Sleep-Is it really that important to your health and wellbeing?

Well, yes! On a scale of 1-10 I give it a 9.999999.  Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example,sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. On going sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Without enough sleep one can become depressed, stressed, overweight and forgetful. Sleep curbs inflammation (so important in prevention of disease) and helps with fat burning and blood sugar regulation. Isn’t 6 hours enough…..No. Sleep deprivation significantly affects cognition and the detoxification of certain proteins in the brain during sleep has been linked to prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep deprivation has the same effect on your immune system as physical stress or illness, which may help explain why lack of sleep is tied to an increased risk of numerous chronic diseases.

One reason why so many people get so little sleep, have insomnia and/or such poor sleep, can be traced back to a master clock disruption. In short, most people spend their days indoors, shielded from bright daylight, and then spend their evenings in too-bright artificial light. As a result, their body clocks get out of sync with the natural rhythm of daylight and nighttime darkness, and when that happens, restorative sleep becomes elusive.

How can we get a good nights sleep? Go to bed at the same time every night. Sleep at least 8 hours and get up at the same time, even on the weekends. Stay away from computers, cell phones and television for at least 1 hour before bedtime, read a book or take a hot relaxing bath. Sleep in a cool dark room, avoid EMF’s and replace your lighted alarm clock with one with no light. Get some sun in the morning to help set your internal clock. Get some exercise every day, eat right and lower stress levels. Practice leaving work or family problems at the bedroom door. There are some natural supplements that can help too. melatonin, B-vitamins , GABA, ashwaganda, rhodiola and adrenal support.

Oh and did I mention coffee? Give it up, not only will the caffeine keep you up but is causes stress on the adrenal glands  and is detrimental to cortisol levels, hormones and neurotransmitters. Try a cup of green tea in the morning, it has antioxidants that are good for you and gives you the caffeine lift you crave in the morning.

Submitted by Tricia @ Nutrition by Tricia