Our bodies are amazing healing machines and require adequate sleep to get the job done. When we sleep is when we heal. The body can use it’s energy to keep you doing all that you need to do, OR it can use that same energy to heal; but it can’t do both at the same time. Since fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of illness, its important to listen to what it is telling us.
In books I have read it’s been stated that women need a minimum of 7 1/2 hours per night and men need 8 hours. Eastern and Western traditions agree that the most crucial times for healing the endocrine system, liver and lungs is while we sleep between 10pm and 5am. This time can be extended anywhere between 9pm until 9am, while keeping the main sleep hours between 10 and 5.
Through research, it is known that if you want to lose weight, you have to get adequate sleep and I have seen this fact hold true with my own patients.
If you are tired during the day, take a nap if you can. Naps require complete relaxation and can rejuvenate us by temporarily removing us from stress during the day. In fact, research indicates that napping can decrease the likelihood of a heart attack by 37%. Lastly, If you want a strong immune system, you have to get adequate sleep. With any chronic issue or serious disease, sleep should be at the top of your priority list to heal.