We'll All Sleep Happily Ever After!

We’re moving forward with our 5 tactical areas to increase our longevity and healthspan.

Today, were going to discuss probably the most neglected, yet important aspect of better health and wellness, - SLEEP.

I can’t remember the last time a client came into the office and during the assessment scored high on the sleep meter. Everyone I see complains about not enough sleep, getting up in the middle of the night, can’t get back to sleep after waking up, trouble getting to sleep. The list goes on and on and we tend to believe that it’s just a part of growing older and something we just have to live with. Well nothing could be further from the truth and the consequences of this type of thinking can be extremely detrimental to your wellness, especially as you age.

Quality sleep is one of those things we think is expendable.

So many of us go without needed sleep and think, It’s OK, I’ll sleep when I’m dead, or I’ll make it up on the weekend.

As a single mother raising 2 active boys, serving on active duty and going to college at night, I often sacrificed my sleep, thinking, as long as I’m up and moving, I’m fine. Our bodies are amazing and will take an awful lot of abuse, but into everyone’s life, there comes a day of reckoning when we realize that we can’t keep going  at this pace. And so it was with me. In my 30’s I realized that quality sleep wasn’t something I could afford to neglect any longer. It is, in fact, one of the most crucial pillars of health.

There are lots of studies on sleep and some of the findings are pretty scary. See if you have experienced any of these short term consequences of sleep deprivation:

·        Cognitive Impairment

·        Mood Disruptions,

·        Metabolic Disruptions

·        Physical Performance

We’ve all been there, right? Well hold on to your coffee, the LONG term effects of sleep deprivation are even more frightening. Here’s what you have to look forward to if you don’t address this issue:

·        Cardiovascular disease like strokes, hypertension and heart disease

·        Metabolic Disorders which could lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

·        Neurogenerative Disease like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

·        Immunosuppression, which can contribute to chronic inflammation, which we know is responsible for most diseases, including cancer

·        Mental health issues like depression and anxiety

My journey from dismissing sleep as expendable to recognizing its irreplaceable value has taught me that sleep deprivation is not just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a serious risk to both lifespan and healthspan. The research is clear: optimizing sleep is one of the most powerful tactics we have for living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Prioritizing sleep isn’t just about avoiding fatigue—it’s about safeguarding your future health.

But not to worry. There ARE ways to get back on track. There are many herbs that are very helpful with relaxing and calming us, so we can sleep. After years of abuse, I started paying attention to sleep and giving it the attention it deserved in my wellness plan. For months, I took some carefully crafted tinctures to get me back on the right path, as well as some other practices that helped me get to sleep at night. And then, as if by magic, I didn’t need them anymore and my body took over.

Once we reach that blessed state of homeostasis, our bodies will function just fine. Do I occasionally need a little help? Of course. I just go back to the plants and do what I know is right and I’m back on track.

I you are dealing with sleep deprivation, and my personal research shows me that most of you out there ARE, please don’t continue to suffer. I’d love to help you over this health hump. Call me today at 844-Herbgal to set up a free consultation. Or stop by my office at the Northwoods Family Chiropractic Center in Iron River and give me 15 minutes to show you the natural way to healthy sleep without drugs and the serious side effects they bring.  There IS a better, safer way. And I can show you. Let’s Get Better!

Call Me!