Get Well Wednesday: Are You Tired Of Being Tired?
I don’t know about you, but I am tired of being tired, I found this article very informative!
Dr. Ken Redcross wants everyone to get more sleep. Sleep is a significant factor in good health, but it’s one most people ignore. Here’s why it’s so important and how to get more of it. Â
HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO WE REALLY NEED?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get 7 hours of sleep each night.
CAN LACK OF SLEEP CAUSE OTHER HEALTH CONDiTIONS?
Studies show that sleep deprivation is linked to many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, depression and Alzheimerâs disease. Lack of sleep can compromise the immune system, making it more susceptible to infection and more difficult to fight off illness.
IS INSUFFICIENT SLEEP A COMMON HEALTH ISSUE?
Everyone wants more sleep, but finding time to get it seems impossible. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 American adults do not get enough sleep.
CAN A MATTRESS AFFECT SLEEP QUALITY?
Yes. On average, most people will spend 24 years of their lives asleep, so investing in a good mattress, pillows and sheets are a must in order to achieve quality sleep. Studies show new bedding systems increase sleep quality and reduced back discomfort, both of which may be related to reduction of stress-related symptoms.
HOW CAN YOU STILL FUNCTION WHEN YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH SLEEP?
Try backing up your immune system with boosters. Studies show that even just one sleepless night can negatively affect the adaptive immune system. If you canât achieve the optimum 8 hours of sleep each night for the immune system, immune boosting supplements can give you the backup you need. AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is an effective, medicinal mushroom immune booster backed by more than 20 human clinical studies at some of the most credible research institutions worldwide, including MD Anderson, Yale and Harvard. Studies show AHCC strengthens the immune system significantly, helping protect your body against potential health threats, which is especially critical if you are not getting enough sleep.
CAN A CHANGE IN DIET HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER?
Certain foods can naturally help you achieve better quality sleep. For a sleepy-time snack before bed try almonds: rich in magnesium, a mineral needed for quality sleep; walnuts: a good source of tryptophan, a sleep-enhancing amino acid, and also contain its own source of melatonin, which may help you fall asleep faster; tart cherries: boost levels of sleep-triggering melatonin; chamomile tea: increases glycine, a chemical that relaxes nerves and muscles acting as a mild sedative.
WHAT CAN WE DO RIGHT AWAY TO GET BETTER SLEEP?
Cut down on the cocktails, sodas, cigarettes and coffee. One study tackled these topics and found that alcohol can be relaxing to help you get to sleep but damaging to the sleep cycle, resulting in a restless night. Caffeine lengthens the second phase of the sleep⨠cycle (the cycle where your brain starts processing the day) â OK for naps but not for deep sleep â and shortens cycles where REM sleep and dreaming occur. Cigarettes can be relaxing in small doses but too many will keep you awake and could prevent the onset of sleep entirely. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes at least two hours before bedtime.
TEXT YOUR QUESTIONS TO 646464 AND DR. REDCROSS WILL ANSWER THEM ON BLACKAMERICA WEB.COM
Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Ken Redcross says without proper sleep, your bodyâs immune system is more susceptible to infection, making it difficult to fight off illness. He is the founder of Redcross Concierge, a personalized medical practice designed to enhance the patient-doctor relationship.
PHOTO: Ken Redcross
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