Andrea Wilson is a certified pediatric sleep consultant — and a Westport mom of 2 daughters, 9 and 6. She just launched a new business: Sleep on Cue (@sleeponcue_consulting).
While she focuses mainly on babies and children under 5, she’s sent along tips for anyone struggling yesterday’s change to Daylight Saving Time. They apply to adults too!
“The main reason people find Daylight Saving a challenge is because it throws off the body’s circadian rhythms (the natural 24-hour fluctuations our bodies follow).
“Digestion, hormones, body temperature, mood, metabolic rate and sleep are all influenced by this internal clock, which runs just slightly over 24 hours. The sun, along with other cues such as meals, play time and temperature changes, help ‘reset’ them every day.
“What can you do to help get sleep back on track after DST?
“Be consistent. This is my Number 1 sleep tip for everyone! Bedtime, wake up and naps (if relevant) should all happen every day at the same time. This helps regulate our body’s circadian rhythms. Babies and small children also benefit from a consistent bedtime, nap routine and sleep environment. A warm bath/shower, gentle massage, reading and meditation are all great to wind us down for bedtime.
“Blackout shades. These are a must for children who go to bed before it gets dark outside when Daylight Saving Time begins. Darkness helps release the hormone melatonin, which helps us sleep. Start dimming the lights around dinnertime for kids. If a night light is needed, make sure it’s amber colored (not white). Adults should also be sleeping in a pitch black room.
“Let the light in. Make sure to let the sunlight in when you wake up. Especially if you’re using blackout shades, open the blinds to help let in natural light. Sunlight and darkness help reset our circadian rhythms, so it’s important for children to get outside and enjoy lots of sunlight during the day, especially in the morning. It’s great for adults too — but if not possible, try and work by a window where you can benefit from the natural light.
“No screen time before bed. Screens should not be used for at least an hour before bedtime for children, and a half hour for adults. Put the phones away, ideally in another room. If you have a digital bedside clock, turn it away from your face.
“White noise and keep cool. White noise helps block out other household sounds, and can mimic the sound of the womb for babies and children.Many adults can also benefit from white noise, especially if their partner snores. And keep the room cool at night. I recommend 68 degrees as the optimal temperature.
For more information, email sleeponcue@gmail.com.
Andrea Wilson
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Saturday night’s 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala at FTC was a spectacular success.
Hundreds of former classmates, family friends, and even a few who did not know her celebrated the life of Rachel Doran.
The Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate was a rising senior at Cornell University when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.
The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.
Proceeds from the music/auction/fun event will benefit families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.
And there were proceeds a-plenty. An anonymous matching donor pledged $10,000, if that amount could be raised in 30 minutes. They did it in under 4.
The evening brought in more than $100,000. The number of lives that will be impacted in countless.
To learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here.
AMG catered Saturday’s Rach’s Hope gala — and, like many guests, wore pajama bottoms. They honored Rachel Doran, who created a pajama design business before her death in 2018. (Photo/Videler Photography)
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Jessica Gelman was a Staples High School (Class of 1996), Harvard University and European professional basketball star. She’s in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Now she’s a professional sports team owner.
In soccer.
Gelman is part of a 5-person group that bought the Utah Royals. They’ll return to the National Women’s Soccer League — the top rung in the US — next year.
Also in Gelman’s group: Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith.
The Royals played 3 seasons in the NWSL, ranking 2nd in attendance in 2018 and ’19. They folded after reports of ongoing racist behavior by the then-owner.
Investors include 42 Futbol Group, which consists of five business leaders, three of whom are women. They include Jessica Gelman, who will serve on the NWSL’s board of governors for the Royals. She is the CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.
Gelman is CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group, and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. In 2014, Sports Business Journal named her to their “Forty Under 40” team.
Jessica Gelman, at work. (Photo/Sports Business Journal)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a Carolina wren, at the Long Lots Preserve by the Westport Community Gardens.
Gardens director Lou Weinberg says: “The Long Lots Preserve team is looking for donations of birdhouses, butterfly houses, mason bee houses and a bat house.
“If anyone has these lying around unused, we will take them. They will be strategically placed in the Long Lots Preserve. Email: Longlotspreserve@gmail.com.
Carolina wren
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And finally … today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo (above) reminds us of:
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