Filipinos most sleepless people in Asia, 4th in the world — study

 

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Did you know that Filipinos are the most sleepless people in Asia? 

According to the 2023 study of consumer research and data analytics company Milieu Insight, Philippines had the most people in Asia (56%) who had less than seven hours of sleep per day, followed by Thailand (49%), Indonesia (44%), Vietnam (43%), Singapore (42%) and Myanmar (39%). 

The same study claimed that Filipinos are also the fourth in the world to be lacking in sleep.

A sleep tracking application, Sleep Cycle, showed from its survey that Filipino adults only get an average of six hours and 30 minutes per day of sleep.

Harvard Medical School recommended at least seven hours of “quality” sleep for every person, no matter what the age, for body restoration and to prevent higher risk of acquiring diseases such as Diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. 

Last December, a video of a three-year-old Filipino child sleeping in an Ikea showroom bed went viral, with over 4.5 million views on TikTok.

In its new campaign, “Wake up! It’s time to sleep,” the Swedish lifestyle brand features three different customers falling asleep at their showroom, including the three-year-old girl. The campaign aims to call on Filipinos to give more attention to having better sleep. It also encourages Filipino customers to experience sleep solutions before purchasing at its showroom in Pasay City.

According to the brand’s Life at Home Report 2023, 44% of Filipinos consider sleeping as the main driver of nurturing at home. Understanding how vital sleep is to Filipinos, the brand offers sleep solutions focused on different elements that contribute to better sleep — from comfort, to light, temperature, sound, air quality, and organization. 

Feeling comfortable is a basic need for achieving “quality” sleep. In a comfortable bed, the right mattress and pillow are important for a good night’s sleep. Among the good mattresses that Ikea recommends are Åfjäll foam mattress or firm ones like Valevåg Pocket spring mattress. While for ergonomic pillows, options include Mjölkklocka, which has memory foam for full comfort whether you’re a side or a back sleeper. 

In general, the darker the bedroom, the better it is for sleep quality. Dimmable lights like the Tärnaby table lamp are a great way to get yourself ready for sleep. Even better are lights that you can dim and turn on and off from a distance using the Trådfri remote control kit. 

Key for a good night’s sleep is a comfortable indoor temperature no matter the season or climate. As such, the brand offers a wide range of cooling pads and pillows. The best-selling Klubbsporre ergonomic pillow aims to give both comfort through its memory foam and cooling effect with its gel layer on one side. For those looking to make their beds cooler, there is Rexbegonia cooling pad. You can even place it on the fridge before use for extra cooling while sleeping. 

The brand’s Life at Home Report 2023 also found that 31% of Filipinos listen to music, podcast, or wellness apps to get better sleep. The Symfonisk Sonos Wifi bookshelf speaker has a rich and vibrant sound that can fill the entire bedroom and allows you to create the right atmosphere for sleep. 

Air quality is not the most obvious factor in getting a good night’s sleep, but unclean air or unbalanced humidity levels in your home can disturb your sleep and affect your health. As such, there is the Vindriktning air quality sensor that can check the air quality based on particles with stylish and easy-to-use sensor, making it ideal to combine with Förnuftig air purifier to improve one’s bedroom’s air quality, so one can breathe cleaner air while one sleeps. 

To make the room a better place for sleeping, the brand presents tools for organization such as Malm chest of four drawers and Skubb box of six, to separate your shirts, accessories, and undergarments and easily find them. The brand’s Life at Home Report 2023 also showed that 12% of Filipinos have a chair or a similar piece of furniture in their bedroom that dabbles as wardrobe. 

“Proper sleep has many health benefits and is essential for optimal well-being,” Harvard Medi

Sleep medicine specialist explains causes of 'daytime sleepiness'

 

Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com

October 18, 2024 | 1:52pm

MANILA, Philippines — Rise and shine! You woke up at the same time that you always do every morning. You’ve had your morning shower and your usual delightful cup of freshly brewed coffee. Breakfast is ready, and it’s your favorite Daing na Bangus, fried egg and garlic rice. You’re all set to go to work, where you have an 11 a.m. meeting to attend.

There’s just one hitch: You can’t keep your eyes open and would rather crawl back in bed and spend the rest of the day catching up on your sleep.

What is wrong?

“When you’re feeling sleepy in the morning, it’s assumed that you haven’t had the recommended eight hours of sleep the night before,” said Maria Patricia Ann T. Puno, MD, Sleep Medicine Specialist from Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Maybe you were up late working, partying, or binge-watching your latest K-drama obsession. Perhaps you’re getting over jet lag or are looking after a newborn who needs your constant attention.”

Having the right quantity of good quality sleep is important to stave off excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). But what if you did sleep for eight or more hours yet still feel it isn’t enough? And what if it happens often enough that it affects your ability to handle your responsibilities at home and on the job?

The condition is called hypersomnia, according to MakatiMed. Defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders as “the inability to stay awake and alert during the major waking episodes of the day, resulting in unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep,” hypersomnia is identified by a number of symptoms.

“Patients with hypersomnia display constant sleepiness throughout the day, difficulty staying up despite having adequate hours of sleep, irritability, lack of energy and appetite,” noted Dr. Puno. “Moreover, they don’t benefit from power naps and remain sluggish even after a bit of shuteye.”

Identifying and treating the underlying causes of excessive sleepiness is key to the management of hypersomnia.

“When taken during the day, antihistamines, anti-epileptic drugs, antipsychotic medications, and muscle relaxants can induce sleepiness,” revealed Dr. Puno. “Medical conditions like head trauma, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, a tumor, sleep apnea, and mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder have also been known to make you sleepy throughout the day.”

But hypersomnia can be a condition in itself, too. It is the result of genetics or of rare sleep disorders.

“Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by the sudden urge to sleep deeply. It’s said to be caused by a lack of orexin, a neurotransmitter that helps you stay awake,” explained Dr. Puno. “Kleine-Levin Syndrome is even rarer. Besides exhibiting chronic daytime sleepiness, patients with this condition also show varying degrees of behavioral and cognitive disturbances.”

Kleine-Levin Syndrome’s cause is unknown, though. It is believed that illness or injury to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that manages our sleep, is behind it.

With a proper diagnosis, hypersomnia can be treated with antidepressants, stimulants, and medications designed specifically for narcolepsy. “If you are currently taking prescription drugs whose side effect includes drowsiness, ask your primary physician if it’s possible to lower the dose or find an alternative,” the doctor advised.

Simple lifestyle changes can also keep you awake when you need to be. “For daytime sleepiness caused by disruptions before bedtime, try turning in earlier than usual so you can clock longer hours at night,” said Dr. Puno. “Daily 20-minute exercise can improve the quality of your sleep; so can relaxation techniques like meditation. Take stimulants like coffee, but not too much to affect your sleeping at night. And a 15- to 30-minute nap in the middle of the day can do wonders to sharpen your mind and lift your spirits.”

PFF Women's Cup gets major backer

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Oct 18, 2024 03:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Women’s Cup is playing on its second weekend as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) continues to strengthen its women’s football program to keep the momentum of the country’s qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.

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The Women’s Cup is playing on its second weekend as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) continues to strengthen its women’s football program to keep the momentum of the country’s qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.

The women’s national team members— Isabella Passion, Sofia Harrison, Reena Balajadia, Isabella Bandoja, Olivia McDaniel, Chandler McDaniel, Mary Christine Duran, Hazel Lustan, Hali Long, Inna Palacios, Quinley Quezada and Rhea Chan—with Philippine Football Federation general secretary Angelico Mercader, competitions committee chair Lovely Tababa Lovely Tababa and national team director Freddy Gonzalez and Coca-Cola vice-president for Philippine operations Pablo Medina Noriega.

PFF general secretary Angelico Mercader told Friday’s press conference that the federation’s women’s national team program will always be tops in the agenda and the Women’s Cup is proof of the federation’s mission to achieve its goal.

Coca-Cola, Mercader said, is an important partner for the endeavor. 

“We’re very happy that for the second consecutive year, Coca-Cola has been a great supporter of the Women’s Cup heading to next year’s Women’s League that gives our women players the opportunity to play in a high level of competition,” said Mercader in the press conference at the Coca-Cola Philippine headquarters at the Bonifacio Global City.

Six teams—Kaya Football Club (FC) Iloilo, Stallion Laguna FC, Manila Digger FC, Beach Hut, Tuloy FC and Azzuri SC—are seeing action in the Women’s Cup that plays 10 match days at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on weekends.

Manila Digger beat Stallion Laguna, 2-1, and Beach Hut defeated Azzuri SC, 5-1, last weekend to kick off action in the event that is a prelude to the bigger PFF Women’s League Mercader said could be held in the first half of 2025.

Coca-Cola vice-president for Philippine operations Pablo Medina Noriega said that Filipino players have already proven that they can compete on the global after making it to the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.

“Coca-Cola has always been a strong supporter of women in sports,” Noriega said. “So what we all aspire to do with the PFF is to help improve and provide these young women with the opportunities and resources so they can succeed both in and out of the pitch.”

The women’s national team, called Filipinas, made an impact in the World Cup when they beat co-host New Zealand, 1-0, a victory that resonated in football’s global stage.

With Mercader and Noriega in the press conference were PFF national team director Freddy Gonzalez and competitions committee chair Lovely Tababa as well as national players Isabella Passion, Sofia Harrison, Reena Balajadia, Isabella Bandoja, Olivia McDaniel, Chandler McDaniel, Mary Christine Duran, Hazel Lustan, Hali Long, Inna Palacios, Quinley Quezada and Rhea Chan.

Ogie Alcasid praises OFWs

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 18, 2024 01:14 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Janice Chang, Global Brand Lead for Sendwave Philippines, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.

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Ogie Alcasid

Filipino music icon Ogie Alcasid shared that he has long admired the commitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to provide for their families.

During a press conference held in Morato, Quezon City recently, Ogie praised the hardworking Filipinos abroad as he was announced as the celebrity endorser for Sendwave, an international money transfer service.

Sendwave said the new partnership highlights Ogie’s support for the company's mission of providing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with secure remittances and fast and charge no transfer fees.

“Noon pa man, saludo na ako sa ating mga OFW. Hindi biro ang kanilang pagkawalay at pakikibagay sa ibang bansa para magtrabaho. Naniniwala ako na sa tulong ng Sendwave, makakampante ang ating mga OFW na magpadala ng pera sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas nang sigurado, mabilis, at affordable," said Ogie.

(“I look up to our OFWs. Being away from home and adapting to another country for work is hard. I believe that, with Sendwave, our OFWs can feel confident that their families back home in the Philippines will receive their remittances in a safe, fast, and affordable way.”)

Ogie Alcasid and Janice Chang, Global Brand Lead for Sendwave Philippines

Janice Chang, Global Brand Lead for Sendwave Philippines, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“We're so excited to welcome Ogie Alcasid to the Sendwave community. Ogie is beloved among Filipino families worldwide for his talent, humor, and deep connection to family values, making him the perfect ambassador for Sendwave. With Ogie on board, we’re confident we can further our mission of helping OFWs support their loved ones, no matter the distance, by sending money with no transfer fees," said Janice.

Sendwave was founded in 2014, and since it kicked off operations in the Philippines in 2021, it has simplified the remittance process for OFWs affordably. Users can send money directly from their phones through the Sendwave app as quickly as text messages.

The app ensures that hard-earned money reaches loved ones fast, eliminating the need for form-filling, queuing, visiting banks or remittance centers. Sendwave supports transfers to bank accounts, cash pickups and mobile wallets, offering a hassle-free experience without additional transfer fees.

Chang emphasized the importance of OFW remittances: “In 2023, OFW remittances constituted nearly 7.7 percent of the country's GDP. These remittances are essential to Filipino families, so it is our mission at Sendwave to ensure that OFWs can send their hard-earned money home easily, safely, and affordably."

As part of Zepz, Sendwave continues to expand its global reach, and with Ogie as its new ambassador, the company is ready to launch exciting new campaigns to help OFWs stay connected with their families back home.

Style Weekend: Dressing up as a form of self-care

 In a world where fads and trends dominate the scene, wearing pieces that reflect who we are can be therapeutic.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

  

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Compiled and photographed by Loucel Hemongala

“What We Wore” is a section that highlights our readers’ outfits, detailing the stories behind how they layer, pair, and accessorize each piece. If you’d like us to feature your unique sense of style, post a photo of your look on social media and use the hashtags #StyleWeekend and #SWWhatWeWore. Don’t forget to tag and follow us @styleweekend.ph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We can’t wait to see your looks!

Okami Wolf

I feel like my personal style evolves every day as I stay inspired by everything around me. “It’s an art of substitution.” Just do you. Every week, I’ve been hustling here and there, making sure I have time for the people I love while trying to sustain my life and care for my new pet, Nigo. Shout out to her hoomum, Kassi G.—Okami Wolf 

Engr. Karla Mae

I tend to stay in on weekends, but when I do go out with my boyfriend or friends, I opt for a comfortable yet slightly stylish look. I wore a T-shirt dress I got from my mother, allowing me to enjoy food without discomfort. I also sported a black ball cap for the sunny weather, denim shorts for ease of movement, and heels to compensate for my height. A black outfit complements my skin tone and, despite my soft and shy nature, it empowers me to embrace changes in my body and feel confident as a woman. My #StyleWeekend kicks off with a bang on Friday night after working from home. I dive into karaoke, treat myself to some yummy food, and get lost in ongoing anime and manhwa. Even though weekends are my rest days, they aren’t entirely free of chores like laundry and household tasks. Still, despite my busy weekday grind, I make sure to start my weekend with a positive vibe and recharge before Monday rolls around again. Weekends can be fun, even when you're taking it easy!—Engr. Karla Mae

Coni Ibañez

Wearing comfortable, cool, and light clothes makes me feel confident on the pickleball court. My outfit feels great and helps me enhance my game, proving that fashion and sport can go hand in hand. My #StyleWeekend revolves around pickleball, as I host a popular Street Pickleball program every weekend in Ortigas Center. From setting up courts to welcoming players, I enjoy playing, teaching, and socializing with so many amazing people. We love pickleball because it brings people together, improves our physical fitness, and allows us to showcase our unique fashion sense on the court.—Coni Ibañez

Asiah

I shape my identity through my style, seamlessly blending casual fashion with an air of sophistication. As a soon-to-graduate senior high school student, the pressures can be overwhelming, yet I find solace in expressing myself through my outfits each day. I particularly cherish my chic bayonet glasses, inspired by the playful yet refined aesthetic of Bini Maloi. My ensemble reflects my personality—which is feminine, vibrant, and full of life—while harmonizing modern and traditional influences. These bayonet glasses add a striking, whimsical touch, transforming my wardrobe into an elegant reflection of who I am.—Asiah

Janine Muñoz

Being a grade 11 student is exhausting, so I always make time to unwind. The ultimate way for me to feel relaxed and refreshed is to dress up and head to a coffee shop with the perfect ambiance. As a Gen Z student, I embrace trends that allow me to feel both stylish and elegant. I love how I can mix and match pieces, whether it’s a chic top paired with tailored jeans or a flowy dress with trendy accessories. Every weekend, I take advantage of my coffee shop visits to showcase my outfits, feeling like a star as I walk in and brighten the space around me.—Janine Muñoz

Pumping energy into our love

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT’S practically what Christ wants of us as he said: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Lk 12,49) Obviously, we can only manage to do that if we truly identify ourselves with Christ.

Let’s remember that Christ left us with a new commandment that summarized and perfected the previous commandments articulated earlier. And that is that we should love one another as he himself has loved us. (cfr. Jn 13,34)

And how did he love us and continue to love us? Not only did he empty himself who, being God, became man, nor did he simply preach the ultimate truths about ourselves and things in general, nor did he simply perform wonderful miracles. He went all the way to assuming our sins and conquering them by offering his life on the cross and by resurrecting!

To top it all, he makes himself present substantially for all time, especially through the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, offering himself as the Bread of Life so that even now we can have a taste of the eternal life.

We really need to level up our knowledge of this truth of faith, training our mind and heart to capture this wonderful reality that should fill us with joy and eagerness to correspond to his love, since love, by definition, automatically arouses in us to love also in return.

We need to train ourselves to love the way Christ loves us. It’s a tall order, of course, but we have our whole lifetime to learn how to love. We may not perfect it, and that’s understandable. What is needed is simply for us to try our best, since it will be God who will do the rest.

Remember St. Paul telling us, “He (God) who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1,6) We should not worry too much if our effort to imitate Christ in his love would sometimes be erratic. The important thing to do is simply to continue, to move on trying our best, never surrendering to the urges of our weaknesses and mistakes.

Yes, we are subject to certain conditionings that can slow down our self-giving. We have to contend with our temperament which will always have its erratic ways, our physical and health conditions, our surroundings, etc.

But we should never forget that whether we realize it or not we are all involved in the supernatural work of God here on earth, where his supernatural powers are also at play. In the worst scenarios in our life, we can always beg for some supernatural help from God to enable us to do what we are supposed to do.

Yes, there will be sacrifices and tremendous amounts of effort involved here. We should just train ourselves to develop, with God’s grace of course, the power to tackle the difficult situations in our life.

What can always help is that we avoid getting imprisoned in our own world and allow ourselves to simply be at the mercy of the state of our physical, emotional and mental condition. With our spiritual faculties of intelligence and will, plus of course God’s grace that will always be made abundantly available, we can transcend beyond these constraining elements.

So, we just have to use everything within our power to attain that ideal state of being always on the go, dynamic, eager to serve and to do things for everyone.