You know, we are SOOO busy when we sleep. Contrary to popular belief, good quality sleep is an active experience where our bodies are engaged in really important metabolic work.
For instance, during sleep hours we are detoxifying up a storm. In fact during sleep, the brain dumps loads of neurotoxins including beta-amyloid, the protein responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Insomnia is thought to be a risk factor for dementia!
We’re also repairing damage, rebuilding muscle and restoring neurons.
Good sleep is critical for regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, hormones, and “feeding behavior”….
Are YOU getting enough shuteye?
I liked this article on sleep hygiene from the University of Maryland. But they missed a few things (and arguably one of the most IMPORTANT pre-sleep hygiene habit that many of us fail to do)….Any ideas on what that could be? I’ll check in later and respond.
And here’s another nice overview on sleep from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
I’d love to hear from you. Do you have issues getting good sleep? Share your comments below!