By Dawn Bergeron
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12 Jul, 2021
To help support the body as your client rebuilds their health, they must get good quality sleep each night. They will not thrive if they aren’t getting the sleep their body needs. Without a good sleep practice, the body cannot heal. But sleep issues plague a growing number of people, who find themselves tossing and turning instead of snoozing. Did you know that sleep deprivation is a form of torture used by bad guys around the world? It works because we're USELESS without sleep and will spill the beans to get some. However, most of us live in a state of chronic sleep deprivation and are suffering the consequences without connecting the dots. Oftentimes, we do it voluntarily by staying up and watching TV or playing on social media. When low on sleep, we have less energy, are moody, can't focus, have lower sex drive, are less intelligent, and are more likely to die earlier. Recent findings show that acute sleep deprivation and looking tired are related to decreased attractiveness and health, as perceived by others. See some "how to sleep tips below" Practice the regular rhythms of sleep -- go to bed and wake up at the same time each day No TV in the bedroom Create an aesthetic environment in your bedroom that encourages sleep by using serene and restful colors and eliminating clutter and distraction (Tip: avoid family photos in your bedroom decor for even more of a spa-like feel) Create total darkness and quiet - consider using eye-shades and earplugs Avoid caffeine or reduce it after noon -- it may make sleep worse Avoid alcohol -- it helps you get to sleep but makes your sleep interrupted and of poor quality Get regular exposure to daylight for at least 20 minutes daily. The light from the sun enters your eyes and triggers your brain to release specific chemicals and hormones like melatonin that are vital to healthy sleep, mood, and aging Eat no later than two hours before bed -- eating a heavy meal prior to bed will lead to a bad night's sleep and will impede the body’s overnight detoxification process Write your worries down. During your Power Down Hour, write down the things that are causing you anxiety and make plans for what you might have to do the next day to reduce your worry. It will free up your mind and energy to move into deep and restful sleep Take a hot salt or aromatherapy bath. Raising your body temperature before bed helps to induce sleep. A hot bath also relaxes your muscles and reduces tension physically and psychically. By adding 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) and 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to your bath, you will gain the benefits of magnesium absorbed through your skin and the alkaline-balancing effects of the baking soda, both of which help with sleep If you would like to learn more about testing for your hormones, sleep and and stress, please schedule a FREE 30 Minute Consult where I can educate on the best lab to run or look at the Wellness Metrics lab. You can schedule that call here: SCHEDULE FREE 30 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL