Are You Getting Enough Zzzzzz's?

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about fatigue and low energy.  One big factor in fatigue is lack of sleep or poor quality sleep and that is the subject of this week’s blog. 

Everyone needs good quality sleep.  Studies show that most of us need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night to be at our best.  We need quality sleep to allow the body to heal, repair and function properly.  Chronic poor sleep can lead to sleep deprivation and to a decreased quality of life.  Some more common problems associated with sleep deprivation include:

1.       Excessive daytime sleepiness.

2.       Decrease energy.

3.       Increased irritability and relationship problems.

4.       Reduced mental performance.

5.       Slowed reaction time.

6.       Work related mistakes and accidents.

7.       Increased motor vehicle accidents.

8.       Headaches.

9.       Fibromyalgia.

10.   Increased cardiac problems.

11.   Increased chance of stroke.

Stress is a big reason for poor quality sleep.  One indicator of how stress may be involved is to look at how long it takes you to fall asleep. 

The normal amount of time to fall asleep is 5 – 15 minutes.  

If you fall asleep in 5 minutes or less, it indicates you already suffer from sleep deprivation.  Obviously there are times when we go to bed so tired that we fall asleep as soon as the head hits the pillow but that should not be an every night occurrence.  In cases like those, it is important to get more sleep each night.

If it takes from 15 – 30 minutes to fall asleep, it indicates stress and possible adrenal weakness.

If it takes over 30 minutes to fall asleep, it indicates the need for serious nutritional and herbal intervention to restore normal function. 

As mentioned above, lowered adrenal gland function is an important factor to consider as well.  In order to get proper sleep, the adrenal glands must be healthy and in order for the adrenal glands to stay healthy, the body must get proper rest.  It is possible to get into a “catch-22” situation where lowered adrenal function is causing poor sleep which causes lowered adrenal function which causes poor sleep and on and on and on.  Those are tougher cases and usually require the help of a qualified natural health care practitioner to correct.

And there are other things that can contribute to poor quality sleep.  Thyroid issues, pituitary gland issues, digestive issues, or liver issues.  Chronic pain can lead to sleep deprivation as well.  The key is to find out what’s causing YOUR sleep deprivation and fix it! 

If you suffer with sleep deprivation and are ready to do something about it, I believe we can help.  We offer quality chiropractic services as well as Nutrition Response Testing® to support your body is getting the rest it needs.  As your sleep improves, your whole outlook on life will improve as will your health.  So call us today at 501-842-1004 to make your appointment.