Did you know that a good night's sleep can be the secret to strengthening your immune system? Recent studies have shed light on the profound impact of sleep on our body's defense against illnesses. Researchers found that individuals who slept less than 7 hours per night were three times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who slept for a
restorative 8 hours or more.
To keep your immune system robust, it's crucial to prioritize adequate sleep. However, we understand that achieving quality sleep can sometimes be challenging, especially if you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. We have compiled five exciting recommendations to help you improve your sleep and refresh the natural abilities of your immune system:
Explore What Acupuncture Offers: In Chinese medicine, we delve into the underlying causes of sleep problems and tailor treatments accordingly. For instance, an overactive spleen, often associated with excessive overthinking, can be calmed down with acupuncture techniques. Likewise, if you find yourself wide awake in bed, it may indicate an agitated liver, which can be pacified through acupuncture to help you regain restful sleep.
Embrace Melatonin with Caution: Melatonin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. While it can be helpful for improving sleep, it's important to exercise caution when using melatonin supplements. Dosing should be personalized, and it's best to consult with your doctor before starting any supplementation. Furthermore, it's worth noting that the supplement market can be prone to adulteration. See the article linked below to a study on melatonin adulteration. To ensure your safety, it's advisable to purchase melatonin supplements from verified sources like our clinic, where quality and authenticity are guaranteed.
Calcium and Magnesium: In an appointment with your doctor, you can discuss if these essential minerals that act as muscle relaxants, can help you by inducing a state of relaxation and promoting deeper sleep when taken before bedtime.
Balance Blood Sugar Levels: If you often experience sudden awakenings between 3 am and 5 am, it could be due to a drop in blood sugar. Consuming a small, easily digestible protein snack before bed, such as a handful of nuts or a tablespoon of plain yogurt, helps prevent these disturbances, ensuring a more uninterrupted sleep.
Manage Evening Cortisol Levels: Sometimes, high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the evening can disrupt your ability to fall asleep. If you are concerned about your cortisol levels, we can do lab testing at the clinic and provide you with treatment options to manage it.
If you find that your sleep is not optimal, don't hesitate to reach out to your Full Circle doctor. We can assist you in identifying the underlying reasons behind your sleep difficulties and work with you to enhance both the duration and quality of your sleep.
By prioritizing restful sleep, you'll be giving your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy and resilient. So, snuggle up, catch those Z's, and awaken to a stronger, healthier you!
Footnotes
Melatonin Article: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/cautions-about-melatonin-gummies-plus-a-few-of-your-questions-answered/