The Importance of Sleep

Many don’t take into consideration how important sleep is to maintaining health.  A majority of us, especially in this fast paced society, are lucky to run off 5-6 hours of sleep.  I personally prefer to strive for 7-8 hours to help keep me alert and active throughout the day.

Legend has it that the body has a unique time cycle which detoxes and nourishes the body and organs on a specific schedule.  For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine dictates that our energy known as Qi (chi) flows dependent upon a 24 hour cycle as seen below.  It is essential that the body is able to detox over night while depending on you to assist the rest of the day.  Check this link out on more details on the body’s Organ Cycle.

Benefits to Sleeping

• Boosts immune system by producing T-cells which are essential to fight off viruses especially flu like viruses.
•  Promotes a clear mind.  Lack of sleep can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings and stress.  A calm and clear mind can save you time and frustration from the inability to think straight.
• Rejuvenates the body, keeps dark under eye circles away and assists with weight loss.

Tips to Keep in Mind Before Heading to Bed

• Prepare yourself before bed.  Turn off the phone, dim the lights and take a warm bath to calm your mind of distractions.  Diming the lights and creating an ambiance lets your body know it’s time to unwind.
• Try not to sleep on an empty stomach.  You don’t want to feast on a banquet before bed either but make sure you are satisfied enough  keep your mind from wandering into distracting thoughts (which I tend to do when hungry before bed).
• Try some alternatives.  Tea is one of my favorite,  just make sure to go with calming varieties like chamomile, since some may be high in caffeine which defeats the purpose.  Some calming teas you can try is Valerian, Lavendar, Passion flower and Kava.  Aromatherapy is another favorite method and have been faitlful to Lavendar oil and Ylang Ylang.
• Also keep in mind that electronics such as cell phones can interrupt your natural brain waves interfering with your sleep patterns.  So try not to sleep with your phone on your bed.

Chinese Body Clock

Why you feel the way you do on certain hours of the day