Introduction
In today’s fast-paced society, many Americans fail to prioritize sleep in their daily lives. With demanding work hours and constant access to technology-based entertainment, it’s no wonder that society has become sleep-deprived. However, recognizing the importance of sleep is crucial for overall well-being. This article will explore six signs that indicate the need for more sleep and provide tips on how to prioritize sleep in your life.
1. Fatigue and Brain Fog
One of the first signs that you need more sleep is experiencing fatigue and brain fog. While food deficiencies and intolerances can contribute to brain fog, a lack of sleep can also be a significant factor. When your body doesn’t receive enough sleep, it can lead to chronic fatigue and difficulty focusing. Pay attention to how many hours of sleep you need to feel your best and aim to prioritize those hours.
2. Mystery Aches and Pains
Insufficient sleep can also result in mystery aches and pains. During sleep, your body releases human growth hormone (HGH), which helps repair and restore body tissue. Without enough sleep, your body doesn’t produce enough HGH, leading to increased discomfort and achiness. If you frequently experience unexplained aches and pains, it may be a sign that you need more sleep.
3. Difficulty Losing Weight
Lack of sleep can also hinder weight loss efforts. When you don’t get enough sleep, your HGH levels decrease, leading to greater fat accumulation and reduced muscle mass. Studies have shown that inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. Prioritizing sleep can help support your weight loss goals and overall health.
4. Colds That Last Forever
If you find yourself catching frequent colds that seem to last forever, inadequate sleep may be to blame. Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system. When you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system weakens, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Prioritizing sleep can help boost your immune system and reduce the frequency and duration of colds.
5. Nodding Off During the Day
Experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness can be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by momentary pauses in breathing or shallow breathing while you sleep. This condition is often accompanied by loud snoring. Falling asleep during the day, especially in inappropriate situations such as while driving or in front of the TV, can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you suspect sleep apnea, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
6. Night Sweats
Night sweats can indicate various underlying issues related to sleep. For women, inadequate estrogen levels can cause night sweats, while men may experience night sweats due to low testosterone levels. Night sweats can also be a sign of nighttime acid reflux, infections, or drops in blood sugar while sleeping. Pay attention to these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
How to Prioritize Sleep
Finding time for more sleep can be challenging, but it’s essential for your overall well-being. Start by dedicating a weekend to allow yourself nine hours of sleep each night and observe the difference in how you feel afterwards. Evaluate your daily activities and eliminate those that don’t bring you joy or are unnecessary, such as excessive news consumption or unnecessary business meetings. Use this newfound free time to prioritize sleep. Experiment with different amounts of sleep each night to find what leaves you feeling your best.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs that you need more sleep is crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being. By prioritizing sleep and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can improve your energy levels, reduce aches and pains, support weight loss efforts, boost your immune system, and improve your overall quality of life. Make sleep a priority and reap the benefits of a well-rested body and mind.
The post 6 Signs You Need More Sleep appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is very popular, as they are often less expensive and more beneficial than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?
Traditional medicine only treats symptoms. Holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.
Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It also considers how lifestyle choices can affect overall wellness.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. Because they can’t cure every condition. It all depends upon what you mean with “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person’s well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
It wasn’t until after the Middle Ages that medical doctors began to study anatomy. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
For example, some people feel more relaxed after receiving massage therapy rather than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
The best way to describe these products would be as “natural” but not necessarily organic. These products may have been grown with natural pesticides and fertilizers, but were also processed in a way that is less harmful to the human body. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
Herbal supplements are often made from dried herbs. Some people prefer buying them in liquid form, which tends to be cheaper. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There is no guarantee that the product will retain all its original potency. A majority of herbal supplements aren’t subject to quality control testing before being sold.
Most herbs and spices are added to food once it is cooked. They can be found in condiments such as ketchup, mustard and salad dressing, as well soup mixes and marinades.
Supplements are generally taken orally (by taking them by mouth). Many vitamins and minerals are available in tablets. Some vitamins and minerals are also available in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies, which are highly diluted substances, can be derived from any plant, animal or mineral. They are meant to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are homeopathic, but do not function like regular medications. Instead, they act on the body’s immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies are safe and nontoxic. They are widespread in Europe, Canada Australia, New Zealand South America, Asia and Africa.
Acupuncture uses fine needles to insert into specific points along your meridians. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. This theory claims that illness can be caused by blockages within these channels. The stimulation of certain points along the Meridian lines with fine needles is thought to restore energy flow and allow the body to return to normal function.
Chiropractors correct misalignments by manipulating the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer devised this method in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose illnesses and cure diseases by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments, muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has been very popular in the last few decades. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy uses rubbing, kneading and tapping to massage muscles, joints, as well as other body parts. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. Swedish massage, deep tissues, sports, reflexology, myofascialrelease, trigger point therapy and other methods are used by massage therapists.
Reflexology refers to alternative medicine that uses pressure to apply pressure to specific areas of your feet and hands using thumb pads and fingers. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. The chemical composition of essential oils can help with a wide range of conditions, including headache relief and arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. Cranial refers the skull and sacrum, which in Latin means “sac”, is cranial sacral therapy. The therapist uses light pressure to the head, neck, shoulders and arms of the patient while moving her/his fingers across their body.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping can be combined with acupuncture and moxibustion (burning herbal remedies) to aid in detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of94 is the FDA’s regulation of dietary supplements. A dietary supplement must meet two criteria to be sold legally. First, the product must be a “dietary ingredient” which means it contains more that one percent of a vitamin mineral, herb or other botanical on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. Second, it must have been manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices, meaning its ingredients were handled properly during production.
Electrotherapy uses electric currents to stimulate muscles and nerves. TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used form of electrotherapy. Low-level electrical pulses can be delivered to the skin by TENS devices. These pulses activate receptors in the brain that block pain signals. You can also use electrotherapy in other ways, such as interferencential current therapy or magnetic field treatment, and even ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing is based in the belief that everyone has inherent healing abilities. Also, that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have an impact on our physical health. Energy healing has been around since ancient times. Modern practitioners however, accept that there are multiple layers to our energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another layer of energy is called mental. Others include psychic, spiritual and chakras. Vital, life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. Aura, quantum fields, and prana. Many believe these energies are linked to the whole universe. Some believe that these energies can be used to heal other people using only their minds. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of energy medicine remains limited.
Energy psychology involves studying how human emotions affect physiological functions and vice versa. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Although energy psychology doesn’t require a specific theoretical framework, it draws on many disciplines such as cognitive behavioral therapy and transactional analysis.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: 6 Signs You Need More Sleep
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/sleep-center/signs-you-need-more-sleep/
Published Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:22:48 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is very popular, as they are often less expensive and more beneficial than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?
Traditional medicine only treats symptoms. Holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.
Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It also considers how lifestyle choices can affect overall wellness.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. Because they can’t cure every condition. It all depends upon what you mean with “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person’s well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
It wasn’t until after the Middle Ages that medical doctors began to study anatomy. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
For example, some people feel more relaxed after receiving massage therapy rather than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
The best way to describe these products would be as “natural” but not necessarily organic. These products may have been grown with natural pesticides and fertilizers, but were also processed in a way that is less harmful to the human body. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
Herbal supplements are often made from dried herbs. Some people prefer buying them in liquid form, which tends to be cheaper. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There is no guarantee that the product will retain all its original potency. A majority of herbal supplements aren’t subject to quality control testing before being sold.
Most herbs and spices are added to food once it is cooked. They can be found in condiments such as ketchup, mustard and salad dressing, as well soup mixes and marinades.
Supplements are generally taken orally (by taking them by mouth). Many vitamins and minerals are available in tablets. Some vitamins and minerals are also available in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies, which are highly diluted substances, can be derived from any plant, animal or mineral. They are meant to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are homeopathic, but do not function like regular medications. Instead, they act on the body’s immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies are safe and nontoxic. They are widespread in Europe, Canada Australia, New Zealand South America, Asia and Africa.
Acupuncture uses fine needles to insert into specific points along your meridians. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. This theory claims that illness can be caused by blockages within these channels. The stimulation of certain points along the Meridian lines with fine needles is thought to restore energy flow and allow the body to return to normal function.
Chiropractors correct misalignments by manipulating the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer devised this method in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose illnesses and cure diseases by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments, muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has been very popular in the last few decades. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy uses rubbing, kneading and tapping to massage muscles, joints, as well as other body parts. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. Swedish massage, deep tissues, sports, reflexology, myofascialrelease, trigger point therapy and other methods are used by massage therapists.
Reflexology refers to alternative medicine that uses pressure to apply pressure to specific areas of your feet and hands using thumb pads and fingers. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. The chemical composition of essential oils can help with a wide range of conditions, including headache relief and arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. Cranial refers the skull and sacrum, which in Latin means “sac”, is cranial sacral therapy. The therapist uses light pressure to the head, neck, shoulders and arms of the patient while moving her/his fingers across their body.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping can be combined with acupuncture and moxibustion (burning herbal remedies) to aid in detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of94 is the FDA’s regulation of dietary supplements. A dietary supplement must meet two criteria to be sold legally. First, the product must be a “dietary ingredient” which means it contains more that one percent of a vitamin mineral, herb or other botanical on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. Second, it must have been manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices, meaning its ingredients were handled properly during production.
Electrotherapy uses electric currents to stimulate muscles and nerves. TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used form of electrotherapy. Low-level electrical pulses can be delivered to the skin by TENS devices. These pulses activate receptors in the brain that block pain signals. You can also use electrotherapy in other ways, such as interferencential current therapy or magnetic field treatment, and even ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing is based in the belief that everyone has inherent healing abilities. Also, that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have an impact on our physical health. Energy healing has been around since ancient times. Modern practitioners however, accept that there are multiple layers to our energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another layer of energy is called mental. Others include psychic, spiritual and chakras. Vital, life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. Aura, quantum fields, and prana. Many believe these energies are linked to the whole universe. Some believe that these energies can be used to heal other people using only their minds. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of energy medicine remains limited.
Energy psychology involves studying how human emotions affect physiological functions and vice versa. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Although energy psychology doesn’t require a specific theoretical framework, it draws on many disciplines such as cognitive behavioral therapy and transactional analysis.
