How Does Sleep Affect Our Minds and Bodies? by Danna Schneider


Sleep, solid sleep without interruption, is nearly as vital to our existence and health as food, air and water. Sounds like a drastic statement, but according to several studies, it really isn't. There is proof that without sleep people can literally go mad - lose their minds and the ability to think critically and clearly. So how are we supposed to deal with lack of sleep?

Not only does our mind not function as well when we are working with little quality sleep, but many believe that lack of sleep and lack of quality of sleep may also diminish our immunities to sickness and disease. You may notice that you fall prey to flus and colds more often when you've experienced lack of sleep, and experts say this is a direct correlation to lack of sleep?

Immune function is a vital part of our well being. Our lymph system and other antibodies depend on sleep it seems, and are subsequently worn down when our bodies and minds are deprived of R & R.

Many factors play a part in interrupting this basic health need that must be met if we are to operate at our best possible capacity. Recuperation is another reason that we sleep. How many times have you felt rejuvenated and recharged by a good nights sleep when you've been going through a particularly stressful period, either physically or mentally.

We live in a fast paced, high stress society which can often make it difficult to slow down mentally and physically prior to bedtime. There are certain suggestions, that are helpful, if you are having a hard time getting to sleep at night and staying asleep for a full eight hours, or at least close, to that amount of time.

If you suffer from insomnia, try to ascertain the reason or reasons you are having problems with sleeping or staying asleep at night. Are you anxious, depressed, fearful or overly stressed? Or possibly, is there any physical discomfort or pain causing your inability to get comfortable enough to fall asleep? Do you snore and wake sometimes to catch your breath?

If your mind is overactive and you can not slow it down at bedtime, try some common sense approaches prior to sleep time that may help. Caffeinated beverages, pills or foods will certainly not only put sleep off, but also may interfere with normal sleep patterns throughout the night long after the consumption of it. Alcohol seems to have a sedative effect, but actually interferes with the sleep cycle.

Another good natural tip for gearing down an overactive mind is to avoid activities that stress or over stimulate the mind prior to bedtime. Try a warm glass of milk or a warm relaxing bath in the evening to slow down and to calm you.

Some products that are of an herbal nature and naturopathically used to treat insomnia can certainly provide a lot of relaxation as well as promotion of sleep-inducing chemicals which commence the process by which we fall and stay asleep. Some herbs known to be helpful for insomnia include chamomile, valerian and lavender. I'm sure you've heard of aromatherapy for stress relief, but aromatherapy can also be used to actually help ease anxieties and help us to sleep and keep on sleeping when we are having troubles getting enough rest.

Natural essense oils are often used for relaxation and preparation for snooze time, most notably jasmine oil which is actually popular not only as aromatherapy but it commonly used by many women as a perfume due to it's pleasant scent. Music may be a medicine much needed. Many times people report they can fall asleep more easily by using different types of music, say meditation music or classical music. Meditation and other relaxation techniques done in the evening can enhance your ability to get a good night's sleep.

Melatonin is a natural body chemical that is secreted when we sleep and are preparing to sleep. This hormone is activated when the lights go out, and is said to be pivotal to falling asleep and maintaining that critical sleep REM patter that many say without which we may lose our minds, literally.

If insomnia is problematic for you, consult with your physician to determine the cause. Also, try a combination of natural approaches and techniques to see if they assist you to fulfill your body's need for quality rest.

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Domestic Violence - Healing the Physical Illnesses of Domestic Abuse

Copyright (c) 2008 Dr Jeanne King PhD





Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, essential hypertension, chronic pain, insomnia, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, excessive fatigue are just a few of the ongoing complaints of domestic violence survivors. And it's not surprising.





These conditions are ALL mediated by the sympathetic nervous system-a system perpetually "on" for individuals whose lives are entangled in domestic abuse.





Stemming back to our caveman ancestors, we inherited a physiology that is built to protect us from the perceived threat of impending danger. And when present, sympathetic arousal occurs.





For example , when the caveman saw a tiger, the thought "tiger" registered, activating a limbic system response of FEAR... ultimately, resulting in an adrenergic response that prepares the body for "fight or flight. " And with this, of course , mobilizing the proper body systems to deal with the circumstances at hand.





The Good: Our Survival Mechanism





Here's what happens: blood rushes to the core of the body and away from the periphery, fueling the core organs, (heart and lungs) for this magnificent maneuver. Blood is quickly pumped into the large muscle groups to enable your rapid exit or fierce fight.





With this, many other physiological changes occur. You're getting the picture, correct? In a nutshell...





1) Your cardiovascular system is aroused: increased heart rate, rise in blood pressure.





2) Your neuromuscular system is activated: increased muscle tension, and





3) Your gastrointestinal system shuts off: dry mouth, build up of acidity in the gut, bowel and bladder relax.





This is sympathetic arousal; that is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. It is our body's response to impending danger. It's your survival mechanism, your natural stress response. This is good.





The Bad: Failure to Cycle Down





However , here's where it's not good. In the same way that our bodies are built to trigger this response, so are we built to cycle down when the impeding danger or perceived threat passes. And since our physiological systems don't know the difference between real and perceived threat, we have the ability to keep this stress response "on" such that complete cycling down fails to occur.





Then when the next tiger comes our way, naturally we are appropriately aroused. But this time the excitation starts from an already elevated point of arousal, thereby resulting in a higher-level stress response.





Now for a moment, let's envision our creating a habit, if you will, of not fully cycling down between each perceived threat; that is, between each tiger crossing our path. What happens?





Your body systems, associated with the stress response, remain "on" and at higher and higher levels of arousal over time with subsequent activation. This is what we call "chronic stress. "





The Ugly: Stress-Related Illnesses





Here's the danger. When you keep these organ systems functioning as such, eventually they show symptoms of excess activation. This is the basic etiology of stress-related illnesses: migraine headaches, muscle contraction headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, essential hypertension, insomnia, chronic anxiety... and the list goes on.





Further, you can expect chronic stress to exacerbate depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment and more. It is the one factor you can count on to aggravate emotional psychological distress.





Your know how it is when you are refreshed and calm: anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment are low. And when you're excessively stressed, anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment are magnified many fold.





If you are a domestic violence survivor, seek to cultivate habits that turn "off" the stress response. This will off-set damage done by a pattern naturally inherent in a current or past life of constant criticism, unpredictable partner rage, and ongoing caution, trepidation and fear.








------





For help in recognizing what keeps the abuse dynamic going and what stops it, see the Intimate Partner Abuse Screen' at www.PreventAbusiveRelationships.com. Dr . Jeanne King, Ph. D. helps people recognize, stop and heal from emotional verbal abuse

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Panic Attack Treatment - free article courtesy of ArticleCity.com

There are many different treatments associated with panic attacks. The first thing you should consider is seeing your primary care physician. Your primary care physician can help prescribe medications to overcome the immediate symptoms that you might be experiencing.

Next, you should seek a counselor or psychiatrist, preferably one that is experienced with anxiety disorders. A counselor will be able to help you work out any underlying problems that might be triggering your panic attacks. Your counselor will help determine a course of action for your treatments.

There are many natural methods to treating panic disorder. I am a panic disorder survivor and have been for over a year. I had approximately 15 recurring panic attacks daily. I eventually overcame my panic disorder and have been panic free and med free for almost a year now. I still treat myself with natural methods to help reduce my anxiety.

One key factor in the treatment of my panic attacks was a book Panic Away. Yes, a simple book helped me to overcome the fear in my life. This book along with other natural treatments that I learned along the way helped me end the cycle of my panic.

Keep checking back for more information on the treatment of panic attacks. I will be revealing all my information on the different factors that I use in my lifestyle to help manage my panic and anxiety disorder.

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Rich Mind Life Strategy

Timothy Kendrick

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