The hidden powers of sleep

MANILA, Philippines - Literary icon D.H. Lawrence probably knew the hidden powers of a good night’s sleep when he said that sinking into slumber at night can help him wake up the next day “like a new-opened flower.”

Some may disregard sleep as a mere nightly ritual, but studies say that a well-rested person have better longevity than those lacking sleep. Experts say that we should take advantage of the various benefits we can get from sleep.

Sleep boosts your brain power. There’s a process that occurs during sleep called “memory consolidation.” It is said that during slumber, the brain works over time by going back to the events that happened during the day, including the sensory inputs, and feelings involved in it. If you are well-rested, it would be easier for you to remember all these processes and events.

Aside from the memory, sleep also improves concentration. Apparently, during sleep, neurons can shut down and repair the damages your brain received during the day. These “repairs” are necessary, otherwise the neurons may not function properly, thus affecting one’s concentration.

Sleep fights stress, and keeps your heart healthy. When you lack sleep, the body’s functions are heightened: blood pressure is increased, as well as the production of stress hormones. If your body continues to be in this state of stress, you are more prone to heart attack and strokes. Moreover, lack of sleep can contribute to the worsening of cholesterol and blood pressure, which can also lead to heart disease.

Sleep may keep cancer at bay. Some studies say that exposure to light at night can alter or reduce the level of melatonin. Apparently, melatonin is the hormone that makes us sleepy. Melatonin is also believed to protect the body against cancer since it hinders the growth of tumors. Thus, it is advised to keep the room dark during bedtime to make you sleep better, and to help your body produce the melatonin it needs.

However, not everyone has the luxury of sleeping in the dark. People working the night-shift hours have to contend with sleeping in the light of the day. For this, doctors recommend sleep enhancers with melatonin.

One of the most recommended natural sleep enhancers is Sleepwell Melatonin 3mg, a non-drug and all-natural food supplement that mimics the natural hormone that is produced by the body, thus regulating the natural body clock and enhancing the quality of sleep.

Doctors recommend one to two capsules an hour before bedtime. Locally available in all Mercury drugstores, CQ WOW, and other leading drugstores, Sleepwell has been known to effectively promote good quality sleep, relieve insomnia and other sleep problems, combat jet lag, and also work as a powerful antioxidant.