Sleep....Are you getting enough?

If you were offered something that made you lose weight, and be more attractive, whilst also enhancing your memory, protecting you against cancer, chronic illness and dementia, whilst making you feel happier, and it was completely free would you want it?

If the answer is yes, then read on

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to keep your body healthy. The importance of this is highlighted by the fact that we will spend 36% of our lifetime sleeping.

Adults should sleep 8 hours a night and teenagers 9 hours, However studies show that most of the worlds population is suffering from a chronic lack of sleep, putting them at risk of chronic health conditions and mental health disorders.

So why do we sleep?

Basically we sleep to keep our body and brain healthy. During sleep we detoxify, regenerate and repair.

Poor sleep has been linked to many chronic health conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease through to dementia, and can even effect reproductive health.

What does a good night sleep look like?

A good nights sleep consists of 4-5 sleep cycles consisting of different stages. During some stages dreaming occurs and during others the body is completely paralyzed. Each stage has is own purpose from detoxification through to memory formation.

You should go through 4-5 of these sleep cycles during an eight hour period.

Why do you sleep at Night?

Circadian rhythms are primal and play an important role in the timing of sleep. They are genetically controlled by an internal master clock found in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This master clock is set each day when light hits the back of the eye, so get out into the sun early in the day.

Adenosine which is a chemical byproduct of energy formation also builds up during the day and also induces sleep. Adenosine buildup can be disrupted by things such as caffeine, which is why many people avoid coffee later in the day.

Melatonin also helps to get you off to sleep and is released in absence of light, so this is also why its easier to sleep at night

Sleep is very complex and can be upset by many things, but there are things that can be done. If you would like to know more contact us and we can let you know about our upcoming online workshops.