One of the ultimate Zen like experiences is waking-up from a great slumber refreshed and energized. Your mind and body are harmoniously one, both alert and focused. Having a refreshed mind and body are two keys to a natural and Zen lifestyle.
People may be learning while they sleep, dramatically improving their memory in some cases, a new study suggests.
Although the effects on memory vary greatly and are not well understood, Michigan State University researchers said their findings reinforce the need for a good night’s sleep — something 63 percent of Americans are not getting, according to the U.S. National Sleep Foundation.
“We speculate that we may be investigating a separate form of memory, distinct from traditional memory systems,” lead researcher Kimberly Fenn, an assistant professor of psychology, said in a university news release. “There is substantial evidence that during sleep, your brain is processing information without your awareness and this ability may contribute to memory in a waking state.”
Researchers studied more than 250 people and found that some had significant enhancement in their memory, while others had no change at all. They found, however, that most participants showed improvement.
More research is needed to explore whether or not this potential memory ability could boost academic performance, the study authors said in the news release.
“Simply improving your sleep could potentially improve your performance in the classroom,” concluded Fenn.
Boulder, Colorado—an innovative company has taken one of life’s most unpleasant experiences (being startled awake by your alarm clock early Monday morning), and transformed it into something to actually look forward to. “The Zen Alarm Clock,” uses soothing acoustic chimes that awaken users gently and gradually, making waking up a real pleasure. Rather than an artificial recorded sound played through a speaker, the Zen Clock features an alloy chime bar similar to a wind chime. When the clock’s alarm is triggered, its chime produces a long-resonating, beautiful acoustic tone reminiscent of a temple gong. Then, as the ring tone gradually fades away, the clock remains silent until it automatically strikes again three minutes later. The frequency of the chime strikes gradually increase over ten-minutes, eventually striking every five seconds, so they are guaranteed to wake up even the heaviest sleeper. This gentle, ten-minute “progressive awakening” leaves users feeling less groggy, and even helps with dream recall.
Waking up in the morning should not be a loud and abrupt awakening, but rather it should be a peaceful positive experience. The right natural alarm clock can transition your deep and tranquil sleep into a serene start to consciousness.
The study was published recently in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
More information
The American Psychological Association provides more information on theimportance of sleep.
– Mary Elizabeth Dallas
SOURCE: Michigan State University, news release, September 2011
Now & Zen – The Soothing Alarm Clock Store
1638 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
(800) 779-6383
orders@now-zen.com
Imagine a long-resonating Tibetan bell-like chime waking you up to a beautiful morning experience.
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