Hey pack members 👋
Let’s give our best howls to welcome in World Champion trail runner Grayson Murphy as an official member of the pack. Hear how Grayson prioritizes her sleep to dominate the trails, how to handle sleep while you’re sick, and the latest on mouth tape and magnesium in this week’s Sleep & Fitness news. Let’s get into it…
⛰️ Welcome World Champion Trail Runner Grayson Murphy to the Pack!
We’re thrilled to officially welcome elite trail runner Grayson Murphy to the Lagoon pack. Grayson has been blazing across the trails professionally for the past five years, capturing 2x World Champion (including this summer in Austria) and 4x US National Champion in mountain and trail running. Grayson credits her success in part to her ability to build an effective rest and recovery plan into her training (including always a solid 8 to 10 hours of sleep!). We’ll be rolling out more content from Grayson in the coming weeks for you to learn more about how she’s able to compete at such a high level. Until then, watch this welcome video from Grayson!
👟 Come See Us at the Twin Cities Marathon Expo
It’s a big weekend for us here in the Twin Cities… As an official partner of the Twin Cities Marathon, the Lagoon squad (Keavy & Ryan) will be holding down the booth all day Friday (11am to 7pm) and Saturday (10am to 6pm) at the Marathon Expo in St. Paul. Swing by if you’ve been looking to try out any of our Lagoon pillows in person - or even our new 100% mulberry silk pillowcases. We’ll also have some goodies to hand out and a special discount for those participating in weekend activities. There will be the 5K and 10K races on Saturday morning, and then the TC 10 Miler, and Medtronics Marathon on Sunday morning. Keep an eye out for the Lagoon hats, and please say hello!
🥴 Feeling Under the Weather? Better Stock Up on Sleep
When feeling under the weather, the body's natural inclination is to sleep. While drowsiness can be a result of the body's response to infection, Stephen Light, CEO/co-owner of Nolah Technologies, explains that sleep itself is actually critical for effective recovery. During sleep, the body diverts energy to combat illness rather than routine activities. The immune system is bolstered through sleep as it helps increase the production of proteins and antibodies essential for combating infections. Therefore, you might need some extra zzz’s to ensure your body is taking care of those typical everyday functions too. To aid in better sleep when sick, recommendations include staying hydrated, going to bed early, using humidifiers, and ensuring good sleep hygiene. Sleeping position also matters; sleeping on the side or with the head elevated can help with clear breathing. How do you adapt your sleep routine when sick?
😮💨 Slim on Science, but Big on Buzz: the Latest on Mouth Taping
Mouth taping continues to be trending up on TikTok and Instagram. The popular new sleep enhancement tactic involves sealing one's mouth shut during sleep to encourage nasal breathing. The trend is being lauded for potential benefits ranging from preventing teeth grinding to improving sleep apnea. There’s plenty of anecdotal positives - like Zack Ford, 38, tried it post-surgery for a deviated septum and attested to its effectiveness, experiencing significant sleep improvement. Mouth taping has been highlighted in popular culture, such as the 2020 book "Breath", and has been employed in some medical scenarios, but there's limited scientific evidence supporting its general benefits. For example, Dr. Krishna Sundar from the University of Utah notes its use in CPAP treatments for sleep apnea, but calls for the need for larger clinical trials to truly unlock its impact on sleep quality.
🥬 How Much Magnesium Does Your Body Need?
While it’s being praised on social media platforms and is ranked as the #2 most popular supplement according to ConsumerLab.com, the science behind the efficacy of magnesium is still under examination. Magnesium, found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, is involved in over 300 bodily functions, including nerve function, metabolism, and mood regulation. Despite its importance, over half of Americans don't get sufficient magnesium daily. There is some anecdotal evidence and small studies that suggest magnesium may aid in sleep by relaxing the nervous system and regulating melatonin, but to date large-scale research is still limited. As we wait for more research, you can make sure you’re getting your recommended daily dosage through supplements or various foods, such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and almonds, which are rich in magnesium.
That's it for this week's sleep news highlights. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on optimizing your sleep and health, and remember to follow @lagoonsleep on Instagram for your daily dose.
