Washington County Weekend Post

Your bedroom: the key to a restful night's sleep "A third of the adult population suffers from insomnia from time to time, but only about 6 percent meet the criteria for an actual sleep disorder," says Dr. Christina Brown from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Tampa. "In , a good number of cases, getting to sleep and staying asleep is a matter of your surroundings." Kristina Held, assistant professor of Interior Design at The Art Institute of Charlotte, a campus of South University , focuses on areas of the bedroom that you may want to re-evaluate in order to create the sleep haven you've been craving. "Creating a bedroom that is conducive to your most restful sleep might require a bit of homework, but I think you'll find it won't take you long," Held says. "As an interior designer, I like to focus on lighting, bedding, furniture and decor." Lighting: Humans were created to be in-synch with the sun cycle. For this reason, Held recommends positioning your bed to the east so that you will be able to wake up seeing the sun rays peeking in around your curtains. "Try several layers of curtains to block out light at night," Held says. "Sheers and heavy protective curtains can help soften the room visually help with , sound absorption, help insulate the window, and are a great opportunity to bring in some color and pattern." You can leave the sheers drawn during the day to diffuse daylight while protecting against views from the outside. Both Brown and Held warn about electronics that provide artificial light in the bedroom. "Get rid of your phones, TVs and iPads while in bed. The artificial light will interrupt your sleep cycle and keep your brain activated, making it harder to get to sleep and keep you off the more natural sleep patterns," Brown says. Bedding: content for your bedding such as cotton, organic cotton, silk, or linen blend. Also try using hypoallergenic pillows to prevent allergies. Held also recommends placing a humidifier in your room during the winter months, and changing your air filters at least once in three months. Furniture and decor: Horizontal lines inspire calmness and are wellsuited for a bedroom. Natural materials bring in a relaxing factor as well. Lastly unclutter , your bedroom as much as possible - it will clear your mind. Some horizontal book shelves may just be the trick to de-cluttering and adding the horizontal line accents. Both Held and Brown agree that keeping your home cooler during the night will help you sleep better. Keep your thermostat at the most comfortable cool setting, as changes in your body's thermal regulation will wake you. "In the short-term, just one sleep-deprived night can interfere with your ability to concentrate, affect your mood and even make you drowsy during the day ," explains Brown. If getting healthier is part of your new year's resolution this year, make getting adequate sleep part of your goal. Place a neutral area rug for noise reduction and decoration. If you live in a busy area, Brown recommends a white Ozaukee and Washington Counties Mortgage Market A Survey of Ozaukee & Washington Counties competitive mortgage rates. Participants pay a fee to be included in this feature. Kohler Credit Union (262) 268-7240 RATE 2 .99 3.375 2..75 N/A 2.99 PROGRAM PTS/APP Fees 9 mon. Const 0/$350 30 yr. Fixed 0/$350 15 yr. Fixed 0/$350 FHA 0/$350 5/1 ARM 0/$350 % DOWN 20% 5.00% 5% 3.5% 3% APR/LOAN AMT. 2 .99/150,000 3 .42/100,000 2.83/100,000 N/A/100,000 1.738/100,000* *Down payment may come from gift for qualified borrowers Now 24 hour mortgage application access through our Website WWW.Kohlercu.com. $150 closing cost credit for Web applications. Credit Union Membership open to all who live or work in Ozaukee and Washington Counties. Last update 1/16/13 "A comfortable mattress enclosed in a hypoallergenic cover protects from dust mites and allergens such as animal dandruff and pollen," recommends Held. Try to use only natural fiber noise machine or ceiling fan to drown out the background noise. Don't forget to include some inspiring artwork that is meaningful and brings you feelings of calm. "Don't use reds, it makes you awake and some say aggressive. Neutral colors, along with blues and greens, evoke calming feelings that we get when we are surrounded by nature," Held says. 230016003 (BPT) - Whether snuggling in for the night or just trying to catch a quick few winks, your environment plays an important role in determining if you're counting sheep or counting Zzzs. From noise reduction to lighting, there are a few easy ways you can turn your bedroom into a tranquil oasis. Dan Bogart 262-268-7240 Ext 2604 or 888-528-2595 Ext 2604 Assured Mortgage, Inc. (262) 754-4024 RATE 3.375 2.750 2.625 3.250 3.250 3.250 3.500 PROGRAM PTS/APP Fees 30 yr. Fixed 0/$425 15 yr. Fixed 0/$425 5/1 ARM 0/$425 30 yr. USDA 0/$400 30 yr. FHA 0/$425 30 yr. VA 0/$425 30 yr. WHEDA 0/$425 % DOWN 5% 5% 10% 0% 3.5% 0% 3% LOCK 45 days 45 days 45 days 45 days 45 days 45 days 45 days Now offering APR/LOAN AMT HARP 2.0 3.476/200k Loans. 2.971/200k Call us if you 2.410/200k owe more on 3.812/100k your house than 3.601/150k 3.529/150k what it is worth. 3.778/100k We may be 2375 W. Washington Street • West Bend, WI 53095 able to help. (262) 754-4024 • NMLS #262877 Last update 1/16/13 www.assuredmortgage.com Commerce State Bank (262) 247-2800 American Portfolio Mortgage (262) 306-6800 UNBEATABLE SERVICE RATE 3.25 3 ..25 2.75 2.750 3 ..250 RATE 3.375 2.625 3.5 PROGRAM 30 yr. 15 yr. WHEDA PTS/APP Fees 0/$395 0/$395 1.75/$395 Check for current rates % DOWN LOCK APR/LOAN AMT and/or 5% 45 days 3.452/$100,000 Apply online. 5% 3% 45 days 2 .754/$100,000 www.Commercestatebank.com 45 days 3.581/$100,000 1700 South Silverbrook Drive, West Bend, WI 53095 W61 N297 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012 Mortgage Officers: Doug Hall NMLS#779480, Brad Kuhn NMLS#856593, Amy Schmoldt NMLS#457083, or Tom Sloey NMLS#826254 PROGRAM PTS/APP Fees 30 yr. Fixed Conf . 0/$425 20 yr. Fixed Conf . 0/$425 15 yr. Fixed Conf . 0/$425 7 yr. ARM 0/$425 30 yr. USDA Purchase 0/$425 % DOWN 5% 5% 5% 10% 0% LOCK APR/LOAN AMT. 3.299/250,000 3.301/250,000 2.893/250,000 3.277/250,000 3.391/200,000 45 days 45 days 45 days 45 days 45 days In most cases closing costs equal $0 for only .125%-.25% higher rate. New Government Program (HARP 2.0) allows for you to refinance regardless of your value. Call to see if you qualify. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Last update 1/09/13 www.Commercestatebank.com Member FDIC Last update 12/05/12 Brian Riley • (262) 306-6800 1 - 20 - 13 • Washington County Real Estate • 7

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