Would you be surprised to know that on average it is recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep a day?

And yet according to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, 1 in 3 adults (ages 18-60) sleep less than 7 hours each night.

Sleeping less than 7 hours for adults has shown an increased risk of critically disturbing the body and brain, causing weight gain, increasing impulsive behavior and the potential of memory loss. (2) Increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid deregulation are also side effects of not getting the right amount of sleep.

Our bodies produce a natural substance called leptin, which is a hormone produced to trigger our "fullness" or satiety feeling and it is lessened when we are sleep deprived. At the same time, ghrelin, which is a hormone that triggers hunger, is heightened. Results of one study conducted at the University of Chicago in Illinois showed that when sleep was restricted, leptin levels went down and ghrelin levels went up, appetite increased proportionally, and the desire for high carbohydrate, calorie-dense foods increased by a whopping 45%.(3) Researchers suspect these cravings were due to the fact that your brain is fueled by glucose, therefore, when lack of sleep occurs, your brain searches for carbohydrates. When we eat carbohydrates, blood sugar levels increase. As a response, insulin is then released to manage concentrations of glucose, keeping it in optimal range. The American Diabetes Association reports that people who regularly do not get enough sleep can become less sensitive to insulin, increasing their risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. (4)

 Sleep deprivation also can affect the thyroid. One study showed that after 6 days of only getting 4 hours of sleep, the normal nocturnal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) rise was strikingly decreased, and the overall mean TSH levels were reduced by more than 30%. (5) TSH stimulates the production of T4 and T3 which fuels the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body. Dr. Nikolas R. Hedberg, author of the book “The Thyroid Alternative”, expressed that any patients who suffer from insomnia and sleep problems also possess low thyroid symptoms and abnormal TSH levels. (6)

So What can you do to improve your sleep habits?

Many people will try turning to medications or the vitamin Melatonin to help with them sleep. The issue with Melatonin is that it can only sometimes be used as a sleep and body clock regulator, but not a permanent sleep initiator.If you use Melatonin regularly to sleep, your body’s natural production will lessen, creating even greater dependency for the hormone. There are better options out there; check out the natural tips and tricks listed below:

 1. Get into a regular exercise routine.  Aerobic activity can help stimulate circulation, hormones and serotonin production. Serotonin is associated with mood, sleep, appetite, memory and learning.

2. Find a bedtime routine that helps make you feel relaxed and repeat it each night to help regulate your internal clock.  Examples include reading, taking a hot bath, writing in a journal, meditation and prayer. Avoid using tablets, laptops, TV or smart phone before bed.

3. Avoid drinking a lot of liquid right before bed to reduce the number of times you get up to urinate.

4. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine several hours before bed.

5. Avoid alcohol which will keep you from entering the deeper stages of sleep.

6. Avoid carbohydrate rich night-time snacks and include more protein rich foods. Protein can provide the L-tryptophan needed to produce melatonin and serotonin.

7. Formula 303- 2 tablets before bed time acts as a natural relaxant and contains valerian root which is used to calm your nerves and mood.

8. Get your Vitamin D levels checked. Lower levels of Vitamin D have been linked towards depression and low serotonin levels.

9. Consider supplementing with magnesium. A magnesium deficiency is one of the most common symptoms of insomnia. Those who have low magnesium may experience restless sleep or waking up frequently during the night. Magnesium helps support healthy levels of GABA, which is a type of neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. (10)

It is important to discuss with your nutrition expert your sleeping habits and medications. Could it just be as simple as getting into a nightly routine? Sure. Or perhaps could it be something more important going on? Underlying deficiencies and toxicities can be tested with a comprehensive blood panel and hair test which, in turn, can help direct you towards the proper nutrients you need for your body. Call us at 715-362-2300 to get tested today and see how to enhance your body’s foundation towards optimal wellness…and a full night’s rest!