Is sleeping messing with my gut?
Is sleep messing with my gut OR is my gut messing with my sleep?
Short answer, both.
Sleep helps gut health by…
Reseting & detoxing body to reduce inflammation
Balancing microbiome
And the gut influences sleep by…
The intestinal microbiota regulates sleep & mental state through the gut-brain axis
So the question is… How do I get better sleep?
How do I get better sleep?
Turn off stimulating activities at least 1 hour before bed
Instead add calming, soothing activities that help your body & mind fall asleep and stay asleep
The body & mind need to trust they are safe to fall asleep and stay asleep
Watch funny TV or something you’ve seen before
Take a bath or shower
Stretch
Journal
Meditate
Turn down the lights… ;)
Complete darkness
Sleep with an eye mask - this has been a game changer for me! Get one that has elevated in the eyes so you can blink without feeling the mask on.
Ensure no peeking lights from sound machines, TV’s, etc…
Your skin can pick up the light and suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps us fall asleep and stay asleep
Nosie
Either try a noise machine or ensure complete silence, whatever works for you
Pets
Do your pets wake you up in the middle of the night?
You have options here… It may be challenging the first night or two but your body, gut, brain, hormones, mood, will thank you later!
Action Step:
Choose one of the above to implement for the next 7 days.
The next time your receive this newsletter, I will ask you if you completed it!
If you did, great! Time to try/add the next one.
If not, let’s reevaluate to see how we can make it easier or try something new because sleep is ESSENTIAL for the body to function optimally with joy, ease, energy, and motivation.