Are you getting enough sleep?
Photo courtesy of www.everystockphoto.com. Photographer: T. Keller
Chronic sleep deprivation is perhaps one of the most overlooked causes of chronic disease and health complaints. Sleep deprivation comes in all forms ranging from purposeful (not scheduling enough time to sleep) to insomnia or other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Besides the obvious daytime drowsiness, decreased ability to concentrate, and decreased energy, chronic sleep deprivation may also increase pain, promote inflammation (leading to heart disease and diabetes), increase blood pressure, and negatively inpact hormone balance (leading to diagnoses such as anxiety and depression). Medications currently prescribed for sleep can sometimes give people a false sense of security. While they help people fall asleep and stay asleep longer, the medications do not necessarily allow people to get the deep, restful sleep that they need to restore their bodies to an optimal state of health.
Another prevalent problem leading to sleep deprivation is the myth that we need less sleep as we age and that adults only require 7-9 hours of sleep each night. More recent studies have shown that when adults are chronically sleep deprived and allowed to sleep without interruption, they will naturally stay asleep for 9-11 hours at a time. Since sleep deprivation is so prevalent, this means that most of us need to allow more time in our schedules for sleep.
“But then I wont get everything done!” is the common exclamation from someone told they need to go to bed 2 hours earlier. The truth is, that our brains and bodies will function more efficiently when we are well rested, so we will more than make up for the 2 hour loss of awake time by increasing productivity and simply having enough energy to accomplish our goals.
If you believe that sleep is an issue for you or suspect that any of your health conditions or symptoms may be related to poor sleep, you should see a Naturopathic Physician for evaluation and treatment. Naturopaths can order the appropriate tests to diagnose sleep disorders and prescribe individualized treatments for patients. Naturopaths will also take other lifestyle elements that can interfere with sleep into consideration and approach diagnosed problems holistically rather than prescribing treatments for symptoms alone.
At Snohomish Valley Holistic Medicine, we are also able to offer Acupuncture and Massage Therapy which can provide additional benefit to those suffering from sleep disorders or who need help implementing major lifestyle changes. Call or visit our website to request an appointment today: (360) 282-4014 OR www.snovalleyholistic.com
About the Author: Dr. Bowker is a Naturopathic Physician and owner of Snohomish Valley Holistic Medicine. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Bowker serves as a Board member for the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She has also been a guest speaker for community organizations and instructor of several community health classes. For more information, please visit her primary website: www.snovalleyholistic.com
