ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs, Baby!
Now for a conversation near and dear to my heart…sleep. This topic could go on indefinately. Don’t worry we will take baby steps as I am sure many of you are resistant to the value of a good nights sleep.
I am going to start with my sleep history. When my son, James, was born…he was not a good sleeper. The two of us slept on the sofa almost every night until he was four years old. I should also interject that it was around this time that I was diagnosed with Hashimotos, yes, an autoimmune disease. Once James started sleeping through the night I did the same. I was pretty consistant wilh getting seven to eight hours of sleep nightly for about ten years. I firmly believe sleep kept the lupus flares at bay during those years. I had mild flares during that time, but nothing totally debilatating. I did have total paralysis in my left hand for about six months (during a very stressful period), I had some digestive issues, some skin issues, joint issues (was diagnosed with carpal tunnel, wore wrist splints for three years) all these conditions appeared suddenly, ran their course and disappeared. The paralysis was attributed to a “virus” since the neurologist couldn’t find any other reason for it!
So, of special note, when I had the flare that put me in the hospital at which time I was diagnosed with lupus, what major change in my lifestyle preceded this event? I was not getting my usual seven to eight hours of sleep. In fact I was probably getting around five or six, consistantly. This change in my sleep pattern weakened my immune system leaving me totally vulnerable for a major flare. Oh, and if you’re wondering why I wasn’t getting my usual sleep…new relationship…that’s right, cupid’s arrow can make you forget, your diet, exercise, and yes, your zzzzzzzzzzzzzs!
Sleep helps boost the immune system.
Sleep deprivation can increase inflammation…can you say heart disease, stroke, diabetes, autoimmune disease, obesity, depression, and more.
Sleep deprivation can effect hormones that regulate appetite.
Lets elaborate on this a little, it only takes one night, that’s right, one single night of sleep deprivation to increase levels of ghrelin (the hormone that triggers hunger) and decrease leptin (the hormone that suppresses hunger). Wow, for years I have wondered why the day following a poor nights sleep I craved high-fat, high-calorie foods!
Poor sleep effects your concentration the following day.
Quality sleep will help you remember and process things better.
Sleep also seems important for the formation of memories.
While your body is resting, your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings and memories.
To be continued….
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