Sleep: It Does a Body Good

In a world that often glorifies productivity and busyness, the importance of good sleep is sometimes overlooked. However, quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, affecting everything from mood and cognitive function to immune health and longevity. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of good sleep and explore the role of sleeping posture in promoting restful slumber.

It is one of the most under-rated health habits and a restful night sleep is elusive to a lot of people!

Are you getting seven to eight hours of restful sleep every night?

Sixty-four million Americans suffer from insomnia. One in three get six hours of sleep per night and 40% say they are so tired that it affects their daily activities and work. Now that is a lot of tired folks.

The purpose of sleep is to heal and repair the body. Without it, we have increased cognitive issues or brain fog. The immune system also suffers with sleep deprivation – leading to the increased likelihood of catching what your child or co-worker has brought home or to work.

People who do not get a restful night sleep have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy immune system.

Now sleep requirements change as we age. When we are infants, we spend most of time asleep. We eat, sleep, fill our diapers, look around and then fall back to sleep. We need more sleep between puberty and age 25 than any other time of our lives except when we are infants. Experts at Cornell University say we need about 9 hours of sleep during these years. The average is 6 hours and 54 minutes – two hours short of what we really need.

As we age, stress becomes one of the culprits of too little sleep. One of the main reasons is elevated cortisol levels that are a result of stress in our lives. Elevated levels of cortisol prevent you from reaching the deep sleep that you really need.

By the time you reach your 50’s sleep problems are rampant. Cortisol levels are up to 12 times higher than in our thirties and approximately 1 out of 25 people have sleep apnea.

The Importance of Good Sleep:

1. Physical Health: Quality sleep is crucial for physical health and recovery. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, synthesizes proteins, and releases growth hormones essential for growth and development.

2. Mental Health: Adequate sleep is vital for mental health and emotional well-being. Sleep helps regulate mood, reduce stress levels, and enhance cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and decision-making.

3. Immune Function: Sleep plays a critical role in immune function, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses. Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections.

4. Weight Management: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone levels, particularly those involved in appetite regulation. Sleep deprivation is associated with increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

5. Heart Health: Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

The Role of Sleeping Posture:

In addition to the duration and quality of sleep, sleeping posture also plays a significant role in promoting restful slumber and preventing discomfort or pain. Here are some tips for finding the optimal sleeping posture:

1. Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is generally considered the best sleeping posture for spinal alignment and neck support. Use a supportive pillow under your head and neck to maintain a neutral position. Additionally, put a small pillow under your knees as this helps reduce any strain on your low back.

2. Side Sleeping: If you prefer to sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to align your hips and reduce pressure on your lower back. Choose a pillow that fills the space between your neck and shoulder to support proper alignment.

3. Stomach Sleeping: While sleeping on your stomach may be comfortable for some, it can strain the neck and lower back and lead to discomfort. Just don’t sleep on your stomach.

4. Pillow Support: Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, invest in a quality pillow that provides adequate support for your head, neck, and shoulders. Consider pillows with memory foam or adjustable loft to customize your support level.

5. Mattress Firmness: Choose a mattress that offers the right balance of support and comfort for your body type and sleeping preferences. A medium-firm mattress is often recommended for promoting spinal alignment and minimizing pressure points.

Here’s to a restful night’s sleep and waking up ready to seize the day!