Think you do just fine on five or six hours of shut-eye? Chances are, you are among the many millions who unwittingly shortchange themselves on sleep.
Research shows that most people require seven or eight hours of sleep to function optimally. From infancy to old age, the effects of inadequate sleep can profoundly affect memory, learning, creativity, productivity and emotional stability, as well as your physical health.
According to sleep specialists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, among others, a number of bodily systems are negatively affected by inadequate sleep: the heart, lungs and kidneys; appetite, metabolism and weight control; immune function and disease resistance; sensitivity to pain; reaction time; mood; and brain function.
It should come as no surprise that myriad bodily systems can be harmed by chronically shortened nights. “Sleep affects almost every tissue in our bodies,” said Dr. Michael J. Twery, a sleep specialist at the National Institutes of Health.
In addition, metabolism slows when one’s circadian rhythm and sleep are disrupted; if not counteracted by increased exercise or reduced caloric intake, this slowdown could add up to 10 extra pounds in a year.
To learn how lack of sleep can increase the development of heart disease, type II diabetes, and cancer, read more: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/cheating-ourselves-of-sleep/?ref=health
If you ARE having trouble sleeping, talk to your chiropractor. Here are some techniques that can help with sleep problems: chiropractic adjustments, massage, exercise, acupuncture, or a combination of treatments may help. These may help improve the function of the chest muscles and increase blood flow. Stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck are beneficial too.
