Sleep and Health

by Holistic_Health

Sleep and health are interconnected. Science backs up the fact that when you don't get adequate sleep, you appear less healthy--eyes, skin, and hair suffer for a lack of rest.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to a number of health risks, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also affect your mood, leading to irritability and depression. In addition, lack of sleep can contribute to accidents and errorsat work or while driving.

If you find it difficult to get enough sleep, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep habits. For example, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, establish a regular sleep schedule, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. You should also avoid working or using electronic devices in bed.

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Write for Wizzley

Why Do People Take Sleep Supplements?

There are many reasons why people take sleep supplements. Some people have trouble falling asleep, while others wake up frequently during the night. Still others wake up feeling unrefreshed and groggy. Sleep supplements can help with all of these issues.

There are many different types of sleep supplements available on the market. Some contain herbs or other natural ingredients, while others contain synthetic drugs. Sleep supplements can be taken in pill form, or as a tea or tincture.

Some people take sleep supplements because they have trouble sleeping through the night. If you wake up frequently during the night, or if you wake up feeling unrefreshed, sleep supplements can help you get a better night's sleep.

Sleep supplements can also be helpful if you have difficulty falling asleep. If you find that you often lie awake for hours before finally falling asleep, sleep supplements can help you fall asleep more quickly and easily.

If you are considering taking sleep supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Sleep supplements can interact with some medications, so it is important to make sure that they are safe for you to take.Your doctor can also help you choose the right sleep supplement for your needs.

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Sleep and Health Challenges

Of couse we look better when we're rested. During sleep, the body has a chance to shed dead skin cells, repair damage, and make new collagen. This is why so many skin care products are applied at night. They work in conjunction with the body's natural processes.

However, more than looking good, sleep affects our health. Without adequate rest, human beings don't function properly. Poor or inadequate sleep has been directly linked to heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a host of other debilitating health conditions.

Typically, we all have the occasional one-night bout of insomnia. This is nothing to worry about. But if you're routinely sleeping 6 hours a night or less, you're building up a sleep deficit that may likely cause memory problems, weight gain, along with all the the aforementioned health problems. If this is you, it's time to take action before your health really suffers.

If you find it difficult to get enough sleep, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep habits. For example, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, establish a regular sleep schedule, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. You should also avoid working or using electronic devices in bed. If you have chronic insomnia, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

It's easy enough to say you should get a full night's rest, but what if you can't fall asleep or stay asleep? There are many kinds of medication that will make you go to sleep, but of course there are side effects like brain fog and nausea. For the long term, this does not seem to be the best solution.

The truth is that many of us have poor sleep hygiene or sleep habits. When we're young it seems we can fall asleep anywhere anytime without much preparation. However, as we get older we must learn new methods of how to let go of daily stress and crazy routines that interfere with good sleep.

Primal Sleep

Natural sleep supplements are a great way to improve your sleep quality and overall health. If you are struggling to get a good night's sleep, natural sleep supplements could be right for you.

Your Sleep Cycles

Natural Sleep Supplements | Common Ingredients

These are some common ingredients found in sleep supplements:

  • L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea leaves. It’s also available as a dietary supplement. Studies suggest it improves sleep quality. One study found that people who took a l-theanine supplement fell asleep faster and slept more soundly than those who didn’t take the supplement.
  • Apocynum venetum, also known luobuma or rafuma, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It is traditionally used as a sedative and sleep aid, and is often prescribed for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
  • Calcium is thought to play a role in supporting healthy blood pressure levels. High blood pressure has been linked with insomnia, so keeping your blood pressure in check may help you to get a better night’s sleep. It  can also help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle by promoting the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
  • Melatonin is a hormone that helps control your sleep and wake cycles. It is naturally produced by your body, but you can also take supplements to get more of it. Taking melatonin supplements may help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep.
  • Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many different processes in the body, and it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including insomnia.
  • GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep. GABA levels are highest during the day, which helps keep us awake, and lowest at night, which promotes sleep. Research suggests that GABA may help to improve sleep quality by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the duration of deep sleep. 
  • Valerian root is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat conditions like insomnia and anxiety. It is thought to work by increasing levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating sleep.
  • Tryptophan  is an amino acid that is converted into serotonin in the brain. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical by-product of tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is used for sleep disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and migraines.
  • 5-HTP is a compound that is naturally produced in the body. It is a precursor to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, appetite, and sleep. Some people take 5-HTP supplements for conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and weight loss.
  • CBD is a compound that is found in cannabis plants. CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating sleep, pain, and mood. Research suggests that CBD may help to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and improving the quality of sleep.
  • Lavender is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat conditions like insomnia and anxiety. It is thought to work by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Some research has shown that lavender essential oil can increase slow wave sleep, which is the deep sleep that helps you feel rested and refreshed the next day.

Sleep Deficits . . . Does Napping Help?

There's no definitive answer to whether or not napping can help make up for sleep deficits, but it may be helpful in some cases. If you're struggling to get enough sleep at night, talk to your doctor about whether napping could be a good option for you.

They can help you determine if napping is likely to be helpful and, if so, how to make sure you do it safely. In general, it's best to keep naps short (20-30 minutes) and to avoid napping too late in the day, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at night.

Napping can also be a good way to relax and rejuvenate yourself if you don't need to make up for lost sleep. So, if you're feeling tired during the day and want to take a nap, go ahead! Just be sure to keep it short and not too close to bedtime.

Summary

Sleep is essential for good health. If you're not getting enough sleep, be sure to take steps to improve your sleep habits. Doing so can help you avoid a number of health risks.

Updated: 11/14/2022, Holistic_Health
 
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Holistic_Health on 11/14/2022

@DerdriuMarriner I've updated this article significantly so I think it answers yours questions.

DerdriuMarriner on 09/20/2022

In particular, I appreciate the suggestions about arranging primal sleep-friendly rooms, meditating, releasing anxiety and stress and taking herbal baths and teas. It's all part of being pro-active about emotional, mental and physical health.

The third paragraph in your first subheading, Beauty Sleep, mentions that "if you're routinely sleeping 6 hours a night or less, you're building up a sleep deficit that may likely cause memory problems, weight gain, along with all the the aforementioned health problems."

If one must pattern 6-hour sleeps because of personal or professional commitments, would it counter the above-mentioned health problems by fitting in naps? And would an hour be a beneficial nap length or would napping have to be longer, perhaps 2 hours, to make for an 8-hour resting total each day?

Holistic_Health on 07/20/2014

Good deal :)

frankbeswick on 07/20/2014

My blood pressure is under control, as I am medication for it, and have been for a few years. Thanks. With being effectively retired, I am able to take rests in mid afternoon now, and this is doing me some good.

Holistic_Health on 07/19/2014

@frankbeswick Chronically disturbed sleep can make your blood pressure go up so have that checked. Good luck!

Holistic_Health on 07/19/2014

@nightbear Sorry to hear that, but naps rejuvenate you too.

frankbeswick on 07/19/2014

Since childhood I have had broken sleep, and it has been sixty or more years years that this has begun happening. It is part of who I am .But I have been ensuring that I get enough sleep during the night and the afternoon. How much difficulty am I in?

nightbear on 07/19/2014

some health problems disturb my sleep. Never had a problem before that. And I do love to sleep. I find I take more naps now.

Holistic_Health on 07/19/2014

@boutiqueshops Another 'benefit' of aging. Thanks for commenting!

boutiqueshops on 07/19/2014

As I've aged, I've had more and more trouble getting enough sleep. This is a great resource!


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