Health
Is Sleep the Most Important Factor in Disease
NATURAL Nutmeg
Prevention?
MAY / JUNE 2022
12
By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®
“Sleep is perhaps one of the least understood physiological processes. Its value to human health and proper functioning is without question. Impaired sleep, altered sleep patterns, and sleep deprivation wreak havoc on mental and physical function. Many health conditions… are either entirely or partially related to sleep deprivation or disturbed sleep.” —Michael T. Murray, ND, and Joseph Pizzorno, ND, The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
S
leep does not get enough respect. Some wish they did not need so much of it—they see it as a nuisance, an interference in what they are trying to accomplish in their lives. Others force themselves to push through life with less-than-optimal sleep—due to stress, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, or multiple other factors (technology addiction, poor diet, social demands), their bodies will not allow them proper sleep. Conventional physicians frequently overlook their patients’ sleep quality and habits. When inadequate quality sleep results in health problems, they tend to focus on prescribing solutions for their symptoms rather than diagnosing a sleep disorder. In the pursuit of quality of life and longevity, and especially because 70 million Americans chronically suffer from a sleep disorder, this critical, poorly understood physiological function needs to become more of a focal point.
Indications of Sleep Disorder
Multiple factors, including age and health condition, are relevant to the ideal amount of nightly sleep. As of late 2020, the National Sleep foundation recommends that adults ages 18–64 aim for 7–9 hours and advises that those age 65 and older may need a bit less. At least one of these symptoms is generally present when a patient suffers from a sleep disorder: (1) excessive daytime sleepiness; (2) difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep; or (3) sleep-time abnormal movements, behaviors, and/or sensations. The most common and harmful sleep conditions include sleep apnea (causes breathing
interruptions and brain oxygen deprivation during sleep; most commonly caused by obesity), chronic insomnia (considered to occur most nights and last at least one month), and restless leg syndrome.
Causes and Risks of Sleep Deprivation
The causes of both acute and chronic sleep deprivation fall into multiple categories: 1. Physical: Allergies; candidiasis; hormonal imbalances; hyperthyroidism; heart, lung, and digestive disorders; arthritis; cancer; fibromyalgia; prostate issues. 2. Psychological: Stress, depression/seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, ADHD. 3. Medications: For depression, hypertension, birth control, water retention, upper-respiratory conditions. 4. Recreational substances/stimulants: Alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, excess caffeine from coffee/tea/energy drinks/colas/chocolate. 5. Lifestyle/occupational causes: Unhealthy dietary choices, extended and irregular work shifts, jet lag. 6. Environmental: Toxic overload, electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) from electronic/ wireless devices, extreme temperature fluctuations, environmental noise or changes. Interestingly, the very causes of sleep deprivation can also be its potential risks. It can not only negatively impact both physical and mental wellness, but it is also blamed for increased healthcare costs and poor work productivity. For example, sleep deficiency is known to compromise the immune system, setting up the body for
