SLEEP DISTURBANCES
When we talk about the key pillars to health, SLEEP is an important, but often overlooked key.
Sleep is not just about fatigue. It is your body’s first line of defense against INFECTIONS. During sleep, your body produces special proteins called CYTOKINES that fight infection by way of INFLAMMATION.
However, sleep deprivation interferes with this healthy IMMUNE response.
Not good!
In other words, a lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of infection, allowing other illness to progress as well.
There can be several factors causing accumulated SLEEP DEPRIVATION such as ADRENAL STRESS, CORTISOL or other HORMONAL imbalances, BLOOD SUGAR problems and even BRAIN (Neurotransmitter) imbalances.
One of the special tests we often run to specifically identify the ROOT CAUSE of sleep is the Adrenal Stress Test or ASI. This functional medicine test uses small samples of saliva collected over the day to accurately determine what your CORTISOL (stress hormone) levels are.
This important hormone, secreted by your ADRENAL GLANDS, should be highest in the morning in order to wake your body. Then, as the day goes on, the cortisol levels should decrease and be lowest at night, so that you can easily fall and stay asleep. However, we often find that for many people with cortisol imbalance issues, evening levels are way too high!
Research suggests that NUTRITIONAL as well as MIND-BODY interventions have been shown to improve sleep quality and effectively treat even stubborn insomnia.
Functional medicine can offer a variety of ways to help balance your STRESS HORMONE levels by supporting your adrenal glands through proper diet and lifestyle modification, along with a variety of all natural, WHOLE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS and HERBS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does functional medicine approach sleep disorders?
Functional medicine addresses the root causes of sleep disturbances, such as adrenal stress, cortisol imbalances, blood sugar issues, neurotransmitter imbalances, and lifestyle factors. Advanced testing, dietary changes, and stress management are key components.
What tests are used to diagnose the cause of sleep problems?
We often use an Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) test, which measures cortisol levels throughout the day via saliva samples. This helps identify hormonal imbalances that may be disrupting sleep.
What treatments are offered for sleep disorders?
Treatments may include nutritional counseling, targeted supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and mind-body interventions. The goal is to restore healthy sleep patterns naturally.
How important is sleep for overall health?
Sleep is a key pillar of health, essential for immune function, cognitive performance, mood regulation, and physical recovery. Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of infection, chronic disease, and reduced quality of life.
Can virtual care help with sleep disorders?
Yes, virtual consultations are effective for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. You can receive expert guidance, advanced testing, and personalized treatment plans from the comfort of your home.