How Proper Sleep Impacts Health

Life can be very busy sometimes, and sleep is one thing that is very easy to forego in such a busy schedule. A study showed that 70% of the US population does not get proper sleep at least once a month.

Sleep is essential for our brain to function. Not only does your brain need time to rest, but the rest of your body needs to reenergize, A good night’s rest makes you more than feel rested, and it has benefits for your body as well.

When you’re sleeping, your body goes through a lot of processes, such as tissue repair and general physical recovery. In addition to physical recovery, your brain is also processing, forming memories, regulating emotions, and sweeping out any mental waste it gathered through the day.

Researchers suggest that sleep deprivation can result in increased production of white blood cells. Generally, this happens when your body experiences significant stress levels. The immune system imbalance that occurs due to sleep deprivation can also be associated with heart disease.

A Proper Sleeping Pattern How Much Sleep Do You Need?

Many Americans only get around 6 hours of sleep or less. However, there are different hours of sleep one should get according to their age group.

An example of this is that children aged from 6 to 12 years should get around 12 hours of sleep per day. Meanwhile, teens between the ages of 13 to 18 years need to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep for every 24 hours.

What Causes Issues with Sleep Deprivation?

Some common issues of sleep deprivation include:

  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Sleep scheduling issues
  • Illness
  • Trauma

Sleep and Chronic Disease

An inconsistent sleep pattern and insufficient sleep can cause a number of chronic diseases and conditions, one of which is diabetes. Research has linked insufficient sleep with type 2 diabetes.

Specifically speaking, sleep duration can cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels, which is important for proper blood sugar control.

Another problem with not getting enough sleep is that it increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea has often been linked with an increased chance of developing a stroke and coronary heart disease as well.

Research has suggested that short sleep duration can cause metabolic changes and excess body weight as well.

One of the main conditions that occur as a result of irregular sleep patterns is the development of depressive symptoms. However, one of the core ways to alleviate them is by restoring healthy sleeping patterns.

Key Sleep Disorders

Although sleep is very important, some disorders can act as a hindrance to sufficient sleep. One of these is Insomnia, which is the inability to maintain sleep. A major characteristic of the condition is that it manifests as daytime sleeping.

Narcolepsy can also affect deep sleep. This condition involves excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden physical weakness.

Additionally, restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS, might also occur. This condition is the uneasy feeling you get in your lower legs which prevents you from getting restful sleep and may be associated with pain throughout your legs.

Sleep apnea is a very common disorder that may interrupt your deep sleep. Excessive snoring is a symptom of this condition, and people with sleep apnea tend to make frequent ‘snorting’ noises that interrupt their sleep.

It is not necessary that disorders are the only factor interrupting your sleep. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and anxiety can also prevent you from getting proper sleep.

Signs You’re Not Getting Proper Sleep

  • Reduced alertness
  • Short attention span
  • Slower reaction time
  • Poor judgment
  • Reduced environmental awareness
  • Poor decision-making skills
  • Memory starting to suffer
  • Reduced concentration

The Brain: In Order To Maintain Restorative Sleep, It Is Crucial That the Brain Has Optimal Levels Of:

A few chemicals in the brain are essential to maintain a consistent amount of sleep, one of which is serotonin. Not only does it affect sleep, but also temperature, sexual behavior, and your ability to sense pain as well.

Your brain should also contain a proper level of gamma-aminobutyric acid, also known as GABA, the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating sleep and providing you with the relaxation needed to get some shut-eye.

5 HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

This is a natural chemical in your body that can be taken as a nutritional supplement as well. This chemical is a by-product of the protein L-tryptophan and is commercially produced from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, which is a plant grown in Africa.

The main purpose of the natural chemical is to produce serotonin in your brain and nervous system as well, where the 5-HTP is converted to serotonin.

How this works is that L-tryptophan is first converted into 5-HTP, which is then converted into serotonin. This is followed by a conversion to melatonin. The sleep-regulating hormone requires the amino acid so that conversion might take place.

An L-tryptophan deficiency is a common cause of low serotonin and melatonin levels. Consequently, this leads to inadequate sleep.

Can Supplements Help You Get Proper Sleep?

A study conducted in 2018 exposed some animals to a combination of 5-HTP and GABA, and the conclusion derived from this experiment showed that this concoction could induce sleepiness in these creatures and, furthermore, enhance sleep quality and length as well. There are many sleep supplements and melatonin supplements that help you achieve the same.

Another supplement-induced trial showed results that 5-HTP was beneficial when it came to treating disorders such as sleep terrors and sleepwalking as well.

Dr. Nandi’s Supplement “Sleep Max” Will Be Available Soon

This supplement is formulated to assist patients suffering from occasional sleepiness. Sleep Max naturally boosts serotonin, GABA, and melatonin levels using amino acids. The sleep supplement is exactly what you need for improved sleep quality.

Additionally, it also contains Phosphatidylserine, which is essential to regulate cortisol levels. Improving the body’s cortisol levels can treat sleep-related problems like frequent waking.

Proper sleep – A Summary

Always prioritize proper sleep above everything else, as not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to your health. Usage of sleep supplements and melatonin supplements can also help to obtain a state of proper sleep.

Some ways to ensure proper sleep are to have a consistent sleeping pattern and make sure your bedroom is as quiet as possible.

If you experience symptoms of long-term sleep deficiency, consult a doctor. A medical professional can provide you with a proper treatment plan, such as medication or supplements to help you get proper sleep and rest.