The Importance of Sleep
Sleep has been associated with greater mental acuity and cognitive performance, appetite regulation, hormonal balance, and emotional health. Recently, Dr. Northrup wrote an article on how adequate sleep affects blood pressure. Dr. Northrup proposed that sleep is a potent stress reducer, which has a positive effect on blood pressure.
The Biochemistry of Sleep:
It has been theorized that when someone enters the fourth phase of sleep, REM, consolidation of cognitive processes and memories occur. Furthermore, adequate sleep allows the two hormones leptin and ghrelin to communicate more effectively. (Leptin is a hormone secreted by adipose cells that is responsible for the feeling of satiety and ghrelin is its counter hormone released by the stomach which signifies hunger). Sleep is also important in maintaining the proper balance between growth hormone and cortisol as well as regulating the thyroid hormone.
To learn more about The Many Un-pleasures of Insomnia or other sleep issues, visit my homepage.
References:
Dr. Northrup. Women’s Health Wisdom. December 2009.
Bio-genesis. December Newsletter 2009. volume 5 issue 12.
CDC.gov
To view my latest posting on EMFs and its link to health issues, visit my webpage.