Dec 30 2024 10 mins
Inadequate sleep is a prevalent issue, with many turning to medication or aids, while the financial impact of tired workers is substantial. To improve sleep, we'll discuss four essential pillars: Circadian Rhythm, Glycemic Regulation, Stress, and Sleep Hygiene. These elements involve aligning sleep with natural body cycles, managing blood sugar levels to prevent sleep disturbances, reducing stress, and adopting healthier bedtime habits.
Circadian rhythms are critical for regulating sleep patterns, heavily influenced by light. Disruptions like shift work, inconsistent sleep schedules, and excessive blue light exposure can harm these rhythms, affecting overall health. Addressing blood sugar fluctuations is also vital, as imbalances can lead to nighttime awakenings and elevated cortisol levels, disrupting the natural sleep cycle.
Stress profoundly affects sleep through hormone imbalances and neurotransmitter disruptions, exacerbated by various stress triggers. Establishing good sleep hygiene promotes better rest, involving reducing device usage before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and creating a calming pre-sleep environment. While supplements can aid particular challenges, the primary focus should be on sustainable nutrition and lifestyle adjustments for lasting sleep improvements.
For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/9067/pillars-of-sleep
For quality supplements that I use and recommend:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/andreanicholson
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