Sleep Issues & Insomnia
Contact us at (317) 344-9840 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Melanie in Indianapolis or via virtual consultation — and start your path to healing today.
Reasons to Get Enough Sleep
According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, there are many reasons it’s imperative to get enough sleep each day:
- Learning and Memory
Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. If you don’t get enough sleep, your ability to understand and retain information decreases.
- Metabolism and Weight
Chronic sleep deprivation affects the way our body processes and stores carbohydrates and regulates hormone levels, which may cause weight gain.
- Mood
Sleep loss can result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, moodiness, and other negative moods.
- Cardiovascular Health
Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.
- Disease
Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.
The Four Stages of Sleep
1.
Stage 1: Light sleep. One drifts in and out and can be awakened without difficulty.
2.
3.
Stage 3: Deep sleep. These stages are known as slow-wave, or delta, sleep. If aroused from sleep during these stages, a person may feel disoriented for a few minutes. During these stages the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system.
4.
Stage 4: REM sleep. Intense dreaming occurs during REM sleep as a result of heightened brain activity. Voluntary muscles become paralyzed during this stage.
Common Causes of Poor Sleep
Nutritional Deficiencies
Consuming a poor diet can affect our sleep. Nutrient deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins can have a negative impact on our sleep.
Stress and Anxiety
According to the Stress and Anxiety Disorder Survey by Anxiety Disorders Association of America, “seven out of ten adults in the United States say they experience stress or anxiety daily, and seven out of ten of these adults say they have trouble sleeping.”
Caffeine and Drugs
Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, and drugs, such as diet pills and decongestants, stimulate some parts of the brain and may cause insomnia, or an inability to sleep. Many antidepressants suppress REM sleep.
Cigarette Smoke
Alcohol
Holistic Offerings for Better Sleep
Vitamins, herbal and homeopathic remedies
NAET
Stress Reduction Techniques
Dragonfly 360 Blog
Related Articles
6 Questions About Melatonin Answered
According to the CDC, an estimated 50–70 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders. Our bodies require sleep for restoration, but also detoxification. You’ve likely heard about melatonin as a sleep aid and may have many...
4 Breathing Practices for Deep Sleep
Our breath is intimately connected to our nervous system in a feedback loop. Due to stress and computer work, we tend to breathe shallowly which supports the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates “fight, flight, freeze, or freak out."...
Stress Relief and Better Sleep – 6 Tips
The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75 - 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. Many times this chronic stress leads to insomnia. Here are some tips to help you manage your stress and enjoy a better nights...
GET STARTED
Contact Dr. Melanie Today
At Dragonfly 360, Dr. Melanie offers naturopathic healing solutions for a variety of health issues. We can help you to better manage your endocrine system, adrenal fatigue, insulin resistance, thyroid imbalances, hormone imbalances, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, sleep issues, weight loss, allergies, and more. Call (317) 344-9840 if you live in Indianapolis, Carmel, nearby areas, or would like to schedule a virtual appointment. You deserve relief — Dr. Melanie can help you get on the path to healing.