Have you ever wondered how sleep can play a role on hair-loss, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease.  The media is always informing us how Americans are a nation of sleep deprived workaholics that are sacrificing their well being for overloading and over-scheduling themselves to maintain the modern lifestyle.  But what about those people that sleep beyond the seven to eight hours per night.

There are new studies that have concluded that sleeping nine hours or more per night may have a negative impact on health.  The evidence however, is much more conclusive that too little sleep can lead to illness, accidents, and lowered productivity.  We also know that depression can rise about in individuals who suffer from insomnia.

Here are some tips for better sleep, which will yield to better health.

Do not use sleep to overcome emotions:  When some people become overwhelmed they can become lethargic and start to fall asleep when feeling threatened.  While this may not seem that harmful, it clearly shows that a person is not dealing with the issues at hand and is not a good indicator that their night sleep will be disruptive.  Try going through the period of discomfort with a different activity such as exercise to lessen anxiety.
Do not nap too much:  Lately naps have gotten some bad press in the United States, but there has been a trend in the last few years to try a power nap.  Power naps are basically a short 15 to 20 minute sleep session that will act as an afternoon refresher, and it was speculated that Leonardo Da Vinci used this method often.  Current studies show that these power naps are an excellent way to revive yourself and sustain your energy and focus for a more productive day.  However, if the power nap turns into a traditional multi hour nap, this amount of sleep will disrupt your sleeping pattern at night.

Do not use the weekends as a sleepathon:  When our work schedules keep us busy we may sometime indulge in sleeping in on the weekends.  This behavior falls into the same pattern as overeating, and has no benefit at all.  You cannot catch up on your sleep, its all about consistent hours of sleep every night.
Nutritional Supplements help with sleep:  There are many great nutritional supplements that will condition you to fall asleep and stay asleep.  The first of these is Melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland and with age becomes less.  Supplemental Melatonin may help with this condition, and many users report its effectiveness form the first night of use.  Another great supplement to relax and get you ready for bed is Valerian root, this is an herb and is usually taken in a capsule or brewed as a tea.  Lastly, taking calcium before bed may also help in assisting with better sleep.

Are you up all night tossing and turning? If so, you’re in good company. According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, nearly half of all Americans report dealing with sleeplessness some of the time, and more that 20 percent experience it nearly every night. Read the rest of this entry »

Muscle-building supplements infused with nitric oxide (NO) and creatine give bodybuilders and other athletes an opportunity to build strength, improve performance, and even enhance mental focus. High-intensity training and endurance workouts require appropriate supplementation, but many supplements do have significant side effects. Because NO helps dilate blood vessels and increase circulation, some users may experience an elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, or trouble sleeping. Read the rest of this entry »

You don’t have to be an aromatherapy aficionado to recognize the scent of lavender. The flower is a common sight in English gardens, and grocery stores carry lavender-scented soaps and lotions. Perhaps you use lavender sachets to keep your clothes smelling fresh. What you might not know is that the flower offers more than just beauty and a sweet scent; it has therapeutic value as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Depression is a troubling condition that affects more than one in five adults each year. Symptoms of depression include both physical and emotional problems, including fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, feelings of sadness or despair, disordered thinking, and loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities. Headaches, digestive problems, chronic pain, and weight changes can be symptoms of depression as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Getting a good night’s rest is important for all of us, yet most people don’t realize that deep sleep is essential for cell and muscle repair. When the body is torn down by daily activities (including strenuous exercise and bodybuilding), the only way for it to recover is through a series of sleep cycles that help cells rejuvenate, and supply the body with enough energy to repair itself and grow. Getting restful sleep is also important for performance and maintaining a steady energy level throughout the day; when you find yourself yawning throughout the day or napping too often, it could be due to insufficient sleep.

If you’re regularly sleep-deprived, side effects may include fatigue, restlessness, and even anxiety or depression. The National Sleep Foundation reports that inadequate sleep contributes to difficult relationships at home and more mistakes on the job. Lack of sleep can even be lethal, causing auto accidents; sometimes drivers simply nod off behind the wheel. Read the rest of this entry »

Nature’s Way’s exclusive formula for Silent Night is a blend of valerian, hops, and scullcap that calms the nervous system and promotes restful sleep. For maximum benefit, take four capsules at bedtime. What follows is an explanation of what the key ingredients do to relieve various symptoms and how they work in this product.

Valerian

The valerian root found in Silent Night is used to relieve insomnia, anxiety, and depression—and to ease menstrual and stomach cramps as well. It does not interfere with individuals’ normal sleep patterns or with their restful rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Skullcap

An herb considered very beneficial to the nervous system, skullcap is recommended for the relief of stress, insomnia, depression, nervous headache, tension, and anxiety. Read the rest of this entry »