Along with sufficient water intake as well as healthy food options, your body needs sleep to function properly. Sleep appears necessary for our nervous systems to work properly. Too little sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impaired memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out some everyday activities. Some experts believe sleep gives neurons used while we are awake a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may become so depleted in energy or so polluted with byproducts of normal cellular activities that they begin to malfunction. Sleep also may give the brain a chance to exercise important neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate from lack of activity.
Deep sleep coincides with the release of growth hormone in children and young adults. Many of the body's cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep." Activity in parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making processes, and social interactions is drastically reduced during deep sleep, suggesting that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimal emotional and social functioning while they are awake.
Infants require a huge amount of sleep - 16 hours. That's why many babies are sleeping when you see them. Those growing beauties need sleep as their brains and other functions develop. Toddlers need between 9 and 10 hours of sleep. Their bodies and brains are growing as well. My little munchkins go to bed at about 8:30pm and wake at 7am - when we deviate from that schedule they are Cranky - with a capital "C" :) proving the need that toddlers need their rest a few hours more than adults but less than infants. Teenagers need about nine hours on average. Most adults need seven to eight hours a night for the best amount of sleep, although some people may need as few as five hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each day. Women in the first three months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual because along with other hormonal changes, their amazing bodies are fostering and nourishing the growth of a fetus and creating a placenta.
So how are you fairing? Do you get enough rest at night? Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep? Do you wake up and feel rested or groggy like you never really slept at all?
Did you know Reflexology has been shown to promote relaxation and relieve stress promoting a better nights rest? Reflexes in the pineal gland can be worked and stimulated to help the production and transmission of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep patterns. In addition, Reflexology promotes balance of other systems in the body which will also help your body to relax and help you sleep better.
Contact me today to discuss more about how Reflexology can help you to sleep better.
I found this interesting article about foot Reflexology and sleep. Enjoy!
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