Having Trouble Sleeping? Lack Energy During the Day?

Studies show how a good night's sleep can improve your quality of life

September 4, 2008
By: Julie McCallum,
Senior Staff

Do you suffer from insomnia, or have a sleeping disorder?

Research shows how a good nights sleep, can improve your quality of life, by reducing depression, improving energy levels during the day, and much more.

Personally, I rarely have trouble falling asleep, but have the hardest time getting out of bed in the morning.

I can relate to Sylvester Stallone when he said, "Every molecule in my body tells me no, and to hit the snooze one more time." I have a couple of close friends who I envy, because they do not need to use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning. How great would that be, I say to myself.

Once I'm out of bed, I don't usually have a problem with being tired the rest of the day, which might include a little help from a mid-day drink of a Rock Star or Monster Java energy drink.

I've tried going to bed earlier, but that seems to make it worse, and it almost seems that the more sleep you get the more tired you are -- which actually makes sense to me.

A solid night's sleep is something I lack . . . let me explain why . . . I am usually awakened probably at least once every hour during the night. The reason being: (1) my cat and (2) my husband, a former marine, who does suffer from insomnia, or some kind of sleeping disorder.

Besides that constant commotion, this cat, that I have had for the last 12 years, has an unusual habit -- which, I am currently trying to catch on video. I'm not going to tell you (today) what my cat does. But . . . If I do get film, I will be more than happy to share it in a future blog. The problem (with my cat) starts within 10 minutes, I would say, after I hit the bed. The cat is off playing its game. This will go on (in increments) all night. But I usually have no problem falling back asleep.

Anyway, recently on a rare sleepless night, where I couldn't fall back asleep I decided to start reading this book entitled "SLEEP" - The Mysteries, The Problems and the Solutions - by Carlos H. Schenck, M.D. I. learned much about sleeping patterns, and the body and mind habits. And understand now why my little 'pieces of sleep' are leaving me still tired when I need to get up in the morning. Interrupted sleep, no matter how long of a time -- is not good!

Stage 3 of NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep is the deepest stage of sleep, some may think it is the REM sleep, but I learned it is not. This stage of sleep is when your body does the internal repairing and rejuvenating of your body's system. This is the stage of sleep I think I lack and guess I will go on suffering.

Below are my own sleeping tips I will share with you and hope that they will work for you if you have problems sleeping.

1. Work Out - Cardio and weight lifting are so important in so many aspects, research shows that people who are in shape, have less problems with sleeping. The best time to work out is in the morning, giving your body more energy for the day. By night time your fatigued muscles will welcome a good nights sleep.

2. Invest in A Good Mattress - Don't think of spending less than a grand - I have the King size foam top Serta and it is the best investment I ever made.

3. Do NOT own a pet - not as so much as a gold fish!

4. Write it down - If there is something on your mind, that you keep re-thinking over and over, no matter what it is job related or just life in general... write it down, keep a pen and paper close by.

5. No Caffeine after 3pm

6. Read "SLEEP" by Carlos H. Schenck, M.D.

Also something to consider, Melatonin will soon have a play in all our lives . . . during the upcoming season and time change. What is Melatonin you ask? . . . Melatonin is an natural occurring hormone secreted by a small gland in the center of your brain. Its secretion is controlled by the light-dark cycle. It is that gland (pineal gland) that plays a role in regulating biological rhythms, including sleep and reproductive cycles.

Melatonin production is affected by light exposure to the eyes; Melatonin levels rise during the night and fall during the day, Melatonin levels are ten times higher in our bodies at night than during the day. It is only natural that we will feel tired sooner as our days get shorter.

(Note: This is a Column and/or Blog and are the personal opinions of Julie Munger-McCallum Only.)

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