Why We Need Sleep – Vol 429, Nov. 23, 2017
According to Harvard University, we really don’t know even with all the research that has been done. There are a few theories that can explain why we sleep and that is what I am going to share with you in this blog post along with how to get the best sleep.
Energy Conservation Theory:
Energy metabolism is reduced as much as 10% in humans, more in other species. This is because the body temperature and caloric demand both drop during sleep. So, the end result is to conserve energy resources.
Restorative Theory:
During sleep, our body is able to restore and rejuvenate. Animal studies have shown that animals that were totally deprived of sleep die in a matter of weeks, as their immune function is totally lost. During sleep our muscles grow, tissues repair, proteins synthesize and growth hormone is released.
Brain Plasticity Theory:
During sleep, there are changes in the structure and organization of
the brain, known now as “brain plasticity.” When deprived of sleep, people are less able to
learn and perform on a variety of tasks.
Interestingly enough, it is not enough to make up for lost sleep. It is best to get the same amount of sleep each night, going to sleep at the same time and waking up at the same time each morning, seven days a week.
There are many people who rely on sleeping aids to get sleep, including alcohol, but this can be a very bad idea.These chemicals interfere with the REM sleep that is required to allow for the processes explained above to occur. On top of that, their sedating effects last into the morning causing impaired judgment, and slower reflexes. Some people sleep walk and sleep eat as well, never recalling that they did these things.
One crucial factor often overlooked is the choice of the right mattress. Investing in a high-quality mattress is paramount for ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The market is flooded with options, but not all mattresses are created equal. Choosing from the top rated mattresses for deeper sleep can make a significant difference. These mattresses are specifically designed to provide adequate support and comfort, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points. By selecting one of these top-rated mattresses for deeper sleep, you can enhance your sleep quality, allowing your body to undergo essential processes during the night, leading to improved overall well-being. Prioritizing a comfortable and supportive mattress, combined with consistent sleep patterns, can lead to a transformative impact on your sleep quality and daily life.
The best thing that you can do is to stay away from anything that could be abused for sleep. Even melatonin can cause problems, according to Dr. Breus, who was featured on the Dr. Oz show. Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes, however it is not a sleep hormone. It just happens to be produced during periods of darkness, correlating with one’s sleep cycles. It is actually a stress hormone, which can cause people to feel sleepy. Melatonin helps the immune system by scavenging for free radicals.
So, keep a strict sleep routine. Upon arising, get some exposure to light. This will drop your melatonin levels, balancing your circadian rhythm. Make sure you have a good mattress to sleep on, so you can sleep in comfort. And by all means, keep your screens off, during your time of sleep. Better yet, keep them out of your bedroom entirely.
Sleep Soundly Tonight
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Sleep Soundly Tonight