About Smart Dreamzzz
Smart Dreamzzz makes products that solve one of parents’ most dreaded problems—bedtime battles. The Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based company develops sleep CDs to help kids go to bed easily and sleep all night through stories based on the principles of guided meditation. In addition, the Smart Dreamzzz sleep CDs increase stimulation in areas of the brain related to attention, memory and general happiness.
The Science Behind Smart Dreamzzz
Preparing to go to sleep can be stressful for young children. When experiencing a state of stress, regardless of whether it is a fear of the dark or a troubling experience during the day, their brains elicit a stress response. The Smart Dreamzzz CDs prompt a relaxation response—a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the stress response that many young children experience around bedtime.
While the stress response floods the body with chemicals that excite the nervous system, the relaxation response brings their system back into balance and allows them to drift off to sleep. Loosely based on meditation practices, the Smart Dreamzzz technique is a relaxation process used to induce complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. The tracks on the CD have been created to be developmentally appropriate for young children, specifically designed to capture their interests while helping them relax and fall asleep. In addition, feelings of empowerment and self-esteem flourish as they learn the life-long skills of stress-management.
Benefits of Simple Meditation in Addition to Improved Sleep
• Increased self-management skills and feelings of empowerment
• Improvements in concentration, attention, memory, language processing, creativity, and problem-solving
• Improvements in focus and performance
• Increased happiness and peace of mind
• Improvements in work habits, cooperation, attendance and academics
• Improvements in behavior, self-esteem and relationship quality
• Improvements in ADHD symptoms
Our Story
Until recently, like many parents with young children, I spent nearly every evening manipulating, bribing, and begging my three and five year old kids to go to bed. Having a Ph.D. in Child, Family, and School Psychology, with an area of expertise in Parent Education, this was not something I was proud to admit. I tried in vain to create the perfect bedtime routine, but still most nights ended with a battle that left my husband and me feeling defeated and exhausted - a terrible ending to even the best of days.
When I heard a neuroscientist at a conference discuss how the brains of most young children in our society are in a constant state of "fight or flight" I was intrigued. The influence of media, technology, and over-scheduling gives young children little opportunity to let their minds unwind, and as a result, sleep can be evasive. Meanwhile, an emerging body of research suggests that meditation not only calms the brain, but enhances attention, concentration and memory.
Fascinated, I tried a meditation process with my children at bedtime to see if it could help them unwind and fall asleep easily. I discovered something magical in their immediate response and I began creating developmentally appropriate stories for them. Smart Dreamzzz™, was born. The tracks on these CDs have improved the bedtime routine and quality of sleep for everyone in my family dramatically.
I hope that Smart Dreamzzz™ brings your family the same success!
About Kristen Race, Ph.D.
Kristen Race, Ph.D., is a parent of two young children, as well as an expert in child, family and school psychology. Dr. Race’s philosophy and methods stem from the integration of developmental neuroscience and child development, as well as influences from the fields of positive psychology and mindfulness.
She was born and raised in Denver and is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology as well as a Masters Degree and Doctorate from the University of Denver. Dr. Race taught at New York’s prestigious Buckley School then served as Director of Counseling Services for the notable Colorado Academy for three years, after which she developed a successful private practice in Denver.
Dr. Race is also committed to early childhood education. She teaches emotional management skills to young children in preschool settings and, as a certified Yoga for Kids instructor, uses yoga to help children develop a sense of mindfulness at an early age. As an active member of the executive committee for First Impressions, Routt County’s Early Childhood Education Council, she also enjoys teaching education classes to parents of preschool aged kids.
Dr. Race and her family live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. When she is not working with young families, she can usually be found chasing her kids around the ski slopes in the winter, and the hiking trails in the summer. She practices yoga as often as she can, plays soccer and rides her mountain bike.
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