• Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. In studies, people who’d slept after learning a task did better on tests later. 

• Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.

• Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes such as medical errors, air traffic mishaps, and road accidents.

• Mood: Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do.

• Cardiovascular health: Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.

• Disease: Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer. 

If you’re looking to achieve a stress free life via a good night’s sleep,  check out The Company Store (www.thecompanystore.com) for a broad selection of PrimaLoft® pillows, comforters, duvets, body pillows, mattress toppers and blankets that will wrap you in hypoallergenic, PrimaLoft® luxury.

-Rich Meddaugh

The 2012 Ultra-Trail Mt. FUJI race encompasses an incredible 100 mile radius around Mt. Fuji. The mountain, a well-known symbol of Japan and an international destination for tourism and mountain-climbing, will physically and mentally challenge participants as they explore the limits to complete the three-day ultramarathon journey. For additional details on the course, log on to the race map at http://www.ultratrailmtfuji.com/en/about/summary/map. 

PrimaLoft® staff will be onsite at the UTMF Expo in Ohike Kouen (near the race start/finish line) to meet with and educate consumers about the benefits of PrimaLoft®.

“PrimaLoft® is pleased to support 2012 Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji, and we look forward to engaging with our brand partners from The North Face and Mitsui, as well as athletes, race staff, volunteers and spectators,” said Joe Rumiesz, vice president and general manager, PrimaLoft®.  “It’s a terrific opportunity to connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts while also educating consumers about how PrimaLoft® keeps you warm, dry and comfortable in any weather condition.”

For 2012, the UT Mt. Fuji will be held on three consecutive days totaling over 100 miles on some of the roughest terrain. Eight hundred racers will navigate through several different levels of terrain while looking to complete the race within 48 hours. This year’s race will also present numerous physical challenges and will place runners through the beautiful trails surrounding the perimeter of the mountain.

In addition to its 2012 sponsorship, PrimaLoft staff member, Russ Angrignon, North American Western Territory Manager, will be running in his first Ultra-Trail Mt. FUJI race.  Angrignon, an experienced ultra-runner, will tackle this year’s event with his wife, Delena. Most recently, Russ and Delena ran together through the Italian Alps in the Tor Des Geants, a 200 mile endurance race.

To learn more about UT Mt. Fuji, visit www.ultratrailmtfuji.com. For more information about PrimaLoft®, visit www.primaloft.com, and follow the PrimaLoft® conversation online at Facebook and Twitter.

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About PrimaLoft®:

PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com.