The second stop on the functional 5 train is SLEEP. Sleep is incredibly important as many of us who have had babies know! (anyone else become a sleep deprived lunatic postpartum? No, just me?!?!)
Many biological processes happen during sleep: The brain stores new information and gets rid of toxic waste. Nerve cells communicate and reorganize, which supports healthy brain function. The body repairs cells, restores energy, and releases molecules like hormones and proteins.
Similarly, upon falling asleep, thousands of neurons in the brain switch from waking to sleeping state, sending signals throughout the body. Research demonstrates that it reinforces the cardiovascular and immune systems and helps regulate metabolism.
All to keep the body moving forward. Functional. HEALING.
Hashtag WHY IT MATTEEEERSS! And no, taking pills to sleep doesn’t mean you’re sleeping better! You’re just shutting off your bodies natural receptors to start and end the healing process which is partly why you still feel like doodle when you wake up.
So you’re not sleeping….what do you do?
- eliminate eating 2 hours before bedtime
- eliminate as much junk food as possible #inflammation
- drink more water #flushtoxins
- take your magnesium
- assess the various times you wake (Chinese body clock, see below)
The Chinese Body Clock may seem hokey pokey to you but I SWEAR by it! Our bodies have cycle with which they heal at night. If we are consistently waking at the same time each night, we can assume that organ or system is having a tough time healing.
Why? A variety of reasons. Stress, nutrient deficiency, toxicity, illness <– for example I currently have a cold so I have been waking up during the Lung cycle….duhhh because my lungs are inflammed #coughing
I would be willing to bet 80% of you are waking between 11pm and 3am time frame. How do I know this? Most of us have clogged detox pathways and guts so ya know…gallbladder and liver.
I realize I’m adding a new layer of UGH to this but once you figure out your time/organ/system, you supplement to help it heal (along with nutrition) and within a few days to a week, you should be sleeping through that time frame.
NOW, if you are cycling OFF sleep aids, it WILL take your body longer to find sleep homeostasis because the bodies natural hormones have to regain momentum and relearn how to shift on and off. Stay the course. It WILL be smooth again!
If you are struggling with your body, reach out. Lets set up a time to chat and see if I can help. My personal calendar is SUPER PACKED these next few weeks so shoot me an email vs self scheduling and I’ll find a way to get you in! Email me at StrongHERllcinfo@gmail.com. I’ve got you!