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This is the final article in The Conversations six-part series on insomnia, which charts the rise of insomnia during industrialisation to sleep apps today. Read other articles in the series here.

Insomnia is not just a personal issue that affects an individuals health and wellbeing. Its a public health issue, affecting public safety. Its a socioeconomic issue, as poorer sleep is linked to a lower education and income. And, increasingly, its a commercial issue.

The global insomnia market is expected to reach US$6.3 billion by 2030, driven by increased diagnoses and therapy, as well as sleep aids, including sleep apps.

There are numerous digital devices and apps to help people sleep better. You can buy wearable devices, such as smartwatches and smart rings or wristbands, to digitally monitor your sleep. You can download apps that record how long you sleep and where you can log your tiredness and concentration levels.

Some devices are designed to promote sleep, by generating white or brown noise or other peaceful sounds. You can also buy smart pillows, mattresses and a range of smart light-fittings and lightbulbs to help track and improve sleep.

Such technologies operate to digitise sleep as part of the quantified self. They render sleep practices and bodily responses into data you can review. So these devices are promoted as offering scientific insights into how to control the disruption to peoples lives caused by poor sleep.

You can listen to sleep stories bedtime stories, music or guided meditations meant to help you sleep. Then there are the sleep blogs, podcasts and social media content on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.

Where there is social media content, there are social media influencers sharing their take on sleep and how to get more of it. These sleep influencers have accumulated large numbers of followers. Some have profited, including those who live-stream themselves sleeping or invite audiences to try to wake them up for a price.

There may be benefits to joining online communities of people who cant sleep, whether thats in an online forum such as Reddit or a specially designed sleep improvement program.

Sharing and connection can ease the loneliness we know can impact sleep. And technology can facilitate this connection when no-one else is around.

We know social media communities provide much-needed support for health problems more generally. They allow people to share personal experiences with others who understand, and to swap tips for the best health practitioners and therapies.

So online sharing, support and feelings of belonging can alleviate the stresses and unhappiness that may prevent people from finding a good nights sleep.

But there are some problems with digitising sleep. A focus on sleep can create a vicious cycle in which worrying about a lack of sleep can itself worsen sleep.

Using sleep-tracking apps and wearable devices can encourage people to become overly fixated on the metrics these technologies gather.

The data generated by digital devices are not necessarily accurate or useful, particularly for groups such as older people. Some young people say they feel worse after using a sleep app.

There are also data privacy issues. Some digital developers do not adequately protect the very personal information smart sleep devices or apps generate.

Then, theres the fact using digital devices before bedtime is itself linked to sleep problems.

Other critics argue this intense focus on sleep ignores that sleeping well is impossible for some people, however hard they try or whatever expensive devices they buy.

People living in poor housing or in noisy environments have little choice over the conditions in which they seek good sleep.

Factors such as peoples income and education levels affect their sleep, just as they do for other health issues. And multiple socioeconomic factors (for instance, gender, ethnicity and economic hardship) can combine, making it even more likely to have poor sleep.

Sleep quality is therefore just as much as a socioeconomic as a biological issue. Yet, much of the advice offered to people about how to improve their sleep focuses on individual responsibility to make changes. It assumes everyone can buy the latest technologies or can change their environment or lifestyle to find better sleep health.

Until sleep health inequalities are improved, it is unlikely digital devices or apps can fix sleep difficulties at the population level. A good nights sleep should not be the preserve of the privileged.

Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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How apps and influencers are changing the way we sleep, for better ... - UNSW Newsroom

For centuries, many societies have cherished the tradition of drinking tea with the companionship of friends and family. Historically, tea parties were held to create essential social connections and entertain guests with extravagance. While modern tea parties continue to exude elegance, the main purpose of the Silverthorns High Tea Societys recent gathering on Wednesday, October 18, was to unite everyone and foster a sense of community. This event was a heartwarming welcome to both new and old friends and a chance for the Silverthorn community to savor togetherness after the trials of COVID-19. Fabulous ladies came together to enjoy each others company over tea and delicious treats.

In her opening remarks, Frances Schuliet, a key figure in the Silverthorn community, emphasized the significance of their close-knit club and neighborhood. She stated, We love our club. We love where we live. Our friendships and our neighbors are the heart of this community. Frances highlighted that the people of Silverthorn share a unique sense of connectedness. The bonds and friendships formed within this community are strong and long-lasting. Even those who frequent the Silverthorn golf course, despite not residing there, are warmly welcomed into events like this, embodying the inclusivity of the Silverthorn community.

Those in attendance at this celebration expressed their deep gratitude towards those who organized this wonderful event. Stella Bella, Sharon Cummings, Caren Altieri and Fran Schuliet were the driving forces behind this tea party. At the same time, Silverthorns Banquet Manager Ginger Korbus and Silverthorn Club House Owner Susan McGrogan played essential roles in planning the menu and managing the logistics.

The club put on an exceptional tea buffet, offering a wide array of tea brands and flavors, finger sandwiches, breakfast quiche, scones and a delightful assortment of miniature desserts. Frances extended an even bigger thank you to Betty Pomish, who generously supplied all the collectible heirloom fine bone china teapots used at this event. Betty has been curating her collection of Shelley fine bone china for over two decades and was thrilled to showcase it to a community she holds dear. Notably, the event featured a raffle with beautiful sets of Shelley fine bone china as prizes. Several lucky attendees went home with complete tea cup sets, and the grand prize winner received a Shelley Teapot of her own.

A Bit About Shelley Teapots: Shelley fine bone china stands as a remarkable representation of the Staffordshire, England potteries, regarded by many as the epitome of all bone china. The Shelley Potteries were known for producing china and pottery of exceptional beauty and diversity. Their bone china is celebrated for its thinness and surprising strength. In fact, its so thin that it is translucent, similar to Irish Belleek china. This exceptional quality was achieved because Shelleys bone china formula had the highest percentage of ground bone among all china manufacturers. With over 15,000 patterns applied to Shelleys fine china, their legacy is nothing short of impressive.

Shelley pottery began its journey in the late 19th century under the trade name Wileman. The company produced dozens of styles of strikingly beautiful Shelley pottery, thanks to the creative input of their art directors and artisans. The quality, patterns, shapes and trademarks of Shelleys products are distinctive, making them easily recognizable by collectors and enthusiasts.

Sadly, Shelley closed its doors in 1966 and was sold to Allied English Potteries. This marked the end of Shelley fine bone china, as all the molds were destroyed in the sale. Consequently, Shelleys fine bone china has become a sought-after collectors item today.

For those interested in Shelley teapots and other collectibles, the National Shelley Club provides a valuable resource to learn more about these exquisite pieces. Enthusiasts can discover a wealth of information and connect with fellow collectors who share a passion for Shelleys fine bone china.

In conclusion, the Silverthorns High Tea Societys recent tea party was more than just an elegant gathering; it was a celebration of community, friendship and the beauty of Shelleys fine bone china. This event exemplified the warmth and inclusivity of the Silverthorn community, bringing people together after the challenges of the pandemic. It showcased the enduring appeal of Shelley teapots and their place in the world of fine bone china collectibles, allowing attendees to appreciate the artistry and history behind these exquisite pieces. The event was a delightful blend of tradition, elegance and the joy of togetherness.

Photos of the Silverthorns High Tea Society's tea party

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Silverthorn's High Tea Society: A Celebration of Community and ... - Hernando Sun

As many western coffee chains look eastward for growth, Asias bubble tea giants are nurturing new audiences in North America and Europe. World Coffee Portal finds out how this colourful beverage is shaking up branded caf markets in the US and Europe

Photo credit: Nicholas Ismael Martinez

Also known as pearl milk tea or boba tea, bubble tea traditionally consists of milk, black tea, sugar syrup and tapioca balls a starch extracted from the roots of the cassava plant. While bubble teas name is often attributed to the chewy dark pearls that punctuate the beverage, it more accurately refers to the bubbles produced from vigorous shaking during preparation.

Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea is widely considered the brainchild of Liu Han-Chieh and Lin Hsiu Hui, the respective owner and Product Development Manager of Chun Shui Tang tea room in Taichung. The formers experiment with cold tea collided with the latters tapioca-based pudding and the rest, as they say, is history.

Coffee and bubble tea target audiences are very different Bryan Loo, Founder, Tealive

Shake and share

With such an enticing array of flavours, often colourfully presented in transparent cups, bubble tea lends itself to social media sharing, making it particularly popular among under-30s. The hashtags bubbletea and bobatea have been collectively posted nearly five million times on Instagram and viewed more than 8.6 billion times on TikTok.

The visually appealing nature of bubble tea and sharing these experiences on social media has contributed to bubble teas popularity, making it a sought-after beverage, says Kody Wang, Business Development Manager of the worlds largest bubble tea chain, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice.

Founded in Taipei in 1997, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice has evolved into a global bubble tea powerhouse with more than 5,000 stores across Asia, Australasia, North America and Europe.

A strong social media presence and marketable product portfolio is also a key consideration for Bryan Loo, CEO of Loob Holding and founder of Malaysias largest bubble tea brand, Tealive. People share photos and videos of their colourful and aesthetically pleasing bubble tea creations on Instagram and TikTok, sparking interest and curiosity among their followers, he says.

We expect demand in North America will continue to grow Kody Wang, Business Development Director, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

The global tea party

Facing growing competition in increasingly crowded bubble tea markets, such as Taiwan, China, Vietnam and Japan, many operators are seeking new audiences beyond their traditional heartlands. For Tealive, international growth has been opportunistic. The company is currently focusing on expansion in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, while it waits for the right time for a big North American push.

Were particularly excited by our corporate plan for the Filipino market and we have been rapidly expanding in Manila and Cebu. Our growth in the Philippines has been fast-tracked, Loo says.

A CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice store in London, UK |Photo credit: CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

Having established a presence and loyal customer bases in areas such as Manhattans Chinatown, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice now has 17 stores in New York, including sites in the culturally diverse neighbourhoods of Jackson Heights and Flushing.

The concrete Asia customer base in foreign markets has led to the quicker establishment of brand awareness locally, says Wang.

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice has deployed a similar formula in Canada. Sixty-one of its 100 stores are in Toronto, where Filipino and Chinese immigrants make up the largest proportion of Torontos non-native residents, according to the 2021 government census.

We expect demand in North America will continue to grow, while at the same time competition is fierce, Wang adds.

That competition currently comes from scaled international brands Gong cha, Happy Lemon and Tiger Sugar, as well as California-based Boba Guys and the self-proclaimed OGs of American bubble tea, Kung Fu Tea a 400-store chain that even started National Bubble Tea Day marked annually in the US on 30 April.

In comparison to Asia and to a lesser extent North America, the European bubble tea market is relatively nascent. However, valued above $300m and increasing 9% per year, the continents allure as a burgeoning bubble tea market is clear.

Highlighting this growth potential, Gong cha entered the Belgian and Portuguese markets in the last 12 months and has committed to opening 200 stores in France by 2033 following its Paris debut in June 2023.

Gong cha CEO Paul Reynish recently outlined an ambitious goal of opening 500 stores in the UK, where it currently has 13 sites, highlighting opportunities in a coffee shop market he described as saturated.

Like New York, London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with large communities from across Southeast Asia. In August 2023, Chinese tea chain Heytea made its European debut in Londons Chinatown, joining more than 25 branded bubble tea chains in the high footfall tourist enclave of Soho.

The European bubble tea market has grown a lot, especially after Covid-19 Jakub Woniczka, Franchise Manager, Crazy Bubble

Polands Crazy Bubble is Europes largest bubble tea chain, with 170 stores |Photo credit: Crazy Bubble

Having launched in 2012, when European consumers still approached bubble tea with a dose of timidity, Franchise Manager Jakub Woniczka says the business has rapidly expanded to meet surging demand.

The European bubble tea market has grown a lot, especially after Covid-19. We have opened about 100 outlets in the last two years alone, he says.

With European consumers becoming increasingly familiar with bubble tea, Crazy Bubble entered Finland, its sixth European market, in September 2023 and is currently seeking new franchise partners across the continent.

We want to maintain our status as the largest bubble tea franchise brand in Europe and plan to have Crazy Bubble in most European countries within the next five years, potentially even outside of Europe, Woniczka adds.

Are coffee shops missing a drink?

With demand for bubble tea seemingly at an all-time high, could coffee shops harness more opportunities from the segment?

It is not just a matter of selling bubble tea coffee and bubble tea target audiences are very different. One is looking out for functional fulfilment and the other is looking for fun. Both require a different set of strategies to win customer loyalty, says Tealives Loo.

Not that some of the worlds largest coffee chains havent had a pop at bubble tea. Starbucks trialled its own iced coffee-based bubble beverages at US stores in California and Washington in January 2022 but has yet to announce a wider launch. Meanwhile, McDonalds Hong Kong has served bubble tea on its summer menu since 2020. However, coffee and fast-food brands are yet to produce an authentic bubble tea product, says Kody Wang.

The preparation requirements and know-how are not easily replicated and an enormous change in operations would be needed for them to make quality bubble tea products, he says.

Nevertheless, Europes largest coffee chain, Costa Coffee, introduced bubble tea and bubble frapp ranges to the UK market in May 2023. Additionally, boutique caf group EL&N is deploying vibrant green matcha and purple ube to complement its claim as the worlds most Instagrammable caf.

Tealive bubble tea cups | Photo credit: Tealive

Alongside catering to new audiences in North America and Europe, fierce competition in Asia is driving bubble tea chains to continuously reinvent their already extensive menus, with the inclusion of coffee gaining traction.

While bubble tea is up-and-coming in western markets, coffee has been developing rapidly in the east. We will continue to develop innovative coffee products through our R&D team, says Wang, referring to Coco Fresh Tea & Juices bubble tea and coffee range, which includes salty cream coffee, mocha coffee and matcha coffee with pearls.

Earlier this year Tealive also introduced its revamped Coffee by Tealive menu to promote new coffee-based creations, while Crazy Bubble offers hot and cold coffee customisation options across its bubble tea menu.

Although direct competition with coffee chains is unlikely in the near term, bubble tea brands are gaining market share in the US and Europe.

If established caf operators such as Costa Coffee and EL&N make a splash with their bubble ranges, more branded coffee chains could follow suit by expanding existing cold and iced beverage menus. Having burst onto the scene in the US and Europe, bubble teas global sphere of influence looks set to grow.

This article was first publishedinIssue 16 of 5THWAVE magazine. Subscribeto 5THWAVE to receive each edition in print and digitally or sign up to ournewsletterand be the first to read the latest articles and updates on World Coffee Portal research.

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Why it's boom time for bubble tea - World Coffee Portal

The weeks-long fight that finally gave Republican Rep. Mike Johnson the speaker's gavel saw the rank-and-file members of the party buck the top members of House GOP leadership.

The House selected Johnson the then-vice chairman of the House GOP conference as speaker nominee Wednesday three weeks after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted from the position.

Johnson's election to the speakership appears to have both empowered the rank-and-file members of the House GOP and showed they have the muscle to back it up.

SPEAKER JOHNSON SUPPORTS $14B FOR ISRAEL, BUT SAYS AMERICA CANNOT BE DROPPING MONEY OUT OF HELICOPTERS

Though Johnson held a leadership role before running for the speakership, higher-ranking Republicans were rejected after failing to win enough support from the party.

Three top House Republicans made their bids for speaker House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, and Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio and all three bids failed with rank-and-file opposition, paving the path for Johnson's election.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The larger conservative wing of the party also gained some steam with Johnson's ascension to the gavel, as the new speaker is from among their numbers.

Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson, a Republican, told Fox News Digital that he sees Johnson's speakership as both empowering the members and uniting them behind the House GOP agenda.

"Restoring unity in our GOP conference was not solely about the person, it was about having a shared mission," Davidson said.

"Speaker Mike Johnson won on the first ballot with unanimous Republican consent, and I see this as empowering every member around our agenda," he continued.

Additionally, the election of Johnson a noted Christian conservative and former Republican Study Committee (RSC) chair to the speakership could also be seen as the zenith of the Tea Party Revolution.

Florida Rep. Scott Franklin, a Republican, told Fox News Digital its "not hard to see why Speaker Johnson was elected unanimously by the conference."

"If his record is any indication, hell bring people together to get things done without compromising principleand well always know where he stands," Franklin said.

"That inspires trust and respect within the conference, something the past three weeks has proven exceedingly difficult to do," the Florida congressman continued. "Hes exactly who we need to unite us and move forward."

Franklin added that with "a looming government funding deadline, a crisis on our southern border and the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war, its crucial the House gets back to work delivering on the promises we made to Americans."

Another House Republican lawmaker told Fox News Digital that Johnson's speakership creates "more of a member-driven house."

"It's refreshing," the lawmaker said.

"Speaker Johnson taking the gavel is the culmination of the GOPs shift that started with the Tea Party revolution 13 years ago," a House GOP aide told Fox News Digital.

"Leadership is catching up to the conference," the aide continued.

SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON DEFENDS STANCE ON SOCIAL ISSUES: 'GO PICK UP A BIBLE, THAT'S MY WORLDVIEW'

The new speaker is inheriting a packed plate of issues he'll have to take up that includes funding the government, aid for Israel and Ukraine amid their wars, and combating rising antisemitism in America.

Additionally, Johnson will have to balance the interests of the conservative wing with those of the House GOP moderates amid a slim four-seat majority.

The Louisiana Republican's first bill as speaker was passing a House resolution in support of Israel in its war against the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas.

The newly-minted speaker told Fox News in his first television interview since gaining the gavel that the U.S. stands firmly behind Israel. But at home, lawmakers and the Biden administration alike must find common ground and acknowledge "God is not done" with America yet, Johnson said.

Johnson told "Hannity" the House is primed to proffer a $14.5 billion support bill for Israel, slightly more than what the Louisiana Republican said Israel via the White House has asked for.

In terms of potential U.S. military involvement in Israel's fight for survival against Iran-backed Hamas, Johnson said he is hopeful to avert a boots-on-the-ground situation, but added that during a White House meeting Thursday he reminded President Biden's staff that they have limited ability to directly respond without congressional approval.

Johnson added that he has met previously with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and agreed that while Americans talk of "existential threats" stateside, Israel faces one or more daily.

Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed reporting.

Original article source: Rise of the rank-and-file: How Johnson's speakership empowers non-leadership, conservative wing of GOP

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Rise of the rank-and-file: How Johnson's speakership empowers non-leadership, conservative wing of GOP - Yahoo News

There are angels among us. I met Casey Embler of Thomasville, a senior at Appalachian State University, as she was planning a tea party in loving memory of her brother, Logan Embler, who died last November.

All the money Casey raised through this fundraiser was given to Caring Services, a program that offers a holistic approach in recovery from addictions.

It was Caseys mother, Amy, who told me about her daughters tea party. I met Amy as she was the nurse for Dr. David Haimes, who attended with his wife before he retired last year. I was so saddened to hear of the loss of her and her husbands son, Logan. Would I come to the tea to celebrate his life? Of course. I have known Becky Yates, executive director of Caring Services, for many years and admire its work. Becky and several of her staff attended Logans tea party.

I cant believe Ive never been to an event at The Finch House in Thomasville before Casey Embler planned this tea! Amy proudly told me Casey planned the event herself, knocking on doors for sponsorships, cold-calling for silent auction items, doing anything she could in memory of her beloved brother.

Tea Service sponsors were MODINC and R&R Development. Tea Pot sponsors were LC Bailey Consulting, Crossover Roofing, Ilderton, Jeff and Brenda Carr and David and Bonnie Horney. There were also many Tea Cup and Teaspoon sponsors.

I was warmly greeted arriving at the Finch House. Floral dresses and fascinators were in abundance. Oops, I forgot my fascinator!

The large number attending this tea was a testament to the love for the Embler family. As we were seated in various rooms of the lovely house, the music of violinist Sierra Smith permeated the air. Casey spoke in each room. She spoke eloquently: I am the daughter of David and Embler. My brother was Logan. I would like to say a huge thank you to you all. Its really amazing what can be done with a little bit of courage, determination, and perseverance.

Casey continued: Logan is not here with us anymore, but I believe hes celebrating with us. For those who did not have the privilege of knowing Logan, he was a character. He was sarcastic, lighthearted, and free-spirited. In his brief but impactful time on this earth, he left many virtues I would like to share with you. The first is gratitude. Never take anything for granted. Life is short, sweet, and even sour at times but make it count. Hug the ones that you love. Never say goodbye without I love you, and if theres something that you want to achieve, do it. Theres no need to wait as you dont know what tomorrow will bring. Find good things any time you can, and always seek gratitude. Look for the light. The second is compassion. Each of us have a unique experience true to our own struggles. Show compassion towards others even in times of frustration and bitterness. You have no idea the battles someone is fighting. Learn to be open-minded. Try to understand what you dont understand. Love one another, and treat those around you with respect. Third is hope. Have optimism and trust. I like to say its finding the flowers and the weeds and trusting that more flowers will bloom. if good does not come try changing your perspective because maybe youre not finding the flowers within the weeds. I want you to use gratitude compassion and hope as you move forward today. I ask that you all find gratitude in today. Find compassion for those that dont meet your agenda. Look for hope. Your attendance today is going towards providing help to those facing substance abuse addiction. Logans tea party is a steppingstone to a greater good.

As patrons sipped tea and nibbled on scones and cucumber sandwiches, two young professionals now with young families rotated throughout the rooms to share their personal stories. Both had been clients of Caring Services. Both were friends of Logan. For this story they will remain anonymous

Ms. X is a lovely, well-spoken young woman. She told how she was an alcoholic, sober now since 2016, and through a court order was sent directly to Caring Services. With determination she kept moving forward. She stayed at one of the Caring Services homes for a year. She had nothing. Then she was able to get a job, a car with like 30% interest rate, she said. Caring Services taught me so much about life, how to manage my life. Today my life looks very different. I am married. I have a job. I have two beautiful children. Im grateful how something negative can turn into something beautiful. Logan was a very special person. Mr. X, who attended with his wife and has two young children, talked about Logan: He was a special guy, full of joy, laughter, and happiness. There was a never dull moment with Logan around. Ten years ago I was a participant Caring Services. I grew up in Georgia in a house with two loving parents. We were Southern Baptist, so there was no alcohol in our home. We attended church three days a week. I had a good childhood. I never saw myself drinking abusively or doing drugs, but when I was 16 my parents split up. I was angry at them, angry at the world.

One night he took his first shot of liquor. That led to smoking pot, pain pills, and then heroin. He said, School didnt matter. My family didnt matter. He moved with his dad to High Point. He thought his problems would be left behind. They werent. He found Caring Services. There he developed a relationship with God and with their incredible support reintegrated into society. He said donations to Caring Services change lives. His life was not only changed but saved.

Casey Embler raised over $15,000 for Caring Services. Casey Embler is an angel among us.

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Angel helps those in addiction recovery | Life | hpenews.com - High Point Enterprise