Thursday, 3 May 2012

Sleep and Health

Sleep is defined as " A condition of body and mind such as that which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed, the posture muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended"!

Why sleep is important?Sleep is a heightened "Anabolic state"! (Anabolism means building up of complex molecules)When we sleep, we are in a state of anabolism where growth and restoration of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular system takes place!



Problem 

Feeling sick? Caught cold? Slogged off in the gym and still no sign of muscle gain? irregular periods? Mood swings? High B.P? Obesity? Diabetes? Forgetfulness? Lack of Concentration?Want a glowing skin? Want strong, luscious Hair? 


Solution 

Get Your Dose of Sleep








"Trying to lose weight? But, Unsuccessful? Go, Get some sleep! You might be following a healthy well balanced diet, being regularly going to gym, eating all kind of nutritional supplements, BUT If you don't sleep enough all these doings are worthless!"
Why?
Some Scientific Knowledge: "Adipocytes" ( your fat cells) release "Leptin" (A Protein hormone regulating fat storage) to the bloodstream to signal sufficient fat stores, "Leptin" acts as a natural appetite suppressor! The stomach releases "Ghrelin" ( A Hormone which increases/stimulates appetite)  
when it is empty, signaling hunger.( That explains "Ghrelin" levels are higher in obese people than lean people).
Now, when you don't sleep enough, what happens is, the result, affects "Leptin" & "Ghrelin" secretion, ie, lowers the levels of leptin and raises levels of ghrelin!

Hence, with Sleep Loss, low "Leptin" & high "Ghrelin" can give powerful dual signals that the body has energy deficit, thus increasing food intake!
Got the Connection?



Our Biological Clock




Moreover, Sleep gives the body an opportunity to repair itself, the muscles and other tissues, it also replaces aging or dead cells , Sleep gives the brain a chance to organise and document memories and dreams are known to be a part of this activity. Growth hormones in children are secreted during sleep. These chemicals are vital tot he immune system. Lack of sleep, over a period of time, can affect a child's growth. Likewise, long term sleep loss can lead to health disorders, including heart disease,diabetes, high b.p, etc.

Newborn babies need atleast 18 hours of sound sleep, school going children need 10-11 hours of sleep, adolescents need 8 - 9 hours of sound sleep, adults need 7 - 9 hours of perfect sound sleep!

So, Sleep away your worries, stress, working woes & extra weight! :)






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