Aging often impacts sleep, leading to challenges as we grow older. Factors such as changes in circadian rhythms, increased nighttime bathroom visits, anxiety, and chronic health conditions can all compromise sleep quality.
Yet, let’s examine the flip side: the influence of sleep on the aging process.
Despite bold assertions from various hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers, nothing can halt our body’s natural aging. However, a closer look at the physiological changes that occur during sleep reveals that cultivating healthy sleep habits can help mitigate the effects of time on our bodies.
What occurs when we sleep?
Our bodies engage in powerful recovery processes during sleep to restore, reset, and rejuvenate organs and cells. Each night serves as a mini-reboot: muscles undergo repair, hormone levels stabilize, and the brain executes a version of waste removal.
Key changes that happen in the body during sleep include:
• Integration of emotional and procedural (long-term, implicit) memory during REM sleep.
• The brain experiences a neurochemical reset, with significant reductions in dopamine and serotonin levels during slumber.
• Muscle repair promotes the release of growth hormone, restoration of glycogen levels, and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines to assist muscle recovery.
• Hormones like melatonin are produced, while others are regulated; for instance, cortisol (the “stress” hormone) decreases, and leptin (which controls hunger) is maintained.
Dive into the physiological changes that occur during sleep.
Why is sleep increasingly crucial as we age?
Waste removal
The Glymphatic System operates while we sleep to clear neurotoxic waste, such as beta-amyloid. This process becomes increasingly critical with age. The National Library of Medicine states, “The aging process involves a range of neurobiological changes in the brain, including the accumulation of toxic proteins like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.”*
Immune support
As the immune system naturally declines, deep sleep becomes vital for enhancing immune cell activity, thereby supporting our immunity.
Cardiovascular health
Those with a Fitbit will attest that heart rates drop during sleep, allowing blood pressure to lower, which in turn gives the cardiovascular system a chance to rest.
Insulin sensitivity
Sleep quality, duration, and timing all influence insulin sensitivity; inadequate sleep can increase insulin resistance and elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.**
Maximizing quality sleep
Hestens, a Swedish bed manufacturer, recognizes the significance of a good night’s sleep. Since 1852, luxury brands have been crafting handmade beds, with each taking up to 600 hours to create using only natural materials.
“Miracles happen while we sleep,” Hestens states. “It’s the sleep that makes a difference. This is a natural process that cannot be replicated or bought over the counter. You can’t cheat your way to perfect sleep, but understanding its importance and implementing good practices can improve your chances of a restful night.”
For more on the advantages of sleep and to explore the full collection of beds and accessories, visit Hestens’ website.
Book local sleep spa bed tests online at www.hastens.com or visit your nearest certified retailer.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
