Stress Affects Our Immune System and Sleep
Among the United States, the stress levels of individuals are increasing in 2022. “According to the poll, the stress and mental health statistics of US are worsening, mostly due to a bundle reasons of COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis” (AIS, 2022). In fact, average stress levels are found to be highest than ever.
Therefore, being stressed out and not caring for ourselves can significantly impact our overall health. Many patients experience higher stress levels due to multiple implications such as stay-at-home mandates, social distancing, mask mandates, vaccines, loss of finances, work, school changes, family members, safety, etc many aspects in our daily lives.
Would you believe this? Stress often leads to insomnia and other sleep disorders. Having little to no sleep can definitely increase stress levels. Therefore, being proactive and addressing sleep issues are great ways to improve a more robust immune system.
There are two (2) types of stress:
Acute Stress Chronic Stress
Many studies have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments for multiple health issues. Acupuncture actively works to increase our bodies' overnight secretion of melatonin, which is a natural hormone that connects to our internal clock. In addition, patients have experienced positive results for insomnia or sleep-related disorders, such as falling asleep faster, sleeping longer, and reaching deep sleep.
Understanding the Value of Sleep
Trust me, heading to bed at the right time is necessary to optimize your health. Sleeping between the hours between 10 pm to 2 am, patients often get the highest quality of sleep because our bodies align with our internal clocks or rhythms. During these hours, our metabolic energy increases by restoring and making us feel refreshed when we wake up in the morning.
According to the Washington Post, over 70% of the United States population is magnesium deficient. Therefore, studies have shown that being magnesium deficient is associated with insomnia, stress, and sleeping disorders. Many changes to sleep schedules can occur due to life events. However, stressing constantly can cause our bodies to produce more cortisol, which is a stress hormone that impacts our sleep and weakens the immune system. Prioritizing sleep is the best way to recover from stress and stressors of daily life. Getting a consistent sleep schedule will not only boost your immune system but prevent our bodies from persistent health issues.
Common Insomnia Symptoms
- Behavioral issues
- Difficulty paying attention
- Decreased performance in social, professional, or academic settings
- Decreased energy or motivation
- Fatigue
- Weaken immune system
- Mood disturbances
- Aggression
- Depression
- Anxiety
Stress management is one of the most essential tools to optimize our immune system and a good night’s rest. However, the ways you manage stress often depend on your day-to-day lifestyle. Adding acupuncture sessions to your routine is beneficial in many ways to help stimulate the body to release natural “feel good” hormones by alleviating stress-related symptoms. Acupuncture is the best natural treatment to innate the body's healing processes than taking medications. Often health care providers prescribe heavy drugs and medication to help with sleeping patterns, but many side effects can lead to other health problems in the future.
Great Recommended Natural Products That Are Beneficial To Help With Sleeping Issues
Intake of Magnesium & Xiao Yao San supplements
Ways To Optimize Sleeping Patterns And Adjusting Sleeping Routines
- Blackout your bedroom (We recommend getting blackout curtains to reduce light shining through your window)
- Shut off all electronics
- Shut off all lights
- Sit down and meditate for 5 - 10 minutes before you head to bed
- Do not eat a heavy meal before you head to bed
- Practice deep and heavy breathing techniques
- Exercise in the morning
- Go easy on the alcohol
- Meditate
- Sleep in ideal sleeping positions (not on your stomach, side or back positions are the best)
- Wear light and comfortable clothing to bed
More information on stress statistics, click image below:
https://www.stress.org/stress-level-of-americans-is-rising-rapidly-in-2022-new-study-finds