The importance of sleep and its benefits on our physical well-being can’t be overstated. Former challenging habits or prolonged issues can be linked to a lack of sleep.
The risk of obesity rises with those with a sleep deficit. A study in teenagers showed with every hour of sleep lost, the risk for obesity rose. But it’s not just teenagers, so not just raging adolescent hormones are to blame. sleep affects hormone levels in adults too!
A healthy amount of sleep balances the levels of ghrelin, the hormones that make you feel hungry, and leptin, the hormones that make you feel full. If you wake up in the morning starving, blame it on a not so good night sleep. When you’re restless the levels of ghrelin increase and the leptin levels decrease. Sleep can also affect insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Higher blood sugar levels can increase the threat of diabetes.
When you sleep your heart and blood vessels are repairing themselves, and sleep releases a hormone to boost muscle mass. Continued unrest increases your risk for a host of issues including, heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
The good news is massage therapy can promote a good night’s sleep. Research has found that massage can relieve muscle tension, alleviate pain, and increase circulation. As circulation improves, the body is able to release more serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of calmness. Taking those calm feelings into the latter part of your day can help you wind down easier at night. Additionally, serotonin is also closely connected to the production of melatonin, which is one of the main hormones that help regulate the body’s sleep cycle. So if your struggling to get good quality sleep, consider a massage to help bring relief and relaxation to your body. You’ll be glad you did as you’ll be sure to get a more restful night of sleep.
References:
American Massage Therapy Association:
https://www.google.com/search?q=sleep+and+massage+AMTA&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS877US877&oq=sleep+and+massage+AMTA&aqs=chrome..69i57.8733j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743