Understanding the Connection between Sleep and Health

Many individuals take sleep for granted. For them, sleep is nothing more than the practice of closing one’s eyes and trying to shut off everything else around them so that they will feel much more relaxed. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the unique and often complicated sleep and health correlation. While everyone might be correct in assuming that sleep is one good way to allow the body to rest after a very tiring day, there simply is too much about sleep that many do not fully understand when it comes to its effects on general health and well-being.

In order for you to fully appreciate the importance of sleep on health and wellbeing, it is important to understand a few things about the whole process of sleeping altogether. Sleep is composed of 5 different stages, 4 of which are progressive while the 5th is an entirely different phenomenon altogether. Stages 1 and 2 are considered light to moderate sleep where you can be aroused or awakened. The blissful sleep or deep sleep occurs in Stages 3 and 4. Here, you will feel more relaxed and all of your vital bodily functions go into a hypoactive mode. By stage 5 however, everything goes limp but your brain goes into hyperdrive. This is why experts call this stage the REM stage for Rapid Eye Movement. Now, the whole process of going from Stage 1 to 5 takes about 90 to 120 minutes. This means that every night you will have about 4 to 5 cycles. However, keep in mind that REM Stage will usually take a lot longer the deeper into the night you sleep. This means, lesser of the Stages 3 and 4 benefits and more of the Stage 5 (REM) brain activity.

The question now is why brain activity would be increased during REM sleep. As it turns out, researchers have found that this is the perfect time for the brain to detoxify, to remove toxic byproducts that may have accumulated the whole day. A few studies have also revealed that it is during REM sleep that the brain is trying to sort through the mountain of information gathered throughout the day and determine which ones need to be stored in the different memory cells of the brain. Some scientists believe that this is the basis for the dreams that all humans experience. REM sleep is thus important in boosting cognitive performance and functioning as well as help protect the brain against plaque formation that can usually be seen in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. It is for this reason that memory recall, critical thinking, logical thinking, and problem solving processes are enhanced with greater amounts of sleep.

During stages 3 and 4, scientists consider it as the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep. It is during this time when your blood pressure decreases to a healthy baseline and your breathing becomes slower yet deeper to allow for more oxygen to fill the lungs. Growth hormones are released from the pituitary gland to stimulate the body into building cells and tissues. Remember what your mom said when you were younger about how going to bed early will help you grow taller? It’s not necessary that you grow tall again but the point is that your body is constantly building, growing, and developing cells and tissues to replace those that have been lost due to aging and exposure to harmful environmental conditions. In short, it is your body’s way to repair and heal itself.

During sleep, your hunger hormones are also regulated. Lesser sleep increases ghrelin levels which should make you feel hungry. More sleep increases leptin levels which makes you feel full. So, the more sleep that you get, the more leptin levels present in your brain, the greater is the chance that you will be eating less because your brain is telling you your tummy is still full. However, if ghrelin levels predominate, then you will simply be craving for more food even if your tummy is already overstretched. This can play a significant role in the development of obesity and its many associated risk conditions.

There are numerous other health benefits of sleep. The point that needs to be understood is that sleep is a fundamental activity of the brain that affects every single cell, tissue, and organ in the body. Just like a device that needs recharging every now and then, sleep is the body’s way of shutting itself down, except for a few vital organs, in order to allow other more important physiologic and cognitive processes to be completed. This is why after a good night’s rest, you definitely feel a lot better, more energized to face the new day.

Keep Your Skin Glowing With Natural Beauty Products

People are becoming health conscious, and the demand for natural health care products is on the rise. Shampoos, soaps, conditioners, face wash, facial and body care products that are derived from nature have a greater demand in the market. The benefits associated with natural care products are forcing people to shift towards natural beauty care products. Since these products are nature based, consumers are interested in consuming these products. These products do not have chemical content like sodium lauryl or laureth Sulfates. Moreover, the absence of parabens in these items has made them worthy from the health point of view.

Some of the other benefits include no animal testing of the products. Also, there are no animal by-products used in the products. So there is no need to worry about the impact on the animal population because of using beauty products. There is a wide range of health care products available in the market and the consumers now have a choice when it comes to choosing products for their face and body. Aloe vera base is famous for natural beauty products.

Consumers trying natural care products are happy with the results. Despite natural products being expensive, people do not mind spending the money as it is considered as a health investment. Moreover, natural products do not leave any residue and these are safe for the environment. Natural products are now available at the counter and can be ordered online as well. Choose the natural products you prefer and get it shipped to your doorstep.

Free products have always been a craze among rich and poor alike. People enjoy free options, and especially women are attracted towards free beauty samples. Makeup is the favorite of every woman as if makes the person feel younger and attractive. Makeup has multiple benefits, and the power of makeup cannot be ignored. Even a simple makeup can make you look attractive. Lipstick and blush are must for women who venture out of the house. There is no denying the fact that latest makeup items come at a cost that not many can afford them. If you want to stay in trend but do not want to spend big money, then free beauty samples are the way to go.

Most of the major beauty brands offer a free sample, and this includes health and beauty range. The Internet is the best place to hunt for free samples of your favorite beauty brand. There is a lot of information available on the internet that can lead you to free samples. Many websites can lead you to top beauty companies that offer free samples for a limited period. Consumers who want free samples have to keep their eyes and ears open to benefits from the deal. Grab the offer once you see them. Do not wait for long as they will vanish before your eyes.

The free samples hardly remain for a short duration, and it is important to act immediately to take advantage of it. Never lose an offer contemplating whether to take it or not.