Sleep

As you know, sleep is probably the most neglected part of the day. We should, however, be prioritizing and optimizing this time for rest. On average, adults should sleep between seven and a half and nine hours for optimal function, women often needing a little more than men. However, most people sleep less than seven hours, so it is not surprising there are so many related problems. If you think that sleep is overrated, please read this short article. Humans are the kings of sleep deprivation, and many of us do not realize how much it affects our health. Sleep must be one of the most studied subjects in the scientific community, as it plays a key role in the proper functioning of the human body. What you should know is that like food, quality is much more important than quantity. A good night’s sleep is an uninterrupted one. If you sleep for 12 hours, but wake up and turn over in a bed a lot, it is not really 12 hours’ sleep. Here are some of the effects of sleep deprivation on the body:

Reduces concentration
Reduces the ability to retain information (memory)
Promotes weight gain
Decreases appetite control
Reduces insulin sensitivity
Increases the risk of cardiovascular accidents
Increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

It will also increase your Tim Hortons coffee budget, although only your wallet will suffer. A wide variety of hormones in the body are affected by a lack of quality sleep: melatonin, growth hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisol, insulin and leptin to name a few. With such a broad spectrum of activity in the body, it is clear why sleep is so important. Regulation of appetite is one of the fastest and most significant effects. Leptin helps the body to regulate energy intake, but chronic sleep deprivation significantly reduces the levels of this hormone and its control on appetite. Life as we know it—fast paced and with increasingly bright lights—is probably sleep’s worst enemy.
Fortunately, there are some tips that can help:

Avoid stimulants, especially in the afternoon. They stay in your system longer than you realize.
Avoid bright light sources. Do not forget that humans are mammals, and like all animals are sensitive to light.
Consume a good amount of animal-sourced omega-3s. Low consumption of omega-3s affects melatonin production.
Slow down in the evening. Your mind is unlikely to calm down if your body is agitated.
Make sure you get a good amount of zinc and magnesium in your diet. Do not hesitate to take a supplement if necessary.
Avoid LED lights in your bedroom. Opt for subdued lighting.
Do not hesitate to take a little melatonin, as found in Optisom, to maximize the quality of your sleep.
Do not eat too much before going to bed and be sure to avoid sugar. High insulin levels and night-time recovery hormones do not go well together.
Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible.
Sleep with as few covers as possible. The body needs to regulate its temperature to recover properly. Flannel pyjamas and two thick blankets may affect recovery.

It is harder for night workers to have a normal sleep cycle. However, a few interesting studies have been carried out on the subject. Wearing high-quality sunglasses outside to avoid bright sunlight that stimulates alertness is recommended and effective. Not trying to stay awake should also be considered. Shopping for groceries in the morning after work, for example, is not recommended. Taking a low dose of melatonin is a great option for everyone, especially night workers. Between 500 mcg and 3 mg is a good dose. Higher doses are used for very specific purposes and should not be used to address sleep problems. If you feel the need to take larger doses of melatonin, it is time to consult a health care professional who can help you. In conclusion, you can always control the quality of your sleep. Yes, life is full of little challenges, but good quality sleep will help you overcome them more easily. Remember, just like food, quality is much more important than quantity. A healthy lifestyle is essential to good sleep, but there are many high-quality supplements available to help you sleep better. If you would like more advice and do not know how to find out the cause of your sleep deprivation, consult a qualified professional.

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