Are you getting the sleep you deserve?
Without proper sleep, how can we heal? Sleep is a natural state of affairs that doesn't require anything from us until the lack of it becomes an issue. Agree?
We all know that resting well is vital to our healthy balance—the wonders of when we shut our eyes to when we open them again. It would appear that we drift off into an abyss of the unknown for a few hours to repair and heal, from eliminating toxins, refurnishing our mental and emotional files to repair and the regeneration of our organs. Truly incredible, and we don't require technology for this miracle to unfold each day. It's Divinely inspired and orchestrated.
Whether we are convinced or not, we all need sleep to repair, heal and rejuvenate. There are no exceptions. From the wealthiest to the poorest, sleep deprivation will always be a challenge. We all ebb and flow with a natural internal clock known as our circadian rhythm. Our environment dramatically influences this clock; is it dark, is it light, have I overeaten, am I hungry, am I stressed, am I relaxed, and for each person, the circumstances may vary. So, cultivating a healthy routine unique to you and your lifestyle is an important start.
A number of studies have found that a lack of proper sleep can lead to increased stress, somatic pain (nerves located in the skin or tissues are injured or traumatized), reduced quality of life, emotional distress, mood disorders, cognitive deficits, and an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer.
That's not an impressive list. Who wants to be on this list? None of us. But unfortunately, some of us are and trying to get off.
Here is an impressive study conducted by Boston University researchers - observing the "behavior" of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain as people slept. The team wanted to figure out whether brain wave activity correlated with blood flow and CSF flow—so they had people wear EEG caps to measure brain waves and fall asleep inside an MRI machine to observe the movement of the two fluids.
What they found was neat: as brain cells quieted down and brain waves slowed during sleep, blood moved out of the brain—and as it did, CSF entered and "pulsed" in waves.
"We do see that the neural change always seems to happen first, and then it's followed by a flow of blood out of the head, and then a wave of CSF into the head," said Lewis. "It's such a dramatic effect."
It's not hard then to understanding that getting enough quality sleep is essential to our overall wellbeing. It is remarkable when taking into account our overall health – mental, emotional, physical, emotional, spiritual, and yes, even financial, sleep represents more of a vital task than we realize.
Did you know…?
A lack of sleep negatively impacts mental health and wellbeing, and can even cause an increased in our appetite, leading to unhealthy and unnecessary snacking.
People who engage in voluntary but unintentional chronic sleep deprivation are classed as people having a sleep disorder known as behavioral induced insufficient sleep syndrome.
The work hours required by some occupations can produce sleep deprivation.
Ongoing sleep deprivation may be a sleep disorder or indicative of an underlining condition in need of medical intervention.
The standard sleep requirements are eight hours, but we all agree some people require more and some less.
After being awake for 16 hours or more, many people will experience reduced cognitive abilities, motivation, and or lack of self-control.
Sleep deprivation can cause irritability, frustration, and emotional intolerance.
Sleep deprivation decreases libido because hormones are not synthesizing properly.
There are many tips to prevent sleep deprivation.
Refraining from consuming alcohol and caffeine
No computer or cellphone screen time at least an hour before bedtime and practicing meditation and breathing exercises contribute to reversing, or best-case scenario, preventing sleep deprivation.
The relevance between our sleep and our overall health – mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual – is vital to our ability to raise our cellular vibrations and ultimately manifest and accomplish our fullest potential.
There you have it in bite size! Merely a glimpse into the danger zone of sleep deprivation. So, my friend, until next time, Breathe Easy and Sleep Well.
About the author - Maxine Mclean Ph.D., Doctor of Integrative Medicine, A Homeopath, Author, Metaphysical Healer, Humanitarian, the founder of Gratitude Keeper®. Health-Coach-Speaker, Meditation Healing Facilitator-Educator, and Creative Entrepreneur.
Blue seal Award – Writing, Canada's 100 Black women to honor. Eminence Award.
I'm encouraged to connect, inspire and positively impact other people's lives to help them rise. – Maxine McLean, Ph.D.