Sleep, you know that thing you do when your eyes close at night (or day), is a very very important component of life and well being. Before you grunt and grumble, "I know, I know," let's talk about why sleep can make tremendous changes within our bodies. Why do we do it? Why do we need it so badly? If we do this sleep thing for approximately 1/3 of our lives, it must hold some significance . . . right?
Well friends, as you might have heard throughout the past few years, sleep is a low power state in which our bodies undergo repair, rest, and rejuvenation. Our body temperature lowers (heating the body takes energy), our brains become less active, cycling through different stages every 90 to 100 minutes, and our breathing becomes a bit shallow. We are unconsciously disengaged from our surroundings, as not to disturb the sleep process. If all goes well, we wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on what awaits us during the day. If not, we struggle with brain fog, irritability, and sleep attacks.
During the cycle of sleep stages, our body increases blood supply to muscles, repairs and grows tissue, and restores energy. In addition, our brain is relieved of harmful proteins that build up during the day; one in particular is Beta-amyloid. A hallmark sign of Alzhimer's disease is a build up of Beta-amyloid.
If you feel excessively tired during the day, have difficulty focusing, or feel your memory is slipping, have an evaluation from a sleep physician. You may have a sleep disorder and not realize it.
Better Sleep is a Better You!
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