What is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a condition whereby an individual is unable to get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to an entire host of problems, such as daytime drowsiness and fatigue, irritability, inability to concentrate, clumsiness and weight-gain/loss. Sleep deprivation can also be considered chronic or acute, the former persisting through a substantial amount of time and the latter, coming and going. An estimated 20% of Americans have been classified as being “sleep deprived” (receiving less than 6 hours of sleep per night).
What are some cures for sleep deprivation?
Caffeine
Consuming caffeine laden products (coffee in particular) is one method to counteract the effects of acute sleep deprivation. The short burst in energy with which caffeine gives you however is usually followed by a subsequent crash. Furthermore, the effects of caffeine consumption are reduced the longer that you take it, reducing its potency. Therefore, this is one method which is not ideal in the opinions of most experts.
Supplements
Two supplements in particular, tryptophan, which is a basic amino acid used in the formation of the chemical messenger serotonin which aids in sleep, and melatonin, which is a natural hormone in your body which is produced by the onset of darkness and suppressed with the onset of daylight. Tryptophan is known worldwide as the amino acid in turkey which helps to make everybody so drowsy after eating their Thanksgiving dinners.
Meditation and Yoga
Various forms of meditation and yoga are known to help tremendously with various health issues such as depression and even sleep deprivation due to emotional and mental trauma. Not only are they useful in helping individuals transition into a state ready to sleep, but some forms (such as hot yoga) have very good effects on ones physical health.
Short Naps
Perhaps the method which is most recommended by health experts, taking short naps (usually 20 minutes to an hour in length) is one surefire method to combat sleep deprivation. It is recommended that if you do intend to cure your sleep deprivation through naps, that you schedule regular, consistent naps at the same time everyday. This will allow your body to enter into REM-sleep (that crucial portion of sleep which aids in recuperation) faster. Taking “power naps” is a great way to also relieve stress and give you that short “burst” of energy that you need to finish your day.
For more information go to Natural Sleeping Remedies Hq.
