Doing What Comes Natural May Be Right for Health
By Tom Herrin
Running around tired seems to almost be a national trait for many. Going without sleep can be quite detrimental to health. The schedules that so many people keep can come back to bite them when they fail to consider the consequences. In these cases, something as simple as a nap may do far more than many people realize. A lot of the time, a nap is a natural thing to fall back on. Everyone took them as children, and many think of doing so as older adults Taking one when they are tired not only revitalizes people, but can also do some pretty good things in the way of overall health.
It Can Help with Weight Management
The body produces plenty of hormones that help it to function properly. Researchers from Stanford University found that when people lack sleep, they will produce more of the hormone gherkin. This hormone makes people want to eat more. At the same time, lack of sleep will also reduce the production of the hormone leptin. This hormone lets people know when they are full. Taking a nap may reverse this problem.
It May Help Manage Stress
Those who fail to get enough sleep run the risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other health issues. A nap may be a productive way of relaxing and reducing stress. There is no denying that most people have to deal with stress at some time. While this may seem like a given to many, it actually is something that is often overlooked when people are in need of a boost. As opposed to the constant sluggishness of those who are depressed, a nap can be short and allow a person to awake bright and ready to get out and be active physically or mentally.
It May Help Us Be More Mentally Alert
When we don't get enough sleep, we tend to be tired and unable to make good decisions. Most people have had that experience. Many times, when we are sleep deprived, we have delusions. Our sense of reality can be distorted. Sleep can make us think much clearer. A nap can produce good results for only a few minutes of shut-eye. Incorporating a nap in the daily routine, especially on those busy days, can be a wise investment of a little bit of time. Try taking one more often, and see the results.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bluffton, S.C.