Nature’s Magic Cure for What Ails You
You may be sleep-deprived. “Oh, yeah,” you’re thinking. “Breaking news that I don’t get enough sleep, Tini.” But how many of us do? According to an article from Discovery Health, up to 45 percent of the world’s adults don’t get enough sleep. Be it insomnia, multiple jobs or simply having too much TV to catch up on (does everything good have to come on Sunday nights?), here are some symptoms that you could cure with just a few good nights of rest.
Sleep like this guy. (Photo: New Picx)
Behavioral troubles
Low tolerance for stress or an inability to focus on words on a page? Sleep deprivation could be the cause. While sleep isn’t a magic cure for serious behavioral issues such as anxiety disorder or ADHD, if you’re feeling like seeing a doctor for behavioral issues, it might be a good idea to document your sleep schedule. What seems like a sudden and odd change in focus or calm may be related to constant waking throughout the night, a new sleep partner or anything else that could prevent you from getting your best rest.
Weight gain
Well obviously, if you’re not awake eating your midnight snack, you’re getting more sleep. But more than that — sleep deprivation makes it more difficult to control cravings, leading to unhealthy food choices that bring about weight gain. Additionally, your brain metabolizes sugars at a lower rate when exhausted, meaning it takes more food for you to start feeling full. The Sleep Diet may be crazy, but if you’re trying to shed pounds, it can’t hurt to make sure you’re catching enough Zs.
Relationship strife
If you’re suddenly not getting along with a roommate, significant other or family member, your lack of sleep can actually be to blame! Perhaps it’s a snoring problem or sleep apnea, but sleep deprivation can be the cause of all sorts of troubles. Risky decision making, mood swings or a low libido are all catalysts for an epic fight. And if you’re still sleep deprived when the guns come out, you can count on a moody, stressful argument that won’t feel any better later, when your sleep-weakened motor skills can’t even pull your gallon of ice cream from the freezer. Bummer.
Whatever’s got you down, it’s possible sleep could be the cure! Mom and Dad knew what they were saying when they told you to sleep on it. So today, order decaf, pull out your fuzzy jammies and give your body the rest it craves.
Health editor, Tini Howard is a writer, aerialist and foodie from the East Coast.
