Staying Healthy Institute |
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If you or someone you know suffers from the common sleep disorder known as insomnia, are you also aware of the related health complications? There are several approaches that prove useful in treating this seemingly untreatable condition. Diet alteration, review of environmental conditions, various homeopathy treatments, mental and emotional factors must all be taken into careful review when seeking a remedy for this problem.
Unfortunately, approximately seventy million Americans experience insomnia or some type of sleeping disorder, and for over 50% of these the problem is chronic. This means there is an enormous number of Americans walking around in what experts refer to as "sleep debt." Sleep debt can lead to higher incidence of physical diseases, mood swings, depression, muscle and bone soreness, and a reduced ability to enjoy life fully. Lack of sleep deprives your body of the time it needs to repair worn-out tissue and remove free radicals. Lack of sufficient sleep reduces your body's immune system by at least 30%.
How much is enough? It depends on how old you are, how active you are, but on average, adults need a minimum of 7 to 8 hours sleep each night. Women tend to require more sleep than men. A good way to know if you are getting enough sleep is if you wake up feeling well rested and ready for an active day.
The first step for treating sleep problems is to be honest with yourself. Keep a daily sleep journal and note if you've had a good nights rest or not. This is a start for identifying and addressing underlying probable causes. Diet is important when treating sleep disorders, and it is essential to rule out food intolerances as a cause. Here are some common nutritional sleep robbing culprits: caffeine from tea, coffee, cola, chocolate or too much protein before bed. Some people cannot tolerate dairy products even 3 to 4 hours before retiring. Other foods people seem to be sensitive to before bed are products containing sugar, wheat or corn. Prescription drugs and alcohol intake can also significantly disturb sleep.
Environmental factors that have been reported to effect sleep are items that interfere with the body's electromagnetic field. These include electric blankets, electrically heated waterbeds, electric clocks near the head of the bed, as well as power lines or generators too close to the home. Other environmental factors are noise pollution, problems with chronic pain, lack of proper air circulation, humidity, or even an uncomfortable mattress.
Mental and emotional reactions can affect sleep for short-term, and if not properly dealt with can results in long-term problems. These include grief, depression, fear, anxiety, and panic attacks, to name a few.
Usually a multifaceted approach to eliminating insomnia is the best remedy. For example a client of mine was slightly overweight, did not exercise and was chronically tired and depressed. After a few weeks of nutritional changes, removing an electic blanket, starting a regular cardiovascular exercise program that incorporated daily walking, my client lost a few pounds. I then taught my client a few meditation techniques and we did one hypnotherapy session for insomnia, at last report my client is getting a restful 7 hours sleep every night.
Please do not ignore poor sleep habits. Sound, deep restorative sleep, is the foundation for a healthy body and active life. If you can't figure out a solution on your own seek help from a qualified practitioner.
Meditation Class
Tuesday 7pm
Spiritual Voices
562-789-9424
Whittier, California
Toll FREE (866) 2TO-HEAL, 866-286-4325.CATHY L. JAMIESON is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist. She has a degree in Nutrition and Fitness, offers Counseling Programs, Meditation Techniques, Pranic Healing, is a Reiki Master Teacher and a Lightarian Practitioner. Call Toll FREE (866) 2TO-HEAL for more information.
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