sleep

Recent research on sleep disorders and their prevention. sleeping problems - even sleep disorders - appear to be in the rise in our modern world, for a variety of [detalii...]

On Monday night 1 000 Somalis congregated in Bellville after fleeing the townships and informal settlements where they operate shops and vendor stalls. If they could find sleep-over accommodation they would. If not, they said, they would sleep in the [detalii...]

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Prince Fielder finally got to sleep about 90 minutes after the sun rose on Friday. No doubt hell sleep well after providing the biggest hit for a Milwaukee club that just wouldnt give [detalii...]

It is generally believed that human beings spend a third of their lives in bed. But most of the time, they end up not getting the desired rest. It is common to find people complaining of not having a good sleep. Most people have attributed such sleepless nights to the activities of satanic forces in their [detalii...]

Thousands of people sleep in Rumbeks freedom square as well in Yirol West County on Friday waiting for South Sudans independence celebrations [detalii...]

The women of Makoko, a low-lying slum close to the Lagos Lagoon along Nigerias Atlantic coast, always sleep with one eye open. Many live in fear that when they go to sleep at night they will wake to flooded homes and [detalii...]

Roger Federer shared Sunday that he didnt have the best sleep coming into his first BNP Paribas Masters final, and it wasnt just because he was anxious about winning the title at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament. The Swiss, a father to two-year-old twins, was given a 4am wake-up call by his daughter. [[More Tennis News on [detalii...]

"When I left the match [at 59-59], I really thought it was a dream," said John Isner, the winner of the longest ever match in the 136-year history of lawn tennis. "I didnt sleep great. I only slept for four hours." [[More Tennis News on [detalii...]

James Anderson: Lack of sleep a small price to pay for overtime that helped earn England the Ashes urn against [detalii...]

They all went to sleep just like it was any other night but the next morning, many families were less by one person or many people. A mudslide had changed their lives [detalii...]

The Ashes can be thrilling but staying awake is never easy. We asked the sleep therapist Humphrey Klinkenberg for tipsWhat are the effects of sleep deprivation?Principally, it slows down reaction times, makes you feel tetchy, frustrated and generally exhausted. This is because the brain has not rested, not had the required Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, and, as such, there are stress chemicals moving around the body which can be cured only through a prolonged period of sleep.What are the major health risks associated with sleep deprivation?Constant and excessive lack of sleep can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure and even diabetes. If someone does an all-nighter one day then it is imperative they get between eight and nine hours of sleep the following day; a failure to do so could lead to an instant deterioration in health. With regard to the Ashes, no one should attempt to stay awake throughout the full five days of any given Test; they must get some sleep in between, even if that means missing a day or mores play. If someone does want to watch consecutive days play then they should take the afternoon off work, or even a whole day off work, and get some sleep before play begins that night.What is the best way of managing sleep and staying awake?Having a nap as soon as you get home from work is a good idea, although you should wake up at least one hour before play starts to ensure you are properly alert. Have a light meal when you do wake up and make sure it is not high in carbohydrates as that will make you feel sleepy. Instead, make the meal high in protein as that will do a better job of keeping you awake. If you get hungry during the night, when play has begun, continue to avoid carbohydrates and stick with high protein foods. Main foods to avoid: bread, chips, potatoes, doughnuts. Main foods to eat: chicken, beef, eggs, cheese, nuts.What aids/supplements will help people stay awake and which should be avoided? Replace the bulbs in the room where you are going to watch the Ashes with daylight bulbs which will make the room brighter and less an environment that encourages you to doze off. In that respect, it is also important to keep the room cool, which can be easily achieved by opening a window or having a fan turned on at a low setting. Do not get too comfortable, ie do not sit on a sofa where you may have previously fallen asleep. Sit on another one, or even a chair. It may also help to take notes during play, such as keeping track of the score, as this will keep the brain active and give you motivation to stay awake. Going for regular, short walks is also advisable. At all costs, avoid a large amount of caffeine as that will keep you awake, but once the effects wear off you will drop off suddenly and then feel very jittery in the morning. Alcohol should also be given a wide berth.Any other tips? Do not go straight to bed the day after an Ashes all-nighter as a means of catching up on your sleep. There is nothing to suggest that people who sleep for 12 hours feel better or react better than people who sleep for eight or nine hours. In fact, people who sleep for 12 hours are more likely to feel more grumpy than those who get three or four hours less sleep. The body and brain needs a good nights sleep, not a long nights sleep. What to do tomorrow7.30am Start with a high-protein breakfast to provide energy for work and train the brain to stay alert and awake for longer. Scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages are advisable8am Walk to work if possible as this will also train the brain1pm Ensure your lunch is also made up of high-protein foods6.30pm Take a nap as soon as you get back from work, but ensure you wake up at least one hour before play starts and have a high-protein dinner11pm Go for a short walk as that will help get your body and brain active.11.30pm Put daylight lamps on in the room and open a couple of windows2am, 4.40am and 7amHave a nap between sessions and one before getting ready for work7.45am Take a vitamin B supplement alongside breakfast to reduce stress resulting from a lack of sleepHumphrey Klinkenberg is a therapist at the Gloucester-based sleep clinic and consultancy, sleepwiseAshesCricket guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

hypnagogic: inducing sleep; of or pertaining to [detalii...]

Colin Calderwood could sleep a little easier after his Hibernian side recorded their first victory since [detalii...]

Apprehension, gripped the Benjamins two months ago, following the sudden disappearance of their thirteen -year-old daughter identified simply as [detalii...]

"England debuted their much-discussed all-black kit against Wales at Twickenham but there was little to suggest the real All Blacks will lose any sleep." Graham Jenkins [detalii...]

Ubaldo Jimenez has learned its not easy to sleep the night after throwing a [detalii...]

Homicide detectives have commenced investigations into the death of one Ngozi Onyii Onuneme from Ogiri, Isiala Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo [detalii...]

Ospreys director of coaching Scott Johnson admitted he will enjoy a better nights sleep following Saturdays nail-biting victory over [detalii...]

Olympic sailors love their boats, but not enough to sleep in them - causing a storm of protests by residents on Isle of [detalii...]

Every night a Kenyan youth goes to sleep, lack of a stable income is the main thing troubling his or her [detalii...]

The early morning church bells and amplified voice of the Wandegeya mosque Muazzin at 5:45am broke Arwa Elrabies fitful sleep, reminding her that it was time to chase her dreams and [detalii...]

Naughty, picky and noisy children in the neighbourhood can really be a disruption and disturb your sleep. Phillip Kyesimira writes how you can deal with such [detalii...]

Robin Soderling eases past Mikhail Youzhny 6-1, 6-4 in Miami Tomas Berdych reaches last four after beating Fernando VerdascoRobin Soderling comfortably brushed aside Mikhail Youzhny to reach the semi-finals of the the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, winning 6-1, 6-4.Youzhny shocked the No5 seed by breaking his serve in the first game of the match but Soderling reacted in style, winning the next seven games to go a set and a game up.Neither player was particularly impressive on their serve in the second set and there were four successive breaks before Soderling broke the No13 seeds serve for the sixth time and then served out for the match.The Swede will meet Tomas Berdych in the last four after the Czech battled back from a set down to see off the No10 seed Fernando Verdasco.Berdych, who had eliminated the world No1 Roger Federer in the previous round, endured another gruelling contest as the 16th seed defeated Verdasco 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in little under three hours.There was little to choose between the pair in a bruising encounter, with both Berdych and the Spaniard each saving seven out of nine break points. "It was a great match, definitely," said Berdych."The beginning for me was a little bit slow, because I was still feeling a little bit tired after the long, long match against Roger, finishing that late in the night."You know, just get to sleep like 3.15, 3.30 in the night. I like to sleep, but I didnt get my best sleep. But then finally I get the rhythm, start to play really well."I think the beginning of the third set Fernando was a little bit struggling. He was maybe a little bit tired. But that was my advantage. Im very happy that I can use it and go through."Tennis guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Awakened by his first call to the majors on Friday morning, top Chicago Cubs prospect Starlin Castro shook off sleep and disbelief to become an immediate [detalii...]

Two girls of school age were, on Sunday in Nakasari Ward in the Sokoto South Local Government Area, killed in their sleep when a building housing them [detalii...]

Novak Djokovic had very little sleep after his historic Australian Open victory over Rafael Nadal, which finished in the early hours of Monday morning. [[More Tennis News on [detalii...]

land of Nod: [detalii...]

I sleep like a baby, insists American cyclist 38-year-old nearly 40 minutes behind race leader Andy SchleckSeven-time champion Lance Armstrong insists "I sleep like a baby" and denied the ongoing investigation into doping allegations levelled at him by Floyd Landis was behind his poor Tour de France display.An investigation was initiated by the United States Food and Drug Administration after Landis, who was stripped of the 2006 Tour title after testing positive for testosterone, accused many of his former team-mates at the United States Postal Service team, including Armstrong, of doping. Armstrong has never tested positive and strenuously denies all the allegations.The 38-year-old began the 97th Tour with ambitions of an eighth title but fell out of contention on the opening Alpine stage and following yesterdays first Pyrenean stage lies 39 minutes 44 seconds behind race leader Andy Schleck in 38th place. Speaking ahead of Sundays 14th stage, Armstrong denied his uncharacteristic bike handling, which again saw him fall on Saturday, is due to the investigation."I might be distracted, but Im not distracted on the things people are speculating Im distracted on," Armstrong told velonews.com. "I dont have any fear about any of that. I know whats gone on in my life. Falling over because you are distracted in the race, or talking to people, or thinking about time on the beach in two weeks, thats one thing. But if I was distracted about the other stuff, I wouldnt sleep at night. And I sleep like a baby."Armstrong won seven Tour titles between 1999 and 2005 before retiring. He returned in 2009, finishing third, but announced last month this years race would be his last. Although he is out of contention for the overall title, a stage win remains Armstrongs aim. "Im going to do my best, but its not easy," he said. "I think every rider in the bunch knows I want a stage."Armstrong has six days of racing remaining to achieve his 26th stage win before he completes his 13th Tour in Paris next Sunday.Lance ArmstrongTour de FranceCycling guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Graham Gooch is yet to lose any sleep over Englands collective lack of runs against [detalii...]

Former Ugandan President Godfrey Binaisa died in his sleep on Thursday August 5 at his home in Makindye - a Kampala suburb at 90 [detalii...]

Hundreds of Ugandans lured to South Africa with promises of education and job opportunities have ended up on Johannesburg streets [detalii...]

The repeated hooting of the Ostrich bus announces the break of dawn in Nguruman, a pastoralist village about 150 kilometers south of Nairobi near the Tanzania border. It also stirs Kipaa Ole Kitesho from sleep to answer the call of a new [detalii...]

Brewers utility man Erick Almonte went home to sleep under supervision after becoming the first major leaguer placed on the new seven-day disabled list for [detalii...]

Fraizer Campbell played key role in helping Hull into Premier League but he will be doing his best to push club back into [detalii...]

Seven-times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong is not losing any sleep over a US federal investigation into allegations of doping in his [detalii...]

Fabio Capello doesnt want his players to score too oftenThe question about whether or not the UKs World Cup squad should lie back and think of England once more rears its head. Manager Fabio Capello has limited the access his players will have to their wives and girlfriends to one day after each game, with further restrictions should the team progress."There is a historic element that has become a kind of mythology in sport," says Greg Whyte, professor of applied sport and exercise science at Liverpool John Moores University. "The Ancient Greeks believed that sex was detrimental in the build up to the Olympics - that it sapped energy, lowered test-osterone and reduced aggression. But research runs counter to this. There have been a few studies on sex before sport and they have shown it has no effect on performance. However, sleep quality is crucial in terms of performance and sex can enhance sleep, so therefore it may enhance performance." Unless its preventing them getting any sleep.Not all teams are facing a sex ban. Argentinas team doctor Donato Villani was reported in the Sun last week as saying: "Sex is a normal part of social life and is not a problem. The disadvantages are when it is with someone who is not a stable partner or when the player should be resting." It is very important, he notes, that "the action should not reverberate in the legs of the players." It appears that style, rather than sex, is the main concern. In Euro 2004, Croatias players were told by team doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic that their love- making should "not involve any excessive sex"."I certainly never found it had any effect on my performance," George Best once said, though he added: "Maybe best not the hour before." Take it from a man who knew. World Cup 2010EnglandFabio CapelloEmine Saner guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

LIKE the biblical Rachel who wept uncontrollably and refused to be consoled over the massacre of her children, Mrs Marian Kalu has vowed not to sleep until she sets her eyes on her daughter, Chinedu, whom she took to a church for a spiritual cleansing but disappeared into thin air, hours later in the [detalii...]

Many people take access to food, shelter and clothing, three basic needs of the human race, for granted. They have never known hunger, homelessness or nakedness. But the fact remains that about one billion people go to sleep hungry every night, according to the World Disaster [detalii...]

Nomonde Vumazonke is one of about 100 learners from schools across the Cape Peninsula who have spent two nights camping outside Parliament in an attempt to pressure the Minister of Education to adopt Norms and Standards for all public schools in the [detalii...]

Mick Cleary: such was the timidity and naivety of Englands Six Nations display in Dublin it is hard to salute them as [detalii...]

The prevalence of HIV among men who sleep with men (MSM) in Nigeria has increased to 17.2% last year, up from 13.5% in 2007, according to a 2010 behavioural surveillance of groups thought to be at high risk of [detalii...]

I dont know if there is a parent out there who does not enjoy the holidays. Aside from the high budget which becomes even higher when school goers are at home and that sometimes its hard to find productive ways to engage the children, its always nice to have them at home. For starters, you get to enjoy some extra moments of sleep, something I cannot over emphasis especially on cold rainy [detalii...]

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has said Australia will be giving Germany sleepless nights before their World Cup [detalii...]

Paul Darbyshire loses battle against motor neurone disease Former player and coach died in his sleep early on MondayThe former Warrington player Paul Darbyshire has lost his battle with motor neurone disease at the age of 41, the Super League club have announced.Darbyshire spent 18 years at his hometown club, initially as a player and then as a member of the backroom staff until 2007 when he moved to Munster as a strength and conditioning coach.He made 106 appearances for Warrington from 1989-97 and kicked a goal in their 1990 Challenge Cup final defeat by Wigan at Wembley.Darbyshire was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last September and the club say he passed away in his sleep earlier on Monday.A Warrington spokesperson said: "Many at the club knew and worked alongside Paul for many years and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are totally with his family and friends at this difficult time."Warrington plan to make a tribute to Darbyshire at Fridays game home game against St Helens.WarringtonRugby league guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Growing up wasnt easybecause Im from a polygamous home. In fact, my father had three children from three different women including my mother in less than one week. My mother had eight of us but she did her best to provide for us almost like a single mother, especially after my father died. But then, she didnt earn much and so we didnt have enough most of the [detalii...]

Despite missing leading scorer Brandon Roy, the Blazers spoiled what otherwise was a perfect record for home teams during the opening weekend of the playoffs, pulling out a surprising win in Phoenix. As the Suns lick their wounds from the 105-100 loss, Steve Nash and Co. are likely to lose some sleep over the following elements that left them without homecourt in the first [detalii...]

Bulls captain Victor Matfield said that he would sleep much easier than the previous time his team enjoyed a week off during the Super Rugby competition. Report: Bulls bounce back... | Crusaders sweat over Franks | Blue Bulls stay alive in [detalii...]

Just under three years ago, people in the village of Gumbi in western Malawi went unexpectedly hungry. Not like Europeans do if they miss a meal or two, but that deep, gnawing hunger that prevents sleep and dulls the senses when there has been no food for [detalii...]

Recent revelations from Wikileaks about the interactions between senior American diplomats and the leadership of their host countries have unsettled quite a few countries. From Washington to London, Sydney to the Vatican and Rabat to Abuja, leaders have lost quite some sleep on revelations from Wikileaks. Sometimes these leaks leave serious intelligence [detalii...]

Cardiff striker says he "could not sleep" after being called up to England squad for friendly against France at [detalii...]

Scientific literature shows that man is more knowledgeable and intelligent than all animals. But we also know that animals like human beings cry, hurt, love, eat and sleep. Animals have feelings just like human beings. As such, through natural behaviours, animals socialise, feel happy and can get [detalii...]

After 22 years of civil war, more than 8 million south Sudanese will wake up on July 9 to a dream fulfilled--independence. They will dance and sing, and honk their car horns for the whole world to hear. But when the evening comes and Africas 54th country retires to sleep, what new dreams or preoccupations will occupy their [detalii...]

Ghana are through to the finals of the All Africa Games after edging out rivals, Nigeria in the final qualifying round. Ghana produced an outstanding performance to beat arch-rivals Nigeria 2-0 in Kumasi on Sunday to qualify for the All African [detalii...]

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has advised the senior national team manager, Stephen Keshi to be more proactive in his bid to build a formidable team for the country ahead of the the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup qualifiers next [detalii...]

Injured Manchester City defender a doubt to face United I will do anything and everything to be ready for that gameMicah Richards is to install an oxygen chamber in his house in a bid to be fit for Manchester Citys FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United. The defender is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in the England Under-21s win over Denmark on Thursday.Initial speculation suggested Richards would be out of action for a month, ending his hopes of helping City reach their first major final since 1981. But he is not giving up quite so easily."I will do anything and everything to be ready for that game," Richards said. "I knew straight away what I had done because I heard the dreaded ping. It is a bit sore but Im hoping it is not too bad."Some of the other lads have used an oxygen tent to help them recover more quickly from injuries so I am willing to give it a go. I will sleep in the thing if necessary. I want to be available for that game against United. It is going to be a great occasion."Richards will be missing when City entertain Sunderland on Sunday. They also have a trip to Liverpool on 11 April before the United match on 16 April."It is a bit of a sickener picking up the injury at this time," Richards added. "We had a lot of games in quick succession but I felt I was holding my form quite well."Manchester CityManchester UnitedFA Cup guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Ten years after world leaders committed to halve world hunger by 2015, little progress has been made to reduce the number of people who go to sleep hungry, and many hard-won achievements have been undone by the global economic, food and fuel crises, according to a new report released today by international relief and development organization Oxfam [detalii...]

"I was sleeping outside with some of my brothers when we were jolted from sleep at about 2 am on Sunday by cries of women and children, and pandemonium all around us", recalls Zakaria Elisha (25), a Christian and trader of Nasarawa, a Christian dominated suburb of Kaduna, on his sick bed at St. Gerard Hospital, Kaduna, his face swathed in bandage, soaked in [detalii...]

Sometime in the early 1990s, I had a long conversation with a man who was a close confidante of a former political prisoner. He gave me a detailed account of what his friend had gone through barely 18 months ago, and what it was like to sleep on a cold cement floor with only a single bedbug-ridden blanket to cover yourself with. How some prison warders were sympathetic but others did not bother to conceal their immense pleasure at being able to humiliate a man who had dared oppose the government of President Daniel [detalii...]

Four-time Olympic champion Matthew Pinsent knows the importance of a good night’s sleep before competition – which is why he was on hand to help install the first of 16,000 beds at the London 2012 Olympic Village. Pinsent once famously described the atmosphere in the village as like a “school disco” where “everyone is working [detalii...]

To Mrs Farida Waziri, who was sacked as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wednesday, November 23, 2011 will forever remain indelible in the mind. Thinking that the day would be like any other since she assumed office in 2008, she woke up from sleep without any foreboding that it would be a different day. She prepared for the days job, set out, and commenced work. But she got her daily routines interrupted by a rude media announcement that she has been [detalii...]

Bowler stays on Australian time during trip back to England Insists he will be physically and mentally ready for third TestNew father James Anderson has revealed he made sure he remained on Australian time during his trip back to England to witness the birth of his second child."I didnt try to acclimatise back to English conditions, just tried to stay on Australian time," said the England bowler, who arrived back in Perth yesterday afternoon ahead of the third Ashes Test. "I didnt get into a sleep routine in England. I think Ive done that well. I had a good nights sleep last night."Anderson is confident he will be physically and mentally prepared for Thursdays game at the Waca, despite his two trips round the world in the last week. "Ive got two days of preparation now," he said. "I dont see why theyre not going to go well, and I feel fresh, and probably happy for the rest from bowling after a tough first two Tests."The 28-year-old appeared grateful to his employers for allowing him to return home and accepted the job he does means he has to compromise on time spent with family - even during life-changing times."It was obviously nice to go back for a few days and be there for the birth," he said. "In an ideal world, I probably would have stayed a bit longer. But the nature of my job is Ive got to be here and try to perform at my best for England."England can retain the Ashes with victory in Perth, albeit at a ground where previously they have had little success.The AshesEngland cricket teamCricket guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Sprinter had lethal concentration of diphenhydramine in blood The 42-year-old was stripped of Olympic gold for dopingAntonio Pettigrew, the former world 400 metres champion, died in August of an antihistamine overdose, a state autopsy report said today.The death was ruled a suicide with "diphenhydramine toxicity" as the cause, according to the autopsy and an accompanying investigation report released by the North Carolina chief medical examiners office."A lethal concentration of diphenhydramine was detected in central and peripheral blood specimens," the autopsy found.Pettigrew, 42, was an assistant track and field coach at the University of North Carolina who was stripped of his 4x400m relay gold medal from the 2000 Olympics after admitting to doping. He also won the 400m world title in 1991. In addition to the Olympic gold, Pettigrew helped the US win three world titles in the 4x400m relay. He relinquished the Olympic gold and the world relay medals after admitting to using performance-enhancing substances.He was found unresponsive by friends in the back seat of his vehicle in central North Carolina on 10 August.An empty bottle of a sleep aid was found in the car, the investigation report said.Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is often used as a sleep aid and for the treatment of allergies."He told his wife to pray for him," the report said of a telephone call from Pettigrew the day before his body was found.Athletics guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

In a battle between two gunshy strikers, Frank Mir lulled Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic to sleep, then turned his lights out with a well-timed knee at UFC [detalii...]

Another fight, same result for Chuck Liddell: A late-round assault by Rich Franklin put "The Iceman" to sleep late in Round 1 at UFC [detalii...]

Britain's Mara Yamauchi is not losing any sleep over the New York Marathon debut of Kenya's Mary [detalii...]

Bowler will miss the Twenty20 and the first three ODIs Anderson was the leading wicket-taker on either sideJimmy Anderson, Englands most successful fast bowler in Australia since Frank Tyson 56 years ago, marked Englands Ashes victory by curling up in the dressing room and going to sleep.Anderson can be as cutting edge as an England cricketer gets. He is not the sort to go to sleep in the middle of a party. But he has had a demanding two months on the road and as soon as it was all over his body finally admitted it.Five Tests as leader of the attack, 24 wickets, sound claims to be regarded as the finest swing bowler in the world, and a dash home midway through the series to be at the birth of his second daughter, Ruby. It is not a bad piece of work.No wonder that he remarked through half-closed eyes: "Its been hectic and it has taken its toll. I actually had half-an-hours sleep after the presentations and initial celebrations because I was absolutely knackered."We have won the Ashes in Australia and the first thing I did was to sleep. Its not exactly rock and roll, but Ive not been that well this week."England have given Anderson licence to take a fortnight off, and miss the two Twenty20 internationals and first three ODIs. Nobody should question that. He will fly back to England for a second time, reacquaint himself with reality and change a nappy or two."It has just been a long seven weeks, especially with me going home and coming back," he said. "It has been one of the most emotional times for me in my life. It was amazing to get back home for the birth of my daughter. Then to come back here and celebrate Christmas with all the other families here except mine was quite tough."Im just delighted the way it has worked out and I cant wait to get back to England now. Id like to think Ive earned a bit of time off, although it wont all be feet up. Ill have a couple of days off, but then Ive got to stay fit because as soon as I get back out here Ill be playing one-day cricket."For a bowler feeling the strain, it was quite a display. Outswing, inswing, reverse swing, all delivered with immense accuracy. Throughout this series he has looked a true craftsman. That Alastair Cook would be named man of the series for his 766 runs was inevitable, but Anderson deserved all the honourable mentions going."The biggest thing that Ive improved on in the last few years is the length that I hit," he said. "I bowl the right length much more consistently now. You can have all the skills in the world but if you dont hit a good length then youre going to go for runs. I can swing the ball and reverse swing it and now I can hit the right length and I want to keep improving on that."When the ball is moving laterally it is a lot easier for us to have plans for the batsmen and you can set them up a bit more. It worked a couple of times in the second innings and it felt great. But our plans for each of their batsmen have worked throughout the series. Weve had good plans and weve executed them.Australia had heard that Anderson was no longer the shrinking violet of four years earlier, and they now believe it ."There were no doubts in my mind that I could perform out here," he said. "There might have been doubts elsewhere, but if anyone was judging me on how I bowled in Australia four years ago then theyre not a cricket supporter because in the last two or three years Ive really improved as a bowler."Im just delighted with my form. On this tour I think Ive bowled as well as I ever have. Hopefully it is just a starting point and I can kick on and improve even more."As the leading wicket taker on either side, the series confirmed Andersons position among the worlds best bowlers, but the 28-year-old was quick to deflect praise towards his team-mates."Ive been delighted with my form this tour," he said. "I enjoy my role leading the attack but my job has been made easier by the guys at the other end."[Chris] Tremlett has been amazing, so has [Graeme] Swann and [Tim] Bresnan, not forgetting [Stuart] Broad and [Steven] Finn."It was also announced that Simon & Schuster have acquired the rights to publish Andersons autobiography.Jimmy AndersonEngland cricket teamThe AshesCricketDavid Hopps guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Ancelotti: Now hes OK and will be back in his best condition Striker is helping club in world crusade against diseaseCarlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, has revealed that Didier Drogba has just recovered from a bout of malaria, a disease the club are helping to fight.The Ivory Coast striker has been on the Chelsea sidelines in recent weeks. This was put down to a virus and the player was only fit enough to be a second-half substitute against Liverpool on Sunday.But today Ancelotti revealed: "Didier has had problems. He had a virus and lost power in training. He lost his condition. Hes had treatment and now hes OK. Hell come back immediately in the best condition."He suffered, obviously, because he wasnt 100% but now, after treatment, hell be better. He had malaria. He had the tests in the last day, and they showed this kind of virus. I dont know where he got it from. I gave him a few days off and he went on holiday for a few days, and then he has malaria. But its over now. Hes OK."Chelsea have teamed up with their official international charity partner, Right To Play, to support the United Against Malaria initiative. United Against Malaria is a partnership of influential leaders, politicians, organisations, and sporting stars who joined forces ahead of the World Cup in South Africa with the objective of tackling a disease that kills an African child every 30 seconds.The campaign aims to change peoples behaviour by encouraging families to sleep under nets and take other steps to beat the disease by the next World Cup in 2014. Drogba himself welcomed the initiative, saying: "It is an important message we have to send. A net can seem like nothing but at the same time it can save a lot of lives just by protecting people when they sleep. It is very important in countries where malaria happens more. My foundation is involved because the objective of the foundation is health. We buy a lot of nets to give to people every year to help prevent malaria."Didier DrogbaChelsea guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Chinese tennis player Li Na has just won the French Open, but her husbands snoring nearly ruined her climb to the topAge: 29Appearance: Pleased and sweaty.Whys that? Well, shes Chinese and shes just won the French Open, becoming the first player from Asia to take any of the four big tennis titles.Good for her! Very good. And this comes after she reached the final of the Australian Open in January - despite another player, Jiang Shan, her husband and coach, keeping her awake all night with his snoring.That doesnt sound like good coaching to me. No. Li said she was going to make him sleep in the bathroom. Then she sacked him when she lost.Tennis is a bit of a minority sport in China, isnt it? Has anyone actually noticed her victory? A few; 95 million people watched it on TV, and a little more than two million have so far registered as Li Na fans. She says shes not going home until after Wimbledon, in the hope that things may have calmed down a bit.Thatll backfire if she wins. I think she was joking. And imagine the sponsorship money. Nike, Rolex and Haagen-Dasz have already paid to be her "partners" so far.Haagen-Dasz? But I scoff buckets of Haagen-Dasz and Im still crap at tennis! Perhaps youve been buying the wrong flavour?That must be it. Or perhaps you underestimate your talent? Li Na thinks that her countrymen have often just lacked confidence. "If there is a person like me who can prove we can do it, the young players in China will feel the same," she said.Inspiring. And now its just a matter of time until a Chinese man wins a grand slam too, I suppose? Yes. But maybe quite a lot of time. To date, no Chinese man has even been past the second round of an ATP tour event. Their best player, Bai Yan, is the world number 354.Perhaps their wives should stop making them sleep in the bath? That might improve their confidence. Good thought. You should go into coaching.Do say (as the Eurosport commentator did): "The Asian continent can celebrate as one!"Dont say: "Except the other tennis players."French Open 2011TennisFrench OpenChina guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

NEW YORK -- Watch your back, Josh McDaniels. Get ready for January, Matt Ryan. Whats gotten into you, Matt Cassel? The interim tag is a good thing, Leslie Frazier. You might be going on vacation for a week, Cortland Finnegan. sleep much last night, Steve Johnson? The NFL wants your secrets, Ron Rivera. Yours too, Rod Marinelli. Believe in the Fine Fifteen jinx, Arthur Blank? Apparently you really dont wear a cape, Michael Vick. Way to make the Hall of Fame semifinal list, Ed Sabol. Way to run, Peyton Hillis. Way to Tweet, Ryan Clark. What a play, Alfred [detalii...]

Experts back Fabio Capellos new policy of allowing his players to drink alcohol before games - as long as theres no shotsMuch has been made of the beer - or two - apparently consumed the night before Englands victory over Slovenia. Is there a lesson to be learned ahead of Sundays match with Germany, or is clean-living the only way to the World Cup?Henrietta Bailey, nutritional therapist with Pure Sports Medicine, suggests a zero-tolerance approach is indeed the best way forward: "If there is a big sporting event coming up then no alcohol should be consumed the day before."None at all? "If there absolutely is a need to drink," Bailey said, "then the key is to pace yourself - no shots, and match each drink with water."The main issues with drinking before a match are dehydration and potential sleep deprivation. One to two per cent dehydration can lead to a drop in performance of five to ten per cent - resulting in lethargy, poor coordination and problems with concentration. If I was Fabio [Capello] Id have them under lock and key."Lethargy, poor coordination and lack of concentration - sounds familiar. But personal trainer and sports nutritionist Jon Bell disagrees and thinks Capello could do far worse than letting his players enjoy a beer on Saturday evening."These players are in the prime of their lives, theyre more than capable of running round a pitch for 90 minutes," he said. "What theyre less capable of is relaxing and concentrating for 90 minutes. The team are preparing for a hugely pressurised occasion. One drink - like a pint of average-strength beer - will give them the psychological benefit of relaxation, but wont cause them any physical harm."Bells message for Capello is - give them a beer, but do it nice and early. "I suggest Fabio lets them all have a pint with their dinner on Saturday," he said. "As long as theyre not downing drinks straight before they go to bed - which could disturb their sleep - then they wont feel any negative effects. The longer the drink the better, so they get maximum relaxation for minimum alcohol intake. If they really want to make a night of it, I suggest shandy."EnglandWorld Cup 2010BeerJo McGuigan guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Blade Runner beats 400m personal best by half a second Pistorious could now compete in 2012 London OlympicsAfter running a world championship and Olympic-qualifying 400m time, the double amputee runner Oscar Pistorius claimed it was a "dream race", adding that he had "not been able to sleep".With his final attempt the South African, known as Blade Runner because he runs with carbon fibre prosthetic running blades, qualified for next months world championships by smashing his 400 metres personal best in Lignano, Italy on Tuesday.Pistorius clocked 45.07 seconds to record a time inside both the world championships and 2012 London Olympics qualifying mark."It was just a dream race," Pistorius, 24, said. "I just have not been able to sleep. I must have 300 messages congratulating me. I am sure tomorrow when I wake up [the accomplishment] is going to hit me. It is really humbling to know I have gotten so much support from everyone."The performance enabled Pistorius to become the first amputee sprinter to qualify for the world championships, which begin on 27 August in Daegu, South Korea His achievement was all the more dramatic as his qualifying time was recorded on the final day of eligibility for the South African team, he said."See you in Daegu sounds so wonderful," said Pistorius, who had both lower legs amputated when he was 11 months old.A multiple Paralympic gold medallist, the South African had sought for years to compete in the world championships and Olympics.The Court of Arbitration for Sport gave him a chance in 2008 when it ruled in his favour after a long legal battle with the International Association of Athletics Federations over the use of his running blades, which the IAAF said gave him an unfair advantage. But after the CAS decision, he failed to record a time inside the Olympic qualifying mark and missed the Beijing Games. On Tuesday, those previous disappointments were forgotten."With 180 metres out, I just decided to set out for the end, and I really ran a very comfortable last 100 metres," Pistorius said. "It is kind of strange because I broke my personal best by half a second, which is ridiculous," he said with a satisfying chuckle.Oscar PistoriusWorld Athletics ChampionshipsOlympic Games 2012Olympics 2012: AthleticsAthletics guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Assessment of Celtic Manor conditions put back to 4pm One-sided matches needed for Ryder Cup to finish on timeThe Ryder Cup is set to be extended into a fourth day due to the torrential downpour that waterlogged the Twenty Ten course and suspended play at 9.45 this morning, two hours after play began.Although officials retained hope of salvaging further play today it seems unlikely as no further announcement is to be made until 4pm. This raises the prospect of all but two hours of the first day being washed out.A statement said: "As the rain continues the course remains unplayable. Based on the latest forecast we are still hopeful of play this afternoon. There will be a further announcement at 16.00."Only four hours of play can be made up on Sunday morning before the 12 singles matches start just after 11.30am. The first reassessment of conditions has been pushed back to 2pm, meaning that unless some of the games are won by large margins, which might allow the competition to catch up, the winners will be decided on Monday.At the moment, Europe are 3-1 up. If the Cup cannot be finished in regulation time by the close of Sunday afternoon then play can go until sunset at 6.43pm on Monday. If it is still not completed by then, Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin, the Europe and USA team captains, have agreed that the result will be decided by the teams standing at that point.Montgomerie, a veteran of eight Ryder Cups, confessed there was widespread confusion. "Its a bizarre situation because nobody really knows, including ourselves, whats going on here. Nobody talks about the weather in Ryder Cups - only the result," he said. "Lets hope [at the end] we dont talk about the weather here in Wales."Pavin said: "The biggest issue is the bunkers - how theyre filling up with water. It [the rain] doesnt affect it [our strategy] but just pushes it back. Im just trying to stay awake. Its kind of boring to wait for it to stop raining."Hopefully we can get the whole Ryder Cup [finished] and thats the ultimate goal - so we can get a proper result."Martin Kaymer, who is partnering Lee Westwood, said: "The weather is not so nice now but I would have liked to play on - this is our weather. European weather. We havent got a lot of sleep recently but we will sleep even less but thats OK. Hopefully we can finish by Sunday."Luke Donald, who with Padraig Harrington trails Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton by two after two holes, said: "If it was an ordinary event we would not even have started. Its a shame but there is nothing we can do about it. Most of the fairways were all casual [under casual water] and if you had to drop it, it would be in the rough."Westwood added: "Its most disappointing for everyone associated with Celtic Manor and the people of Wales."Ryder CupGolfJamie Jackson guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

It is more important Chelsea win than I score, says striker Torres out to forget domestic drought in Spains Euro qualifierFernando Torres is not losing any sleep over his failure to score for Chelsea. The Spaniard has been unable to find the target in seven appearances since joining Carlo Ancelottis side in a 50m deal from Liverpool on transfer deadline day.Torres has joined up with his national side to prepare for the Euro 2012 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Granada on Friday but he says domestic concerns will not weigh heavily on his mind while on international duty."I am not anxious about the fact that I havent scored my first goal for Chelsea," Torres said while on a visit to his home town of Fuenlabrada near Madrid."This is an issue for the papers, not for me. I am confident that the goals will soon come. It is more important that Chelsea win than I score."Fernando TorresChelsea guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]