What is a normal physiological process that slows aging, keeps us lean, restores our immune system and improves our memory?*
Sleep!!!
One’s quality and quantity of sleep is directly correlated to one’s quality of life.*
Here are some great links to some sleep 101 information from Robb Wolf’s blog:
- How We are Wired to Sleep and Why We Have Sleep Problems
- How We are Wired to Sleep, Part 2
- Heart Rate Variability and Sleep: How we are wired to sleep, Part 3
A great resource for things you can do TODAY to start sleeping better, can be found in Robb Wolf’s Wired To Eat book (on page 110 in the hardcover).
Here’s a couple quick bullet points from his list –
- As soon as the sun sets, start dimming the lights and limit your screen time. If you have to have screen time (phone, computer, TV), use a blue light filter or put on “blue blocker” sunglasses. Artificial light after sunset can disturb the natural production of melatonin and upset your internal clock. Avoid stress and stimulation for at least two hours leading up to bed.
- Sleep in a cool, DARK room – no lights! The recommended room temperature is 64-66 degrees.
- Try to go to bed at the same time each night and allow yourself enough sleep to wake without an alarm clock. Shoot for a minimum of 8 hours of actual sleep per night.
- Get sunshine on your face as soon as you can in the morning and a healthy amount of sunshine during the day. Get outside often!!!!
Want to hear more, come out to the Paleo Potluck on Friday, September 7th to hear Dr. Dinesh Raju talk about sleep!
*as quoted from Dr. Kirk Parsley, I din’t make this up!
