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The LA Times reports that one-third of Americans are losing sleep over the economy.  Twenty percent say they are sleeping less than six hours a night, short of the optimum seven to eight hours sleep experts recommend.  Of those sleeping less, 90% say they suffer from insomnia.

Now what does all this lost sleep mean for one’s health?  Not surprisingly, it’s not good news.  Among people who sleep less than six hours a night there is a 66% increased prevalence of hypertension.  These same people non sleepers are five times likelier to develop pre-diabetes.  Those that sleep less than 7 hours are three times more likely to develop a cold.

In these stressful times, sleep is harder to come by than ever, but no more important.  If you have not had a chance to learn more about Good Elements’ Dream Supply Natural Sleep Supplement, please click here for more information.

This is a continuation of our pillar blogs from February. See Pillar I- Nutrition/ Digestion / Elimination posted on Feburary 13th and Pillar II-The Mind-Body Connection / Stress reduction posted on February 16th.

Pillar III-Sleep

Consistent sleep and wake cycles, sleeping in fresh or purified air, and sleeping without artificial lights contribute to balanced sleep. Regular, deep sleep boosts the immune system, decreases depression, and helps the body regenerate and grow. There exists many natural ways to improve sleep and relax your body without becoming addicted to pharmaceutical sleep medications.

Having consistent sleep and wakes cycles maximizes melatonin secretion and balances your hormones. Adequate melatonin levels contribute to feelings of well-being and reduce the risks of many types of cancer. Hormonal problems such as low libido, menopause and premenstrual tension can all be improved with regular sleep.

Sleeping in fresh air or with an air purifier in your bedroom also increases the quality of sleep as well as boosts your immune system. When you sleep among pollutants, dust, and mold then the immune system has to work hard all night long combating these irritants. Fresh air or air purification can achieve this goal.

Sleep in the dark to optimize melatonin secretion. Even the light from your alarm clock or personal computer can disturb the diurnal rhythms of melatonin secretion. Turn your alarm clock around, get black-out blinds or a good, soft eye pillow to sleep restfully in the pitch dark.

Having trouble falling to sleep? Try Good Elements’ Dream Supply for a natural, non addictive but effective sleep aide.

Stay Tuned for Pillar IV, Exercise and Movement

Yours in health,
Dr. Britta Zimmer
Chief Naturopathic Physician & Founder

In a Take 5 Moment article entitled “Sleep Your Stress Away,” goodelements.com’s Dr. Britta Zimmer highlighted the natural sleep supplement, melatonin, as a way to help facilitate the wake-sleep cycle. She explained the chemical benefits of melatonin as follows:

“Sleep in the dark to stimulate the pineal gland to secrete melatonin, an important hormone in the regulation of our circadian rhythm which dictates our wake-sleep cycles. Recent studies demonstrate melatonin’s powerful anti-oxidant properties as well as its critical role in cancer prevention and treatment.”

Melatonin is a powerful, yet natural, sleep supplement that is produced naturally in the body or can be supplemented artificially to combat insomnia or restlessness. In addition to using melatonin, the article also features Dr. Zimmer’s suggestions to drink chamomile tea, sleep with electronic devices at least 3 feet away from the body and avoid late night consumption of sugar or alcoholic beverages. Good Elements offers its own natural, sleep supplement formulation called Dream Supply which can be taken alone or with Melatonin to support a great night’s rest.

The winter edition of Organic Spa Magazine highlighted natural sleep supplements and natural energy supplements from goodlements.com for their holistic and trendy approach to good health. Among the natural supplements featured by the magazine were “Dream Supply,” which was reported to “cut the mental chatter and create a solid night of restorative sleep,” and “Renewal,” which “revitalizes with healthy antioxidants.”

The article also highlighted the “appealing tins” in which all of our natural vitamins and supplements come in to give a fun and fresh approach to good health.

You’re home from your long, hectic day feeling worn out….what do you do next?

A)“veg” out in front of the TV

B) finish answering your personal e-mails and waste more time surfing the web

C) light candles, drink a cup of chamomile tea, listen to soothing music and stretch

D) just end the day and go to sleep

Honestly, we all wish we could always opt for ‘C” which would eventually make sleep easier but we usually choose another option and then find ourselves tossing and turning in frustration. The next day begins continuing your dreaded fatigue cycle.

Getting adequate amounts of restful sleep is critical for our overall health and well being. Why is this?

We grow and heal in our sleep as our body regenerates and assimilates minerals crucial to cellular repair and growth. Our overly-stressed hormones decrease while we sleep aiding the body’s ability to manage and withstand the next day’s stressors. Sleeping in the dark stimulates the pineal gland to secrete melatonin, an important hormone in the regulation of our circadian rhythm which dictates our wake-sleep cycles. Recent studies demonstrate melatonin’s powerful anti-oxidant properties as well as its critical role in cancer prevention and treatment.

These are some of the many health benefits of sleep, read our daily tips for more advice on improving your sleep and have sweet dreams with Good Element’s Dream Supply.

Yours in health,

Dr. Britta Zimmer

Chief Naturopathic Physician & Founder