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and Health
Having good sleep and managing hormones are essential for healthy wellbeing. In reality, hormones and sleep are closely related and play a huge role in an individual’s physical and mental health. Poor sleep can lead to an imbalance in hormones and eventually an unhealthy lifestyle. Here’s how hormones and sleep can impact our health and affect each other.
Sleep Deprivation and Hormonal Imbalance
There is a strong link between hormones and sleep, where sleep deprivation can lead to an imbalance in the hormone cortisol. The release of this hormone is inversely related to the amount of sleep an individual gets resulting in higher levels of it due to lack of sleep. The hormone cortisol is used to help regulate temperature and alertness, as well as regulate metabolism, bolster the immune system, and more. Elevated levels of cortisol can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body and result in an array of health issues including weight gain, poor skin health, and fatigue – to name a few.
How Sleep Helps Regulate Hormones
Adequate sleep helps the body to create and maintain proper hormonal balance. During sleep, the body produces important hormones such as melatonin, serotonin, and growth hormones which are all essential for optimal health. Not getting enough sleep or sleeping at the wrong time can disrupt the normal release cycle of these hormones, creating hormonal imbalance and impacting your overall health.
Tips for Better Sleep and Hormonal Balance
Here are a few tips to help restore good sleep and improve overall hormonal balance:
- Maintain a Regular Sleeping Pattern – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, this helps regulate your hormones and keep your sleep cycle consistent.
- Limit Screen Time – Too much looking at glowing screens can suppress melatonin levels and impact your sleep.
- Turn Down the Lights – Dim any bright lights in the evening to help promote better sleep.
- Try Natural Supplements – There are various plant-based herbal supplements that can help improve sleep and stabilize your hormones.
Conclusion
Sleep and hormones are both essential for one’s health and well-being, and they are deeply intertwined. Not enough sleep can throw off your hormone balance and can have an overall impact on your physical and mental health. Improving your sleep routine by establishing a regular sleep pattern, limiting screen time, reducing light exposure, and taking natural supplements can help restore your hormone balance and improve your overall wellbeing.
