Sleep: Those Nighttime Hours
Today we talk about sleep.
As a chronic poor sleeper, I have tried many methods over the last 20 years to chase the elusive ‘good night's sleep’. Many of my clients talk about issues falling asleep and staying asleep, finding themselves reliant on sleep aids. It is a massive problem facing so many in our society.
I hesitate to write this article without fully solving the sleep mystery for myself. And yet, the tips in this article have helped me so dramatically that it is time to share.
Why is Sleep important?
Everything in life needs rest; it is the Yin state.
We are currently in the winter months, when the Earth gets to rest. This is a time when the plants stop growing; they return attention to their roots and their essence; they regroup and reprioritize for next year’s growth. It is a time when animals hibernate and rejuvenate their bodies.
Rest is essential for human life. During sleep, the body is cleansed of toxins to make space for tomorrow's nourishment. Sleep repairs tissues, manages weight, and supports the immune system. Sleep supports our emotional well being and enhances our brain function for better focus and creativity. Without a quality sleep cycle, the human body is unable to operate at its best.
Gut Health and the Nervous System
Many of you know that I've been focused on my gut health for years.
Gluten free, Dairy free, sometimes meat, oil, grain, alcohol, and sugar free.
I've aimed to heal my gut by:
eliminating consumption of certain foods
receiving physical and energetic bodywork
detoxing
using supplements and probiotics
healing from infections
Along the way, I learned a tremendous amount about what works and doesn't work for me, and how my experience of digestion has changed overtime.
What's the magic solution? What foods do we need to cut out to return to a state of gut health?
I've come to realize that it's not about the food!