Despite the many scientific advances in the field of medicine over the last few decades, many of us neglect one of the most important contributors to our wellbeing: sleep. It’s a bit ironic. We now know more than ever about the effects of lifestyle on health, but, on average, we’re sleeping less. I used to brag about how little I got. I viewed it as a sign of strength. I sacrificed it for exercise, but I no longer do. Read on to learn why.
The results of missing out on a good night’s sleep can undermine all your efforts with nutrition and fitness. Your body needs it to regenerate and experience the benefits of your work towards better health.
But often, people who are having sleep problems, or who are looking to improve health and energy levels, struggle to improve their quality of sleep. This often leads them to pharmaceutical solutions that can create more problems than they solve. A more natural approach improves the quality of your sleep without the potential for dangerous side effects.
Why We Need Sleep
It may seem simple on the surface, but sleeping is a complex process necessary for many functions, including.
- Energy conservation so you can tackle whatever the next day holds
- Hormone release and regulation
- Muscle repair
- Processing and organizing memories and information accumulated during waking hours
- Strengthening of your immune system
Because so much happens while we sleep, the results of not getting enough can be far-reaching. We don’t just feel tired, we are also at a higher risk of:
- Mental health problems. Almost every mental health condition is made worse by not getting enough sleep. The frustrating fact is, many mental health conditions make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Weight gain and other metabolic concerns. Sleep regulates the hormones that control appetite, including leptin and ghrelin. Studies show that missing even one good night’s sleep can lead to poorer food choices. Missing out on it can lead to weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes. It’s so much harder for me to make good food choices at the end of the day when I’m tired. If I didn’t sleep well and I’m tired all day, that can lead to total disaster!
- Weakened immunity. You’ve probably noticed you’re more likely to get sick when you’re tired. That’s because you produce infection-fighting cytokines and other antibodies while you sleep. So on top of needing extra sleep when you are sick, you need good sleep regularly to prevent you from getting sick in the first place.
- Heart problems. Several factors influencing heart health, including cortisol levels and blood pressure, are impacted by sleep.
- Accidents. You’re less focused when you are tired, and that impacts your risk of a car accident in a way similar to drinking alcohol. You’re three times more likely to get in an accident when you’re tired. Friends don’t let friends drive tired!
Five Ways To Improve Your Sleep – And Your Wellbeing
1 – Improve your sleep hygiene.
Regular and predictable are the keys to a good sleep routine. My husband calls me “vanilla” because I’m so predictable and routine oriented that it can be a bit boring! But predictable and routine are exactly what makes for great slumber!
It might take some experimenting to find what works for you, but many people find reading, taking a warm bath, doing some restorative yoga or meditation relaxes them.
Try to build in a routine to separate your sleep time from the stress and activity of your day. Some people find it helps to limit the bedroom to be a place only for sleeping.
2 – Eat for sleep
Your diet can impact your sleep in several ways. For optimum sleep, eliminate the things that inhibit a good night’s sleep and focus on those that relax and balance your body and mind.
Avoid:
- Stimulants like caffeine, especially after noon as it takes upwards of 10 hours to clear your system.
- Alcohol before bedtime. Although alcohol is a depressant and can make you feel sleepy, it often disrupts your natural sleep cycles and you may find yourself waking up frequently. It sedates you so it may seem like you are sleeping better but I promise, you are not.
- Spicy and overly heavy foods, which can cause indigestion and make you too uncomfortable to sleep.
Choose instead:
- Chamomile tea, which has proven sleep-enhancing effects.
- Foods high in tryptophan, which can relax you and encourage higher serotonin levels. In addition to turkey’s infamous tryptophan content, foods that contain tryptophan include salmon, pineapple, tofu, many nuts and seeds, and eggs.
- Some research suggests that consuming foods high in carbohydrates, like potatoes or rice, with foods containing tryptophan has a positive influence on sleep.
- Certain supplements can be beneficial for improving sleep, but be sure to work with a healthcare practitioner to determine what’s right for you. Some supplements used to help sleep include magnesium, which helps regulate the neurotransmitters linked to sleep, and melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Herbal supplements include valerian and passion flower, which both have sedative effects.
3 – Avoid blue light before bedtime.
The blue light emitted from electronic devices can trick your body into thinking it’s day time. As a result, it slows melatonin production, the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Try to avoid computer and device screens in the three hours before bedtime. If you must be in front of a screen, look into blue-light blocking glasses. Many people keep their phone beside their bed, but try to put yours in another room at night. (If you use it as an alarm clock, buy a digital or standard alarm clock. You’ll be surprised at the difference this makes!)
4 – Create a sleep-friendly environment.
It’s important to work with your body’s natural rhythms. A cool, dark environment signals that it’s night time, and therefore your body will release more melatonin. In fact, one study found that room temperature is one of the most important factors in the quality of sleep. I love my blackout curtains and my air purifier which serves as a noise machine too.
5 – Exercise wisely.
A regular exercise routine can help, but avoid intense activities at least two hours before bed. Researchers have seen positive effects on sleep from regular exercise such as yoga, strength training, and steady state cardio.
Don’t let poor sleep undermine your quest for a healthy lifestyle. Take the first step today towards better rest, more energy and a greater sense of wellbeing. Sleep is one of the five modifiable lifestyle factors important for optimal health. It’s just as important as the others–diet, exercise, mindset and relationships. Don’t skimp on it. Your body will take much better care of you if you allow it proper rest. You deserve it!
Interested in improving your sleep? Our functional medicine programs can help! Contact us to learn more.
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