Suffering from insomnia or sleep disorders has a drastic influence on an individuals overall health and life. Lack of sleep leads to fatigue, low mood and weakens the body's immune system. New information is ordered and stored in the brain in sleep for easy recovery at a later time. Through sleep a person's body and mind heals and develops, and energy is replenished.
When our eyes are exposed to darkness a hormone called melatonin is released. This hormone helps to trigger sleepiness and naturally lowers the body's temperature. The opposite happens when our eyes are exposed to light and instead serotonin is produced. We become more alert and energized.
People who have low levels of serotonin are more susceptible to developing sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. Sleep can also be affected negatively by exterior sources. Winter months can be a difficult time to get through for some people who may experience low mood and energy. People, who suffer from depression and sleep problems during winter months, are often diagnosed with SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
To help maintain a regular sleep pattern, light is important. However during winter months when sunlight is reduced, an artificial light box can be used as a substitution. This is a simple solution in how to beat insomnia and regulate your sleep pattern. Try and work in a well lit environment in the day so you can maximize on the body's natural production of serotonin.
Sleep earlier than usual so that you can get up earlier the next day. This will help you get the most amount of natural sunlight. To help increase melatonin and aid sleep, try dimming the lights in the evening. To help sleep come more naturally, it's a good idea to wind down in the evening and prepare the body and mind for sleep.
Light can be distracting and make sleep more difficult during bedtime, so make sure that you keep you room dark and devoid of light. Heavy and thick curtains will do the trick of blocking outside light. You could also line your existing curtains to make them thicker. Alternatively an eye mask can be worn which will do the same thing.
I have already mentioned that melatonin induces sleep and reduces body temperature. Does this suggest that body temperature affects sleep? Most people find that they are restless and uncomfortable when sleeping in a hot room.
Women suffer from sleepless nights when they are menstruating as their body temperature increases. In the day time our bodies naturally become warmer which increases energy and concentration. During the night our body temperature drops and in turn, our alertness reduces and we become sleepier.
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