More Health Conditions Related To Sleep Deprivation
At one time or another almost 50% of the population of the U.S. is estimated to have suffered the from
ill-effects of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep is responsible for
- at least 20% of motor vehicle accidents and thousands of fatalities each year
- an endless cycle of stress
- countless failed relationships and domestic violence
- poor work performance and limited earning potential
- billions of dollars in lost income due to disability and time off from work
- substance abuse
- depression, anxiety, aggression and poor judgment
- poor performance in school and on exams
An ever-increasing number of children are also victims of sleep deprivation and its consequences. The
critical role of sleep and the negative impact of sleep disturbances in child development has been
repeatedly demonstrated. According to published research, psychopathology in children could result from
or be exacerbated by insufficient sleep and consequent fatigue and sleepiness. There exists a particularly
strong relationship between sleep problems and neuropsychological functioning in children. Sleep
disruptions have often been implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children,
because sleep deprivation and the resultant sleepiness could lead to ADHD-like symptoms. There are
clear indications that learning and attention skills could be significantly compromised by insufficient
sleep or by sleep disruption. This in no way is limited to children only.
Most tiredness results from missing out on the two hours of sleep before midnight, the hour of deep
sleep before midnight being the most important hour of sleep. Any treatment of disease that does not
include natural “deep sleep therapy” cannot lead to lasting success, since the body’s healing system itself,
the immune system, depends on proper, healthy sleeping cycles to be vital and efficient.
Pitta, which controls AGNI, the digestive fire, also becomes disturbed when you regularly eat your
evening meals late (after 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.) or have snacks during Pitta (night) time. By aggravating Pitta
during the night, you will also disturb Pitta functions during and after lunchtime, which causes
disturbances in the liver, spleen, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas.
Can’t fall asleep or wake up frequently? Besides a deranged body clock (disturbed hormonal cycles
caused by irregular lifestyle), the most common cause of sleep disturbance is the circulation of toxins in
the blood. Most toxins result from not digesting food properly, from eating heavy meals in the evening
and from eating too close to bedtime. These toxins may pass through the brain barrier just like alcohol
does and enter the brain, potentially damaging brain cells. To prevent brain damage and keep the toxins
diluted, the brain must hold on to as much blood as possible. To do this, it must prevent you from falling
asleep or wake you up when the toxins become too concentrated (usually during the second Vata cycle).
As always, you can count on the wisdom of the body. Note: Women at ages 40-55 may experience sleep
disturbances more or less frequently when they go through the hormonal changes associated with
menopause, regardless whether these include hot flashes or other symptoms.
The Second Vata Cycle
The time from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. is controlled by Vata. Its early morning cycle is responsible for
moving the body’s waste products from the liver, the cells, the intestines and all other areas of the body
toward the organs and systems of detoxification and elimination. Accordingly, the lymphatic system
neutralizes harmful microbes, metabolic wastes, cellular debris, worn-out cells and cells damaged by