Don’t Underestimate the Value of Sleep!
Too many of us in today’s society simply do not get enough sleep. Our bodies are designed to work optimally when we get at least 8-9 hours of quality sleep. Most of us only get 6-7 hours per night at best (doctors are especially guilty about this one!). However, poor sleep contributes chronically to numerous medical conditions. Most obvious of course are symptoms of brain fog and mental clarity that we’ve all experienced at some time or another when sleep deprived. Several key hormones are sustained at the required levels for optimum function only when we get the required amount of sleep. Sleep apnea, a condition where one momentarily yet frequently stops breathing while asleep, causes repeated interruptions of sleep throughout the night, making sleep very “inefficient”. In the long term, this can lead to chronic depression, weight gain, slowed metabolism, high blood pressure, possible onset of diabetes, and abnormal hormone levels, especially growth hormone; which is a key hormone adults and children need to allow proper muscle tone and better cell endurance.
Treatment for these various sleep disorders depends on the type of abnormality contributing to poor quality sleep. A comon sleep test is called a sleep study, which is a test where one spends a night in a sleep center and brain wave activity is monitored by a physician to evaluate for underlying apnea (most people do not ever recollect having this condition since they are still in a deep sleep to remember momentarily stop breathing). In addition, the Physician will evaluate to see if the patient is receiving all the needed stages of sleep including REM. There are various treatments available to those suffering from sleep disorders. Pharmaceutical, as well as natural therapies can be utilized with success. In addition, sleep hygiene is very important, including sleeping at consistent times each night and utilizing the bedroom for only sleep and intimate activity. Many of my patients, after having their sleep issues properly addressed note a 30-40% improvement in their overall well being which in turn improves their chronic medical issues.