Sleep and Stress – Part 1
Why is sleep so important?
We have many stressors in our life, and for the most part, healthy stress strengthens our immune system. We all know someone who thrives on a full and busy schedule. And then there are those folks who fall apart when just one more thing gets added to their busy day. Most of us fall somewhere in-between. It’s true that our ability to handle stress is governed by mindset. And yet genetics and how much sleep you get play big roles too.
We are designed to sleep when the sun is down and be active when the sun is up. This is called the circadian rhythm, or body clock, and each of our cells has its own. Now some cells work harder at night, repairing natural “damage” that is done every day. You can enhance these systems with good nutrition, social support and rest. Sleep rules your recovery metabolism. It is intimately involved with the regulation of all our hormones including stress hormones.
So why is sleep so important? Adequate and restful sleep is the cornerstone of helping your stress response and tolerance. You must have recovery time. If you don’t get enough sleep regularly, have untreated sleep apnea, or do shift work that goes against your natural circadian rhythms (body clock), you are going to struggle to lose weight. And here’s why: Hormones that help regulate our body temperature, heart rate and rhythm, our digestive system, and hormone-releasing systems in our brain (HPA axis) are intimately involved with circadian rhythms, regulating all body functions. If your body clock is constantly in “alarm” mode, you’ll feel poorly, have a tougher time concentrating, and you won’t be able to lose weight or work out effectively. You’ll get more food cravings, and you may put yourself at higher risk for cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Please hear this. If you don’t get adequate and restful sleep, your immune system will struggle. You’ll likely age faster, your hunger mechanisms will be all messed up, as will your mood, emotions, and energy level.
Most of us know what it’s like to experience the effects of poor sleep. And there will be times you just cannot control your sleep patterns, like when you are pregnant or have an infant who is nursing, tending to a toddler or loved one who is sick, trying to deal with chronic pain, or experiencing the changes of menopause. These types of sleep disruptions are short-term, but if you allow your sleep pattern to be disrupted for years, and you don’t prioritize it, then it will take a toll on your body.
We may all have challenges getting adequate sleep. Read on to Sleep and Stress Part 2 to get some ideas and tips on how to make sleep a priority.
By Tammy Jett-Parmer PA-C
