessing to 6+ cups every day does make you wonder whether you should try camomile tea or decaf (the devil's brew) instead.

The contactless aspect of the S+ is, to me, its major advantage over fitness trackers. The unit sits in a metal frame but you can remove it and place just the white box on your bedside table.  You do have to make sure that the unit is positioned correctly and near enough your head to pick up your breathing but the accompanying instructions make it a doddle to work out.

I loved the app which is complemented by the website Mysplus.com, where you can log in and see all your graphs and statistics full size with more data and advice about improving your sleep hygiene.

I discovered that I was actually sleeping better than I thought I was but nowhere near as well as I could if I took more exercise and drank less caffeine.  Obvious but sometimes you need to see it in front of you and to have the gentle push to do something about it.

The S+ is available at £129.95 from Amazon and John Lewis - the price of a top of the range fitness tracker.  If sleep is your main health niggle, then I think it is a worthwhile investment.

For more information about S+ by ResMed, visit http://splus.resmed.com/ and follow @FixMySleep on Twitter.

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When You Lose Your Crowning Glory - Hair Loss & Caring For Thinning Hair

Our hair is often referred to as our crowning glory and the condition and style of our hair can really affect our confidence - either for better or worse.

As we approach menopause we find that our hair is no longer as strong and voluminous as it once was.  And our colour starts to fade as those pesky greys appear.

There is a new school of thought that says we should celebrate having grey and white hair and I'm sure you have noticed some of your friends throwing away the hair dye and embracing the grey.

For many of us though, grey is synonymous with 'old age' and we'd do anything to disguise those tell tale signs of maturity.  Not only that, but many of us have to cope with thinning or falling hair.

It's not a problem faced by men alone.

So what causes hair loss?

The most common form of hair loss is determined by our genes and hormones and it is estimated that around 30% of Caucasian women are affected before menopause.

There are three things which speed up the rate of hair shedding - advancing age, an inherited tendency to go bald early (for men), and an over-abundance of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the hair follicle.

Basically changes to the hair's growing cycle means more hairs are shed with the hairs becoming thinner and thinner until they are too fine to survive daily wear and tear.

Other physiological factors might cause hair loss. Recently, a group of Japanese researchers found a link between excessive sebum in the scalp and hair loss. This is because the excessive sebum (oil) which often accompanies thinning hair enlarges the sebaceous glands and leads to malnutrition of the hair root.

Although this condition could be hereditary, they believe diet is a more prominent cause. The researchers note that Japanese hair was thick and healthy, with a small gland and little scalp oil, until more animal fat crept into their diet after World War II.

Hair loss is often increased by stress, dieting, poor circulation, steroid use, mineral deficiency, genetics, pregnancy or moving to a new country or change of environment. These can cause a change in the body’s hormones and effect DHT  – the contributor to hair loss.

Psychological distress can also makes matters worse. The more hair we lose the more we worry about it – and then the more we worry about it, the more hair we lose… It is a vicious cycle!

Caring for thinning hair can also add to your stress.

Most doctors agree that if you have a oily scalp with thinning hair, you should shampoo your hair frequently. This is because shampooing can reduce surface sebum, which contains high levels of testosterone and DHT that may reenter the skin and affect the hair follicle.

You may think that more frequent shampooing is the last thing you should be doing if you are worried about thinning hair or hair loss but there are some effective, yet gentle, shampoos on the market.

I was recently sent a selection of shampoos to try by hair loss specialists The Harley Street Hair Clinic, who are world leaders in FUE hair transplant technology and are the only clinic in the UK to specialise in follicular transfer hair transplant technology.

They are finding that, as more high-profile patients speak candidly about their hair transplants (for example their client Wayne Rooney), more men and women are getting in touch for consultations.

Whilst I am not losing my hair, I have definitely noticed that it is getting much drier and coarser as I get older - and admittedly, colouring my hair is probably not helping!

Swopping to a gentler shampoo has definitely helped.

Phytojoba Intense Hydration Brilliance Shampoo

This one had a lovely coconut smell and left my hair with more volume. It contains Jojoba Oil, which is a genuine liquid wax to smooth and add shine, soothing Cornflower and Mallow and a washing base derived from Coconut Oil to help your hair rapidly regains an optimal level of hydration, shine and suppleness. 

Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo 

Sachajuan’s brilliant blue Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo contains the brand's signature ‘Ocean Silk’ technology – a cocktail of marine algae extracts which works to enhance strand-strength, suppleness and shine.  This mimics the bed-head effect of the spritz, to create texture and body without adding weight. It is suitable for all hair lengths and textures, but especially those with fine hair .

I loved the fragrance of this shampoo which really does remind you of the sea.  I didn't find this one quite so moisturising though.

Korres Shampoo For Thin/Fine Hair with Rice Proteins and Linden

This Korres shampoo is designed to strengthen and add volume to thin / fine hair and contains rice proteins to increase hair elasticity and density while adding natural, lasting volume. The Linden extract forms a protective film on hair surface, improving its sheen and appearance. I loved this one. It definitely left my hair smoother and sleeker.

Kloraine Shampoo With Citrus Pulp

Klorane Citron Pulp Shampoo with vitamins is suitable for all hair types and can be used as frequently as necessary and by the whole family. It has a fresh invigorating fragrance and it neutralises hard water to restore vitality and radiance.

Whilst I loved this one and it's light citrussy scent, I found it a little too strong for me since it is for normal to oily hair.

So there you have it - a selection of great shampoos which will help nurture dry and thinning hair.  You can find out more about hair loss, both male and female on The Harley Street Hair Clinic's website and, if you are worried, a chat with your GP may help to rule out other causes such as an underactive thyroid or vitamin / mineral deficiency.

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Are You Kept Awake At Night By The Hum?

For the last three nights, I have been woken around 5:30 am by a hum.  On the first night, I was so convinced there was a noise indoors, that I walked around the house in the dark checking to see if there were any fridge/freezers buzzing or machines left on.

Nothing.

Do you hear strange noises in the night?

It was windy outside so I wondered if the sound was coming from the vibration of  the cables criss-crossing our street.

Or was it emanating from next door's newly installed solar panels?

The Husband, who I regularly drive insane with my health niggles, says it is just a new tinnitus tone and I need to stop focusing on it and switch off.

Easier said than done.

It wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't recently read about "The Bristol Hum", a low droning noise audible at night which has been plaguing some residents since the 1970s.

Then, experts were drafted in who put the hum down to factory noise, electricity pylons or tinnitus, although some suggested flying saucers or secret military activity. Eventually, the hum stopped as abruptly as it began, but by then there were reports of equally unidentified hums in other towns across Britain.

French scientists now say that the hum is caused by continuous waves causing the ocean floor to vibrate - a sound which apparently only 2% of the population can detect.

That, in my case, is a theory which doesn't, if you pardon the pun, hold any water.

Trying googling electromagnetic fields - EMF (yes I know I shouldn't) and you'll find loads of sites telling you how bad these are for your health.

Among the symptoms exposure to EMF is claimed to have caused are unexplained headaches, fatigue, digestive problems and sleeping disorders. Even the increase in immune deficiency disorders has been linked to EMF.

The most likely culprits for an increase in EMF exposure include wireless power meters (so-called smart meters), cell phones, cell towers, wireless routers, and cordless phones. Most of these types of technologies expose you to both electric and magnetic fields.

I have seen several reports recently in the tinnitus forums online about the negative effect smart meters and water meters have been having on the dreadful buzz sufferers have to live with 24/7.

Many of us are constantly exposed to WiFi.  Sleep problems, hypertension and depression are just three of the symptoms linked to our seeming inability these days to put our phones, PCs and tablets down.

The adoption of WiFi based gadgets and its infiltration into many aspects of our daily lives seems to be an unstoppable juggernaut.  We want cleaner, quicker, smarter and we want it now.

But I suspect that there may be an untold price to pay in the effect of this technology on our health.

It is possible, of course, that what I have is hyperacusis - defined as a reduced tolerance to normal environmental sounds. Sufferers also struggle to deal with quick shifts in sound loudness. Hyperacusis often accompanies tinnitus.

I have, despite my hearing loss at medium frequency, always had good hearing at low frequency.  I can hear a boiler come on next door and find the throb of a sound system's bass beyond annoying. The sound of our neighbours' washing machine which backs on to our lounge in the spot where the TV sits drives me nuts.

When these machines are designed, are the engineers actually taking the noise these things generate into account?  Hair driers, coffee machines, blenders - louder seems to be better.  But why?

Have we lost the ability to sit in silence?  (Those of us with tinnitus lost that ability ages ago sadly).

As for me, I am still not sure whether what I am hearing is external or a development in the musical cacophony of tinnitus sounds it is possible to experience.  It is also possible that my insomnia is caused by the approach of the menopause.

One thing is for certain, I won't be having a smart meter, or solar panels (please stop phoning!) and I won't be moving anywhere near a mobile phone mast or electricity pylon.

That might sound neurotic but trust me, when you feel as if you're vibrating like a tuning fork, it makes perfect sense!

I just hope I can reclaim my sleep because if I wasn't a 'morning person' before, I'm certainly not one now!

Have you experienced the 'hum'?

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I Can't Sleep - Insomnia Padme Hum

Occasionally lately insomnia has reared its ugly head and I've been having trouble sleeping. Nothing is worrying me so I'm guessing it has to be one of the usual culprits - too much caffeine, too many late nights, possibly a little too much Rioja on the odd night but nothing I can pinpoint.

I'm wondering if it might be.... dun, dun, dun, the herald of the menopause or at the very least a hormonal imbalance requiring some exotic herb harvested from the foothills of the Andes and sold at a 700% profit margin in my local chemist. Incidentally, what has happened to chemists? They all seem to be turning into pharmacies.

The Dark Recesses of My Tortured Noctural Mind? - No, I think it might be Cardiff Bay

Now in France, a pharmacy is a place of excitement if you have a penchant for skincare preparations which promise the skin of a nubile fourteen year old girl in two weeks. In Britain, well, not so much - usually shelves full of strangely branded makeup and toiletries you remember from the 70's like Silvikrin and Cuticura plus Chupa Chups lollies. What possible medical purpose Chupa Chups lollies serve, apart from encouraging sales of dental products I'm not sure. The only reason I can think that a chemist might sell them is because at 20p, they are a cheap way of keeping your kids quiet whilst you wait for your prescription.

Anyway, where was I? Oh,yes, Sleepless in Dinas (never going to be a film title, that one). I could try Nytol but tablet taking is not my preferred first port of call. Then there's milk with nutmeg grated on the top which is supposed to be very soporific. It's quite challenging these days to actually find a whole nutmeg. Our local Tesco doesn't do exotic. One Christmas I asked a staff member for Star Anise and I swear they thought I meant the one that shone over the stable at Bethlehem judging by the look I got.

I'm guessing I'll have to use the one thing that used to send me into a stupor as an English undergrad - any novel by Charles Dickens. Heresy to say it but I used to find that until I got past at least the 6th chapter, I'd be snoozing faster than The Husband during an Emmerdale Omnibus.

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Age Shall Not Wither Her (Hopes An Older Mum)

One of the downsides of having children late in life (43 and 45 in my case) is that there comes a time when the age differential between you and other mothers becomes noticeable to your kids, even if there is no judgement in their observation.

Wrinkled Prune - Not A Good Look

I am 50 next year and Caitlin said to me tonight whilst doing her ablutions - "50 is an awfully big number isn't it. What do girls do at 50?". I was at a momentary loss to give her an answer. She wanted to know when she would become a big girl and I could see her mind working out where to place us both on a scale of age. She is also becoming aware of the concept of death and that we do not last forever.

Hubby and I are determined to keep young (ish), fit and healthy so we are around as long as possible for our children. There are those (many of them other women) who would say that having children at such a late age was an act of extreme selfishness and whilst I can see their point, it's a little late to turn back the clock and to deny our two the myriad of wonderful experiences that life can offer if you have the get up and go to, well, get up and go. 

In any case, is having a baby ever an act of altruism? I've been asked if my kids were an accident, if the conception was 'entirely natural' and if I was overcome by the raging tick of my biological clock. Manners seem to go out of the window when quizzing a woman about her fertility. I am well aware that I have been incredibly lucky and always counsel any younger woman who asks that the younger you can have your kids the better, simply because over 35 your guarantee of conceiving a child, at least easily, is not set in stone.

Of course I am apprehensive about my two being picked on for having 'older parents'. I am hardly in the same league as those 60+ first time mothers who have bypassed the NHS and had IVF in Italy, but if I look around at the other mothers at the school gate, there are some who seem barely out of school (they probably are). 

More comfortingly, however, there an equal number who seem closer to my own age. It is often said the older mothers have more patience. Hmm. Let me tell you it's potentially tougher if you do not make sure you keep your energy reserves up.  I always say that when you get pregnant the only thing you focus on is the safe delivery of your child.  Perhaps I'm not a 'tiger mother' because I certainly did not think about the impact on my daily life or what my approach to my kids' education would be. I had visions of swanning about in fields full of poppies, like an Amish version of the Flake advert, wearing Laura Ashley with my baby strapped to my breast, whilst pointing out flowers, birds and butterflies and singing like Stevie Nicks.

Swanning round fields dressed like Stevie Nicks.  It never happened.

Sleep, good nutrition, exercise and stress management all take on a heightened importance when you're an older parent. Supplements, both food, herbal and vitamins can help. Meditation, mindfulness and just taking a break can help you maintain your equilibrium. These are subjects I plan to cover at a later date, together with advice from those who are experts in these fields.

Actually, I am less concerned about other people's views about older mothers than I am about my two twigging that I may not be around quite as long as some of their friends' parents. But there are no guarantees in life, are there? Caitlin loves to count the days down to her 6th birthday (in November) but I have told her that every day is special and to make the most of each one. And as I approach the big 50, I try to remember to tell myself that too.  Plus, Stevie Nicks is now 65.

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Pre-emptive Parking For A Ballet Debut

You know when you do things you don't need to but feel compelled? No, I'm not talking about OCD (although that's another story). My anxiety levels have risen since I left my job as a marketing maverick in a law firm for the much more challenging role of stay at home mother. I think it's the lack of project deadlines or not having to report in that's done it. Some times I wonder if it's the onset of the (whisper it reader, whisper it) menopause so I'm popping a bit of the old Black Cohosh each morning just in case.  My GP has snorted in derision at this suggestion - "the average age is 53" - but who needs proper medical advice when you've got hoards of complete lunatics offering unsolicited advice on the internet, right?

Anyhoo - Caitlin is having a trial ballet lesson this afternoon and I have just spent approximately an hour this morning scouting out the venue and, more importantly, potential places to park. My preferred approach to parking is "trundle to desired location and stop". My parallel parking is right up there with my macrame skills - both end up in knots. It's quite embarrassing to have to admit it because it's not very, well, feminist is it?

Penelope Pitstop - made driving look easy.  

I find these days I have to micro plan everything which means I'm efficient but as any fan of meaningless management jargon will know, it might not make me very effective. It's certainly not doing my blood pressure any good. Still, it's Friday which makes it a "mummy's special juice" evening and in the meantime I will peruse my wall of self help / stress management tomes to see what random advice I can adopt today and promptly forget all about tomorrow.

Caitlin is so excited about going to ballet. I studied ballet myself until I was 16, having all the grace of a three legged gazelle. I remember the pink tights and ballet slippers, the leotard and my mum cursing as she tried to shove my hair into a bun. I also remember my legs feeling like jelly after an hour's lesson. Ballet is a strict and exacting discipline - however beautiful it looks. It's excellent for improving posture and deportment. Something quite a few girls today would benefit from. I actually think ballet is a bit of a vocation - it can certainly be hard work.

We'll see how Caitlin gets on. I think the most important thing is to give your kids a chance to experience different activities if you can, encourage their progress but not be too disappointed if that activity is not for them. Let's be honest, I'm sure many parents may be spending a lot on activities their kids don't really enjoy  - our kids hobbies are not always cheap, are they!

And at least I know where to park. Hope there's a whacking great space available!

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