Good sleep is essential for good health, so it’s no wonder you feel crappy when you’ve just woken up at 4.00 am… again. When even a cheeky daytime nap won’t cut it, it’s understandable that people will turn to all sorts of things to try and reach that magic eight hours a night. Some even resort to sleep divorce – but there are less nuclear options you might want to try first. One that’s gained popularity recently is pink noise.What is pink noise?Noise can be categorized as a range of different colors based on its acoustic characteristics, and pink noise is just one of these. The most famous is probably white noise, which is an equal mash-up of all the different sound frequencies that we can hear. What comes out is an indistinct, continuous hissing noise that can be useful for drowning out other, more annoying sounds. Pink noise also contains all the frequencies, but at a decreasing intensity of three decibels per octave – the higher the frequency, the lower the intensity. What that translates to is a lower-pitched sound than white noise, which some people find more pleasant to listen to. Fun fact: as Air Canada explains, the background noise inside an aircraft cabin – which many assume is white noise – is technically pink noise. The spectrum of pink noise, showing the descending intensity with increasing frequency.Image credit: Warrakkk via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)You might think that all this could only be of interest to physicists, but there are some important real-world applications of pink noise. The gradual decrease in intensity that makes pink noise "pink" is similar to what is seen in non-electric musical instruments, so it’s used to test the acoustics of listening rooms and auditoriums and to equalize sound systems to the space they’re in.All very useful, but where did the connection with sleep come in?Can pink noise help you sleep?On a purely practical level, if you’re trying to sleep in a noisy environment, having a constant, low-level background sound that can mask other, more variable noises can be helpful. People who experience tinnitus are another group that can benefit from background noise to help distract from the ringing or buzzing in their ears. Some people like to leave a fan running, others may like rain sounds or soothing forest noises. Between YouTube videos and asking Alexa, it’s easier than ever before to curate your bedroom soundscape to your liking. But in recent years, people have begun to suggest that specific colors of noise may have particular benefits.       So far, there isn’t a huge amount of research on this topic. A systematic review looking at continuous noise while sleeping – not just pink noise – concluded that more research was needed to confirm that it's actually helpful at all. Meanwhile, lots of people are relying on anecdotal evidence when it comes to selecting their favorite sleep sounds.One scientist who is looking at this in some detail is Dr Roneil Malkani of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Malkani and colleagues have conducted some small studies looking at the effects of pink noise on sleep and general brain function.Malkani told AP that the frequencies of pink noise are “very similar to the distribution of brain wave frequencies we see in slow-wave sleep because these are large, slow waves.” In a 2017 study of 13 older adults, the team found that gentle pink noise stimulation during sleep significantly enhanced deep sleep and improved scores on a memory test the next morning. But Malkani admits this research is still in its infancy: “There’s still a lot of work we have to do.”An earlier study, from 2016, had reached similar conclusions, with the authors writing that their results “indicate that acoustic stimulation holds promise for applications where enhanced [slow-wave activity] might confer benefits to either patients or healthy individuals.” But again, this was a very small study, with just 16 young adult participants.  More recently, a study investigated whether any effect on sleep was repeatable over multiple nights. It included 15 patients with Alzheimer’s disease – again, a small sample size, but the practicalities of doing research like this mean that this is often the case – who wore a headband that would record their sleep data and administer pink noise stimulation each night for two weeks. Overall, the researchers concluded that the acoustic simulation was a promising way of improving sleep, but noted that individual people within the study had very varied experiences. They suggest that a personalized approach may be necessary for people to really get the best out of such an intervention.Another recent study from 2023 included data from 72 undergraduate students and looked at the effect of pink noise during sleep on insight, a more complex cognitive process than simple memory consolidation. The students were divided into three groups: one group was tested at the end of a 12-hour day; one was tested after sleeping with no stimulation; and the final group was tested after sleeping with pink noise. The authors were surprised to note that the pink noise didn’t help the students’ performance in the task that tested their insight. “Overall, our results raise questions about the cognitive advantages attributed to exposure to open-loop pink noise during sleep, showing that it could lead to detrimental effects on insight and creativity,” the team concluded. That doesn’t mean that pink noise can never be helpful as a sleep aid, but that “the cost-benefit balance of sleeping with pink noise should therefore always be taken in consideration.” Another reason why more research is needed before scientists can start wholeheartedly recommending this intervention.Is it worth trying pink noise to help me sleep?While what data there is so far seems promising in many ways, there’s a way to go before scientists will really know the best ways to use this treatment. Limitations like small sample sizes mean drawing firm conclusions from the research is not yet possible, and findings like those from the 2023 study suggest that – like most things in the health and medicine world – pink noise is not going to be a simple silver bullet for sleep issues. Having said that, playing a pink noise video on YouTube while you try and get some shuteye is unlikely to cause you significant harm. If you struggle with occasional sleeplessness, experimenting with some different sounds to find one that you like is a pretty risk-free thing to try. "Your perspective on the quality of your sleep has a significant impact on how you feel," neurologist Dr Nathanial Watson said in an interview for Right as Rain by UW Medicine. "If you think that the pink noise has helped you, that may be more powerful than whether or not this has been objectively proven."       But pink noise alone may not be enough if there are other significant factors impacting your sleep, and it’s a good idea to take a look at the bigger picture when it comes to sleep hygiene. Other things to consider include:Trying to keep to a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule (where work and other responsibilities allow, of course)Removing distractions from the bedroom – consider keeping your phone in another room, for exampleBuilding in some downtime before you go to bed – meditation, a warm bath, even something as simple as reading a book instead of doomscrolling, can all help you relaxKeeping your bedroom at the right temperature – not always easy, we know! Recommendations for the ideal temperature vary, with some suggesting that 16-18°C (60-65°F) is best, while one 2023 study found that a slightly warmer 20-25°C (68-77°F) led to the most restful sleepDealing with allergens – hypoallergenic pillows, regular vacuuming to deal with pesky dust mites, and maybe even an air purifierAnd, of course, if these kinds of steps are not helping, before you turn to any supplements or medications, it’s always wise to seek medical advice from a qualified professional. Now, if you’ll excuse us… “Alexa, play my sleep sounds playlist!”The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current. 

Tuesday’s PBS News Hour promoted more liberal election fear-mongering on your tax dime, this time from the ostensibly objective but actually leftist American Bar Association. Anchor Amna Nawaz was eager to push its fear against the threat of authoritarianism in America under a second Trump term as a bipartisan concern. But you could know the ideological lean of this one, since Nawaz disclosed that "We should note, by the way, that our own Judy Woodruff is a member of this task force." Their semi-retired anchorwoman is a member of this leftist crusade. That would explain the PBS love. In the process, Nawaz tried to paint strongly anti-Trump former Judge J. Michael Luttig, who unconstitutionally supported forcing Trump off the ballot in Colorado, as a stalwart “conservative.” That's the same Luttig who helped lead the public campaign to disqualify Trump under the 14th Amendment and teamed up with liberal lawyer Lawrence Tribe for an Atlantic essay on the subject. Nawaz made sure to include the misleading “conservative” kicker for a guest who would go on to say nothing conservative. even going further in attacking Trump then the other Obama Administration guest, Jeh Johnson.  As usual for the News Hour, the Democratic guests get no ideological labels, not even if they served high up in the Obama administration, like Johnson did. Amna Nawaz: A task force from the American Bar Association is urging attorneys to defend democracy against authoritarianism in the country. In a statement, members of the task force urged attorneys to -- quote -- "answer the clarion call to defend America's constitutional democracy and the rule of law" by getting involved in election efforts. Joining me now to discuss the task force's work are its co-chairs, Jeh Johnson, former secretary of homeland security under President Obama, and J. Michael Luttig, a former appeals court judge and one of the nation's leading conservative legal voices….Why the urgency behind this call to lawyers? Jeh Johnson, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security: Democracy is at stake. We saw in 2016, 2017, how fragile our constitutional norms can be if there are those who are determined to try to push the envelope to the breaking point. That environment continues. There is nothing to suggest that the threat stream from the challenges to our democracy have at all dissipated…. Do we detect a Russian-collusion note in the raising of 2016 as a democracy-threatening election? By the way, two weeks ago, the ABA held a "democracy summit" featuring a speech by Biden's Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who warned about the Russian and Chinese interference in this election. Luttig made the maximalist anti-Trump accusation that "democracy has been corrupted" by Trump denying he lost. He blamed the entire GOP for somehow both denying and glorifying the January 6 riot: Luttig: America's democracy has been teetering on a knife's edge since January 6, 2021. For the past three-and-a-half years, the former president and now the Republican Party itself have continued to deny January 6, to attempt to justify it, and even to glorify January 6, 2021. As a consequence of the former president's obsession over January 6 that continues to this day, American democracy has been corrupted. Nawaz even complained her Democratic guest wasn’t mentioning the “specific threats” to democracy by name the way Luttig did. Nawaz: Secretary Johnson, Judge Luttig mentions him here by name, the former President Donald Trump, but he's not mentioned in your report or in the statement accompanying it, nor are any of the attorneys who helped to push that election lie and tried to push cases through the courts that were based on no evidence of any kind of election fraud. That includes people like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell and John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro. Why not name them, if they are behind what you identify as the specific threats here? Johnson responded by ridiculously claiming the ABA was “a nonpartisan organization.” Note the ABA takes it upon itself to rate judicial nominees, with its left finger on the scale against judges who make pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment rulings. Nawaz: Judge Luttig, we have already heard from former President Trump, also from his running mate, Senator Vance, several Republicans as well, a refusal to commit to respecting the results of the 2024 election, saying they will do so only if it's fair, and, essentially, many people believe laying groundwork to challenge the results if they lose…. Why would anyone commit to respecting election results before knowing how fairly the election was conducted? This segment was brought to you in part by Consumer Cellular. A transcript is available: PBS News Hour 8/13/24 7:38:36 p.m. (ET) Amna Nawaz: A task force from the American Bar Association is urging attorneys to defend democracy against authoritarianism in the country. In a statement, members of the task force urged attorneys to — quote — "answer the clarion call to defend America's constitutional democracy and the rule of law" by getting involved in election efforts. Joining me now to discuss the task force's work are its co-chairs, Jeh Johnson, former secretary of homeland security under President Obama, and J. Michael Luttig, a former appeals court judge and one of the nation's leading conservative legal voices. We should note, by the way, that our own Judy Woodruff is a member of this task force. Gentlemen, welcome to you both. Secretary Johnson, you have likened this effort to doctors on the front lines responding to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Why the urgency behind this call to lawyers? Jeh Johnson, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security: Democracy is at stake. We saw in 2016, 2017 how fragile our constitutional norms can be if there are those who are determined to try to push the envelope to the breaking point. That environment continues. There is nothing to suggest that the threat stream from the challenges to our democracy have at all dissipated. Lawyers are uniquely situated, because of our legal training, the oath we take to support and defend the Constitution, and our ability to resolve conflict and mediate conflict. We're in a unique situation to help voters, to help Americans participate in the democracy, encourage participation in the democracy, and try, most importantly, in my judgment, to turn down the rhetoric, the overheated rhetoric. We're concerned about the rise of political violence in this country, which is strictly bipartisan. And the two are related, the rhetoric and the rise in political violence. So we're issuing this call to lawyers. We believe the urgency is the same as it was for the medical community during COVID. Amna Nawaz: Judge Luttig, what's your take on this? Why lawyers in particular? And what role do you think they can play in, as Secretary Johnson says, defending democracy here? J. Michael Luttig, Former Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge: Amna, for reasons that we all know all too well, America's democracy has been teetering on a knife's edge since January 6, 2021. For the past three-and-a-half years, the former president and now the Republican Party itself have continued to deny January 6, to attempt to justify it, and even to glorify January 6, 2021. As a consequence of the former president's obsession over January 6 that continues to this day, American democracy has been corrupted. That's why I believe that this election coming up is a test of America's commitment to its own democracy and to the rule of law. Lawyers, the 1.3 million lawyers in America, are uniquely qualified and they are uniquely obligated by their professional oath to support and defend America's democracy in this time of need. The primary tasks between now and Election Day are to ensure the integrity of America's elections in November of 2024. And part of that, if not the biggest part, is to protect the safety of the election workers across America. As we all know, in 2016, many of those election workers were threatened, threatened even with their lives. And, regrettably, those threats continue to this day. And it's all a consequence of the former president's effort in 2021 to overturn the presidential election. Amna Nawaz: Secretary Johnson, Judge Luttig mentions him here by name, the former President Donald Trump, but he's not mentioned in your report or in the statement accompanying it, nor are any of the attorneys who helped to push that election lie and tried to push cases through the courts that were based on no evidence of any kind of election fraud that includes people like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell and John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro. Why not name them if they are behind what you identify as the specific threats here? Jeh Johnson: Well, first of all, I give Judge Luttig a lot of credit. He does call it like he sees it by name. The ABA is, of course, a nonpartisan organization. And I know Judge Luttig and I both consider this to be a strictly nonpartisan effort. There are Republicans and Democrats on our task force. And the point we keep stressing is that democracy and the rule of law is not a politically partisan issue, nor should it be regarded as such. And so we want to be able to talk to both Republicans and Democrats in this appeal to stand up for the rule of law and to stand up for democratic principles. Amna Nawaz: Judge Luttig, we have already heard from former President Trump, also from his running mate, Senator Vance, several Republicans as well, a refusal to commit to respecting the results of the 2024 election, saying they will do so only if it's fair, and, essentially, many people believe laying groundwork to challenge the results if they lose. If they once again move forward with allegations of election fraud that are based on no kind of evidence, what can you and this task force do, if anything? What are you calling upon lawyers to do in that case? J. Michael Luttig: Amna, as you rightly point out, the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America and even the commitment of presidential candidates and the two parties are fundamental tenets of this republic. It is unbelievable that the former president and now the Republican Party refuses to commit to accept the will and the vote of the American people. That's exactly what led to January 6, 2021. And as you just pointed out, that is what former president and Republican supporters are promising to do again in November of 2024. Amna Nawaz: And in case that does happen, Judge Luttig, what can the task force do? Is there anything can to be done at that point? J. Michael Luttig: Well, the task force, of course, is leveraging the 1.3 million lawyers across the country in the 50 states. And those lawyers within each individual state are preparing for just that kind of effort. In other words, we will be prepared this year, whereas we were not prepared in 2021. Amna Nawaz: Secretary Johnson, if a similar effort is undertaken by former President Trump, how confident are you that the legal system will hold this time around? Jeh Johnson: Well, we're smarter now. We know that there is gray in our Constitution, in our constitutional framework. We know that, because of the Electoral College, national elections do dance on the head of a pin. And we have learned that, at the state level, election officials, state legislatures might try to overturn the will of the voters in their respective states. And with that learning, with that experience, we're calling on lawyers to focus on that fragile, critical point in our process and be smart, be ready, be educated, be on the alert, be in a position to advise election officials of what the authority is that they have and they don't have. Amna Nawaz: Judge Luttig, what about you? What's your confidence level that the system will hold? J. Michael Luttig: I don't believe that the system actually held in the last election, Amna. I am more encouraged that it will hold in this election. But I don't believe that we are ready for this election yet. That's why I believe the next several months are absolutely critical if America is going to avoid another January 6.

The Vicar of Christ wants you to read more fiction and poetry. Who are you to judge?

As some of the world’s largest inland seas, the lakes provide the United States with an opportunity similar to that found at Area 51.  

Lawmakers must get answers about what nuclear-weaponization activities Iran has engaged in — and what the Biden–Harris administration is doing about it.

Colby College Museum’s summer shows are smart and packed with good art.

RedState Weekly Briefing: Joe's Illin', Tim's a Villain, Don's Chillin'

Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke‘s on-screen romantic display on The Dick Van Dyke Show, which aired from 1961 to 1966, will always be remembered as one of TV’s most iconic pairings. The duo maintained a strong relationship and reunited in 1969, for the CBS comedy special Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman, further showcasing their undeniable synergy and appeal. However, their collaborative journey came to an abrupt end when Moore went on to star in her groundbreaking series, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Despite their shared history of success, the producers of the new show decided to exclude Van Dyke from the new chapter in Moore’s career due to some reasons. Why Dick Van Dyke was left out of the show THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, from left: Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, 1961-1966. ph: Mario Casilli / TV Guide / courtesy Everett Collection The choice to keep Dick Van Dyke away from The Mary Tyler Moore Show was rooted in a thoughtful creative strategy and not due to any personal conflict between the actors. The show’s producers and writers were keen on firmly establishing  Moore’s character, Mary Richards, as a strong, independent woman forging her own path in Minneapolis, instead of allowing her chemistry with Van Dyke to take the centerpiece in the show. RELATED: Mary Tyler Moore Was Nervous Auditioning For ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ Because Of A Crush The creator aimed to ensure that Moore’s portrayal of Mary Richards stands out on its own and that means ultimately excluding Van Dyke from it. They were concerned that reuniting the duo on-screen might draw too much attention to their past successes, potentially overshadowing Moore’s comedic abilities and the dynamics of the new cast. ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ was very successful despite not casting Dick Van Dyke THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, 1961-66 (1965 photo). ph: Mario Casilli / TV Guide / courtesy Everett Collection Despite not including Van Dyke in a major or guest role, The Mary Tyler Moore Show is often celebrated as one of the most groundbreaking and successful sitcoms in television history. Premiering in 1970, the show resonated profoundly with audiences, particularly women, as it portrayed a strong, independent female lead at a time when such characters were rare on television. The series quickly became a critical darling, earning widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. It won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row, while  Moore herself received several Emmys for her iconic performance as Mary Richards. THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, from left, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, on-set, 1961-66 (1965 photo). ph: Zinn Arthur / TV Guide / courtesy Everett Collection Click for next Article The post The Reason Why Dick Van Dyke Was Not Included In The Cast Of ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show.’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A

A 2019 video of a Kamala Harris campaign event made the rounds on the internet Friday night after the Democrat presidential hopeful unveiled some of her economic proposals, including her apparent desire…

As we are well into the Summer shortage season we're seeing major issues in dairy, pasta, and in potatoes. Whether you are a Prepper, a homesteader, or a concerned homemaker there are serious issues happening right now. ? Prepper Beef | https://poplarbeef.com/ref/7/ ? SALE Code: POPLAR15 for 15% Off at Checkout – Essential for Any Survival Strategy -Genesis Gold Group | https://poplargold.com 1-800-200-4653 | ?? #1 Trusted Gold IRA Company -Deals At MyPatriotSupply: https://mypatriotsupply.com/pages/special-offer?hid=498&rfsn=6210744.4c6423&subid=popular.report -Sign-Up For Free "The Poplar Report" Newsletter http://eepurl.com/hRgqpr -Jase Medical (Antibiotics) http://jasemedical.com/poplarpreparedness Use Code READY20 for $20 off their order. Steve Poplar, PO Box 326 Strabane, PA 15363 Website: https://thepoplarreport.com/ Twitter @thepoplarreport Host of: Poplar Bible Studies https://www.youtube.com/c/BoldFaithBible If you'd like to make a DONATION .. https://ko-fi.com/poplarpreparedness Thanks! #inflation #breakingnews #dailynews While prepping for the Donald Trump - Biden election it is important to stock up your prepper pantry and investing especially in personal finance, economics to protect yourself from inflation may include stocks, silver stacking, gold, real estate, or even crypto. As the Russia - Ukraine war continues as well as the Houthi in Yemen, China Taiwan, and with the BRICS pushing de dollarization all the while channels like Canadian Prepper, Full Spectrum Survival, NY prepper, Jeremiah Babe, and folks like Tucker Carlson and Glenn Beck, all warning us of the coming digital dollar and CBDC. So whether you listen to Fox News, CNBC, or youtubers like the Economic Ninja or Redacted everything is pointing to prepping 2024 and food shortage 2024. So get stocked up at Kroger, Walmart, or Aldi to fill your prepper pantry.