The Magic Power of Sleep (page 2 of 3)

Look Better and Stress Less

Magic Power #2. Look Better, Feel Better
People limited to only four or five hours of sleep a night for several nights not only experience more physical ailments, such as headaches and stomach problems, but also undergo changes in metabolism similar to those occurring with normal aging. It’s no wonder we look terrible after a sleepless night.

One of the reasons may be growth hormones. They’re essential to keeping us looking good as we get older. Levels of the hormone drop dramatically between the ages of 20 and 60, says heart surgeon Mehmet C. Oz, MD, coauthor of the You health books. “Growth hormones are rejuvenating,” he says. “When you have high levels of the hormone, you have muscle mass, better skin—you look sexy. You want to keep your growth hormones as high as possible, and the number one best way to do that is sleep.” When you don’t look good, you don’t feel sexy, and your relationship can suffer. So getting more sleep can rev up your love life too.

Magic Power #3. Be Happier, Less Stressed
More than half of adults surveyed by the National Sleep Foundation in 2005 said they experienced insomnia at least a few nights a week. People with insomnia produce higher rates of stress hormones than others, according to new research. This puts their bodies in a hyperaroused state that can make it difficult for them to wind down and sleep. The inability to sleep causes more stress, which can have a devastating impact.

“You’re depressed, you keep forgetting things—not sleeping was the most horrible thing that ever happened to me,” recalls Paul Nielsen, 42, of Niles, Illinois, who says that when his insomnia was at its worst, he went 30 days with only about 30 hours of sleep. “I missed days of work. I even drove my car onto the lawn and into some bushes because I just couldn’t focus anymore.”

“People who don’t sleep get depressed, and depression causes insomnia, so it’s a vicious cycle,” says Dr. Oz. “But we know the inverse is true: that more and better sleep can make you feel happier.”

• Lose the Weight
• Sleep
• • Sleep Solutions
• • Mind & Body

• How to Deal With Insomnia
• One common problem. Four expert solutions.
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• Sleep and Diet: Eating to Sleep Well
• Do you dream of a good night's sleep? Try our tips tonight and learn how your diet may affect your sleep patterns.
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• Improve Your Sleep
• Expert tips for sleep problems.
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• When You Just Can't Sleep
• A better understanding of the physiology of sleep has led to the development of safer medications. Learn more and print a chart.
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• The National Sleep Foundation
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What helps you fall asleep?

A relaxing bath Reading before bed Watching television Meditating Counting sheep

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“ Use your knuckle to rub your eyes. It's less likely to be contaminated with viruses than your fingertip. ”

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