INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Join a 12" section of pipe with a 18" section of pipe using a T joint. Cap both ends in L joints. Make a second, identical piece. Join these two sides together at the L joint on end closer to the T joint using a 26" pieces of pipe. Make a separate piece with a T joint at the center and two 12" pieces. Then, join at the upper ends together with this piece.  All pieces should be dry fit before doing any trimming. Your end shape should be a rectangle. If your pieces aren't fitting together right, they can be trimmed down. The long side T joints should be facing into the inside of the rectangle. The upper T joint will need to be adjusted but will likely be around a 45 degree angle from the line of the long side. Place a 2" section of pipe into the long side T joints and cap with a mirrored T joint. Make the long sides the same as with the vertical section (12 and 18" pipe sections capped with L joints). However, join the ends closest to the center T joint with an 18" section and the other end with 8" sections and a T joint. You should now have two rectangles, one inside the other, and joined at their lower third point. The seat is formed between the short portion of the horizontal section and the long portion of the vertical section. The chair rests on the long end of the horizontal section and the short end of the vertical section. Adjust the angle that the two pieces meet at until you like the angle of the back and seat. Measure the distance between the remaining T joints on the long sides needed to create the angle you want. Cut a piece of pipe to your desired length and insert it into the two T joints. A sling which reaches between the top part of the chair and the front edge of the seat creates the space for you to sit down. You can make this sling out of fabric or you can even make it out of something like Duct tape. All it is is a long section of fabric with tubes at either end that you fit onto the PVC pipe. You can sew these tubes into place or you can even cheat and use iron on velcro. Your PVC beach chair is now done. Don't forget that you can change any of the measurements to make the chair larger or smaller, or even use thinner PVC pipe.

SUMMARY: Make the vertical section. Create the joint. Make the horizontal section. Measure for your desired angle. Cut and insert the back brace. Create the sling. Enjoy!


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Most herbs used to make sleep aids are available either in loose-leaf form to brew as a tea or as readymade supplements. You may find that making the evening herbal tea part of your relaxation ritual helps you get to sleep. If you don't like herbal tea, a supplement might be a better option. Decide which option you'd prefer for your sleep aid. Keep in mind that drinking an herbal tea before bed may increase the chances that you will need to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. This can disrupt your sleep. If you decide to use herbs as a tea, boil water and add either 1 teaspoon (about 2/3 g) of loose herb (or 1 tea bag for options that come packaged) to a cup of boiled water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain if necessary and add honey and/or lemon to taste. For herbal teas, reputable companies include Alvita and Traditional Medicinals. For loose-leaf teas, try Mountain Rose Herbs or Gaia Herbs. If you prefer to take herbal sleep aids as a supplement, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many herbal sleep aids are combinations of one or more herbs. Try to ensure you buy quality supplements by buying only organic supplements, checking expiration dates for freshness, looking for verifiable contact information for the company, and looking for “seals of approval” from the Natural Products Association (NPA), Consumer Labs, or the US Pharmacopeia (USP).  You also want to make sure the manufacturer follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Valerian root is a mild sedative that allows you to fall asleep faster and better. These sedative properties are thanks to a chemical compound called valepotriate.  Valerian should not be used with children under 3 years old and may interact with prescription medicines such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.  Valerian tea is an acquired taste, so add a bit of honey and/or lemon to suit your tastes. Passiflora/passionflower comes from South America and has been used since the time of the Aztecs. It reduces anxiety and has a light, pleasant taste. It can lower blood pressure, so if you take blood pressure medications, talk to your physician first.  Do not use passionflower if you are pregnant, because it may induce contractions.  Passiflora has not been studied in children. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional to determine a safe dose for children. Chamomile increases calm and reduces anxiety. German chamomile is more commonly found than Roman chamomile, but you can use either one. Chamomile contains a flavonoid called apigenin, which is responsible for its relaxing properties.  Chamomile is safe for children, but dilute the tea with warm water (use 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of tea and add 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water). Chamomile can interact with a number of medications, including blood thinners, anti-seizure medications, birth control, and antidepressants. Talk to a knowledgeable healthcare professional before use. You should not take chamomile if you are pregnant due to the risk of the herb inducing a miscarriage. Kava kava is a Polynesian herb, long used to decrease anxiety. Kava kava can interact with a number of prescription medications, so talk to a knowledgeable healthcare professional before use. Kava kava's safety has not been determined in children under 18 years old or pregnant/nursing women. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) can also reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, but you should not use it if you are pregnant or have an overactive thyroid. Lemon balm has Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status in the U.S. and can be used with children older than 3 years old, but dilute the tea with warm water (use 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of tea and add 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water). Ashwaganda (or withania) is an Indian herb traditionally used to help induce sleep and treat anxiety. It can interact with diabetes and high blood pressure medications, so talk to a knowledgeable healthcare professional before using it. Melatonin is the “sleep hormone” and can help regulate sleep cycles. Melatonin may interact with prescription medications (including those taken for diabetes, seizures, and high blood pressure) and should not be taken when pregnant or nursing. Do not use more than 1 to 3 milligrams of melatonin nightly, except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Commercially available in the amino acid formula GABAdone, 5-HTP is used by the body to make a neurotransmitter, serotonin, known to be involved in sleep. You should not take 5-HTP in combination with antidepressants or other sedatives. Do not take more than 50 to 100 milligrams nightly, except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. For children who are too young or if you cannot take many of these herbs due to drug interactions, you can make a soothing aromatherapy sachet to place near your pillow at night. Try mixing 1/2 cup (about 20 g) of the following:  Hops Chamomile flowers Lavender flowers Lemon balm If you cannot find a loose-leaf version of these herbs, you can also try using a few drops of essential oils, especially of lavender or chamomile, to rub on your temples before bed.

SUMMARY:
Decide whether you want a tea or a supplement. Follow a proper brewing method for the tea. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for supplements. Try valerian root. Use passiflora/passionflower. Try chamomile. Take kava kava. Use lemon balm. Try ashwaganda. Try using melatonin. Take 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). Try aromatherapy sachets near your pillow.