Stay Healthy! Sleep Your Way Through the Holidays
Dr Carlos  Health Expert

[Sleep is] the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.

                                                                                                       -Thomas Dekker

You turn off your TV, or shut down your computer, then lie down with the intention of getting a good night's sleep to prepare for a busy day ahead. Your head hits the pillow and the next thing you know you are counting ceiling tiles wondering how you're ever going to make it though tomorrow. Finally, daylight comes and whatever sleep you did get was not enough. You awaken somewhat dazed and quickly reach for coffee to get you going. You may rely on this or other stimulants to power you through your day, hoping the next night produces better results.

Sound familiar? Well, this is an unfortunate reality for many of us as we carry on through our daily lives in a constant state of sleep deprivation. According to most research, we may never fully make up for our lost sleep; that is unless we take measures to correct the problem from the inside out.

It is no surprise that poor sleep can cause problems with focus, concentration, and mental performance, but many of us don't realize the effects carry over to other areas too. Chemical imbalances caused by lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, poor energy, and mood highs and lows, in addition to increased pain and stiffness of the muscles and joints.  That flu shot you may get may be little help if you're not sleeping well, because lack of sleep weakens our immune system, too. That's the last thing we need during the long winter months.

What to do? First, stimulants are not the answer. Coffee can make you fat. Here's another eye opener – coffee may disrupt your sleep pattern as well. As little as one cup a day can make the difference between a good night's sleep or a night spent tossing and turning, much to your partner's dismay. Sleep aids? Yes, they may provide a short-term pick up, but in the long run the problem usually comes back. Sure, stronger pharmaceutical aids are available yet they have some pretty serious side effects.

The good news is some simple solutions are right at your fingertips.