Gut health and good sleep are more related than you think
Years of scientific inquiry have illuminated the intrinsic bond between our gut and mental faculties. This intricate web of connections extends to the vital relationship between gut health and the quality of our sleep. Empirical evidence underscores the detrimental effects of sleep deficiency on gastrointestinal harmony. Conversely, disturbances in gut health can disrupt the sleep cycle. Thus, nurturing a robust link between restful sleep and a flourishing gut is paramount.
Dive into the science elucidating this dynamic correlation. But don't stop there—continue reading to uncover practical strategies for fostering a thriving and joyful two-way street between gut health and quality sleep.
Our body works hard while we rest
Amidst discussions of sleep's restorative effects on our mind and muscles, its profound impact on our digestive system often goes unnoticed. Yet, as we slumber, our digestive tract engages in a crucial phase of repair and regeneration, accompanied by a surge in the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria. A lack of adequate sleep deprives our digestive system of the essential opportunity to replenish and rebuild, leaving it ill-prepared for the demands of the following day.
If we’re tired, we feed ourselves poorly
Research indicates that insufficient sleep escalates sugar cravings, compounding the challenges for your gut. This double negative whammy leaves your gut lagging behind its repair schedule, while poor dietary decisions further burden it with added stress.
Lack of sleep equals increased stress levels
The consequences of sleep deprivation include heightened inflammation in the gut lining and an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone, which can wreak havoc on gut health, leading to discomforts like leaky gut. Avoiding these outcomes is paramount. Luckily, by incorporating a few key habits into our routine, we can effectively sidestep these pitfalls.
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Top tips for good sleep, healthy gut:
1. Mealtimes
Conclude your final meal 2-3 hours before retiring to bed to prevent indigestion and enable your digestive system to commence its recuperative process promptly upon the onset of sleep.
2. Intermittent Fasting
Research indicates that intermittent fasting contributes to the stabilization of sleep patterns. Commencing your fast in the early evening can help align your circadian rhythm, ensuring you are primed for sleep at the appropriate time.
3. Rituals
Find your calm before bed, to aid sleep and lower the effect of cortisol on your gut. We have the perfect three-step bedtime ritual for that.
4. Exercise
Improve Sleep Efficiency and Gut Health with Consistent Exercise.
5. Fibre
Harness the power of fiber to reap dual benefits for your body and mind. By upping your fiber consumption, you not only fend off detrimental gut bacteria but also prolong your duration in the essential deep sleep phase. It's a smart move for optimizing both gut health and the quality of your rest.
6. Environment
Transform your sleep routine with the soft touch of silk sleep masks, offering your gut the rest it deserves. By blocking out light and distractions, these masks not only promote deeper sleep but also provide your digestive system with the ideal conditions for relaxation and repair. Take a proactive step towards nurturing your gut health by incorporating silk sleep masks into your nightly regimen.
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