Sleep is key: Another reason to get your zzz's
If you read my Reality Health Check e-letters even sporadically, you know how passionate I am about sleep. Getting adequate, quality rest is integral to your health. And now yet another study supports this fact.
According to the new study, sleep loss can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, weight gain, and type-2 diabetes, and even lead to an earlier death.
The researchers believe chronic insomnia triggers inflammation throughout the body. And, as you know, inflammation leads to all of the problems listed above--and then some.
The study postulates that treating insomnia may lessen the severity of this inflammation. They also believe the best treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy. Yes, good ol' psychotherapy. While I have nothing against that (as long as you're going to a good therapist), I think there are better options for getting good sleep.
As I've discussed before, there are a number of safe, natural supplements that can help you get good, quality sleep. The short list once again:
Until next time,
Dr. Fred Sources:
"A Call for a Low-Carb Diet That Embraces Fat," The New York Times, 9/2/14 (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/02/health/low-carb-vs-low-fat-diet.html)
"Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets: A Randomized Trial." Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(5):309-318. ( http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1900694)
"What If It's All Been a Big Fat Lie?" The New York Times, 7/7/02 (http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html)
"Treating insomnia in elderly reduces inflammation, lowers risk for chronic diseases," Science Daily, 9/17/14 (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140917092742.htm)
"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Tai Chi for Late Life Insomnia and Inflammatory Risk: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Efficacy Trial." SLEEP 2014; DOI:10.5665/sleep.4008
If you read my Reality Health Check e-letters even sporadically, you know how passionate I am about sleep. Getting adequate, quality rest is integral to your health. And now yet another study supports this fact.
According to the new study, sleep loss can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, weight gain, and type-2 diabetes, and even lead to an earlier death.
The researchers believe chronic insomnia triggers inflammation throughout the body. And, as you know, inflammation leads to all of the problems listed above--and then some.
The study postulates that treating insomnia may lessen the severity of this inflammation. They also believe the best treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy. Yes, good ol' psychotherapy. While I have nothing against that (as long as you're going to a good therapist), I think there are better options for getting good sleep.
As I've discussed before, there are a number of safe, natural supplements that can help you get good, quality sleep. The short list once again:
- 5-HTP--100 mg to 5,000 mg at bedtime (start at 100 mg and increase by 100 mg a day until you see the effects. Most people don't need more than 1,000 mg)
- SAM--400 mg every morning
- L-theanine--200 mg in the morning and another 200 mg, 30 minutes before bed
- GABA--800 mg, 30 minutes before bed
Until next time,
Dr. Fred Sources:
"A Call for a Low-Carb Diet That Embraces Fat," The New York Times, 9/2/14 (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/02/health/low-carb-vs-low-fat-diet.html)
"Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets: A Randomized Trial." Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(5):309-318. ( http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1900694)
"What If It's All Been a Big Fat Lie?" The New York Times, 7/7/02 (http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html)
"Treating insomnia in elderly reduces inflammation, lowers risk for chronic diseases," Science Daily, 9/17/14 (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140917092742.htm)
"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Tai Chi for Late Life Insomnia and Inflammatory Risk: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Efficacy Trial." SLEEP 2014; DOI:10.5665/sleep.4008
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