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Hospice nurse reveals six unexplainable "death bed phenomena"

Hospice nurse Julie McFadden has lifted the lid on six unexplainable "death bed phenomena" that occur within a person's last weeks of life. The LA-based nurse, who specialises in end of life care, explained that as a person nears the end of their life, they will experience a range of unusual things, including hallucinations, random bursts of energy and even choosing when they're going to die. McFadden once again took to her YouTube channel to educate people on what happens when you're on your death bed, detailing each of the six strange occurrences. Julie explained that patients often experienced "terminal lucidity", "hallucinations", "death stares", and more in their final weeks. She began by explaining the first wild thing that happened at the end of life was terminal lucidity, in which people get a "burst of energy" in the days before they die, sharing that it happens "very often". She said, "Just enjoy it and expect that maybe they will die soon after because that's the kicker with terminal lucidity, it looks like someone's going to die very soon then suddenly they have a burst of energy." "They maybe have a really great day, they're suddenly hungry, they're suddenly able to walk, they're suddenly very alert and oriented, and then shortly after usually a day or two they will die, so that can be the hard part if you're not ready for it, if you don't know what's coming you can think they're getting better and then they die, which can be very devastating." Julie then described how most people in their final days will encounter "death visioning" or "hallucinations", as many people describe seeing the ghosts of loved ones in their final days. "I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it for myself over and over again," the nurse admitted. "Number three, this is really crazy - people choosing when they're going to die. I have seen some extreme cases of this, people just saying, 'Tonight's when I'm going to die I know it, I can feel it,' and they do. There's also a time when people will wait for everybody to get into town or get into the room arrive at the house whatever it is and then they will die," the nurse explained. The fourth phenomena is known as the "death reach", according to Julie. She explained, "It's when the person's lying in bed and they reach up in the air like they're seeing someone or they're reaching for someone either to hug them or to shake their hands. A lot of times they'll hold their hands up for a long time, like they're seeing something that we're not seeing and they're reaching for someone that we can't see." Julie then listed "number five is the death stare," explaining that the death stare and the death reach often "go together". "It usually looks like someone is staring off into the corner of the room or the side of the room basically looking at something intently, but if you're snapping your finger in front of their face or trying to say their name to kind of snap them out of it, they won't," she said. The last wild thing the nurse has seen is known as a "shared death experience" and is "most impactful", according to Julie. She explained, "A shared death experience is when someone who is not dying feels or sees or understands what's happening to the person who is dying." "It's kind of like the dying person gives you the sensation of what they're going through. From what I experienced, it was a very good feeling. It was like the person was giving me these feelings of freedom and joy and kind of telling me that they were okay." "At the time, I was shocked, I didn't know what was happening, but I've come to find out that that's called a shared death experience." Image credits: YouTube / Instagram

Caring

New outdoor cinema with Queen-size beds opening

Do you ever find yourself torn between wanting to catch a flick and the irresistible allure of your comfy bed? Well, brace yourself, because Sydney's movie scene is about to get a serious dose of comfort with the grand opening of Mov'in Bed in Barangaroo. Yes, you read that right – a cinema where you can literally Netflix and chill on a queen-size bed! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Barangaroo skyline, Mov'in Bed promises a cinema experience that'll make you question why you ever settled for uncomfortable theatre seats in the first place. Picture this: a giant 15-metre 4K screen, plush queen-size cloud-like beds, and a total transformation of Barangaroo's Harbour Park into a sandy tropical paradise. It's like combining a day at the beach with a movie night – talk about the best of both worlds. The grand opening on January 12 marks the return of Mov'in Bed after an extended intermission courtesy of the pandemic. If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to combine your passion for cinema with your love of lounging, this is it. The lineup promises a mix of new-release blockbusters and timeless classics, with films like Trolls and Barbie making their debut on the giant Mov'in Bed screen. For those who like to take their movie nights up a notch, Mov'in Bed offers VIP packages that include unlimited popcorn, bubbly on arrival and even a personal butler. Because why settle for a regular cinema experience when you can have someone cater to your every cinematic whim? But what about the practicalities, you ask? Fear not, for Mov'in Bed has thought of everything. Each bed comes with comfy blankets, LED-lit bedside tables for those all-important snacks – and, of course, comfy pillows for all your cinematic napping needs. And to ensure you don't miss a single dialogue or explosion, noise-cancelling headphones are provided – because the only explosions you want to hear are on the screen, not your neighbour's popcorn bag. And let's not forget the halftime experience; a nostalgic nod to classic drive-in nights where you can replenish your snacks or hit the bathroom during those longer films. Scorcese's epic Killers of the Flower Moon with its 3-hour-and-26-minute runtime? No worries, you've got time for a quick snack break without missing any plot twists. Mov'in Bed isn't just a cinema; it's a full-blown cinematic event. Partnering with local restaurants, you can savour delicious dinners while catching the latest blockbuster. It's the perfect excuse for a summer evening date night or a laid-back hangout with friends. So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders! Mov'in Bed Barangaroo is here to redefine your summer nights from January 12 to April 14, 2024. Whether you're a film buff, a beach lover, or just someone who appreciates the genius of combining the two, <a href="https://movinbed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mov'in Bed</a> is the place to be. Because why settle for a regular movie night when you can have a cinema experience that's fun, chill, laid-back and upbeat – all while lying in the lap of luxury? Get ready to sink into cinematic bliss under the glistening Sydney moon! Images: Mov'in Bed.

Movies

“Bed of the future” baffles travellers

People usually don't get confused about how to use a bed, but Virgin Hotel's latest addition has gone viral for just that. The Richard Branson bed, has been named the "hotel bed of the future" and it looks like any other bed, aside from the seat-like nooks attached to the corners. "We're very confused by this thing on the edge of my bed," TikTok user Danielle said in the viral video, which has racked up over 3 million views. "It's not a chair, and it doesn't swivel out," she explained. Danielle then proceeds to come up with a few theories about the feature's function. "It's so you don't bump your knee when you're getting up or going back to bed after going to the bathroom," she said. "Or, we're wondering if it's so you can sit and chat with your friends." Other users were quick to comment and here are a few of their hilarious responses: "That's where you stack your laundry when you don't feel like putting it away," one person wrote. "I thought this was so your dog could have a comfy spot to lay," another commented. "Without getting too graphic … the possibilities are endless," added a third. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 580px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7296702849298337066&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40danielle_carolan%2Fvideo%2F7296702849298337066%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7142332295764346370&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp19-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F53b6a23d5bbd4af1a1907e2073c2b818_1698896032%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-useast5-i-0068-tx%2Fo4IRiSlAxEom0dpDDDEQQQFBJAAC3gffEGEA6J.image%3Fx-expires%3D1699570800%26x-signature%3DIMlG9WO44PlRm5CNyVIyayR4AxM%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> One commenter came to the rescue with the answers everyone was looking for, and confirmed that Danielle's second guess was right, and told her to look up the "Richard Branson lounge bed". The bed itself was patented by Virgin Hotels and features two "cubby holes" which allow three people to sit comfortably on the bed and socialise or do their own thing. "Everybody has a cubby hole where they can sit and talk and still work with devices," Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal explained when the bed was first introduced in 2015. Images: TikTok

International Travel

Why do I fall asleep on the sofa but am wide awake when I get to bed?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/madeline-sprajcer-1315489">Madeline Sprajcer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-ferguson-64">Sally Ferguson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> After a long day, you flop onto the sofa and find yourself dozing off while watching TV. The room is nice and warm, the sofa is comfortable, and the background noise of the TV lulls you to sleep. Then a loved one nudges you awake and reminds you to go sleep – in bed. But when you get there, you find to your frustration that you’re wide awake. Why does sleep come so easily on the sofa but not always in bed? <h2>Why is it so easy to fall asleep on the sofa?</h2> <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock#:%7E:text=Sleep%2Fwake%20homeostasis%20balances%20our,that%20it's%20time%20to%20sleep.">Sleep pressure</a> is one reason why you fall asleep on the sofa. This refers to the strength of the biological drive for sleep. The longer you’ve been awake, the greater the sleep pressure. Your body clock or <a href="https://www.thensf.org/what-is-a-circadian-rhythm/">circadian rhythm</a> is another factor. This tells you to be awake during the day and to sleep at night. Your environment will also impact how likely it is you fall asleep. You might have just <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-food-comas-or-why-eating-sometimes-makes-you-sleepy-44355">eaten a meal</a>, your very comfortable sofa is in a warm room, with dim lighting and maybe a TV program in the background. For many people, this environment is perfect for falling asleep. So by the end of the day, sleep pressure is strong, your circadian rhythm is telling you it’s time for sleep and your environment is cosy and comfortable. <h2>What happens after a nap on the sofa?</h2> If you’ve had a nap on the sofa before heading to bed, your sleep pressure is likely much lower than it was before your nap. Instead of having more than 16 hours of wakefulness behind you, you’ve just woken up and therefore have less sleep pressure. This can make it much harder to fall asleep in bed. If you just fell asleep on the sofa for five minutes, you might not have too much trouble getting to sleep in bed. This is because a nap that short is unlikely to reduce your sleep pressure very much. But if you were asleep for an hour, it might be a different story. Your sleep cycles might also be working against you. Most sleep cycles are about <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Carskadon/publication/287231408_Normal_Human_Sleep_An_Overview_Principles_and_Practice_of_Sleep_Medicine_MH_Kryger_Ed/links/5db0c338299bf111d4c026c5/Normal-Human-Sleep-An-Overview-Principles-and-Practice-of-Sleep-Medicine-MH-Kryger-Ed.pdf">90 minutes long</a>. They start with light sleep, progress to deep sleep, and then end with light sleep again. If you wake up during deep sleep, you’re probably going to feel groggy – and it might be easy to get back to sleep when you go to bed. But if you wake up during light sleep it could be harder to fall asleep again in bed. The activities you might do when you get up from the sofa – like turning on bright lights or brushing your teeth – can also make you feel more alert and make it harder to sleep when you get to bed. <h2>Why can’t I fall asleep in my own bed?</h2> There are other reasons why falling also in your bed could be challenging. Many people experience anxiety about falling asleep. They <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24005330/">worry</a> about getting enough sleep or falling asleep fast enough. In such cases, getting into bed can be associated with feelings of stress and apprehension, which make it even harder to sleep. It might be easier to fall asleep on the couch, where there is less stress involved. It might also be harder to fall asleep in bed because of poor <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene">sleep hygiene</a>. This refers to your pre-sleep behaviours and sleep environment. Good sleep hygiene, or healthy sleep habits, includes having a regular routine before bed, a dark, quiet room to sleep in, and not using your mobile phone in bed. For many people who don’t have good sleep hygiene, their behaviours before bed and their bedroom environment might not be conducive to sleep. <h2>How can I make it easier to fall asleep in bed?</h2> First, make sure your room is dark, quiet and comfortable. In winter this might mean putting a heater on 20 minutes before you go to bed or taking a heat pack to bed with you. In summer, you might consider air conditioning or a fan to make your bedroom comfortable for sleeping. If you find it easy to fall asleep with the TV on, you might like to play “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iL1Ce1PZFM&t=1s">white noise</a>” in your bedroom as you fall asleep. Some evidence suggests this may make it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079220301283#abs0010">easier to fall asleep</a> by masking other disruptive noises. Your behaviour before bed also impacts how easy it is to fall asleep. Making sure you follow the same bedtime routine every night (including going to bed at the same time) can help. Also, even though it’s hard, try not to look at your phone while you’re in bed. Scrolling on your phone before bed can make it <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8329667">harder to sleep</a> due to both exposure to blue light and the potentially stressful or alerting effect of the content you interact with. <h2>In a nutshell</h2> The best way to make it’s easier to fall asleep in your bed is to avoid falling asleep on the sofa in the first place. This will ensure all the sleep pressure you build up during the day will be directed towards a deep sleep in your bed.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/208371/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/madeline-sprajcer-1315489">Madeline Sprajcer</a>, Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-ferguson-64">Sally Ferguson</a>, Director, Appleton Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-fall-asleep-on-the-sofa-but-am-wide-awake-when-i-get-to-bed-208371">original article</a>.

Body

What to eat before bed if you want a good night’s sleep

What to eat before bed It’s after 8 pm and you can feel your stomach grumbling. Should you stick it out until morning or head to the kitchen? Night-time eating tends to get a bad reputation – people often worry it causes weight gain, heartburn, indigestion or all three. But it all depends on what you reach for, says nutritionist Nishta Saxena. Saxena says there isn’t a clear-cut time of day that we have to stop eating. Studies have found that it’s not when you’re eating, but how much and what you’re eating which matters. Super salty snacks at the end of the day can, for example, make you dehydrated and interrupt your sleep – and they’re not the only culprits that can affect whether you have a good night’s rest. In general, it’s best to eat small portions before bed. Also try to stay away from foods high in protein or fat, which can be harder for our bodies to digest and can interrupt the natural cadence of our systems, which slow down for the night by producing sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin. Excessive sugar can also act like a stimulant – a bad choice if you’re trying to catch some Zzzs. Saxena suggests eating something that’s high in carbohydrates, which can promote sleep and help you to relax. This is because carbs don’t require as much blood flow or work from your body to digest and are therefore unlikely to interrupt your sleep. If you find yourself with an after-dinner case of the munchies, follow these tips on what to eat before bed. Kiwis Kiwis can help to promote sleep because they are rich in serotonin and antioxidants (such as Vitamins C and E). Serotonin helps to make you feel relaxed and certain antioxidants have sleep-promoting qualities. Plus, these fuzzy fruits are extremely high in vitamin C and our bodies can digest them quickly, says Saxena. They also support heart and digestive health as well as natural immunity. Tart cherries Tart cherries and tart cherry juice contain concentrated amounts of melatonin, a hormone that helps your body regulate sleep-wake cycles, says Saxena. Studies show that they can help to reduce insomnia, plus they also contain other sleep-inducing agents like tryptophan (a precursor of serotonin). Since tart cherries can be a little bit harder to find than other fruits, Saxena suggests keeping some in your freezer and using them to make a smoothie. Nuts Nuts are great for a variety of health benefits, says Saxena, and they’re also a good late-night snack. Just don’t dish out a whole cup of nuts, she warns, because they do contain surprising amounts of protein and fat. In particular, she recommends walnuts and almonds – they contain natural melatonin as well as magnesium, which has the potential to reduce insomnia in adults. Popcorn While pre-packaged microwave popcorn most likely contains too much salt to be a good bedtime snack, popping your own can satisfy people who are craving snack foods like chips. Popcorn is also relatively filling – just don’t drown your bowl in butter and salt. Yoghurt Dairy products, while not consumed by everyone, have a lot of components that stimulate sleep, says Saxena. Something like yoghurt doesn’t require a lot of digestive processes, and even full fat yoghurt doesn’t have a ton of fat in it, making it easy to digest. Plus, it’s filled with amino acids, like tryptophan, which promote sleep. Green bananas Saxena says a greenish banana, “almost the colour of a tulip stem,” is a great evening snack. At this point, the banana is full of starch, which means it hasn’t yet become sugar, and this can be great for our gut bacteria and also helps to promote sleep. She adds that the banana should be firm and have a tiny bit of yellow in the midsection. If it has black spots, it’s too ripe to help with sleep and won’t provide a benefit. Warm milk The benefits of warm milk for sleep are well-documented, says Saxena. This is in part because milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. Warm fluids in general can relax our digestive muscles. “It can be a self-care moment when you’re having something warm,” Saxena says. “Your hands are wrapped around the mug and it’s a sensory experience.” Cottage cheese While cottage cheese has lots of protein, it also has the benefits of dairy, including amino acids, that help to promote sleep. It’s also nutrient-dense, containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus, which are essential for bodily function. It can also be a good late-night snack for athletes, because it’s high in the protein casein, which helps to reduce muscle breakdown overnight. Still, stay away from other cheeses before bed – most are very high in fat and easy to overeat, warns Saxena. Oatmeal While people often think of oatmeal as a breakfast food, oats are high in melatonin and so can make a good bedtime snack. Like dairy products, oats also contain the amino acid tryptophan. You can also spice up your oatmeal with many of the other foods that are okay to eat before bed – tart cherries, yogurt, or almond butter, for example. Pasta If you’re really hungry, try some pasta – but keep the portion small and be careful to not load your dish with toppings that are high in protein or fat. For example, you don’t want to have a super-cheesy meatball pasta before bed, says Saxena. But a small serving of plain pasta with pesto sauce might do the trick. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/sleep/what-to-eat-before-bed-if-you-want-a-good-nights-sleep?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Food & Wine

This is how often you should be replacing your bed linen

The ultimate bed is one you want to dive right in to. Beautifully dressed, lofty and full, it is accessorised thoughtfully with perfectly plump pillows, a soft throw and plush duvet. But knowing when to replace certain key elements is essential. Mattress A quality mattress should be chosen according to your age and perhaps body type. “Look for a mattress that promotes perfect posture and comfort, while reducing pressure on your entire body,” says Timothy Dutt from <a href="https://ultimatebeds.com.au/">Ultimate Beds</a>. “It should be constructed of natural materials and not include metals, latex or synthetic fabrics.” Contrary to popular belief, a premium mattress requires minimal maintenance, he says, and shouldn’t need to be flipped. “If it does, it is generally a sign that it will collapse, and the manufacturer is hoping to ensure it will collapse evenly,” says Dutt. “A quality mattress should also feature removable breathable covers and sit on a bed base with quality solid slats that provide adequate ventilation.” Because our bodies change as we get older, consider the support your mattress provides. “A general rule of thumb, is that a mattress should be changed every seven to 10 years. This is also for hygiene and health reasons,” says Dutt. “Look for signs it is failing, like lumps in the pillow top, dead spots in the springs, sleep impressions, waking up with aches and pains and not feeling rested.” Pillows When choosing your perfect pillow, being aware of your habitual sleep positions is imperative to make the right selection. “You might be a back, tummy or side-sleeper, or a bit of everything,” says Lauren Roe, Creative Director at <a href="https://www.ilovelinen.com.au/">I Love Linen</a>. “Different pillow styles are designed to support your head and neck based on how your body will be positioned at night. For example, if you prefer side-sleeping or you are a larger frame, a high-loft pillow might work best for you.” A pillow is only as comfortable as what is inside it. “Always ask about its inners,” she says. “If it’s microfibre, ensure it is soft, long-stapled and high quality, not cheap, rough polyfill. If the filling is natural fibres like feathers, ensure they are virgin. It means it is animal-friendly and a better quality filling.” Daily plumping is also essential for keeping your pillows in tip-top condition. “Every pillow has its own specific-care recommendations that should be closely followed,” she says. “Daily plumping is really effective for ensuring good air flow throughout and keeping fibres soft and supple.” Every 12 months check your pillows for signs of wear and tear. “You are spending so much time in close contact with your pillow, that for your own comfort and health it pays to replace them. If they feel flat or lumpy or show signs of holding too much dust, there could be dust mites trapped inside.” Bed linen “You know you have high-quality bed linen, when it’s still the set you want to dress your bed in years after you purchased it,” says Alex McCabe, designer at Australian bed linen company <a href="https://kipandco.com.au/">Kip and Co</a>. “When purchasing, look for fabrics that will really last. That means that they need to be good quality and can mix and match well. Always select for the season. I love the warmth and comfort of jersey and velvet, but during the warmer months I gravitate towards 100 per cent cotton or French linen.” This summer, beds are set to bloom with beautiful botanicals, she says. “Think timeless florals, creeping vines, stone and citrus-fruit pops,” says McCabe. “Our latest collection is called In Full Bloom. It’s inspired by colour-drenched Europe in the spring.” For long-lasting, dreamy bed linen, be sure to launder mindfully. “Bed linen doesn’t have a use-by date,” she says, “but it will last a long time if you follow the care instructions.” When the fabric begins to look worn out or threadbare, it’s time to be replaced. “For longevity, let each set of bed linen rest by rotating it regularly. Each season, add to your collection, but don’t throw out your old stuff. Changing it up means it lasts longer and is a great way to refresh the whole look and feel of your bedroom.” Written by Elizabeth Clarke. Republished with permission of Domain.com.au. Images: Getty

Home & Garden

8 best winter bedding sets to buy online in Australia

As we bid farewell to sunny days and welcome the chilly season, it's time to dig out your trusty winter duvets from storage and embark on the journey for new bedding sets that will keep you warm and feeling snug. With many options available, it’s often overwhelming to navigate the world of bedding. There's a lot to consider, from different materials like <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fhome%2Fbed-linen%2Fcomforters-coverlets%2Framesses-shaggy-fleece-comforter-set%2FBP642421001-charcoal&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fleece</a> and <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbedthreads.com.au%2Fproducts%2Folive-stripe-terracotta-oatmeal-bedding-bundle%3Fvariant%3D39886462681222&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">linen</a> to varying thread counts that determine their luxurious softness. And, of course, let's not forget about the aesthetic appeal, which is just as important. To make your life easier, we've carefully curated our very own collection of winter bedding sets that cater to a wide range of budgets and styles. Whether you prefer a classic, elegant design or a bold, <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbedthreads.com.au%2Fproducts%2Folive-stripe-terracotta-oatmeal-bedding-bundle%3Fvariant%3D39886462681222&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trendy pattern</a>, we've got you covered. No matter your taste or <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Fvintage-softwash-cotton-quilt-cover-set%2F%3Fnosto_source%3Dcmp%26nosto%3D861845714&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">budget</a>, our winter bedding collection is here to help you create a cosy sanctuary during the colder months. So, snuggle up, explore our handpicked sets of the season, and prepare to transform your bedroom into a haven of warmth and style. <h4>1. Most luxurious duvet cover</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2F1200tc-palais-quilt-cover-s142-b110-c195-001-white.html&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1200tc Palais Quilt Cover, $419.99 - $479.99, was $699.99 - $799.99, Sheridan</a></h4> <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2F1200tc-palais-quilt-cover-s142-b110-c195-001-white.html&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/1bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1280" /></a></h3> When it comes to cotton thread count, the threshold for luxury is usually set above 800. However, the Palais' flawless white cotton, boasting an impressive thread count of 1200 and crafted from exceptional long-staple fibres, surpasses any other duvet we've come across. It showcases remarkable attention to detail, such as the neat 5cm border along the edges, and is adorned with the iconic Palais trademark triple-stitched embroidery. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2F1200tc-palais-quilt-cover-s142-b110-c195-001-white.html&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>2. Most luxurious pillowcases to match</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2F1200tc-palais-tailored-pillowcase-s142-b120-c195-001-white.html&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1200tc Palais Tailored Pillowcase, $77.99, was $129.99, Sheridan</a></h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2F1200tc-palais-tailored-pillowcase-s142-b120-c195-001-white.html&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/2bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1280" /></a> Of course, you need the pillowcases to match, it wouldn’t be luxurious otherwise! Featuring the same detailing and materials. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2F1200tc-palais-tailored-pillowcase-s142-b120-c195-001-white.html&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>3. Cosiest bedding set</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fp%2Fvue-ashley-corduroy-quilted-quilt-cover-set-in-green&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vue Ashley Corduroy Quilted Quilt Cover Set, $19.98 - $104.98, was $39.95 - $209.95, Myer</a></h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fp%2Fvue-ashley-corduroy-quilted-quilt-cover-set-in-green&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/6bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1061" /></a> This delightfully soft to-the-touch, budget-friendly, charming quilted corduroy quilt cover set features a cosy moss green tone which exudes a warmly welcoming and homely aura, especially when paired with a warm orange bedtime lamp. Set includes 1 Duvet cover and 2 Pillowcases. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fp%2Fvue-ashley-corduroy-quilted-quilt-cover-set-in-green&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>4. Best aesthetically-pleasing bedding set</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbedthreads.com.au%2Fproducts%2Folive-stripe-terracotta-oatmeal-bedding-bundle%3Fvariant%3D39886462681222&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Olive Stripe, Terracotta & Oatmeal Bedding Bundle, $472.00, was $590.00, BedThreads</a></h4> <h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbedthreads.com.au%2Fproducts%2Folive-stripe-terracotta-oatmeal-bedding-bundle%3Fvariant%3D39886462681222&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/8bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1604" /></a></h4> If you appreciate an earthy and natural aesthetic, this delightful bedding set in warm olive stripe, terracotta, and oatmeal colours is the ultimate bundle for you. Designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity, it serves as the perfect retreat. It’s crafted from linen, which in itself offers numerous advantages for the colder seasons; linen is naturally highly insulating, creating optimal warmth during chilly weather, and it’s also breathable, preventing overheating. The best thing about linen is that it gets better with age, as the best things in life often do, with every wash, it’ll get softer to the touch. Set includes: <ul> <li>1 Duvet cover</li> <li>1 Fitted sheet</li> <li>1 Flat sheet</li> <li>4 Standard pillowcases</li> <li>2 European pillowcases</li> </ul> <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbedthreads.com.au%2Fproducts%2Folive-stripe-terracotta-oatmeal-bedding-bundle%3Fvariant%3D39886462681222&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>5. Best affordable winter bedding set</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Fvintage-softwash-cotton-quilt-cover-set%2F%3Fnosto_source%3Dcmp%26nosto%3D861845714&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vintage Softwash Cotton Quilt Cover Sets, $69.99 - $109.99, was $139.99 - $219.99, Canningvale</a></h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Fvintage-softwash-cotton-quilt-cover-set%2F%3Fnosto_source%3Dcmp%26nosto%3D861845714&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/3bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1280" /></a> Many of us face budget constraints that impact our purchasing decisions. But that doesn’t always mean we have to compromise on quality when it comes to bedding. Enter the Softwash Cotton Quilt Cover Set - a wallet-friendly option that delivers on both affordability and lasting quality. Much like linen, it becomes increasingly softer with each wash. The neutral tones of this set effortlessly complement any interior style. The versatility of the neutral tones opens up opportunities for mixing and matching with other bedding items in similar hues. With the Softwash Cotton Quilt Cover Set, you can enjoy the combination of affordability, durability, and style without stretching your budget. Set Includes 1 Duvet and 2 European pillowcases. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Fvintage-softwash-cotton-quilt-cover-set%2F%3Fnosto_source%3Dcmp%26nosto%3D861845714&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>6. Best all-round affordable luxury</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bedbathntable.com.au%2Fwindsor-white-010801&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Windsor Quilt Cover, $104.95, was $149.95, Bed Bath N’ Table</a></h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bedbathntable.com.au%2Fwindsor-white-010801&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/4bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1280" /></a> The Windsor is like the perfect sweet spot between luxury and affordability. It's woven with a seriously impressive 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sateen that feels amazingly soft to the touch. And let's not forget about its cool box-quilted design, adding that extra touch of style. When you cosy up with the Windsor, you're treating yourself to a slice of luxury without breaking the bank. Includes duvet. Pillowcases can be added to the basket near the shop now button for an additional charge. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bedbathntable.com.au%2Fwindsor-white-010801&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>7. Best moisture-wicking bedding</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adairs.com.au%2Fbedroom%2Fquilt-covers-coverlets%2Fhome-republic%2F600tc-cotton-bamboo-quilt-cover-white%2F&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">600TC Bamboo Cotton White Quilt Cover Separates, From $119.99, Adairs</a></h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adairs.com.au%2Fbedroom%2Fquilt-covers-coverlets%2Fhome-republic%2F600tc-cotton-bamboo-quilt-cover-white%2F&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/5bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1280" /></a> Combat the discomfort of cold night sweats with this 600-thread count cotton and bamboo blend duvet cover. With a 40:60 ratio offers a silky smooth sateen finish and benefits from bamboo's natural anti-bacterial properties and moisture-wicking abilities. Stay cosy as it regulates body temperature while resisting odours, mould, and bacteria for a fresh and comfortable sleep. Build your own bundle. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adairs.com.au%2Fbedroom%2Fquilt-covers-coverlets%2Fhome-republic%2F600tc-cotton-bamboo-quilt-cover-white%2F&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> <h4>8. The best fleece comforter set</h4> <h4><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fhome%2Fbed-linen%2Fcomforters-coverlets%2Framesses-shaggy-fleece-comforter-set%2FBP642421001-charcoal&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramesses Shaggy Fleece Comforter Set Charcoal, $169.99 - $209.99 Harris Scarfe</a></h4> <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fhome%2Fbed-linen%2Fcomforters-coverlets%2Framesses-shaggy-fleece-comforter-set%2FBP642421001-charcoal&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/7bedding.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1132" /></a> If you haven't heard of the teddy bear fleece comforter set before, now's the time to catch up! Don't miss out on this popular item that flew off the shelves last year. The Ramesses Shaggy Fleece Comforter Set is designed to provide a luxurious velvet-like feel, reminiscent of cuddling up to your cherished teddy bear from your childhood. Made from a soft fuzzy fleece material, it offers unparalleled comfort. With a range of rich shades, you can find the perfect match for your bedroom decor. Set includes 1 Comforter, 2 Pillowcases and 2 Cushions. <h3><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&xs=13&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fhome%2Fbed-linen%2Fcomforters-coverlets%2Framesses-shaggy-fleece-comforter-set%2FBP642421001-charcoal&xcust=sen_winter_bedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy it here</a></h3> Editor's note: When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, Over60 may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial reviews, and we only write about products we feel comfortable recommending to our readers. Thank you. Images, Top: Toa Heftiba on Unsplash. All others: Supplied

Home & Garden

4 things healthy people do before bed (that you should do too)

We all have one or two of “those” types of friends in our lives who are super fit and healthy – almost annoyingly so. And you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t wonder how they do it. In the hope that it might rub off on us, we’ve rounded up four habits of healthy people. You’ll be surprised they are quite simple to follow and a couple of them are even relaxing! 1. Plan tomorrow's breakfast  One of the keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is being prepared. If you are organised ahead of time it will make you less likely to reach for the “bad” stuff and make unhealthy choices. Given this, coupled with the fact that lots of people wake up hungry, it is beneficial to know and maybe even set aside what you’re going to have for breakfast. This is especially helpful if you know you’re going to be tight for time in the morning – if you’re not prepared you might be more inclined to go down the easy route a pick up a pastry on the run with your morning coffee. 2. Have a cuppa Chamomile – an age-old medicinal herb known in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome – is a relaxing sleep aid that has been used for centuries. Try a soothing cup of chamomile tea to help send you to the land of nod. It’s also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. 3. Take a packed lunch  Whether it’s a case of packing up dinner’s left overs before you sit down at the dinner table or preparing a healthy meal for lunch; taking a packed lunch has a number of benefits. Not only will taking your lunch with you when you head out for the day help stop you from making bad choices when you’re out and about, it will also stop you from having a second helping at dinner time (because you’ve packed it for lunch) and it will save you money by not spending at cafes. 4. Use coconut oil to remove make-up  While there is much discussion about the various uses of coconut oil and the said benefits, coconut oil makes a delightful eye make-up remover. Not only does it work well to remove make-up, it is also gentle on the very delicate eye area and has lovely moisturising properties as well. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

5 tips to beat insomnia

At the very least, insomnia (or sleep deprivation) will make you feel tired, grumpy, and lacking that get-up-and-go. Fear not, we have some really simple tips that will help improve your sleep, overnight. The first step to ensuring you sleep well is to understand what a good night’s shuteye means. Generally speaking, if you’ve slept well you should feel refreshed the next morning and ready to face the day. As every person’s sleep needs are different, the amount of time required catching Zs can vary. The Sleep Health Foundation says most adults need between seven and nine hours sleep each day. But this may include naps and time spent dozing in front of the TV. A good rule of thumb is: if you’re getting less sleep than you used too but still feel rested and energetic during the day, you’re onto a winning formula. So why do over one-third of Australians experience trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep from time to time? Well, there's no hard and fast explanation. But the internet and texting have been proven to be major sleep distractions. Stress is another big sleep-stealer. So too is worrying about getting to sleep. Other issues to consider are life changes like moving, physical limitations due to illness, retirement, medication, or the death of a loved one which can cause stress. And then there’s conditions such as arthritis, heart failure, heartburn, sleep apnoea, restless leg syndrome, an enlarged prostate, or Alzheimer’s disease which can all make sleeping and, staying asleep, harder. From expanding your waistline and making you reach for the higher-fat, higher-calorie foods, to reduced hand-eye coordination leading to accidents, experts now know that a lack of sleep can be more dangerous than first thought. Things like your attention span, learning and memory could be affected. A lack of sleep can also speed up the ageing process and take a toll on your skin by affecting collagen production. Top tips for improving your sleep: Stick to sleep schedule Sleep should be up there with food, water and exercise as one of the cornerstones of good health. Thus, you should look at sleep the way you do a healthy eating or exercise plan – and stick to it. With a little trial and error, work out how many hours you need a night. Then, create a sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time each night (preferably before midnight) and waking up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. This will help you develop a natural sleep/wake cycle. Create a sleep sanctuary Winding down after your day is important in ensuring you’re relaxed and in an ideal state for bed. Ban TV, computers and phones from the bedroom and for a little while before you go to bed. Instead, have a warm bath with your favourite essential oils, read under a soft light or do some deep breathing or gentle yoga poses. If you are prone to worrying, write a quick list of your problems and possible solutions that you can address the following day. That way you will be ready to sleep when you hit the pillow. Restrict your sleep Research suggests that one way to encourage a good night’s sleep after 60 might actually be to restrict your sleep. A study conducted at the University of Surrey suggests that a later bedtime could help you drift off sooner. The researchers also found that, of eight hours spent in bed, the over 65s group slept for an average of six hours and 30 minutes. This pattern could tell your body that it’s ok to drift in and out of sleep all night. Spend less time in bed. If you can, get up, don’t spend eight hours in bed when you’re only sleeping for six of them. And if you can’t fall asleep, but have been trying for around 20 minutes, get up and go to another room and try again when you feel sleepy. Don’t drink alcohol close to bedtime Despite popular opinion, alcohol will not help you get a good night’s sleep. Although it may make you feel sleepy and fall asleep, it actually disrupts your sleep. In the second half of the night, sleep after drinking alcohol is associated with more frequent awakenings, night sweats, nightmares, headaches and is much less restful. Thus, avoid alcohol for at least four hours before bedtime. Furthermore, binge drinking will affect your levels of melatonin (which makes you feel sleepy at night and regulates your body rhythm) for up to a week. Try a herbal remedy Mother Nature can provide a number of herbs that have a gentle sedative effect. Things like valerian, ziziphus, chamomile, lemon balm, hops and lactium may help calm your mind so you can get a good night’s sleep. Seal the mattress The sneezing, sniffling, and itching of allergies can cause fragmented sleep - and your mattress may be to blame. Over time, it can fill with mould, dust mite droppings, and other allergy triggers. Avoid these sleep disturbers by sealing your mattress, box springs, and pillow. Visit the doctor! If nothing seems to work well for you, speak to your doctor about your sleep problems. There’s always the chance that a condition you have or medications you’re taking are affecting you’re sleep. The doc can also refer you to a sleep specialist or another professional who might be able to help you get the sleep you deserve. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

5 ways you didn’t know you are ruining your sheets

We spend a lot of our time laying on sheets – approximately a third of our lives – so it makes sense that you would want to make them last as long as possible. Here are the five most common mistakes that could be ruining your sheets. 1. You put too many sets of sheets into the washer or dryer Large items like sheets should always be loosely placed into the washer/dryer so it can tumble freely, which means better cleaning and less tangling. If you’re finding you are jamming sheets in, wash one set at a time instead. 2. You wash sheets on the heavy-duty cycle A normal cycle is sufficient to clean sheets. Heavy-duty cycles can cause tangling and winkling. 3. You dry them for too long If you use a dryer for your sheets, be cautious of over-drying your sheets, which can cause them to wear and tear more easily. 4. You don’t change them often enough Sheets that have been used too long might not be stretched out and unable to recover their shape in the washer and dryer. It’s best to change sheets weekly or fortnightly. 5. You don’t fold your fitted sheets Don’t just ball your sheets up and throw it in the closet as it can stress and stretch fabric, not to mention cause all those creases. Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Should you let pets sleep in your bed?

Snuggling up to your furry friend in bed is not unusual in this animal-loving country of ours, with a 2010 survey of 610 pet owners finding that 32 per cent of pets were sleeping in their owner’s bed. But the big question is should you let your pet sleep with you in bed? If you’re a poor sleeper than perhaps it’s time to evict your furry friend from the bedroom. There is growing evidence that letting your dog or cat in your bed does significantly decrease your chances of a good night’s sleep. A study by the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center found that half of the 152 pet-owning patients reported their pets disturbed their sleep in some way every night. A further 21 per cent of dog owners and seven per cent of cat owners complained that their pets snored. Another 2014 study on sleep surveyed 148 pet owners, finding that 30 percent reported waking up because of their pets at least once a night. Around two-thirds reported poor sleep quality and five per cent said they always had trouble falling to sleep after being woken up by a pet. Despite these statistics, you would be hard-pressed to convince a pet-owner to give up the snuggling presence of their beloved pet. While it’s worth considering the impact of pets in the bed for those who suffer from insomnia or poor sleep quality, for everyone else who is a sound sleeper it is perfectly fine, medically at least, to let your furry friend under the convers. The research shows that owners are comforted by their pets presence in bed – a factor that trumps all other considerations. Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Tips to guarantee you the BEST night sleep of your life!

Getting a good night’s sleep (unfortunately) requires more than slipping on your comfiest pyjamas, turning down the bedding and plonking your head on your pillows. In fact, while we catch Zs we pass through several crucial stages of sleep – each which has its own functional purpose. For instance, we alternate between non-REM (rapid eye movement) for the purpose of restoring the body and also REM sleep which is when we dream and this is the stage in which the brain is restored. At different stages in life, the time we spend in these stages can vary, however, there is one constant: a good night’s rest means sleep should be continuous and uninterrupted. So no matter what age you are, you should always make it a priority to ensure a night in your bed makes you feeling well rested when you wake. While there is much written about what you should and shouldn’t be doing before bedtime to guarantee you have a good night’s slumber (for example, limit technology, relax and make sure you bedroom is a sanctuary), have you read about how what you eat can dictate how well you sleep? As well as there being some foods you shouldn’t eat before bed, there are also some that will help nudge you into a sweet slumber. Furthermore, the timings around putting food in your mouth can also impact your Zs. For instance, it’s a good idea to stop eating a couple of hours before lights out according to the Sleep Health Foundation as eating close to bedtime can affect your deep sleep function. Here are some things to do to better manage what you eat before bed: Cut the caffeine  If you’re having trouble with sleep, try eliminating caffeine from your diet by lunchtime. As a natural central nervous system stimulant, caffeine can rev you up, sometimes for hours and thus affect you easily gliding into a good night’s rest. Ban the booze  Whilean evening tipple may seem like a great idea to help you unwind from you day, it may also keep you up at night. At first, alcohol enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain, which signals you to relax and makes you sleepy. Because the effects are enhanced, the brain cells that secrete GABA stop making so much of it. Once the alcohol effects subside (usually within two or three hours), you will have a GABA deficiency that can result in poor sleep later in the night. Dine at “early bird special” time Nodding off too soon after you’ve just downed a sizable meal can make it hard to nod off into dreamland. Lying down slows the digestive process and can send stomach acids involved in digestion creeping back up into your throat, which can result in indigestion and acid reflux – so general un-comfortableness. Instead, keep your dinners small so you don’t have any pesky discomfort when you want to lie down and fall asleep. Hiatus the hot Spicy foods linger in the stomach for longer during the digestion process, which causes the stomach to secrete more acid. In turn you can end up with heartburn and reflux and the more acid there is in your stomach, the more uncomfortable you may feel when you are vertical. Image: Getty

Caring

How to pick the best sheets

If you are having trouble sleeping or don’t look forward to climbing into your bed, then there could be something wrong with the bed sheets you currently have. Just like mattresses or pillows, bed sheets are important facilitators of falling asleep because they come in direct contact with our skin. Here are four features of bed <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/sheets?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-link-sheets&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=sheets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sheets</a> that you need to look out for the next time you invest in bed sheets. 1. Material The most popular material for bed sheets is <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/sheets/products/linen-house-makalya-flannelette-sheet-set?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-link-sheets-makalya-flannelette-sheet-set&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=makalya-flannelette-sheet-set" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cotton</a>. Cotton has remained as the most popular material for sheets due its durability, comfort and breathability. There are variations of cotton such as Egyptian, pima and Sea Island cottons. Make sure you always check that the fabric is 100 per cent of the material as some sellers loosely use the terms to attract buyers. Be sure you are always buying from a quality manufacturer. 2. Thread count It is popular opinion that the higher the thread count, the more comfortable the sheets will be. However, this isn’t always the case as manufacturers can alter sheet softness by enhancing them will silicone softeners that vanish after the first wash. A lower-thread-count sheet made from naturally softer fibres such as Egyptian cotton will feel more comfortable than a lower-quality cotton blend with a higher thread count. To be sure you are purchasing comfortable sheets make sure they are 100 per cent cotton rather than the 1000 thread count. If you want a more affordable option than Egyptian or Pima cottons than polyester/percale blend is best. 3. Weave It is a good habit to get into that when you go on holidays, you take note of the bedding that you find most comfortable to sleep in. Do you prefer crisp or soft? If you prefer a little snap in your sheets than choose percale which is plainer weave. If you want your sheets to be completely soft than choose sateen. If the cold irritates you while you are sleeping, choose <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/sheets/product-type_flannelette-sheet-sets?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-link-sheets-flannelette-sheet-sets&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=flannelette-sheet-sets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flannel sheets</a> to help regulate your body temperature. 4. Fit It is important that you get the right size and fit for your bed sheets so you don’t have to wrestle with your mattress every time you need to put your sheets on. If you have a standard-size bed including twin, queen or king, it can be helpful to purchase <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bedroom/products/linen-house-sheet-sets-elka-fitted?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-link-sheets-sheet-sets-elka-fitted&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=sheet-sets-elka-fitted?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-link-sheets-sheet-sets-elka-fitted&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=sheet-sets-elka-fitted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sheets</a> that have features such as elastic edging to ensure a snug fit. Before you buy sets that include pillowcases, make sure your pillows are not under or over scale to avoid wasting money. Image: Getty

Home & Garden

Food poisoning or stomach bug?

Image: Getty You've been up all night with stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. You feel rotten and you can't keep anything down. Everyone's got a theory as to what's going on and you no doubt wonder yourself… Was it something you ate? Or have you been struck with the latest horrible tummy virus? It's true that gastroenteritis – an inflammation of the gut usually caused by an infection – can be caused either by something you ate or a viral infection passed from another person, says Dr Jas Saini, a GP in the western suburbs of Sydney. Both scenarios can result in similar symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. But there are often clues that suggest which problem you're dealing with, Saini says. Typically (but not always) food poisoning starts more dramatically with sudden onset of severe symptoms. But viral gastroenteritis can also cause quite severe abdominal pain, and it can make people just as miserable, Saini says. "It's not always easy to work out the difference and your doctor will ask a series of questions to try to work out the cause." Viral gastro Viral gastroenteritis, caused by bugs like rotavirus and norovirus, tends to peak in winter and spring. It is spread by you coming into contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with human faeces. Symptoms may come on gradually. "Surfaces can become contaminated if you have not washed your hands properly after using the toilet, or got some stool on your hands when wiping and not washed it off properly. You can then pass the virus on when you touch the tap, toilet flush, door handle or other surfaces." "Viruses can be present on surfaces anywhere, including escalators and traffic lights and they can stay around for a period of time." Viral gastro can also be spread through food if people don't wash their hands properly before preparing food. And you can still spread the virus for up to 48 hours after your symptoms have disappeared completely too, Saini says. That's why it's important to wash hands properly after using the toilet and before eating food. Food poisoning On the other hand, food poisoning usually refers to gastro related to eating food that is contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter or E.coli. "Whilst exposure to the culprit food may occur hours or weeks before you fall crook, the symptoms of food poisoning tend to be more dramatic and build up much more quickly than those of viral gastroenteritis." "You may experience intense vomiting, high fevers and severe abdominal pain. Severe dry retching may also occur, and people describe the feeling of their gut vigorously squeezing out its toxins. It's also more common to see blood or mucous in your stool with food poisoning," Saini says. "If you do notice blood or mucous, then it's important to go to the doctor to get checked out." "Stool samples are taken if the doctor is uncertain about the diagnosis, there is blood or mucous in the stool, a bacterial infection is suspected, or symptoms have gone on for a long time. Your doctor may also consider stool samples if you have recently returned from overseas, or if she or he feels your immune system is compromised" "Antibiotics may be considered for bacterial infection, although many people can get better without using antibiotics," Saini says. Nailing the culprit If you think you may have food poisoning, particularly from food you have eaten out, tell your doctor, so they can report it to the public health department who can investigate the source of the problem, Saini says. But knowing the source of your food poisoning can be tricky. It's not always the last thing you ate that made you sick – it could be anything you have eaten days, weeks or, in the case of listeria bacteria, even months before. And what you bring up is not necessarily the cause of your illness – it's just what was in your stomach when the symptoms started. But if your whole family all ate the same dish at your local restaurant and all suddenly got violently ill together shortly afterwards, that's a pattern more suggestive of food poisoning. Preventing the spread For viral gastro, preventing its spread through families is actually very difficult. "There's always a bit of guilt," Saini says. "You can be very careful with hygiene and cleaning surfaces but it's very easy for the whole family to affected all at once." What's more the common gastro virus norovirus can travel in air droplets, causing much wider contamination of surfaces, says virus expert Professor Bill Rawlinson. Norovirus can also reach the gut by being inhaled into the back of the throat. "We think it's not a classic aerosol spread like you see with respiratory viruses," says Rawlinson, director of virology at South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Health Service. You probably need to be in quite close proximity "like a parent cleaning up a child's diarrhoea or vomit". Wearing a mask may be helpful in these circumstances, he says. To prevent gastro from any cause, it's important to: <ul data-component="List"> <li data-component="ListItem">Practice good hand hygiene including always washing your hands with soap and hot water before preparing food, after handling raw food, before eating, after using the bathroom or changing nappies, after working in the garden, or after playing with or feeding pets.</li> <li data-component="ListItem">Store and handle your food safely such as separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, keeping hot food hot (over 60°C) and cold food cold (under 5°C), cooking and reheating foods thoroughly, refrigerating food within two hours of cooking, and thoroughly washing fruit and vegetables.</li> </ul> When to go to the doctor? 'Gastro' can be life threatening in vulnerable people such as babies, pregnant women and elderly people. "That's because they have limited reserves and require more fluids," Saini says. He recommends going to the doctor if you have: <ul data-component="List"> <li data-component="ListItem">vomiting without diarrhoea – this may not be a gastro bug at all and could be another problem such as an ear infection or a urinary tract infection.</li> <li data-component="ListItem">severe stomach pains that are getting worse quickly or came on very suddenly</li> <li data-component="ListItem">blood or mucous in your stool, or stools that are black or very smelly. Black stools may indicate there is bleeding higher up in the gut.</li> <li data-component="ListItem">difficulty passing urine or only passing small amounts of urine</li> <li data-component="ListItem">symptoms that last for more than a few days</li> <li data-component="ListItem">other medical conditions that require careful monitoring, such as diabetes</li> </ul> Take babies to the doctor if they are not tolerating their feeds, they are pale and lethargic or have fewer than four wet nappies in 24 hours.

Body

Cats love it but mozzies don’t

At the risk of becoming the Pied Piper of cats, you could use the garden herb catnip as a non-toxic insect repellent – and scientists have now nutted out why it wards off mozzies and other irritating bugs. The active ingredient nepetalactone in the mint-like herb (Nepeta cataria) selectively activates the irritant receptor TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1) in certain insects, according to a study <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(21)00217-7" target="_blank">published</a> in the journal Current Biology. The protein is best known as the “wasabi receptor” (many people will be familiar with the eye-watering sensation caused by the Japanese horseradish), but although humans and other animals have it, catnip doesn’t affect us in the same way. More intriguingly, tear gas – which contains mustard oil – activates the same irritant receptor in both mosquitoes and humans, says co-senior author Marco Gallio from Northwestern University, US. “But it may not be a good insect repellent,” he adds, “as it makes people miserable too.” Even better, catnip doesn’t seem to deter bees (although aphids don’t mind it either). Importantly, it’s particularly effective at repelling mosquitoes, which pose a major <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/bacteria-v-mozzies-bacteria-holding-their-own/" target="_blank">public health problem.</a> Some studies show it to be as effective as chemical repellents such as DEET – <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36814-1" target="_blank">if not more so</a> – which many cannot afford or avoid due to concerns about toxicity. And its use is not new. As lead author Nadia Melo, from Lund University in Sweden, and colleagues note, Pliny the Elder described several medicinal uses of it in his encyclopedia <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.livius.org/articles/person/pliny-the-elder/pliny-the-elder-natural-history/" target="_blank">Naturalis Histori</a><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.livius.org/articles/person/pliny-the-elder/pliny-the-elder-natural-history/" target="_blank">a</a> back around AD 77. In the ninth century, they write, Bald’s leechbok “reports catnip as effective against everything from bedevilment (mix leaves with ale, chant 12 masses) to shoulder pain (pound leaves in ale, drink by fire)”. <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p140820-o1" class="wpcf7"> </div> </div> In humans it was known to be soothing and calming, while for cats, rolling in it seems to evoke euphoria – apparently it gives them an opioid-like hit – and it’s thought the aim is to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/search/mozzies+vs+moggies/" target="_blank">help them deter mosquitoes</a>. But it’s long been observed that mozzies and other insects are not nearly as keen on catnip – the team notes its historical use as a repellent against “pesky small creatures”, as referred to by Johannes Franck’s Speculum botanicum in the 1600s, and others. Adding some modern molecular science to this, the collaborative experiment by Melo and colleagues at Marcus Stensmyr’s lab in Sweden was quite thorough. First, they tested Pliny’s claim that catnip repels scorpions by allowing four Heterometrus cyaneus to choose a pot to hide in, one of which contained catnip. The scorpions all chose the pot with catnip, “displaying no apparent distress”. To be fair, the authors say the plant Pliny refers to as Nepeta may have been a different herb. They continued with a vast array of experiments with different arthropods ranging from ticks, mites, aphids and planthoppers to bees, wasps, weevils, beetles, flies and mosquitoes, finding evidence to support the notion that nepetalactone is an irritant. Then they used cultured cells expressing the TRPA1 genes – a molecular mechanism for “pain” and response to irritants <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2017/october/wasabi-receptor-for-pain-discovered-in-flatworms/" target="_blank">discovered</a> by Gallio’s lab – in flies, mozzies and humans to test if they are activated by catnip and nepetalactone. Finally, the team tested catnip on mutant mosquitoes and flies without the TRPA1 receptor and found they lost their aversion to the herb. “TRPA1 mutant mosquitoes in particular do not avoid catnip any more at all,” says Gallio. “Cool.” Now they’ve shown why catnip works and is so powerful, he says their study further supports its widespread use as a natural, safe repellent, accessible in poor countries afflicted by mosquito-borne diseases. “Great because it’s cheap and it grows like a weed.” What can you do to avoid excessive feline affections while warding off the pesky bugs? Not a problem, says Gallio: “We like cats.”  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=140820&title=Cats+love+it+but+mozzies+don%E2%80%99t" alt="" width="1" height="1" />  <div id="contributors"> <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/cats-love-it-but-mozzies-dont/" target="_blank">This article</a> was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/natalie-parletta" target="_blank">Natalie Parletta</a>. Natalie Parletta is a freelance science writer based in Adelaide and an adjunct senior research fellow with the University of South Australia. Image: Getty Images </div>

Home & Garden

“The bed was alive”: Woman issues warning after horror hotel stay

An Australian woman has issued a warning to fellow travellers after she was attacked by bed bugs during a mini holiday with a friend. Justine Martin and Anna McLean were heading out for a getaway to the Gold Coast following Melbourne’s tough lockdowns last year and checked into a “resort-style” hotel after their long trip. As the pair were about to fall asleep, Justine said she felt a “crawling sensation” on her neck. “I noticed the sheets were a little bit sandy down at the feet end, and it was very late by the time we got there, so I tried to drift off,” she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/bed-bugs-travel-warning-australia-summer-la-nina/b45cd682-5754-482c-9cda-14da230f6092" target="_blank">9Honey</a>. “I was lying there tossing and turning, and I could hear Anna scratching. Next thing, I felt something crawling on me.” When she brushed against her face, Justine realised something was biting her neck - a tiny bed bug. “I turned on the light and there was a wine glass sitting on the side table, so I popped it in the wine glass,” she recalled. “Then we got out the bed and pulled the sheets back… and the bed was alive.” The Victorian women were shocked to find that both of the single beds were covered in dozens of the bugs, while the “sand” Justine thought she could feel at the end of the bed turned out to be sprinklings of bed bug excrement. <img style="width: 396px; height:223px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846740/bedbugs1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/006f2ce30aa548019add5f955070bc68" /> Justine and Anna found bed bugs and their excrement in their hotel rooms while on a holiday in Queensland. Image: 9Honey After alerting the night manager, Justine and Anna were moved to a new hotel room - only to find that the queen bed within was just as infested with bed bugs. “We pulled back the sheets, and it was full of bed bugs as well,” Justine said. “The whole place was infested. “We both had showers to wash bugs off our skin, and I have long black hair so I was worried it was going to get into my scalp.” Fortunately their clothes were still packed away, protected from the tiny bugs. With two strikes against their current hotel, the pair were determined to salvage their holiday, demanding a refund and checking into an expensive hotel along the beach. “We lost a whole day, we slept for most of the Friday and had to do our washing,” Justine added. “I’m not being a snob, it shouldn’t matter what you’re paying for a motel or hotel room, the quality of the room should be 100 percent and it should be clean. “Now when I go into a hotel, the first thing I do is pull up the sheets and look for any signs of bed bugs… their excrement or stains on the mattress, because bed bugs will be hiding during the day.” According to bed and sleep expert <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/expert-issues-warning-to-summer-travellers-as-bed-bug-populations-surge/news-story/344bc7d4c6d68bde43bb57304d4ffadf" target="_blank">Darren Nelson</a>, December through February are common months to find bed bugs. With increased travel during this period, the bed bugs are able to spread from holiday homes, hotels and campsites to bedrooms at home. As for how to combat them, Mr Nelson suggests keeping bedding and sheets clean, and washing sheets separately from clothes to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. “Most people wash their sheets every week or two - but forget about their pillow and doona, going months if not years, between washes,” he explained. “These are the breeding ground not only for bed bugs, but for dust mites.” Image: 9Honey / news.com.au

Travel Trouble

Clever tricks to keep bugs off your picnic rug

To keep insects from biting, stinging or annoying you – and just as importantly, to keep them away from your food – follow these 13 surefire, all-natural tips. Turn your body into a bug repellant By eating certain foods, you can repel many insects. For example, munch on a clove of garlic every day for three days before a picnic. As you sweat out the garlic odour, it repels many insects. You can also take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar three times a day for three days before the picnic, too. Use the power of produce Rubbing a slice of onion over your skin can be a good way to keep away mosquitoes and other biting insects. Fresh orange or lemon peels also work. And another time-honored approach to keep gnats and mosquitoes at bay is to moisten a cloth or cotton ball with white vinegar and rub it over your exposed skin. All these work on your picnic table as well; wipe it with vinegar or onion, for example, and bugs will stay away. Be vanilla Turns out that bugs don’t like the smell of vanilla. Dilute 1 tablespoon vanilla extract with 1 cup water and wipe the mixture on your exposed skin (and if you wish, your picnic tablecloth) to discourage mosquitoes, blackflies, and ticks. Spray some natural mint mouthwash Insects do not like the smell of mint in any form. Transfer your favorite natural mint mouthwash into a spray container and spray it on yourself and the area around you while outdoors. Plant garlic, mint and rosemary Naturally ward away bugs from your patio meals by planting these three plants in decorative pots or your outdoor garden. They’ll keep the bugs away, plus you can use them in your cooking. Turn on a fan Set up a portable fan facing your outdoor food and eating areas, and turn it on to a calm breeze while you serve and entertain. The wind from the fan will make it difficult for bugs to fly in and pester you and your guests. Don't wear heavy perfumes or scents Stay away from wearing heavily scented shampoos, body sprays, perfumes, or deodorants while outdoors. The fragrances can attract bugs and the stings that follow. Leave sticky sweets at home Insects are particularly drawn to foods like melon, grapes, peaches, fruit juices and soft drink – to them, they’re like flower nectar. They can easily detect these foods, and will be persistent in their pursuit. While they may be terrific summer foods, avoid them at outdoor meals, or keep in well-sealed containers that you open only when everyone is ready to have some. Set up separate food tables for bugs One clever bug-battling tactic is to put plates of sweet foods (things like watermelon rinds, overripe peaches, or a large bowl of coloured sugar water) several metres away from your serving and eating areas, so the bugs feast separately from you and your guests. Keep your garbage cans far away as well, as bugs will flock to them for your leftovers. Cover all drinks Only serve drinks in covered cups or bottles, and drink through a straw. This is particularly important if your drink is sweetened. If you don’t have covered cups, use aluminium foil and poke a hole for a straw. Light some candles Smoke repels mosquitoes and flies. Tiki torches and citronella candles add ambiance to outdoor entertaining, anyway. Plus, they’re affordable, effective and have a pleasant scent. Float your table The best way to keep ants off your table is to put the feet in wide containers filled with water. Ants won’t be able to make it across the water to climb up. Cover up with a colander A simple wire-mesh colander can be used to keep bugs off dinner. If you are setting up a buffet-style meal, an upside-down colander over a plate of food protects it, while keeping the dish on display. You can also buy domed food covers or nylon netting. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/kitchen-tips/13-tricks-keep-bugs-away-picnics" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home Hints & Tips

How do animals see in the dark?

On a moonless night, light levels can be more than 100m times <a href="http://bit.ly/2mZLkEL">dimmer than in bright daylight</a>. Yet while we are nearly blind and quite helpless in the dark, cats are out stalking prey, and moths are flying agilely between flowers on our balconies. While we sleep, millions of other animals rely on their visual systems to survive. The same is true of animals who inhabit the eternal darkness of the deep sea. In fact, the overwhelming majority of the world’s animals are primarily active in dim light. How is their formidable visual performance possible, especially in insects, with tiny eyes and brains less than the size of a grain of rice? What optical and neural strategies have they evolved to allow them to see so well in dim light? To answer these questions, we turned our attentions to nocturnal insects. Despite their diminutive visual systems, it turns out that nocturnal insects see amazingly well in dim light. In recent years we have discovered that nocturnal insects can avoid and fixate on obstacles <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/348/6240/1245">during flight</a>, <a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v419/n6910/full/nature01065.html">distinguish colours</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/2mi1XqU">detect faint movements</a>, learn visual landmarks and <a href="http://bit.ly/2miaSIF">use them for homing</a>. They can even orient themselves using the faint celestial polarisation pattern <a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v424/n6944/full/424033a.html">produced by the moon</a>, and navigate using the constellations of <a href="http://bit.ly/2nvmNUu">stars in the sky</a>. In many cases, this visual performance seems almost to defy what’s physically possible. For example, the nocturnal Central American sweat bee, Megalopta genalis, absorbs just five photons (light particles) into its tiny eyes when light levels are at their lowest – a <a href="http://bit.ly/2miaSIF">vanishingly small visual signal</a>. And yet, in the dead of night, it can navigate the dense and tangled rainforest on a foraging trip and make it safely back to its nest – an inconspicuous hollowed-out stick suspended within the forest understorey. To find out how this kind of performance is possible, we recently began to study nocturnal hawkmoths. These beautiful insects –- the hummingbirds of the invertebrate world –- are sleek, fast-flying moths that are constantly on the lookout for nectar-laden flowers. Once a flower is found, the moth hovers in front of it, sucking the nectar out using its proboscis, a mouth-like tube. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/160495/original/image-20170313-19263-1u8f9id.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> Deilephila elpenor. Shutterstock The nocturnal European Elephant hawkmoth, Deilephila elpenor, is a gorgeous creature cloaked in feathery pink and green scales and does all its nectar gathering in the dead of night. A number of years ago we discovered that this moth can distinguish colours at night, the first nocturnal animal <a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v419/n6910/full/nature01065.html">known to do so</a>. But this moth recently revealed another of its secrets: the neural tricks it uses to see well in extremely dim light. These tricks are certainly used by other nocturnal insects like Megalopta. By studying the physiology of neural circuits in the visual centres of the brain, we discovered that Deilephila can see reliably in dim light by effectively adding together the photons it has collected from different points <a href="http://bit.ly/2mi1XqU">in space and time</a>. For time, this is a little like increasing the shutter time on a camera in dim light. By allowing the shutter to stay open longer, more light reaches the image sensor and a brighter image is produced. The downside is that anything moving rapidly – like a passing car – will not be resolved and so the insect won’t be able to see it. <h2>Neural summation</h2> To add together photons in space, the individual pixels of the image sensor can be pooled together to create fewer but larger (and so more light-sensitive) “super pixels”. Again, the downside of this strategy is that even though the image becomes brighter, it also becomes blurrier and finer spatial details disappear. But for a nocturnal animal straining to see in the dark, the ability to see a brighter world that is coarser and slower is likely to be better than seeing nothing at all (which would be the only alternative). Our physiological work has revealed that this neural summation of photons in time and space is immensely beneficial to nocturnal Deilephila. At all nocturnal light intensities, from dusk to starlight levels, summation substantially boosts Deilephila’s ability to see well in dim light. In fact, thanks to these neural mechanisms, Deilephila can see at light intensities around 100 times dimmer than it could otherwise. The benefits of summation are so great that other nocturnal insects, like Megalopta, very likely rely on it to see well in dim light as well. The world seen by nocturnal insects may not be as sharp or as well resolved in time as that experienced by their day-active relatives. But summation ensures that it is bright enough to detect and intercept potential mates, to pursue and capture prey, to navigate to and from a nest and to negotiate obstacles during flight. Without this ability it would be as blind as the rest of us.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/74101/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/eric-warrant-344184">Eric Warrant</a>, Professor of Zoology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lund-university-756">Lund University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-animals-see-in-the-dark-74101">original article</a>. Image: United States Geological Survey

Family & Pets

5 things in your house that are attracting pests right now

What’s the best way to control pests in your house? Don't make it enticing for them to live there. Use this list to help reduce the odds that insects move into your space. Moisture Dampness attracts many different types of pest. “We need water in our everyday lives, but so do pests,” says entomologist Cherie Hartzer. “Even small amounts of water dripping from an air conditioning unit may attract wasps that are foraging for water. Water that has soaked into wood is attractive to termites. Downpipes and gutters that hold water can be perfect habitats for mosquitoes. And a dripping tap may attract rodents, especially if it has been dry and there aren’t other water sources around.” The cure? Regular maintenance that fixes leaks that could provide pests with a water source. Unused drains A dormant drain – especially one that has a little water and some organic material like hair and soap coating the insides – makes a perfect home for drain flies. “Unused drains create a slimy film that creates an ideal breeding spot for drain flies,” Smith says. “If these flies are present in the house there is almost certainly a slow or clogged drain.” Still air Keeping those ceiling fans running during the summer can do more than keep your air conditioning costs down – they help keep unwelcome critters at bay. “Many flies love still air,” Ricci says. “Fans don’t necessarily blow flies away, but they make the air turbulent enough to discourage them from hanging around too long.” Clutter Here’s another incentive to get rid of your extra stuff – all that clutter can make wonderful homes for insects you definitely don’t want hanging around your house. “If clutter is kept to a minimum, and a home is kept relatively clean, there will be few places for insects to hide,” Ricci says. Overripe fruit That fruit bowl on your counter may be appetising – until one piece of fruit gets a little overripe and attracts fruit flies. “Don’t leave food lying around – place it in the refrigerator or sealed containers if possible,” Hartzer says. This article was written by Lisa Milbrand and first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/13-things-in-your-house-that-are-attracting-pests-right-now" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home & Garden

Toddler survives ordeal with flesh-eating bug

A mother in Melbourne has spoken out about the terrifying ordeal her family went through after her daughter almost lost her leg to a flesh-eating infection caused by Strep A. At just 11 months old, Eden contracted the bug after a bout of severe colds that affected her for weeks. On the night she was rushed to hospital with a fever, it was discovered she had Strep A that was affecting her leg. “We were obviously very scared because it was a very dangerous bug that got into her system quickly,” Eden’s mother Tania O’Meara <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/melbourne-toddler-almost-loses-her-leg-to-strep-a-as-murdoch-childrens-research-institute-trial-vaccines-c-2808830">told 7NEWS</a>. Luckily the doctors were able to save her leg, but Eden was left scarring on her right calf. “It was a very precarious point in her life,” O’Meara said. The need for a vaccine Dr Josh Osowicki from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute said Strep A is a “high-priority” bug for vaccine development. As part of their efforts, researchers at the institute are deliberately infecting healthy volunteers with the bacteria to trial different vaccines and treatments. “We’ve kept the participants in an inpatient environment and we had really close clinical support and we’ve watched them really closely,” Dr Osowicki said. “We hope the vaccine can stop other children going through what Eden went through,” O’Meara said. “Strep A causes a lot of different disease, from a strep throat or a mild skin infection to really severe and dangerous infections,” Dr Osowicki said. The infection kills more than 500,000 people globally every year, with young children, the elderly, and pregnant women especially at risk. Image credit: 7NEWS

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