Factors Affecting a Good Nights Sleep
Factors Affecting a Good Nights Sleep
Sleep issues such difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep and waking unrefreshed are increasingly prevelant. A good night sleep is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Sleep disorders have a pround effect on our neurological, cardiometabolic, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems and vice versa.
Chronic Stress & Sleep
It comes as no surprise that stress is a key disruptor of sleep. When we are in a heightened state of stress, our bodies switch to “fright or flight” mode of the sympathetic nervous system. Prolonged stress causes disruption to the Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis. This chronic Stress leads to increased adrenaline, cortisol, blood glucose and blood pressure which keeps us in a state of heighten alertness and disrupted sleep.
Gastrointestinal Disturbance & Sleep
Reflux, bloating, indigestion all have a direct impact on quality sleep. In addition, gastrointestinal disorders can impact further via the gut brain axis causing GIT inflammation and the reduced absorption of tryptophan which is precursor of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Hormonal Imbalances & Sleep
There are many hormones that impact sleep. The disruption to HPA axis cause increased levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cortisol resulting in wakefulness. Hormonal shifts in Oestrogen and Progesterone during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopause impacts sleep. So too do thyroid hormones and insulin.
Cardiometabolic Disorders & Sleep
People with Diabetes, Cardiovascular disorders, and Obesity have poor sleep outcomes due to systemic inflammation, hypertension and hormonal disturbances (cortisol, insulin resistance, gherkin, leptin).
It is important to keep in mind, that the above conditions not only cause the lack of good quality sleep, but the lack of sleep exacerbates these conditions further. It is a vicious cycle that needs to be carefully brought to balance. The key to doing so is to not just treat poor sleep symptomatically, but to regard it as a sign that warrants further investigation as to the root causes behind the sleep issues. Whether it be chronic stress, imbalance hormones, metabolic syndrome or gastrointestinal disturbances or a combination, these foundational areas need to be assessed and carefully balanced for better sleep and long-term health and wellbeing.
If you need help with sleep or any of the related conditions discussed, please contact me.
01/08/2023
Copyright: Rochelle Wickramaratchi - Clinical Naturopath & Ayurveda (BHSc)