Better Sleep = Better Health!
In our busy world we are short-changed on quantity and
quality of sleep and the deficit is cumulative. Many
symptoms are attributed to poor sleep or sleep deprivation,
including fatigue, irritability, slowed reaction time, decreased
ability to concentrate, increased memory lapses and
forgetfulness, Fibromyalgia, pain, increased susceptibility to
illness, hallucinations and even psychoses. Paradoxically,
too much sleep can cause fatigue and drowsiness. Spending
too much time in bed leads to light sleep levels and fragmented
sleep patterns.
Sleep can be affected by amino acid
deficiencies. Tryptophan converts to melatonin,
which enables you to go to sleep, and Tyrosine converts to
norepinephrine, allowing you to stay asleep.
Adrenal malfunction can cause
disturbance to the circadian (day/night) rhythm, along with
working night shifts. Eating
sugar before bed can raise blood sugar levels causing
a temporary energy lift, sleeplessness and nightmares. Too
little exercise, or exercise
too close to bedtime can affect sleep. A depressed
immune system,
infections,
allergies or
chemical toxicity can cause
insomnia, as well as toxic emotions
like anger or guilt. Sleep can be improved by doing
The Body Cleanse.
When we are asleep, the body should be in Parasympathetic
Mode, where repairs, rebuilding and healing occur.
When our body is sick, fighting toxins or sleep deprived, it
will remain in the active, energy-producing Sympathetic Mode,
even during sleep. This prevents the body from going into
the healing Parasympathetic Mode, resulting in immune
system dysfunction. Thus, a sleep deprived person can have
the same symptoms as a sick person. Conversely, a faulty
immune system can cause insomnia by keeping the body in an
active mode even during sleep. A functioning immune system
allows for better sleep in the healing mode. Therefore,
good sleep enhances the immune system.
~Dr. Bill Kellas |
Insomnia is a common complaint during menopause.
Women often wake up in the night and have difficulty getting
back to sleep. This can be related to hormone fluctuations
which don't allow the body to maintain a consistent temperature.
Even if a hot flash is not apparent to the woman, her body
temperature might have risen to a point where she was
uncomfortable while asleep. Then it will take time before
her body temperature lowers again, thus going back to sleep
becomes difficult. |
