Sleep is one of the most important things you need to make sure your body is rejuvenated and restored. Sleeping problems impact more than 60 percent of Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation's 2011 report. Insomnia is defined as a disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep or both.
Difficulty sleeping is related to many factors, including mental stresses including anxiety and depression, poor daily habits and behaviors, hormonal levels, medications and food choices.
During sleep time our bodies recover from our daily activities. Poor sleep can exacerbate any existing health condition. If your body is already healing from another health condition, lack of proper sleep is actually acting as an additional stressor on the body.
You know your not getting enough sleep if:
1) If you seem to be moodier than usual.
According to statistics from the Harvard Medical School, patients with anxiety and depression are more likely to report chronic insomnia. When you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to be moody or cranky. Too little sleep can also increase anxiety.
2) If your productivity is decreasing.
When you don’t get enough sleep, in addition to being cranky you might also be unfocused or distracted from your work.
Robert Stickgold, director of the Center for Sleep and Cognition at Harvard Medical School, looked at data going back 40 years. He found that nighttime sleep and dreaming promote new learning, memory consolidation and greater creativity. He found that daytime napping is beneficial as well.
3) If you have problems driving because you are drowsy.
If you feel drowsy from lack of sleep you might be nodding off behind the wheel of your car. This is a very dangerous state, not only for you but for everyone else on the road. When you get enough sleep it is safer for every one.
The National Institutes of Health reports that about 30 percent or more of Americans are chronically going without adequate sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Falling asleep at the wheel causes up to 6,000 traffic fatalities per year.
4) If you're gaining weight and you don’t know why.
When you don't get enough sleep you body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you feel more hungry and less of the hormone leptin, which suppresses your appetite.
You are likely to eat more to try to compensate for your lack of sleep. Lack of sleep can also increase your insulin resistance, which is a precursor for diabetes.
5) If you look tired.
“People can usually tell if you’ve had a rough night,” according to Lauren Hale, associate professor of preventive medicine for the program in public health at Stonybrook University. and editor-in-chief of the journal Sleep Health. “Even small amounts of sleep deprivation affect your appearance.” It might appear as puffy eyes or dark circles.
Have you noticed any of these symptoms in yourself or your family members?
Try to get at least six to eight hours of sleep at night. Balancing your sleep can help you with so many health conditions. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and be well.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone appointments. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website www.HealthyDaes.com
Reviewed March 31, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith