HealthyLife Articles

Tag: cycle

  • Exercise And Sleep

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 5

    Women sleeping.

    Physical activity can help you sleep better. After your body has worked hard, deep sleep is triggered to help your body recover, repair, and get ready for more activity. This natural drive helps you fall asleep and sleep more restfully.

    Be active outdoors, when possible. Outdoor physical activity increases exposure to sunlight. This helps to strengthen your body’s circadian rhythm (natural sleep clock). A stronger circadian rhythm helps you feel sleepy when it’s time to rest.

    Sleep Helps You Recover from Exercise

    Physical activity triggers a cycle of muscle break-down and repair. The repair process depends on sleep. Without enough sleep, repair is limited. This can increase the risk of injury and limit athletic goals (e.g., running or walking farther or lifting more weight).

    Severe sleep restriction (less than four hours per night) can cause dramatic increases in your heart rate and blood pressure. This strains your heart. Not only does this limit your ability to exercise, but your risk for heart attack and cardiovascular problems increases.

    Timing Exercise with Sleep

    Physical activity increases adrenaline in the body. This hormone increases your heart rate and alertness. Plan vigorous exercise at least four to six hours before bedtime. Light exercise and mild activities should end at least two to four hours before bedtime.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stop The Spending Cycle

    WELL-BEING

    Image of colorful shopping bags.

    Going overboard on one shopping trip, especially around the holidays, does not mean you have a shopping addiction. It’s normal to overdo it once in a while. And, everyone buys things that aren’t truly needed at times.

    But, if you think you or a loved one might have a shopping addiction, there is help. Often times, a shopping addiction is the result of another health issue like depression. Talk with your doctor about your feelings and symptoms. Antidepressants or other medications may be helpful.

    Or, you may wish to talk with a counselor about things that are bothering you. Sometimes, emotional burdens or troubles can make you look for happiness in things like shopping. If you are able to deal with those problems, you may not feel the need to shop as much.

    There are also support groups for people with a variety of addictions. Debtors Anonymous can help people who have gone into debt from too much spending.

    Don’t be afraid to seek help. The sooner you can address the problem, the sooner you can get your life back on track.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine