3 minute read
Sleep Improvement
Dr. Michael Wayne
• Integrative Medicine • Acupuncture • Nutrition • Chinese Medicine • Lifestyle Counseling • Quantum Thinking
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Stress reduction for Sleep improvement
Saratoga Springs & Clifton Park
www.drmichaelwayne.com mwayne2@mac.com
by Barbara Stevens I t’s been a long day and an even longer week. Commitments swirl around you, worry fills your thoughts, and as exhausted as you feel, you just cannot get to sleep. Stress often impacts sleep quality and duration. When stress and lack of sleep are paired together, the results can have a severe impact on physical and mental health. The newest research shows that lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain, poor performance on exams and in the workplace; relationship problems, inability of the body to heal, delayed reaction time that is equivalent to legal intoxication. Studies have also linked lack of adequate sleep to mental health complications. Every cell of the body benefits from good quality sleep. The brain is able to work through the stress of the day, memory and recall improve, there is an increase in the ability to concentrate, and decision making improves. We feel energized instead of wired, eager instead of anxious, resourceful instead of discouraged. When we reach the deepest levels of sleep, our cells regenerate, anti-aging and growth hormones are emitted that increase the body’s ability to repair injuries and heal. We all occasionally have trouble falling or staying asleep, but if poor sleep quality is allowed to go on for too long (actually for as short as 6 months), it can cause dire effects, physically and emotionally. What if you could awaken feeling refreshed, with natural energy to take you through your day? What would change if you were able to do this on a daily basis? There are skills that you can learn to achieve this state of well-being.
Basic sleep hygiene includes: • Managing stress on a daily basis, • Allowing for wind down time before bed, • Creating a bedtime routine, • Keeping to a regular schedule for retiring and rising, • Remove work and entertainment from the bedroom, • Use the bedroom for sleep and intimacy. There is also growing evidence that stress management, and relaxation techniques, are very effective in improving sleep quality and returning the body to its natural rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted, like what occurs with jetlag and shift work, this natural tempo can be thrown off balance. We become unable to drop into the deep restorative sleep and we constantly feel tired.
Better sleep has been found to be crucial for Weight Reduction, Memory and Recall, Overall Physical and Mental Wellbeing Stress is a critical factor in the quality of sleep. Call Barbara Stevens, 518-755-5053
Barbara has recently completed a certification in Sleep Behavior. During the month of March, she is offering a special stress evaluation for sleep improvement for $45. (Please, mention Healing Springs Journal to receive this special.) The evaluation will allow you to see how stress is affecting you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then with relaxation techniques you will experience the deep relaxation needed for quality sleep. You’ll leave with some ideas that you can implement immediately.
Barbara Stevens has conducted workshops, seminars, and private sessions for over 20 years as a certified Stress Management Consultant and Hypnotist through International Association of Counselors and Therapists. Stress Techniques, 518-755-5053
Sue Coughtry, BS, LMT Specializing in Pain and Stress Relief CranioSacral Therapy Low Level Light Therapy for Pain Relief Clinical Medical Massage Delmar, NY • 518-755-8843 www.suecoughtryLMT.com email: suecoughtrylmt@gmail.com
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