How are you keeping up with your New Year Resolutions? Have you made goals for yourself? Are you able to implement changes into your life as the speed of the year re-engages?
Have no fear because we are here to take you through the step by step process of creating change in your habits in order to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
Having initiated last week the impact of sleep on health, we will continue for a few more weeks teaching you how to get proper sleep. If you have questions about stress and how this may impact your health, please call our office for a free consultation 303-678-1979. B-Vitamins and Minerals are essential nutrients in supporting your bodies ability to recover and rejuvenate cells. As we become more stressed (Physically, Nutritionally, Toxically, and Emotionally) our body does not recover and we begin to deplete these nutrients. Over time your system begins to struggle with the demands of the day and sleep patterns are disrupted. So make sure you support your active/over stimulated life with proper whole food B-Vitamins and Minerals. We recommend
Cataplex B from Standard Process and Body Balance from Life Force International.
How do you recognize poor sleep patterns?
Do you sleep and wake around the same time each day (including weekends)?
Naturally you want to schedule 7-9 hours for a restful night sleep. However, if you change the time you sleep or wake, the body can not align to a rhythm. Bio-energetic rhythms, or circadian rhythms, are built-in natural cycles your body operates within to maintain equilibrium. The main external cue for circadian rhythms is sunlight. When your circadian rhythm is disrupted the hormonal/endocrine system begins to unwind, then signs and symptoms appear all over your body, seemingly in a non-specific pattern. The endocrine system is very sensitive and altered sleep patterns can lead to Adrenal/cortisol imbalance, Thyroid Disorders, Estrogen Imbalances, Low Progesterone, and even Low Testosterone. These disorders look like low energy, inability to lose weight, trouble sleeping, headaches in the morning, lack of motivation, concentration problems and numerous other conditions. In our office we provide saliva panels and blood chemistry testing which allow us to track down the exact area of imbalance to help return your endocrine system back to normal. Once hormones are balanced your circadian rhythm should normalize allowing you better sleep.
Most recently there has been adds for medication to support “Swing Shift Disorder.” This is not a disorder which needs medication. If you wish to stay healthy, assist your body in its own natural rhythms with nutrition, herbs, homeopathic medicine, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and massage. The medication will further disrupt the hormone system leading to severe health problems!
SOLUTION:
A general rule to sleep is, sleep when the sun goes down and wake when the sun comes up. Naturally the winter has less sun, and therefore is it ok to sleep slightly longer during the winter months. Look at your consistent schedule and find times which work within the constraints you are met with. If you are a night owl, stay up a little later but allow yourself 7-9 hours. A morning person could get up at 5 am but must consider the 7-9 hours and go to sleep earlier in the night.
On all accounts you must consider activities performed before going to bed. Avoid high exertion activities before going to sleep. Discontinue back-lit electronics one hour before going to bed (computers, i-pads, TV). Use low level lighting, darken the room (including alarm clocks and chargers), and practice relaxation techniques once settled into your bed. Get regular exercise and eat right avoiding food at least one hour before sleep and stimulants like caffeine 4 hours before sleep.
Know when to seek help:
● Persistent daytime sleepiness or fatigue
● Loud snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing
● Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
● Waking with fatigue or a slow starter
● Frequent morning headaches
● Crawling sensations in your legs or arms at night
● Inability to move while falling asleep or waking up
● Physically acting out dreams during sleep
● Falling asleep at inappropriate times
Any of these symptoms are caused by stress to different areas of you body. Call today to schedule a free consultation to find out what stressors are causing YOUR sleep problems. 303-678-1979
Follow Us