Supporting Detoxification with Sleep
Our bodies are constantly challenged by environmental toxicities and the continual effort of detoxication. Although dietary support for detoxification is one important leg of the supportive “stool,” so is healthy sleep. So many individuals are sleep deprived today, whether due to nighttime awakenings to care for children or loved ones, a job that is demanding or requires work at evening hours, or chronic health conditions, including chronic infections or heavy metal toxicity, that contribute to insomnia. Many cytokines, inflammatory markers, and hormones are impacted by sleep and the lack thereof.[1],[2],[3]Studies have shown that both acute total and short-term partial sleep restriction increases many pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the body. [4],[5] Not only do these inflammatory markers rise acutely, but this effect can persist beyond the days with diminished sleep, despite normal recovery sleep in subsequent nights.
The integrity of the blood-brain barrier is negatively affected by sleep restriction as well.[6] The blood-brain barrier protects the central nervous system from circulatory proteins and toxins that may contribute to neuroinflammation and damage. An altered blood-brain barrier may contribute to numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and more.[7] Stress also increases permeability of the blood-brain barrier.[8] The stress-associated increase in blood-brain barrier permeability may contribute to increased symptoms with stress in neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Cleaning up the diet is one thing that can support healthy sleep. By reducing inflammation and its mediators such as histamine, the blood-brain barrier integrity is improved, and related neuroinflammation and excess agitation is diminished.[9] In addition to addressing diet from a larger standpoint, the foods and beverages consumed directly before bed also can have an impact on sleep. If a snack is consumed before bed, it should be higher in protein and fats as this will help keep the blood sugar levels stable through the night. Alcohol also has a negative impact on sleep quality, in part due to the fact that the blood sugar level will fall during the night.[10] As larger meals before bed can contribute to evening symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, this should be avoided, particularly in susceptible individuals.[11]
Intense exercise later in the day can have a negative impact on sleep, as it leads to a rise in cortisol and catecholamines, promoting a ‘fight or flight’ sympathetic state in the nervous system.[12],[13] Activities that are considered to be good “sleep hygiene” include the avoidance of the use of electronics and other intense blue light sources for at least 1 hour before bed. Blue light has a wakeful effect, and suppresses melatonin secretion.[14],[15] Electronics should not be present in the sleep environment due to their potential distracting effects, and sensitive individuals may find benefit from turning off the WiFi signal in the house.[16]
Detoxification and treatment of chronic infections can improve sleep, particularly in the long run, as doing so reduces systemic and central nervous system inflammation which can negatively affect sleep. On an as needed basis, supplemental therapies can be used to support healthy sleep. Trace minerals support neurotransmitter metabolism and the function of all the enzymatic systems of the body, and can help the body and brain to turn down at night. GABA and L-theanine support alpha wave rhythms in the brain, similar to the relaxed state which occurs with meditation.[17],[18]Cannabinoids, which are endogenous in our body but also found in hemp oil, can also impact sleep, calming neuroinflammation and improving the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. [19],[20], [21]
To learn more, read on at:
- Supporting Detoxification with Diet
- Stress Support 101: GABA and L-Theanine: The Fast-Acting Stress and Anxiety Antidote
- Stress Support 102: Cannabinoids and the Inflammatory Aspect of Stress
- Stress Support 103: Seawater Minerals Support Parasympathetic Response and Cellular Balance
- Balance Your Body and Brain with NanoEmulsified Colorado Hemp Oil
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