What happens to you while you sleep
Sleep may seem like a time when you are doing nothing, with your mind and body shut down, but this is not the case at all. Sleep is actually a very active and important time for strengthening, processing and restoring different functions in the body. Adequate sleep is a critical factor in our health and quality of life. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep each day to stay healthy.
What is going?
Clearing out the toxins: While you sleep, your brain is busy flushing away toxic by-products from a day full of neural activity. These toxins are believed to contribute to the loss of brain function and the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. A good night’s sleep allows these toxins to be washed away so that your mind remains sharp.
Reflecting on germs: When you sleep, your immune system has time to figure out how to fight illness and stores away the information so it can effectively address that illness if it comes around again. This is why it is a good idea to call in sick and rest when you have a cold or flu. Spending an afternoon sleeping gives your body a chance to come up with a future game plan for fighting those germs.
Healing where needed: When you sleep, your cells produce more protein than when you are awake. These protein molecules form the building blocks for new cells that can replace damaged cells. During a period of sleep, damage caused by stress, ultraviolet rays and other exposure begins to be repaired. The body also grows muscle, and synthesize hormones while we sleep. So, to keep healing at a steady pace, be sure to get proper sleep
Boosting productivity: During sleep, your brain is able to process and lock in information learned during the day. An average day is filled with lots of information and while sleeping, the brain is able to move important bits of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Upon waking, this information is able to be recalled and there is room for new ideas to come in. During this process, creativity, mood and reflexes are all improved.
Keeping your heart healthy: When you sleep, your heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure rise and fall. This process is important for cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep means your blood pressure is higher for more hours a day, which can lead to heart disease.
Tips for a good night’s sleep
Have a schedule and a ritual for bedtime. By doing the same things before bed and sticking to a consistent bedtime, you help regulate your body’s clock so that you fall asleep and stay asleep.
* Try to keep the room cool, dark and free from noise. Shut down potential distractions like your phone or laptop.
* Try to reduce activities before bedtime. Try calming activities like reading and avoid stressful activities like checking work emails.
* Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before going to sleep. Try to stop eating for the three hours before bed.
Sleep during recovery
A good night’s sleep is beneficial all of the time but even more crucial during a time of recovery. Since the body’s immune system, healing properties and stress levels are all affected by sleep, taking steps to ensure proper sleep is prudent. One way to increase the potential for a positive sleep experience is to choose to stay in a short-term care facility where the focus is on resting rather than all of life’s many issues. Everything from medications to meal plans are taken care of so that you can focus on getting the proper rest.
One of the premier short-term care options is Whitehall of Deerfield. Guests receive personalized one-on-one physical, occupational and speech therapies seven days a week from a team of top therapists who ensure patients are getting the best care possible. The physical therapists offer specific exercises to address pain while the occupational therapists provide strategies on how to control the pain during everyday activities. The latest techniques, as well as expert pain management and wound care, are provided to help make the stay as short and safe as possible.
Guests at this elegant rehabilitation center feel pampered by an attentive staff. Guest rooms feature attractive furnishings, WiFi, concierge service, voice mail, in-room dining, Starbucks coffee and snacks, exclusive 24-hour movie channel, delivery of a daily newspaper and more. A gourmet coffee shop and ice cream parlor also offers complimentary baked goods and ice cream treats throughout the day.
For restorative sleep in a luxurious setting during a time of recovery, choose Whitehall of Deerfield. Visit www.whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-729-9090 for additional information.