"Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day."
Sleep is an important aspect of your life. We all need to get more sleep, including me. Sleep problems are the hallmark symptom of hypothalamus-pituitary dysfunction. Yes it comes from the brain. Chronic stress affects the usual rhythm of cortisol and melatonin and we develop problems in getting quality sleep.
Sleep is divided into two categories: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. There are four stages of sleep. While we are sleeping we cycle between REM and NREM sleep throughout the night. Usually individuals begin with a cycle of NREM followed by a very short cycle of REM. Your dreams only occur in the REM stages.You must go through the four stages of non REM before entering a cycle of REM sleep is attained and then the cycle begin all over again. I find this very interesting. I am not going to describe all four stages.
I do want to discuss hormonal issues during sleep. It is during the deep stages (III and IV) of NREM sleep that the pituitary gland secretes growth hormone and the body performs the highest degree of metabolic repair. Human growth hormone stimulates the repair and regeneration of tissues, helps with absorption of minerals and muscles and builds bones. So you need your sleep.
The following conditions can result from loss of sleep:
1. Rise in cortisol levels and increased insulin resistance (after just six days of reduced sleep)
2. It will effect the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (this is the hormone that controls metabolism, body temperature, and hair growth)
2. It will effect the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (this is the hormone that controls metabolism, body temperature, and hair growth)
3. Growth hormone release is reduced and prolonged
To find out why you have poor sleep you can see your doctor. However I am also confident that he/she will prescribe a sleeping agent, as ambien, trazadone or clonezepam.
I start looking at cortisol levels (baseline bloods) as well as saliva testing. In addition hormonal testing especially progesterone and I also view the melatonin output and timing. These are done by certain labs and provide excellent input for your doctor to assist you in sleeping better. If I do need a sleep agent prior to getting these results I always prescribe a nervine herb or a homeopathic remedy - like Nervoheel or Neuroxtan (homeopathic sublingual therapy).
This is available from http://www.longevitynutritionals.com/
Get a good night's sleep!
Until tomorrow...
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