Life in 2020 is busy to say the very least. We have created lives where we can have it all, work, family, beautiful homes, hobbies, you name it – the sky is the limit, but at what cost?
Many of us pack so much into our days that we aren’t getting the rest we need. Coffee, pills, energy drinks, they have flooded the market – and with good reason. There is a demand. People are pushing themselves harder than ever before.
Here is the thing. The human body is an amazing machine. It can keep going even when it starts to break down and become off balance. Other parts of the body will compensate and make up for whatever is weak. The problem is that if this becomes habitual and keeps going, those compensating parts may wear out faster than they would normally.
Sleep is our recharging time. It is when our cells do repair and most of our healing. If you aren’t getting a good solid 7-10 hours of sleep every night you may begin to operate in what is known as a sleep deficit.
What is a Sleep Deficit?
Can you actually be in debt to your own body, owing it sleep? The medical answer is an absolute yes. A sleep debt or deficit is cumulative. The longer you are lacking sleep the greater the likelihood that you may begin to develop symptoms of sleep deprivation.
Signs of Sleep Deprivation
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Yawning
- Being more irritable than usual
- Moodiness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Trouble thinking and learning new information
- Forgetfulness
- Inappropriate anger
Potential weight change - Uncontrolled blood sugar levels and an elevated risk for diabetes
- Reduced physical strength
If not corrected long term building sleep deficit may begin to include more serious effects including:
- Raised risk for mental illnesses
- Increased risk for asthma, stroke, and heart attack
- Severe mood swings
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Risk of having car accidents
- Hallucinations
Management and Prevention
- Lack of sleep may seem a nuisance at first, but it can become serious. It is important to pay attention and try to get enough sleep even if it means rearranging your schedule and going to bed earlier.
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine all may also be beneficial.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, earlier in the day so you have time to wind down before bed.
- Get Chiropractic adjustments regularly. Misalignments can some times lead to the inability to sleep. Your answer may just be a few adjustments away.
- Take a relaxing warm bath or try meditating before bed.
- If the problem persists see your physician and ask for help.
If you are having sleep issues we invite you to visit the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C.
Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.
239-332-2555