Sleep - The Overlooked Building Block of Health
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
Certain things are foundational to great health; with them, the odds of achieving abundant health increase significantly. Sleep is one of those things!
Why is Sleep So Important?
Sleep seems inactive. However, inwardly, it is a time of maintenance and repair that cannot be done while awake: clearing waste products, consolidating memories, rebalancing brain chemicals, and repairing cells.
Eventually, poor sleep contributes to an accumulation of unresolved damage that overwhelms the body’s ability to function properly. We can die without sleep!
Sleep and Light-Dark Cycles
Special cells in the eyes communicate with the brain about light and dark, driving many internal cycles that influence vital processes: circadian rhythms, sleep cycles, immune system function and repair, cellular repair, and reproduction.
Two Changes to Improve Sleep this Month
1. Get early morning sunlight. Being in bright sunlight 1-2 hours after waking is one of the most powerful interventions you can do to rebalance your natural rhythms. Consistently doing this over time will help reset and improve your internal clock.
2. Set consistent sleep and wake times. The body runs on cycles, so give it consistent times of light and dark to set the rhythm.
Note: Avoiding blue light (cell phones, LED lights, computer screens) in the hour before bedtime helps the body secrete melatonin, which is part of the natural sequence of “wind-down” events the body undergoes before sleep.
Do you have problems sleeping? A comprehensive physical can often expose the cause and effects of poor sleep.
Abundant Health is a medical center that integrates traditional, naturopathic, and functional medicine delivering exceptional personalized healthcare solutions. We offer advanced services such as comprehensive testing, IV therapy, nutritional counseling, allergy testing, and more. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being, tailored to your unique needs.
Phone: 951-331-4020
