Author: aserokin

See How Sleep Can Affect Your Food Choices.

A new study shows that how you sleep can affect how you eat. People who have trouble sleeping tend to choose more unhealthy and fatty foods than their well rested counterparts.

According to the study published in MyHealthNewsDaily article ‘’ Why we go for doughnuts when we’re sleep-deprived’’, participants looked at pictures of food while their brains were being scanned by the researchers. Those who were sleep –deprived lit up their ‘’reward center’’ more when they saw unhealthy foods. While the ‘’reward center ‘’ lit up for healthy foods more often in people who have been getting a good night sleep.

We know from previous studies that catching up on sleep can help burn more calories. Now we learn that sleep is also responsible for our eating behavior.

So a proper sleep plays an important role in a healthy diet, and a healthier diet has a positive impact on how well we sleep.

So next time you choose to go for the French fries instead of a salad, ask yourself how well did I sleep last night?

To read the complete article click on the link below:

http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/12/12188651-why-we-go-for-doughnuts-when-were-sleep-deprived?lite

--
Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.

How Sleep Deprivation Affects Our Immune Systems

 

Trouble sleeping not only causes us to feel fatigued during the day but it can also take a toll on our health and weaken our immune system. It turns out that those who do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to colds and stay ill longer. Why? Because during sleep, our immune system produces cytokines, small protein molecules that combat viruses and bacteria.

Sleep disorders, frequent waking up at night and shallow sleep can all cause disorders in our immune system — making us more vulnerable to disease and virus attacks. Therefore getting an adequate amount of sleep is important for our well being; average adults need 7-8 hours of sleep while school-age children need up to 9-10 hours (although individual needs may vary).

Here are some tips to help you get to sleep and stay asleep during the night:

–          Stick to a schedule. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.

–          Do not over indulge before bed. While it is important not to go to sleep hungry it is also crucial not to overeat. Have a light dinner at least 30 minutes before heading to bed.

–          Relax. Before bedtime, take an aromatic bath, read a book or listen to music.

–          Ventilate your bedroom – Experts agree that the most comfortable temperature for sleep is 65-70 degrees.

–          Avoid sleeping during the day. If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep then naps are not recommended as they may disturb your day/night sleep rhythms.

 


--
Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, is the name for sudden and unexplained death of an infant younger than a one year old. It is estimated that each year over 7,000 babies die from SIDS in the United States It strikes families of all races, ethnic and socioeconomic origins. Determining the cause of SIDS baffles scientist all over the world. Even though we don’t have solid answers yet, doctors have isolated several risk factors that may play a role in SIDS, such as: stress in a normal baby, caused by infection or other factors, a birth defect, failure to develop and or a period of rapid growth when babies are especially vulnerable.

Ways to prevent SIDS:

–          Place babies on their back to sleep- this is the safest position for a baby to sleep in, placing them on their stomachs or sides nearly doubles the risk of SIDS.

–          Avoid sleeping with your baby in the same bed – even if it’s just a day nap.

–          Avoid smoking cigarettes during and after your pregnancy ,  protect your baby from second-hand smoke

–          Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleeping area- those items could potentially cover your baby’s face and cause suffocation.

–          Place your baby on the firm surface, such as safety-approved crib mattress cover with fitted sheet

–          Avoid letting your baby overheat during sleep- Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.

–          Make sure that your baby can move arms and legs freely during sleep.

For more information about crib safety visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/

To learn more about SIDS click on the link below:

http://www.babycenter.com/baby-sleep-safety


--
Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.