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Re: Sleep: Nature's Sweet Restorer
[Re: Suzanne]
#172209
03/02/15 07:28 PM
03/02/15 07:28 PM
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OP
SDA
Active Member 2016
Dedicated Member
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,275
Calif. USA
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How lack of sleep leads to irritability, anxiety, depression, and obesity
by Joel Edwards
(NaturalNews) Hormones are not just for sex. Hormones are chemical signals produced by the body's endocrine glands that regulate all kinds of bodily functions. Metabolism, mood, behavior, libido, immune function, growth, weight loss, and muscle gain are all strongly influenced by hormones. All of these hormones are needed at precise levels in the body.
Sleep helps to regulate the hormone cortisol. The right amount of cortisol enables us to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is needed to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Even the immune system is dependent upon proper levels of cortisol for optimum functioning. But lack of sleep can cause the body to produce too much.
Excessive cortisol makes us irritable, anxious, and depressed. We put on extra weight and are even prone to insomnia, which creates a vicious cycle. Over the long term, very high levels of cortisol can do even more serious damage to our systems. Excessive levels of cortisol impair digestion, damage muscle and bone, interfere with healing and regeneration, disrupt mental functions, hinder immune response, and further disrupt the proper levels of other hormones in our bodies. The easiest, cheapest, and most natural way to regulate cortisol levels is to get adequate sleep.
Our bodies produce growth hormone when we are sleeping. This is the main hormone that stimulates children's bodies to grow. In adults, this is one of the hormones that helps to regulate muscle mass. Growth hormone also helps to control body fat. Like cortisol, too much is not a good thing. The best way to get the correct nightly dose of growth hormone is to get enough sleep every night.
Grehlin and leptin are additional hormones that are produced during sleep. Grehlin and leptin both play an important role in regulating our urge to eat. An out of control appetite is arguably the most crippling obstacle to controlling weight. Without adequate leptin, it is difficult to find satiety at the end of a meal. In order to get a properly balanced dose of these hormones, we need to get a full night's sleep. For more on hormones, see Balance Your Hormones.
If you suffer from insomnia, or a lack of quality sleep, check out the first few sources below along with Natural Remedies-for-Insomnia and How Insomnia-Leads to a Filthy Mind.
Sources:
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com
http://scdlifestyle.com
http://sleepfoundation.org
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu
The Seven Pillars of Health by Don Colbert M.D.
http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_D
http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_B5
suzanne
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Re: Sleep: Nature's Sweet Restorer
[Re: Suzanne]
#173736
05/28/15 12:26 AM
05/28/15 12:26 AM
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OP
SDA
Active Member 2016
Dedicated Member
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,275
Calif. USA
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Poor Sleep, Low Blood Oxygen Levels Linked To Brain Abnormalities Associated With Dementia
by Antonia
(NaturalNews) Constantly stressed about something that prevents you from getting a decent night's sleep? Rather watch a late-night movie in bed than snooze? People may want to rethink these habits, as their brain health depends on it. More importantly, those who suffer from health conditions that prevent them from sleeping well may want to pay attention to the latest findings.
Turns out, elderly individuals who get less than adequate levels of sleep have been found to develop changes in the brain which closely mimics brain changes experienced by dementia patients. The finding was discovered by researchers from the Veterans Administration in Hawaii who assessed 167 men who engaged in sleep tests, then died an average of six years thereafter. Autopsies searched for micro infarcts, or changes in brain tissue, which appear more frequently in people who have poor sleeping habits mostly due to emphysema or sleep apnea. It was discovered that those individuals who had such brain tissue changes had lower blood oxygen levels, something linked to the development of dementia.(1)
Low blood oxygen levels during sleep linked to brain abnormalities
The findings were based on breakdowns of groups of people who slept and who also had lower than normal blood oxygen levels. Ultimately, it was found that those who spent 71 to 99 percent of their sleep time with low oxygen levels were almost four times as likely to have brain damage. The bottom line was that those who spent most of their sleeping time without high levels of oxygen were more prone to having brain abnormalities.(1)
"These findings suggest that low blood oxygen levels and reduced slow wave sleep may contribute to the processes that lead to cognitive decline and dementia," said study author Rebecca P. Gelber, MD, DrPH, of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System and the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii.(1)
While she adds that additional research is necessary to explore links between slow wave sleep, low blood oxygen levels and brain function restoration as it pertains to possible dementia risk reduction, this particular study yields interesting findings. It's important too, to note that slow wave sleep is essential when it comes to processing new memories and remembering factual details. Considering that people typically remain in slow wave sleep as they grow older, it makes sense that brain cells can be negatively impacted in a manner associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.(1)
The findings were published in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Titled "Associations of brain lesions at autopsy with polysomnography features before death," it provides the details of the study, including length of sleeping time, oxygen saturation and apnea duration among Japanese American men in Honolulu, Hawaii.(2)
Causes for low blood oxygen levels, best foods to improve levels
According to experts, causes of low oxygen in the blood range from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and anemia to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis and congenital heart disease.(3)
To help boost oxygen levels in the blood, it's advised to eat a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat and sodium, along with high amounts of fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Bananas and leafy green vegetables are a couple of healthy choices to consider.(4)
Sources:
(1) https://www.aan.com
(2) http://www.neurology.org
(3) http://www.livestrong.com
(4) http://www.livestrong.com
Suzanne
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Re: Sleep: Nature's Sweet Restorer
[Re: Suzanne]
#173752
05/28/15 06:26 PM
05/28/15 06:26 PM
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OP
SDA
Active Member 2016
Dedicated Member
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,275
Calif. USA
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Why getting by on little to no sleep spells trouble for cells, organs
by Antonia
(NaturalNews) Many people are aware that they should try their best to get proper amounts of sleep. At the very least, lack of it makes them groggy the following day. In other, more serious instances, drowsy driving has been found to be responsible for 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries every year in the United States. So serious is the issue that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers lack of shut-eye a public health epidemic.(1)
Add to it a new finding that has determined that sleep deprivation and cell damage go hand in hand, and it's easy to understand why the topic warrants serious attention.
Sleep deprivation linked to cell, organ damage
The study, conducted by scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), established a link between increased disease risk and sleep deprivation, specifically noting that the cells most damaged include ones in the lung, small intestine and the liver. While they did find that sleep recovery restored damaged cells back to healthier ones, it makes the case that too much insufficient sleep can undoubtedly take its toll.(2)
"The study culminates years of work and provides physical evidence that sleep deprivation injures cells and that sleep recovery restores the balance between, among other parameters, DNA damage and repair," said Dr. Carl Everson, Ph.D., professor of neurology, cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy at MCW. "This is important because specific physical underpinnings that pose disease risk from sleep deficiency have been elusive and are now becoming identified."(2)
The scientists had subject rats enter either partial or total sleep deprivation for 10 days. Those receiving recovery sleep were also sleep-deprived for 10 days, then allowed to sleep for 48 hours. Increases in cell death and cell proliferation were more prevalent among those who didn't receive sleep, while time spent in sleep recovery helped repair DNA damage. In particular, detrimental changes were especially high in the lung, liver and small intestine, with both partially-sleep-deprived subjects and those totally sleep-deprived experiencing such negative effects.(3)
The study, which was published in the journal SLEEP, explains the following:
In the intestinal epithelium, total sleep deprivation resulted in 5.3-fold increases in dying cells and 1.5-fold increases in proliferating cells, compared with control. Two days of recovery sleep restored the balance between DNA damage and repair, and resulted in normal or below-normal metabolic burdens and oxidative damage.(3)
This study reinforces the importance of sleep, as going without it likely leads to health consequences.
Healthy habits to get more sleep
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several ways a person can get a good night's sleep.
They advise trying to stay with a sleep schedule, not even deviating on weekends or vacation time. In other words, going to bed and rising around the same time every day helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle so that better rest is achieved.(4)
The Mayo Clinic also suggests keeping the bedroom free of the things that may disrupt sleep. As such, bright night lights, glowing light-emitting alarm clocks and television sets should be avoided. Rooms should be kept quiet and as dimly lit as possible.(4)
Furthermore, it's important to keep track of hunger; going to sleep hungry or too full can affect sleep quality. The Mayo Clinic suggests refraining from or limiting alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bedtime, as they contribute to sleep disruption throughout the evening.(4)
Foods that help induce sleep include iron-rich foods such as spinach and lentils, as they play a role in lessening restless leg syndrome, which can keep people up at night. Additionally, consuming foods that are high in tryptophan is advised. Tryptophan-rich foods, which boost levels of melatonin, include eggs, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.(5)
Sources:
(1) http://www.cdc.gov
(2) http://www.mcw.edu
(3) http://www.journalsleep.org
(4) http://www.mayoclinic.org
(5) http://www.livestrong.com
Suzanne
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Re: Sleep: Nature's Sweet Restorer
[Re: Suzanne]
#180001
03/28/16 11:45 PM
03/28/16 11:45 PM
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OP
SDA
Active Member 2016
Dedicated Member
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,275
Calif. USA
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Cure Insomnia With These 7 Herbs
by Dr,Sofiya
(NaturalNews) Insomnia is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person is tired, but cannot fall asleep, or cannot stay asleep once they do fall asleep. While the disorder primarily affects adults, women report a problem with it more than men. It also tends to worsen as a person ages. Insomnia can be a particularly frustrating disorder to deal with since, eventually, the lack of sleep can affect other areas of the person's life.
While there are over the counter (OTC) medications that are designed to help with insomnia, they are best relegated to those instances when insomnia is only an occasional concern. Preferably, however, it is best to avoid OTC medications altogether when treating insomnia as they have a propensity to make the issue worse. Alternatively, there are a number of natural remedies available. Seven of the most effective ones are listed below.
Chamomile
Often taken as a tea, chamomile is a well-known relaxant, making it a commonly used way to address insomnia. A natural sleep aid that is herbal in nature, chamomile tea is best consumed about 30 minutes before it is time to turn in for the night.
Melatonin
This compound is naturally found within the body, although levels start to dip with age. Taking melatonin about thirty minutes before bedtime sets the body up for a restful night's sleep. Low doses are typically side effect free.
5-HTTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan is a herbal compound is a natural metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the body that helps regulate anxiety and depression. While taking 5-HTTP is fine for short-term use, long-term use should be avoided in order to reduce the likelihood of side effects.
Passion flower
The sedative properties of passion flower are well-known. It is particularly helpful for treating insomnia in women who are menopausal. The tincture containing passion flower is easy and convenient to use. Drinking 10 to 20 drops of it in a glass of water before bedtime is the recommended dosage.
Valerian
This dietary supplement has its roots in ancient times. While it is an effective cure for insomnia, those people using the extracts or herb of the valerian root should not take other supplements and medications at the same time.
Kava
Kava is prized for its uses against anxiety. However, like other herbs that are known to reduce anxiety, it is necessary to be aware of potential and severe side effects that could occur.
Withanian somnifera
Also known as winter cherry or ashwagandha, Withanian somnifera can be taken in pill form, as an extract or as an herbal tea. Imbibing W. somnifera close to bedtime can help reduce stress and stave off insomnia.
With a little research and experimentation, an insomniac can find the herbal solution that works best for them.
Sources:
http://www.newsmaxhealth.com
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5104/Herbs-for-Insomnia.html
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02037/sleep-aid
-Suzanne-
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Re: Sleep: Nature's Sweet Restorer
[Re: Suzanne]
#181749
10/27/16 10:44 PM
10/27/16 10:44 PM
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OP
SDA
Active Member 2016
Dedicated Member
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,275
Calif. USA
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How your brain and personality are affected by lack of sleep
by Daniel Barker
(NaturalNews) Everyone knows that lack of sleep can make a person irritable and unable to function properly, but what's really going on inside the brain when we stay awake too long?
A recent article in IFL Science explored the subject, taking a look at some modern research and relating the once-famous story of Peter Tripp, a 1950s-era radio DJ who once deliberately stayed awake for 200 hours as part of a publicity stunt for charity.
When Tripp set out to accomplish his goal, no one quite knew what would happen. Both the public and the scientific community were interested in the results, since in 1959 very little research into sleep deprivation had been conducted:
"The subsequent impact of the 'wakeathon' on Tripp's mind was far more dramatic than anyone had expected. The personality of a man normally described as cheerful and upbeat appeared to significantly change as time went by. By the third day he had become highly irritable, cursing and insulting even his closest friends. Towards the end of his endeavour, he began to hallucinate and exhibit paranoid behaviours."
With the help of stimulants, Tripp did manage to stay awake for 201 hours. His marriage and career collapsed soon after, however, although it's unclear whether the stunt had anything to do with it. His record was broken in 1964.
Sleep deprivation effects on the brain
More recent research has revealed how various activities and mechanisms in different areas of the human brain are affected by sleep deprivation.
One study used brain imaging techniques to view changes in brain activity caused by sleep deprivation. The researchers found that the amygdala, the brain's "emotional control center," became more active in sleep-deprived subjects, and the connection between the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex was disturbed:
"This was a critical insight as the the medial prefrontal cortex itself regulates amygdala function. Sleep deprivation appears to cause the amygdala to overreact to negative stimuli because it becomes disconnected from brain areas that normally moderate its response."
Sleep deprivation also affects other parts of the brain. A different study found that when affected by lack of sleep, the hippocampus was unable to store new memories as effectively as when rested.
Lack of sleep can also cause people to engage in risky behavior. A 2011 Duke University study conducted an experiment involving sleep-deprived participants who were asked to make a series of gambling decisions.
The researchers found that "sleep deprivation made their gambles riskier and more optimistic" – even after just one night without sleep – and the behavior was "accompanied by changes in activity in brain areas that evaluate negative and positive outcomes."
Sleep deprivation effects on physical health
An occasional night of little or no sleep isn't such a big deal, but if you aren't getting enough sleep on a regular basis, you may begin to experience serious health problems.
Many of us find it difficult enough to get a good night's rest on a consistent basis simply because of overflowing schedules. But staring at a computer or smartphone before going to bed can make matters even worse. The blue light emitted from these screens suppresses melatonin production in the brain, making it harder to get to sleep.
And sleep deprivation doesn't just affect moods and decision-making ability. Lack of sleep can cause or contribute to a number of negative health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, weight gain and diabetes.
According to The Telegraph, six in 10 Brits are now sleep-deprived because of smartphones and computers. In the United States, the CDC reports that more than one-third of Americans don't get enough sleep on a regular basis.
Maybe that explains why so many people wandering the streets these days look just like zombies. ...
Sources:
IFLScience.com
Telegraph.co.uk
CDC.gov
-Suzanne
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