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Adelle Davis & Sound Sleep

Adelle Davis & Sound Sleep March 5, 2014Magazine, Press0 Comments

Wellness Wednesday!

Adelle Davis & Sound Sleep Part 1

Why sleep is so important for our health and what Adelle recommended for getting a great nights rest!

Christina Markos

One of the top health concerns or problems that many people face today is insomnia or other sleep disorders. Adelle Davis had a lot to say about the importance of sleep and ways to get sound sleep without drugs. Today is part one of our sleep series here at the foundation and what proper nutrition can do for you. I recently discovered an article, Teenage Insomnia-Studies and Remedies from Nutrition Breakthroughs by Jobee Knight of Nutrition Breakthroughs on insomnia, especially in young adults. “‘To shed some light on teenage sleeping habits and teen insomnia, a study was published in a recent issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health, Researchers found that two-thirds of teenage high school students are sleeping less than they need to, when they actually need 9.5 hours of sleep. Danice Eaton, author of the study and a research scientist in Atlanta said, “…Research (on teens) has shown that a lack of sleep can increase depression, negative physical health, headaches, poor school performance, school absenteeism and drowsy driving.'” Adelle Davis once said in Let’s Get Well, “Insomnia can easily be corrected by adequate nutrition, I try to get my patients to drink 4 glasses of milk, buttermilk, or yogurt daily…if that doesn’t bring results, I have them take calcium tablets.” In Knight’s article she adds, “Adelle Davis was the first nutritionist to base her recommendations on scientific research studies. She says: ‘If these hyperactive kids were recognized as victims of malnutrition and given, instead of drugs, a completely adequate diet, especially high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and D; the majority might soon be as relaxed as sacks of cotton, their minds far more alert, their energies restored to normal. I have seen it happen many, many times.'” While it is a growing epidemic that teens and young adults are suffering the consequences of not getting adequate rest, it is a problem for many of us- young and old.

There are so many of us that struggle with getting a good nights rest. Some of us struggle with falling asleep, some of us struggle with staying asleep- the list goes on. Many of us have tried numerous sleeping pills or OTC sleep aids in search of getting some much needed sound sleep. The health benefits and importance of sleep are vital. A full nights rest can improve and protect our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Sound sleep promotes productivity and safety throughout the day, making you less drowsy, less irritable and ready to take on whatever the day brings. You feel refreshed after a full nights sleep for a reason- because your body is truly being refreshed and getting itself ready for the next day. Sleep also plays a HUGE role in our immune system functioning properly. When you don’t get enough sleep it makes your body more susceptible to getting colds and the flu, or you may have a hard time fighting off certain infections. In regards to nutrition, the metabolism and insulin are highly affected by sleep or lack thereof. Sleep deficiency results in a higher than normal blood sugar level, which may increase your risk for diabetes. Your metabolism and weight are regulated by sleep, Researchers at the University of Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat—56% of their weight loss—than those who were sleep deprived, who lost more muscle mass. (They shed similar amounts of total weight regardless of sleep.) Dieters in the study also felt more hungry when they got less sleep. “Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors of the brain,” Dr. Rapoport says. “When you are sleepy, certain hormones go up in your blood, and those same hormones drive appetite.” (Health)

Other key factors for why sleep is SO important:

-You have better focus and attention to detail in all areas of your life

-You are able to remember things more easily and improve your memory

-It helps with stress management

-You are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety

In regards to the last two- when you sleep well and your body is able to refresh itself, you have the physical energy, mental clarity, and emotional strength to do the activities you love, get the exercise you need and make healthy choices. All of these things lead to the overall improvement and sustainability of your well-being and help you steer clear of fatigue, depression, anxiety and emotional eating. A good nights rest creates a “domino effect” of having a better day and a happier and healthier life.

Stay tuned- tomorrow we will be going over the role nutrition plays (calcium & magnesium)in more detail and ways to improve your sleep naturally!