Is period pain affecting you for days every month, or even weeks? Does it affect you so much that you find it difficult to carry on with your normal day to day life? Has the pain get so intense that you just wish that a solution would make itself available to you quickly? You may have heard of heat therapy, where you can use wheat bags or heat pads to apply the heat, which has helped many women in the exact same situation as you and has improved their lives dramatically in a few simple steps.

What is Period Pain?

Period pain or menstrual cramps, is caused by the over excessive cramping of the muscles in the uterine. It is most usually found in women after menstruation has started, and as they approach the menopause. Period pains can also be caused by things such as fibroids, polyps or endometriosis. Symptoms can include tension headaches, stomach cramps and a pain in the lower back. 

There are numerous treatments and remedies that are often prescribed for period pain, some of them effective and some not so much. It very often depends on the individual, as everybody has their own unique way of responding to treatments.

Some Natural Ways to Help With Period Pain

1) Moderate exercise such as swimming or a brisk walk. This relaxes your muscles and has a calming effect which can relieve menstrual cramps.

2) Deep breathing and massaging the area of pain. This can make you more relaxed and calmer. Do it in a place where you feel comfortable, away from the stress and strain of everyday life.

3) Stretches to ease tension. This works by warming up the muscles and gradually easing the tension that has built up. Gently stretching the affected area can leave you feeling rejuvenated.

4) Meditation and Yoga. You won't believe the benefits you can receive just by practicing meditation and yoga for 30 minutes a day, to get in touch with your inner self and ease the discomfort in your body.

These are all great ways to help with your period pains, but there is also the little known treatment of heat therapy, which can be used as well as the above methods or on its own.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy is a fast and effective way to ease the pain and discomfort that you are feeling due to your period pain/menstrual cramps. People have been using this method for years, including top athletes and health professionals, often in saunas, steam baths and Jacuzzis.

It works so well by allowing the hot compress to stimulate the blood flow, which in turn gently eases the stress out of the area that promotes a healing process not often found naturally.

Wheat Bags

It doesn't need to be expensive for you to experience the benefits of heat therapy. You can use a number of different wheat bags which are an affordable option that you can use in your home. The various wheat bags include body wraps, hot bottles, knee pads, elbow pads and many other different products. The best types of wheat bag to use for period pains are heat pads and hot bottles.

Heat Pads

If you have a microwave then heat pads are a great option for helping with your period pains. All you have to do is quickly warm it up in the microwave and then apply it to the area where you are feeling discomfort. Relax and let it work its magic, compressing the period pain out of your body.

The great thing about heat pads is that you can easily do it by yourself at home, and it can be done in only a few minutes each day. You will gain a real satisfaction in healing yourself and not having to spend a lot of money on expensive treatments.

Heat therapy is used by many people worldwide as a way to ease the tension in their abdominal area and experience relief from the tension of irritable bowel syndrome. Heat therapy can also be used in the treatment of many other complaints, including period pains, muscle soreness and aching joints. It is definitely an option that you should consider, but first let’s take a quick look at what irritable bowel syndrome actually is.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is the most common gastric problem, affecting millions of people worldwide every year. The causes are wide ranging, from everyday stress to food intolerance. If you have been suffering from IBS for a large amount of time then you have probably sought the advice of a medical professional and been prescribed with a number of different treatments. You may have found some to be effective in the short term and some to not work very well at all.

Some of the Ways to treat IBS

1. Peppermint oil supplements. These are usually bought over the counter at a local chemist or they can be prescribed. They work by reducing the gas and cramping, which is a major factor in IBS.

2. Probiotics. Taking probiotics on a daily basis can help to nurture the friendly bacteria in your gut and improve digestion.

3. Aloe vera juice. This is available from health food stores and can be a great source of soothing and healing the digestive tract.

4. Diet and exercise. Just by simply changing your diet and exercise regime you can experience an improvement in the symptoms of your IBS.

You may or may not have tried some of the above ways to treat your IBS. However, heat therapy can be used in conjunction with these methods, or as a standalone way to treat your irritable bowel syndrome.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy has been used for many years and is a proven and effective way to relieve a whole manner of symptoms. You can make use of heat therapy by using a sauna, steam bath or Jacuzzi. It doesn't need to be an expensive or difficult option though, as there are numerous kinds of wheat bags available that you can use to hot compress on any area that is currently affecting you. There has never been an easier way to get rid of any pain that you have associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Heat Pads

One of the most popular wheat bags is a heat pad. It is as easy as putting it in the microwave for a short while and then compressing it on the affected area. You will soon start to feel the soothing and natural qualities of heat pads. As well as IBS, they can also be used on a range of other symptoms, including aching joints and muscles, period pains and cramps. A hot compress from a heat pad will supply you with an oasis of pleasure, and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

How Does Wheat Bags and Heat Pads Work?

To put it simply, wheat bags and heat pads work by increasing the blood flow of the affected area, which then stimulates the healing process of this area. If you take this option then you will experience an increased amount of oxygen, which in turn will remove any unhealthy toxins and increase the amount of nutrients. Wheat bags and heat pads are especially effective at easing and soothing the muscle of the intestinal tract.

Read more about Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome Attacks With Wheat Bags And Heat Pads

Everyone has had a restless night or two, or has had periodic difficulty in falling asleep. Not getting enough sleep can lead to physical, mental and social problems. Anyone who finds they cannot get to or stay asleep for an extended period is vulnerable to these issues and is an insomniac. The causes of insomnia are varied, and the cures for it are related to the causes.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is defined as the ongoing inability to get to or to stay asleep, or having bad-quality sleep for at least a month. Insomniacs find that even when they do manage to sleep they awaken fatigued, disoriented and display the characteristics of someone who is sleep deprived. Irritability, lack of ability to concentrate, slowed reaction times, and even physical manifestations such as headaches, dizziness and blackouts are common over an extended time for sleep deprivation. There are two main kinds of insomnia, primary and secondary.

Types of Insomnia

Primary insomnia is not caused by any known physical or mental medical condition presented by the individual in question. Instead, primary insomnia is caused by factors from outside, such as lifestyle choices. Secondary insomnia is caused by a medical condition, whether physical or mental, such as sleep apnoea or depression. Primary insomnia can often be remedied by decreasing the causal agents from which the insomnia springs; secondary insomnia is cured by dealing with the underlying medical condition. Both types of insomnia can be debilitating if left unchecked.

External Causal Factors of Primary Insomnia

Overindulging in alcohol or in caffeine, nicotine or other stimulants can wreak havoc with someone’s sleep routines. Stimulants are chemicals that increase brain activity and cause increased heart and respiration rates. Stimulants stymie the body’s method of preparing to sleep by lowering the body’s core temperature. Some prescription medicines, such as those for high blood pressure or weight loss, are stimulants. High stress, anxiety, and life changes such as having a baby can also cause insomnia, as the brain finds it difficult to let go when it is time to sleep.

Medical Causes of Secondary Insomnia

There are several causes of secondary insomnia. One of the biggest is sleep apnoea and snoring, both of which decrease the body’s oxygen intake during sleep due to narrowed or obstructed airways. Both conditions are often related to being overweight and are usually caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or by deviated nasal septa. Depression is another major cause of insomnia, especially manic and bi-polar variations. These conditions cause frequent emotional and mental state changes that make sleep very difficult.

Addressing Insomnia

Chronic sleeplessness can usually be cured by removing the causes of insomnia. Not eating late at night, getting moderate exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the use of stimulants, and lowering stress and anxiety by practices such as meditation, yoga and therapy can remove many of the causes of insomnia. In the case of mental and medical issues, a physician is needed to assist in the process by prescribing medications as needed or to intervene surgically.  Prescription medications can also be changed to drugs that interfere with sleep patterns less.

Self-Help Methods

Aside from the normal ways to address their particular case, the insomniac should try other methods. Develop good sleep hygiene, meaning try to keep a regular schedule and develop better sleep habits. Don’t take naps during the day, stop watching TV or working in bed to reserve the bed for sleep only, make sure the mattress is comfortable, and add features to the bedroom like dark shades and white noise machines or fans. Minimizing light as much as possible is one of the best ways to encourage good sleep, so also try a sleep mask or eye mask.

Melatonin Production and Sleep Masks

The brain produces a chemical called melatonin that helps regulate sleeping and waking cycles. Insomniacs often have diminished melatonin levels, or may even have none at all. Light lowers melatonin levels, so by darkening the room as much as possible and by putting on a sleep mask or eye mask any residual light is blocked out. If the person awakens prematurely, the complete darkness the mask imparts can trick the brain into slipping back into sleep. Many insomniacs have found sleep masks to be very helpful in overcoming their problems.

Insomnia is not a joke or a passing problem for millions of people worldwide, but is instead a major issue that lowers their quality of life. Getting good, restful sleep is something many would pay dearly for. By addressing the underlying causes of insomnia, making some lifestyle changes and by cultivating good sleep hygiene a personal can often conquer insomnia’s hold over their dreams.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Most people who suffer from fibromyalgia have specific tender points. These are areas on the body, usually on the neck, shoulders, arms, hips and legs that hurt whenever there is pressure on them. There are other symptoms as well that can really affect the patient’s quality of life. Fibro has been found to be a surprisingly common condition and estimated that between 2% and 4.5% of the UK population has Fibromyalgia which means that between 1.2 and 2.7 million people in the UK alone are suffers. Using a wheat bag or heat pad to provide heat therapy can help to relieve the pain associated with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Not everyone who suffers from fibromyalgia will experience the same symptoms. However, the most commonly reported symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and tingling in the hands and feet. Many people also experience fibro fog, which is a phrase used to describe problems with memory and other cognitive skills.

Fibromyalgia Causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known. Researchers believe that there may be a number of different factors involved. Some of these factors might include stressful or traumatic events, illness, repetitive injuries, and genetics. People who have certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. It is estimated that 80 to 90% of sufferers are women, most are diagnosed during middle but anyone from children to the elderly can develop the condition.

Fibromyalgia Treatments

This can be a very difficult condition to treat. One of the most important things is to find a doctor who understands and is familiar with the disease. It can often require a team approach because many times, physical therapy or other treatment is needed. Pain clinics are often a good place to start.

There are some medications available for fibromyalgia. Many of the prescription medications have strong side effects, so it may take your physician a bit to find the correct dose for your symptoms. Heat therapy with wheat bags and heat pads is also very helpful. Heat therapy helps to reduce the signals sent to the brain from the affected nerves. It promotes better circulation, which can also reduce pain and discomfort. Heat therapy helps the muscles to relax, which can often provide relief and allow for more restful sleep. The application of heat was rated as one of the most helpful pain management modalities by people with Fibro in an internet survey of 2,596 participants.

Lifestyle changes may also be needed. Exercising is very important for fibromyalgia sufferers. Consistency is the key to making exercise work, so start out slowly. As you begin to feel more fit and healthy, then you can increase the intensity of your exercises. It can be quite difficult at first, simply because of the pain and discomfort. Heat therapy can help reduce the pain and should be used both before and after an exercise session.

Sleep is one of the things that most fibromyalgia patients do not get enough of. Since fatigue can be so great with this disease, it is important that you get a good night’s sleep every night. You should have a set bedtime routine. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Not only do these drinks make it difficult to fall asleep, many researchers believe that these substances can contribute to your pain.

Diet is also important and there are specific foods that may increase your fibromyalgia symptoms. These foods include tomatoes, white potatoes, pepper, chocolate, red meat, and fried foods. While each person is different, decreasing the amount of caffeine, refined sugars, and highly processed foods seem to help decrease the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Research continues on ways to effectively treat fibromyalgia. Until such time as a cure is available, patients will have to rely on prescription medications, heat therapy, and lifestyle changes to alleviate their chronic pain and fatigue. Zhu-Zhu offer an extensive range of wheat bags, heat pads and microwavable hot bottles that could provide relief to suffers of fibromyalgia.

Why is Sleep Important?

Although scientists are not sure exactly why sleep is vital, but what is obvious is that we need sleep to function properly. Most believe that sleep allows the brain and body to re-charge, like a battery. Lack of sleep produces irritability, inability to concentrate, decreases performance at work and on the road, and can interfere with our enjoyment of life. More seriously, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to medical problems such as obesity, increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke, and depression. Everyone needs to sleep for an uninterrupted period, every day.

What is Bad Sleep?

Sleep is a process of several phases that go from light sleep, to REM/dreaming sleep, to deep slumber and back again, with several transitional phases. When a sleep cycle is interrupted by external factors like noise, light, bad dreams, or medical problems, the sleep phases are disrupted, leading to waking fatigue and disorientation. Not getting enough sleep is also detrimental, because having to wake prior to the conclusion of the sleep cycle disrupts melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that the brain produces to regulate sleeping and waking times.

Physical Factors

Do not eat a lot before bed, because digestion diverts energy and body heat to the organs, instead of allowing the brain to lower body temperature and prepare for sleep. Do not consume caffeine or partake in nicotine prior to sleep as both of these substances are stimulants and make it harder to go to and stay asleep. Alcohol in excess is inadvisable since it dehydrates the brain and body and interrupts the sleep phases.  Get moderate physical exercise and maintain a healthy weight to decrease sleep apnoea and snoring, which lower sleep quality.

Environmental Factors

The bedroom should be used primarily for sleep, not for watching telly or working. Treat your boudoir as a sleep cave. Do not lie in bed to eat, read or do other tasks for extended times, as your body and mind will begin to associate the bed with those activities instead of sleeping. Install heavy curtains, turn the alarm clock away from the bed, get rid of TV and nightlights, and wear a sleep mask, as any light whatsoever can decrease melatonin production, making sleep less restful and prone to interruptions.

Personal Sleep Rituals

Small children have sleep rituals: bath, warm milk, tuck-in with kisses and a story, all to help them transition into sleep. This same theory applies to adults. If possible, develop your own sleep ritual. Try taking a warm bath, drink a hot cup of decaf or chamomile tea, or write in a journal or read a book to get into the mood to sleep. Tuck yourself into a bed that is as soft or firm as you prefer, turn on a fan or noise machine to generate “white noise,” and cover your eyes with an eye mask to block out any residual light. A good night’s sleep is assured.

Regulate Your Schedule

If you have to work third shift or have an unusual schedule, you must make the time for a block of uninterrupted and consistent sleep time. Snatching naps here and there disrupts the circadian rhythm, because the sleep phases cannot be completed properly. This results in a person who is grumpy and disoriented, not to mention that they do not function at their highest level. If you must sleep during the day, augment your bedroom “sleep cave” with dark shades, use a sleeping mask, use earplugs if necessary, and sleep and wake at certain hours, without fail.

A good night’s sleep is priceless, because you will function better in every aspect of your life after having gotten enough rest. By taking charge of your sleep and using some of these helpful hints, you will be on your way to developing good sleeping habits in no time.

Check out our extensive range of eye masks and sleeping masks.

Menstrual cramps affect most women who are in their reproductive years. Some women experience few symptoms with menstruation, but other women may find it difficult to work or go to school because the symptoms are so severe. The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, known as PMS, are responsible for 75 million women missing work each year. When menstrual cramps are very severe, it is known as dysmenorrhea.  This type of period pain is not normal and may require a physician’s treatment. Heat pads are ideal for relieving period pains and the associated stomach cramps and back pains without drugs. They will also provide relief from aches and pains in muscles and joints. Simply heat in a microwave then place over the desired area and after just a few minutes the heat will radiate through the source of pain. The heat pads help increase circulation, decrease stiffness and relax the muscles to relieve painful cramps and tension.

PMS and Dymenorrhea Symptoms

Menstrual cramps are the most common symptom of PMS and dymenorrhea, but there are many other symptoms, as well. Headaches, fatigue, abdominal and pelvic pain, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, bloating, nausea, and food cravings are also very common. Most women suffer from a variety of these symptoms and the intensity of such symptoms can vary over time.

Dymenorrhea is pain during menstruation that is so severe that it interferes with daily activities. The pain may be throbbing, sharp, dull, burning, or shooting. It may start several days before menstruation begins and will usually taper off at the end of the menstruation cycle.

Causes of Menstrual Cramps and Dymenorrhea

Endometriosis is the most common cause of dymenorrhea and severe menstrual cramps. Other causes include ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, leiomyoma and copper IUDs. During menstruation, prostaglandins are released, which cause the uterus to contract. These contractions, as well as the resulting temporary oxygen deprivation to nearby tissues, are responsible for menstrual cramps.

Treatment of PMS, Dymenorrhea, and Menstrual Cramps

For those women that suffer from moderate to severe menstrual cramps, it can seem as though your period will never end. There are a variety of treatments available, but some may work better for you than others do.

NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are very effective at relieving the pain of menstrual cramps. Unfortunately, there are often adverse side effects that may cause long term problems. Hormonal contraceptives, or birth control pills, are also commonly prescribed. There are side effects to these, as well, and women who are over the age of the 35 and that smoke are recommended not to take birth control pills long term. However, there are many women, especially those in their 20s, who have found that this and other hormonal treatment have significantly reduced many symptoms of PMS, including menstrual cramping.

Heat therapy is a good choice for relieving the pain and discomfort from menstrual cramps. In fact, the Mayo Clinic has reported that heat therapy may be just as effective at relieving the menstrual cramps as medications are, but without the side effects. Heat therapy such as using a heat pad or hot bottle can help relieve cramps for several hours. It helps increase circulation, which brings oxygen and vital nutrients to the tissues in and around the uterus and ovaries.

You don’t have to suffer from menstrual cramps each month. There are treatments available that will help. However, not every woman will react the same way to the various treatments, so you will have to find the treatment that works for you. Check out our selection of microwavable hot bottles, heat pads and wheat bags which can bring soothing relief from menstrual cramps and period pain.

Most children have a favourite stuffed animal or toy that they will not go to bed without. These toys give children a sense of security and help them relax and fall asleep faster. Microwavable teddies are not only soft and cuddly, but warm to the touch providing an extra layer of comfort for infants and children, especially when they are over tired and fractious. Heat promotes relaxation and can induce sleep more quickly for children.

Are Microwavable Teddies Safe for Infants?

Since microwavable teddies are designed for use by children, they have built in safety features so they pose no hazards to infants. They can be placed on a child’s tummy for relief of gas and abdominal pain. They are also useful in providing heat therapy for ear aches. As bedtime companions, they provide warmth, promote relaxation and give a child a sense of security. Some microwavable teddies are scented with lavender, an herb used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and encourage relaxation.

Teddies for Toddlers and Children

Children need their sleep as it promotes growth and keeps their immune systems strong. However, as many parents will know, sometimes sleep time doesn’t come around that quickly. A warm microwavable teddy bear will help to lull your child into sleep while providing health benefits as well. For instance, heat therapy is great for improving blood circulation and can relieve the pain of any injuries created due to sports, or discomfort brought on by any illnesses.

Teenagers and Teddies

If the teen is a boy, he will probably not be too receptive to a microwavable teddy, but teenage girls will love them. They can be used in place of a hot water bottle for heat therapy to treat menstrual cramps or muscles aches. Teenage girls often like to have a stuffed animal as a sleeping companion, and microwavable teddies have the same benefits for teens as they do for toddlers and children and those with lavender scent are especially popular.

Teddies for Adults

Teddies make great bedtime companions for stressed out adults as well. The warm soft comfort of the teddy helps adults relax and it can be used for heat therapy to relieve sore muscles and aches and pains. When mums take teddies to bed with them it often encourages children to follow suit and teddies can promote restful sleep for the entire family.  Teddies are a lot more fun than hot water bottles and they will not leak. Unlike sleeping pills, they have no adverse side effects but they may be habit forming (in a good way).

Teddies are visually appealing and their thick plush fur is wonderfully touchable and can provide the comfort usually only found in a hug.  Additionally, once heated, microwave teddies stay warm providing extra comfort and keeping kids of all ages cosy. If your child does have an injury or is sick, keep in mind that heat therapy is perhaps the safest form of treatment as well.

Melatonin and the Sleep Cycle

Humans are, biologically, diurnal creatures, meaning they are most active and productive during the day by nature. Modern society has changed this, with the increasing frequency of irregular work schedules, international travel, and with the prevalence of artificial lighting. Our sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm, is largely dictated by the production of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in our brains, and its production is influenced by light. The more light a person is exposed to, the less melatonin their brain makes, and vice versa.

Melatonin Imbalances and Bad Sleep

Too much or too little light and a disrupted sleep cycle can imbalance melatonin production or halt it altogether. Not enough melatonin means that a person cannot sleep well, leading to insomnia and a host of other ailments. When outside problems intrude on getting a good night's sleep, preventive measures need to be taken to regulate their body's sleep cycle. Medications are troublesome and can have serious side effects, whereas eye masks are an excellent, non-invasive, and inexpensive way to help regulate melatonin production and assist in getting a good night's sleep.

Increasing Sleep Quality

If a person’s bedroom is lit in any way, the quality of their sleep is greatly decreased because the brain produces less melatonin in response to the presence of light. They wake more frequently and their brains do not progress normally through the phases of sleep, which are required for proper rest. Brightly lit alarm clock displays, a television in the background, a nightlight, or a partner reading in the bed next to them can all be sleep disruptions, but these can be shut out entirely by wearing eye masks to bed.

Interrupted Sleep

Many people with sleep disorders wake suddenly during the night or too early in the morning, then have difficulty getting back to sleep due to artificial light or the oncoming dawn. Wearing eye masks while sleeping helps diminish these effects, as any artificial light or sunlight is kept out. The ‘blackout’ effect the mask produces causes the brain to increase melatonin production and lower the body's temperature again, allowing the person to slip back into sleep.

Diminish Jet-Lag

People who must travel a great deal for work often find their sleep schedules are negatively influenced by jet lag. Jet lag occurs when a person crosses time zones frequently and has to adjust quickly to new times. This is detrimental to the sleep cycle because the body takes time to adjust to a new schedule; the person usually feels irritable, unfocused, fatigued and their production is greatly decreased. Sleeping on airplanes is very difficult, given the overhead lighting, but wearing eye masks while flying can significantly boost sleep quality and decrease jet lag.

Overall Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Good, restful sleep is necessary for functioning properly at work and at play. Sleep disorders can rob a person of their ability to concentrate and lowers their performance in almost everything they do. It also leads to health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Poor sleep habits can negatively affect a person’s social life by removing their joy at daily interactions with loved ones, and their appearance also suffers from dark circles, changes in hair and skin quality and overall malaise. Wearing eye masks is a cheap, easy way to help get the most out of a sleep session.

Wearing eye masks is a non-invasive way to improve anyone’s sleep quality. By removing light from view, the body produces more melatonin, ensuring longer, more restful and more consistent sleep sessions. These simple, inexpensive items can mean the difference between night and day for those with sleep problems.

Zhu-Zhu offers an extensive range of eye masks and sleep masks to buy online.

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint and can affect all ages, and there are many common causes of this problem.  An injury to the shoulder is common in younger people today, especially with the many different types of athletics and other activities that many participate in. However, as people age, the tissues and joints tear and degenerate in the shoulder, as well. One of the most effective treatments for shoulder pain is heat therapy using wheat bags and heat pads, also known as thermotherapy.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

The list of possible causes of shoulder pain is quite long. Rotator cuff tendinitis is the most common. In young people, repetitive motion of throwing a curve ball or hitting a tennis ball is often the trigger for shoulder pain. Over the age of 50, though, the cause is a gradual fraying and thinning of the supraspinatus tendon.  Either cause will produce pain that starts with a dull ache at tip of the shoulder. Reaching or lifting will aggravate this condition and eventually, the pain may become severe enough that overhead activity is no longer possible.

Rotator cuff tears are also common, but more so in people over the age of 60. The tears are usually where the tendon attaches to the bone. Some tears are minor and treated conservatively, while others are so severe that surgery is required.  Bursitis is a painful condition of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint. When this sac becomes inflamed, the pain can be excruciating. In the most severe of cases, a shot of steroids may be necessary to reduce the inflammation.

Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is a very painful condition. A frozen shoulder can develop from any underlying condition of the shoulder. People who suffer from this type of condition often favour the affected shoulder, but that can actually make this condition worse. A structured treatment program of rest, physical therapy, and heat therapy offers the best chance of a full recovery.

Arthritis can also strike the shoulder joints. Osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease, is usually responsible. Arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, decreased flexibility, and inflammation in the shoulder. Heat therapy is one of the best treatments for all types of arthritis pain.

The Benefits of Heat Therapy

There are many benefits of heat therapy when used to treat shoulder pain using a wheat bag or heat pad. First, it helps to improve the circulation of blood to the shoulder joint, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This also helps to provide the muscles and other important components of this joint to heal faster, as the blood is full of oxygen and nutrients. Heat therapy also helps to relax these muscles and reduce stiffness. As the stiffness and pain subsides, flexibility is increased. Heat therapy can be difficult to use effectively on shoulder pain, so you will need to use a product that allows for the most contact on the affected area. A microwavable wheat bag gives shoulder pain sufferers the most flexibility amongst heat therapy treatments.

For those that suffer from shoulder pain, either from a recent injury or a chronic cause, heat therapy can reduce the pain, discomfort, inflammation, and stiffness. For best results, use heat therapy for 15-30 minutes before and after activity that affects the shoulder.

Zhu-Zhu have a range of wheat bags specifically designed to treat neck and shoulder pain.

Why Sleep is Important

Statistically, we spend about a third of our entire lives asleep. The human body requires sleep to replenish its energy reserves, recover from illness or physical exercise, and regulate its metabolism. The brain's sleep needs are more mysterious. Scientists say that although our brains only comprise 2% of our body mass they consume 20% or more of our body's energy. It is presumed that these energy needs are recharged during sleep, as well as giving the brain the opportunity to perform "maintenance" in the form of dreaming. Sleep deprivation interrupts these vital processes.

Common Causes of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can be caused by temporary conditions like cramming for an exam or adjusting to a new baby, but long-term sleep deprivation is due to some form of sleep disorder. The basic causes of sleep disorders are medication side effects, biological factors, medical conditions, and lifestyle. Many drugs can interrupt sleep patterns. Biological factors that can affect sleep include age and gender, and underlying medical conditions such as asthma and sleep apnoea can as well.  Lifestyle choices, such as drinking caffeine and alcohol late at night, also impacts sleep habits.

Physiological Effects

The effects of lack of sleep on the human body are varied, and severity of symptoms is usually proportionate to the severity and duration of the sleep disorder.  In mild cases of sleep deprivation, symptoms may be as simple as frequent yawning, bloodshot eyes, headaches, and aching muscles.  More severe cases of sleep deprivation have more obvious physical symptom manifestations. These include peri-orbital puffiness, decreased reaction times, trembling hands, episodes of irritability, outbursts of temper or even short blackouts called micro-sleeps.

Mental Health and Social Side Effects

Sleep deprivation can have mental and social side effects that range from minor to life threatening.  Common mental health effects are confusion, loss or lapse of memory, hallucinations, dizziness, disorientation, and depression. Severe cases of sleep deprivation sometimes have coinciding suicidal thoughts. Lack of sleep is attributed to countless life-quality issues, from disturbing their partners' sleep patterns to inability to work. Teenagers and young adults are especially susceptible to sleep deprivation impacting their long-term mental health and work or school performance.

Long Term Health Risks

Sufferers of severe or chronic sleep deprivation will often develop significant long-term health risks.  Some of the risks that have been recognized by experts include obesity, high blood pressure, higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes, fibromyalgia, increased levels of stress hormones, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and even, in severe cases, psychosis. Many people afflicted with sleep disorders may not even realize that the conditions stem from a habitual lack of enough or sufficient quality sleep.

A Public Health Threat

A recent Sleep Alliance study declared that 20% of road accidents are due to sleep-deprived drivers. A sleepy person behind the wheel of the car performs very similarly to someone who is legally intoxicated in reaction times and decision-making skills. Another study showed that 43% of Britons feel their sleep-deprived state negatively impacts their work, especially in the area of advancement, since they feel to sleepy to pursue a promotion or business opportunities. The NHS is being urged to fund more sleep studies and to deal more directly with this chronic and dangerous problem.

The human body and mind need sleep in sufficient duration and quality. If someone feels they are not sleeping enough and notice any of the symptoms of sleep deprivation they should examine their lifestyles. Losing weight, decreasing caffeine and nicotine intake, getting moderate physical exercise and adjusting medications can alleviate many obstacles to a good night's sleep. If the problems persist, those affected should consult with their family physician to assess their health.

Eye Masks, sleeping masks and sleep masks promote deeper sleep and one of the most important components for individual health and wellbeing is getting regular, good quality sleep. Zhu Zhu offers an extensive range of eye masks for sleeping available to buy online.