Your body, especially your brain, needs good quality sleep. While we sleep, our bodies do much needed maintenance on our "operating systems". Our cortisol (stress) levels drop, our immune system gets stronger and our bodies releases growth hormones and testosterone. Growth hormones contribute to healthy protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Although some people say they can "get by" with just a few hours of sleep, we should get a minimum of 8 hours of a very restful sleep.
When not enough sleep is obtained we are kept awake and alert by adrenaline, which is a stress hormone. The stress hormones wreak havoc on our immune system, memory, and our bodies ability to remove toxins. This can lead to degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
According to research, more than 50% of us get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. It should take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep; any quicker OR longer means we are moderately sleep deprived. So, are we functioning from pure energy or energy from stress hormones?
I can fall asleep in the normal time range, but my issue is I twitch while falling asleep. This becomes quite an issue with Kris because it startles her and keeps her from getting a good nights rest. For the past week, I have been implementing some new practices before bed so we can have some restful nights. The good news is that it is working! About 30 minutes before bed I will have a glass of Calm. It works very well to calm your mind and muscles to help you relax.
Next, I do a nasal irrigation using a neti-pot. It helps to clear the sinus,
which in turn improves breathing.
Finally, I do some yoga poses designed for relaxation and sleep. Here are a couple of articles on sleep poses: 10 Poses for Better Sleep, 5 Yoga Poses for Better Sleep.
Restful sleep, exercise, healthy eating, stress reduction and
sharing your love make for a wonderful life.
SLEEP.
Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd
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