Normal sleep is characterized by a general decrease in digestion, body temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and a majority of other important bodily functions except for brain activity, which can increase during sleep.
The one notable exception is the brain, which remains very much awake while the body is asleep. In some cases, brain activity can actually increase during sleep.
It is estimated that nearly 40% of the adult population in
the United States is sleep deprived and is suffering from
negative health consequences as a result of sleep problems like impaired performance, mood swings and irritability, as well as a lack of focus.
A lack of sleep has also been linked with increased blood
pressure and high cholesterol as well as worsening just about every other major risk factor in
heart disease including perhaps most importantly inflammation.
Scientifically speaking, sleep is a physical and mental resting state where most external stimuli are
temporarily blocked from the senses.
On average, a normal night’s sleep is considered to be eight hours in length and is characterized by two distinct states, non REM sleep (4 stages) and REM sleep (1 stage). Non REM and REM sleep alternate in 90-110 minute cycles. A normal night’s sleep has 4-5 total cycles.
The five step sleep cycle repeats itself throughout a night of sleeping, similar to a see saw. Adults spend about 20 - 25% of their sleep cycle in REM or dreaming sleep and the remainder of the night in the different stages of non REM sleep, which are characterized mainly by the deepness of the sleep.
There are two basic theories as to why we sleep.
The Restorative theory says that sleep enables the body and mind to rejuvenate, re-energize, and restore. Sleeping provides the time necessary for the brain to perform housekeeping tasks, such as organizing memories, integrating new information, and repairing damaged tissue.The Adaptive theory says that sleep may have evolved as a protective mechanism whereby hiding at night was useful to the species. Nearly every animal sleeps to some degree.
Whatever the reason for sleeping, there is no question that it is a necessary and vital biological function. Sleep is essential to a person’s physical and emotional well being. Studies have shown that without enough sleep, a person’s productivity and health can immediately begin to suffer.
There is a modern day belief that nearly 40 percent of the adult population suffers from some type of significant sleep disorder and that the percentages rise dramatically in minority African American and Hispanic populations. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly 50% of the adult population in the United States is sleep deprived and is suffering from negative health consequences as a result of sleep problems.
The average sleep deprived individual may experience impaired performance, mood swings, irritability, as well as a lack of focus. This can affect normal perceptual and motor tasks like driving an automobile. As a result, the most common consequence of lost sleep has become a public health issue sleeping behind the wheel. Today, the financial cost of driving sleep impaired is estimated at more than $30 billion annually. Sleep plays a role in over 100,000 crashes, 70,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities every year.
The effects of lost sleep actually get worse when we look inside the individual at the health of their body.
A lack of sleep has been linked with increased blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as worsening just about every other major risk factor in heart disease. A lack of sleep has also been correlat-
ed with increased incidences of cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome as well as a huge number of
other disease states. There is no question that a simple lack of sleep for just ONE night will depress
the immune system and cause increased insulin resistance.
When your body lacks sleep it also triggers a number of stress related chemicals which shock the system causing further health complications. Staying with the biochemical stressors, researchers have also found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be overweight. It is thought that lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones such as Leptin and Ghrelin that affect appetite.
Perhaps most importantly, the increase in stress hormones raise the level of inflammation in your body, also creating more risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflamma- tion is also one of the primary causes of the deterioration of your body as you age.
Advances in sleep medicine are occurring at an unprecedented rate. However, diagnosing specific sleep disorders remains tricky. The initial approach that sleep specialists take includes a physical examination, medical history, and multiple questionnaires. Often, devices such as the electroenceph alogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG) and electromyogram (EMG) are used to measure sleep patterns. In severe cases, a polysomnogram, also called a PSG, may be used.
A PSG is a comprehensive and non-invasive test that records vital signs and physiology during a night of sleep. These results can include readings from the technologies mentioned above as well as
There is a modern day belief that nearly 40 percent of the adult population suffers from some type of significant sleep disorder and that the percentages rise dramatically in minority African American and Hispanic populations. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly 50% of the adult population in the United States is sleep deprived and is suffering from negative health consequences as a result of sleep problems.
The average sleep deprived individual may experience impaired performance, mood swings, irritability, as well as a lack of focus. This can affect normal perceptual and motor tasks like driving an automobile. As a result, the most common consequence of lost sleep has become a public health issue sleeping behind the wheel. Today, the financial cost of driving sleep impaired is estimated at more than $30 billion annually. Sleep plays a role in over 100,000 crashes, 70,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities every year.
The effects of lost sleep actually get worse when we look inside the individual at the health of their body.
When your body lacks sleep it also triggers a number of stress related chemicals which shock the system causing further health complications. Staying with the biochemical stressors, researchers have also found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be overweight. It is thought that lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones such as Leptin and Ghrelin that affect appetite.
Perhaps most importantly, the increase in stress hormones raise the level of inflammation in your body, also creating more risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflamma- tion is also one of the primary causes of the deterioration of your body as you age.
Advances in sleep medicine are occurring at an unprecedented rate. However, diagnosing specific sleep disorders remains tricky. The initial approach that sleep specialists take includes a physical examination, medical history, and multiple questionnaires. Often, devices such as the electroenceph alogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG) and electromyogram (EMG) are used to measure sleep patterns. In severe cases, a polysomnogram, also called a PSG, may be used.
A PSG is a comprehensive and non-invasive test that records vital signs and physiology during a night of sleep. These results can include readings from the technologies mentioned above as well as
measurements on respiratory airflow, blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, heart rate, body position,
and respiratory effort.
The Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Exercise, healthy eating and stress management can do wonders for eliminating the negative effects of sleep disorder and restoring a person to a positive sleep cycle.
Most sleeping pills fall into the category of “sedative hypnotics” which are a specific class of drugs
used to induce and/or extend sleep. Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and
various hypnotics, which should only be used as a short term solutions to sleep problems as they are
potentially addictive and carry with them a wide range of negative side effects.
When lifestyle changes don’t fix sleeping problems, try 2 grams of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), a natural nutrient that increases deep, restful sleep and dreaming. Sleep Thin Powder is about 1 level teaspoon. There is also 2 grams of GABA in every 3 capsules of Epic Lyfe Sleep Thin Capsules.
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
But when you can’t get to sleep, the last thing you want to think about is the excitations or the inhibitions of your brain! You don’t even want to think about whether your synapses are connecting with your dendrites you just want to shut off your noggin so you can get some sleep! Well, that’s where GABA comes in. GABA is an acronym for gamma aminobutyric acid; a non essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. GABA was discovered in 1950, and is classified as a neurotransmitter. GABA is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming agent". By inhibiting over stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.
I have discussed the importance of sleep in living a longer, healthier life. It seems as though
there are new studies published every day supporting the need for proper sleeping behaviors in all
aspects of health. The results of these studies can lead physicians to diagnose specific sleep disorders and treatment programs to help. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes but can also include
machinery to aid sleep, jaw corrective devices for sleep or a variety of pharmaceutical sleep medications. We are not a fan of sleep meds except for a very short term use. The negative side effects of
prolonged sleep medication use are overwhelming.
Most sleeping pills fall into the category of “sedative hypnotics” which are a specific class of drugs used to induce and/or extend sleep. Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Let’s look at each class individually.
Benzodiazepines are known as anti anxiety medications and include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Librium. Benzodiazepines also create drowsiness thereby helping people sleep. While these drugs may be useful to some people losing sleep due to anxiety, they should be very short term solutions as all benzodiazepines can be considered highly addictive.
Barbiturates depress the central nervous system often creating profound sedation. Barbiturates can be prescribed as sedatives or sleeping pills, but more common, these hypnotic drugs are used as anesthesia.
Newer medications focus on helping to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. These sleep inducing drugs, including Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien, are believed to be effective yet non addictive. Frankly, we are not so sure of them being non-habit forming as many people who begin taking them have problems giving them up, even if the sleep effects are relatively insignificant.
Many sleeping pills have potentially harmful side effects, including parasomnias. Parasomnias are behaviors and actions over which you have no control, like sleepwalking, sleep eating, making phone calls or having sex while sleeping. Sleep driving, which is driving while not fully awake, is another serious sleeping pill side effect that isn’t uncommon with medications like Ambien.
The Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Exercise, healthy eating and stress management can do wonders for eliminating the negative effects of sleep disorder and restoring a person to a positive sleep cycle.
Most sleeping pills fall into the category of “sedative hypnotics” which are a specific class of drugs
used to induce and/or extend sleep. Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and
various hypnotics, which should only be used as a short term solutions to sleep problems as they are
potentially addictive and carry with them a wide range of negative side effects.
When lifestyle changes don’t fix sleeping problems, try 2 grams of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), a natural nutrient that increases deep, restful sleep and dreaming. Sleep Thin Powder is about 1 level teaspoon. There is also 2 grams of GABA in every 3 capsules of Epic Lyfe Sleep Thin Capsules.
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
You many have heard of some of these chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. These amazing neurotransmitters can become excited or they can become inhibited. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and even seizures.
But when you can’t get to sleep, the last thing you want to think about is the excitations or the inhibitions of your brain! You don’t even want to think about whether your synapses are connecting with your dendrites you just want to shut off your noggin so you can get some sleep! Well, that’s where GABA comes in. GABA is an acronym for gamma aminobutyric acid; a non essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. GABA was discovered in 1950, and is classified as a neurotransmitter. GABA is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming agent". By inhibiting over stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.
I have discussed the importance of sleep in living a longer, healthier life. It seems as though
there are new studies published every day supporting the need for proper sleeping behaviors in all
aspects of health. The results of these studies can lead physicians to diagnose specific sleep disorders and treatment programs to help. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes but can also include
machinery to aid sleep, jaw corrective devices for sleep or a variety of pharmaceutical sleep medications. We are not a fan of sleep meds except for a very short term use. The negative side effects of
prolonged sleep medication use are overwhelming.Most sleeping pills fall into the category of “sedative hypnotics” which are a specific class of drugs used to induce and/or extend sleep. Sedative hypnotics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and various hypnotics. Let’s look at each class individually.
Benzodiazepines are known as anti anxiety medications and include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Librium. Benzodiazepines also create drowsiness thereby helping people sleep. While these drugs may be useful to some people losing sleep due to anxiety, they should be very short term solutions as all benzodiazepines can be considered highly addictive.
Barbiturates depress the central nervous system often creating profound sedation. Barbiturates can be prescribed as sedatives or sleeping pills, but more common, these hypnotic drugs are used as anesthesia.
Newer medications focus on helping to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. These sleep inducing drugs, including Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien, are believed to be effective yet non addictive. Frankly, we are not so sure of them being non-habit forming as many people who begin taking them have problems giving them up, even if the sleep effects are relatively insignificant.
Many sleeping pills have potentially harmful side effects, including parasomnias. Parasomnias are behaviors and actions over which you have no control, like sleepwalking, sleep eating, making phone calls or having sex while sleeping. Sleep driving, which is driving while not fully awake, is another serious sleeping pill side effect that isn’t uncommon with medications like Ambien.
In addition, a deadly side effect of some sleeping pills is anaphylaxis which is an acute reaction to the
medication which interferes with breathing.
Finally, taking sleep medication and drinking alcohol is an extremely bad combination. Alcohol is itself a sedative hypnotic drug, so it often significantly increases the sedative effect of sleeping pills, which can be fatal. Finally, over sedation can be caused by taking sleep meds with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit contains a chemical, which significantly increases the amount of the drug absorbed into the bloodstream
In summary, while sleeping medications may help some people some of the time, they should be considered very short term solutions due to the potential side effects. To a lesser extent, but still problematic are over the counter sleep medications such as the various PM analgesics.
A far better and healthy solution can be found in lifestyle changes and in the realm of natural nutritional products. There is a huge body of research demonstrating that exercise, healthy eating and stress management can do wonders for eliminating the negative effects of sleep disorder and restoring a person to a positive sleep cycle. We recommend that you employ all three as they are not only helpful for sleep but for virtually every other health and fitness related sub system.
When sleep continues to be a problem, there are natural products that can help. Many people try melatonin but we are not supporters of this product as effective dosages are hard to manage on a daily basis and if Melatonin helps, normally, there is residual grogginess for quite a few hours.
Second is the amino acid Threonine, which promotes relaxation. While helpful, we have rarely ever seen it profoundly impact sleep disorders.
Finally, and best by far, is the natural amino compound GABA which is short for Gamma Aminobutyric Acid. GABA is a natural nutrient that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and increases deep, restful sleep as well as dreaming. As little as 2 grams of GABA a night can eliminate sleep deprivation in as many as 9 of 10 sleep challenged people. Epic Lyfe sells Sleep Thin which is a pure form of GABA. In addition to improving sleep, GABA is also considered to be one of the strongest natural anti-aging compounds which makes perfect sense since sleep and aging are so very much related.
Finally, taking sleep medication and drinking alcohol is an extremely bad combination. Alcohol is itself a sedative hypnotic drug, so it often significantly increases the sedative effect of sleeping pills, which can be fatal. Finally, over sedation can be caused by taking sleep meds with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit contains a chemical, which significantly increases the amount of the drug absorbed into the bloodstream
In summary, while sleeping medications may help some people some of the time, they should be considered very short term solutions due to the potential side effects. To a lesser extent, but still problematic are over the counter sleep medications such as the various PM analgesics.
A far better and healthy solution can be found in lifestyle changes and in the realm of natural nutritional products. There is a huge body of research demonstrating that exercise, healthy eating and stress management can do wonders for eliminating the negative effects of sleep disorder and restoring a person to a positive sleep cycle. We recommend that you employ all three as they are not only helpful for sleep but for virtually every other health and fitness related sub system.
When sleep continues to be a problem, there are natural products that can help. Many people try melatonin but we are not supporters of this product as effective dosages are hard to manage on a daily basis and if Melatonin helps, normally, there is residual grogginess for quite a few hours.
Second is the amino acid Threonine, which promotes relaxation. While helpful, we have rarely ever seen it profoundly impact sleep disorders.
Finally, and best by far, is the natural amino compound GABA which is short for Gamma Aminobutyric Acid. GABA is a natural nutrient that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and increases deep, restful sleep as well as dreaming. As little as 2 grams of GABA a night can eliminate sleep deprivation in as many as 9 of 10 sleep challenged people. Epic Lyfe sells Sleep Thin which is a pure form of GABA. In addition to improving sleep, GABA is also considered to be one of the strongest natural anti-aging compounds which makes perfect sense since sleep and aging are so very much related.
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