Q: Each person has different sleep requirements. For example, adults over 65 years of age usually need less sleep. Pregnant women also experience changes in sleep needs (like requiring more sleep early in pregnancy and having difficulty sleeping towards the last trimester). In general, the National Sleep Foundation recommends: Older adults: seven to eight hours Adults (aged 18 to 64): seven to nine hours Teenagers (aged 13 to 17): eight to 10 hours School-aged kids (aged six to 13): nine to 11 hours Preschoolers (aged three to five): 10 to 13 hours Toddlers (aged one to two years): 11 to 14 hours Infants (aged four to 11 months): 12 to 15 hours Newborns (from birth to three months): 14 to 17 hours There may be an obvious duty or obligation, like caring for an infant or adult, that's causing the lack of sleep, especially if you work another job. Shift work can also cause sleep deprivation, especially if your hours are irregular. Or, there may be a medical condition depriving you of sleep. These sleep disorders include: Delayed sleep phase disorder Environmental sleep disorder Restless leg syndrome Psychophysiological insomnia Periodic limb movement disorder If you are sleep deprived or feel overly tired, make a doctor's appointment as soon as you can. Once your doctor has determined why you're sleep deprived, you can begin to address the cause whether it's voluntary or a result of some medication you're on. Your doctor will also check to see if you're suffering from an underlying sleep disorder. If your doctor determines that your sleep deprivation is voluntary, you may be able to make changes to improve your sleep. For example, if you're a caregiver for a parent you might ask a sibling to help you share duties. Or, if your job is causing the sleep deprivation, talk with your supervisor about changing your shifts (which may require a medical note from your doctor). If your doctor suspects you have a sleep disorder, you may be referred to a sleep specialist for more testing. You'll probably need to participate in a sleep study where your sleep is monitored for problems. Some of the most common sleep disorders include: Restless Leg Syndrome (an irresistible urge to move the legs) Narcolepsy (which causes daytime drowsiness) Obstructive sleep apnea (pauses in breathing that can disrupt your sleep) Insomnia Circadian rhythm sleep disorders, where you have trouble with sleep cycles or patterns (like Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, Non-24 Sleep Wake Disorder, and Shift Work Disorder)
A: Determine how much sleep you need. Figure out what's causing your sleep deprivation. Know when to see a doctor. Consider if you have a sleep disorder.

Q: This recipe makes 2 cups of sauce and takes 12 minutes to prepare. Here's what you'll need to make traditional sweet and sour sauce: 3/4 cup white sugar 1/3 cup white vinegar 2/3 cup water 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon ketchup 2 tablespoons cornstarch
A: Gather all your ingredients nearby.

Q: Animal shelters tend to have a high demand for old pillows to use as bedding in animal crates. Call or email the organization in advance to check if they are accepting pillow donations and then arrange a time to drop the pillows off. Veterinarian clinics and wildlife rehabilitation centers sometimes need old pillows too. Make sure that your pillows are in a reasonably clean condition before you donate them. Animal shelters may also accept other linens like blankets, towels, and comforters. While not all homeless shelters accept pillows and bedding for sanitary reasons, it can pay to check because some do! Make sure that any pillows you donate are clean, in good condition, and don't have stains or tears. Contact the organization in advance and arrange a drop-off time if possible. Like homeless shelters, only some charity and thrift stores accept pillows. Look at the website if there is one, or call in advance to check if they accept pillows. Make sure that the pillows are in good, clean condition. Don't feel disheartened if the store can't accept the pillows. This is usually because of overstocking or sanitary reasons. You can always call around to see if a different store can accept the pillows. Use a search engine to find a network for your local community that focuses on rehoming, trading, or gifting unwanted items. Either post a notice about the pillows that you have to give away or respond to an advertisement if somebody needs pillows. This is a great way to make someone's day and help out your local community! While textile recycling facilities aren't too common, they are a great place to take old pillows if you are running out of options. Use a search engine to find the closest textile recycling facility to you and contact them to see if they accept pillows. Textile recycling facilities use the fibers from unwanted materials and fabrics to create insulation, rags, and carpets. This is a great way to get rid of pillows that aren't in good condition. The pillows just need to be dry, and free of oil and grease. While you can't place the pillow cover or casing into the compost bin, this is a good way to get rid of old, organic stuffing. Simply place the feather or down stuffing into the compost bin and wait for it to slowly break down. When you have exhausted all of your options, sometimes all you can do is throw your pillows into the garbage. Alternatively, you can take the pillows to the landfill.
A:
Check if your local animal shelter needs old pillows. Ask your local homeless shelter if they accept donated pillows. Contact a charity or thrift store to enquire about donating pillows. Give the pillows away in your local community network. Take the pillows to a textile recycling facility if they are torn or stained. Empty feather or down pillow stuffing into the compost bin. Throw the pillows away as a last resort.