Importance of Sleep
We all know that going without sleep makes us cranky, less productive, and chronically exhausted, but do we realize the toll it can take on our mental and physical health?
Sleep, especially good restful sleep, can be one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy life. When we sleep our bodies and brains undergo processes which help to repair their tissues. By going without sleep we slow down healing and can make our immune systems weaker. In fact one of the best things we can do if we are worried about catching the flu, covid, or any other illness is to ensure that we are getting enough quality sleep.
Get Brainwashed!
Another benefit of good sleep that scientists are realizing is that when we sleep the chemicals and waste products that accumulate in our brains are essentially washed away. One of these waste products is beta-amyloid. This chemical/waste product has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and there is evidence that an accumulation of beta-amyloids in the brain is a major factor in the development of this disease (NPR Deep Sleep Protects Against Alzheimer's).
Waves of fluid enter and exit the brain when we are in deep sleep. These waves of fluid help to move waste products out and dispose of them through our lymphatic system. The same occurs with our other tissues while we sleep. The body takes advantage of our restful period to wash and strengthen our tissues, integrate bodywork, and give us our daily system updates. Muscle growth and repair takes place mostly while we are sleeping. Growth in young adults depends on good sleep and rest.
Our challenge as busy human beings is to be able to set the stage to get good sleep. Sometimes it is as simple as setting a reminder to go to bed early. For others that is not enough and they may also suffer from insomnia brought on by chronic pain, anxiety, or other patterns they have established.
I work with many clients on the things that may be keeping them from sleeping more soundly and deeply. Chronic pain can be relieved. Past trauma can be processed. Anxiety can be lessened through bodywork and brainwork. Fixing the problems that are keeping us up can pay dividends in restoring our sleep and in turn, our health.
Sleep Apnea
Another issue that many of my clients suffer from is sleep apnea. These clients may be in their beds for a good amount of time but as they sleep the soft tissues in their neck, throat, and nasal passages relaxes to the point where they stop breathing for periods of time. The body essentially loses blood oxygen. When the oxygen levels get to a certain low point, the brain follows its instinct and kicks adrenaline into the bloodstream, thus forcing us to take a breath and try to catch up on our breathing.
Then, not long after, we are back to not breathing and repeating the cycle. Having adrenaline constantly pumped into our system raises our blood pressure. This process is very stressful on our bodies and leads to getting very little deep sleep, which in turn can lead to wastes accumulating in our brains and sending us down a pathway to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The good news is that Julie at Posture Massage can help with all of these problems. Consider coming in and having her work on your head, neck, throat, and nasal tissues. Sometimes they need a good jumpstart and most tissues can benefit from a good lymphatic drainage. If your sleep apnea is mostly tied to carrying around excess weight then she can help you to process what is preventing you from working toward a healthier weight and lifestyle. Suffering from chronic pain? Your tissues may have gotten stuck from an injury or incident. Massage therapy or lymphatic drainage may be the ticket to relief from your pain and thus a good night’s sleep!
Sleep may seem like a very passive activity in our lives, however it may be the most important for a happy, non-depressed, and energetic life. If you are dissatisfied with your sleep, consider working toward a better night’s rest by bringing this topic up in your next session with Julie at Posture Massage!
