Sleeping Mat: A Novel Approach For Prevention And Treatment.(Brief Article)

2001 SEP 6 - (NewsRx Network) -- A sleeping mat that creates a natural energy field, and its potential for treating or preventing osteoporosis, is the subject of a clinical trial at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

The Health-Mat[TM] is made of hundreds of interspersed layers of aluminum and polyester. The mat itself is as thin as a light blanket and is used directly under the bottom sheet. The clinical trial will determine whether sleeping on the mat, causing the layers to move against each other creating a natural energy field, will enhance intercellular activity and help prevent or treat osteoporosis.

The mat will be tested on 70 postmenopausal women under the direction of principal investigator Karen Prestwood, MD, assistant professor, Center on Aging, at the University of Connecticut Health Center. The six-month randomized study will examine the effect of the mat on bone breakdown and formation, mineral density, and calcium metabolism. Study participants will sleep on either the Health-Mat or a placebo mat each night for six months.

Blood samples will be taken to test for biochemical markers of bone turnover at the beginning of the study and then at six, 12, and 24 weeks. In addition, the ...