Recently, I had a physical setback due to stress. Some of that stress was from a lack of sleep. My job as an international airline pilot does not lend itself to consistent nighttime sleep. As a result of irregular sleep patterns, my body felt the results and illness developed. I was determined not to let it happen again.
In my effort to improve the way I do things, I look for small changes that make big results. Sleep is an area that I needed to address and I have sought to improve it. To help me analyze my sleep patterns, I have turned to Zeo (www.myZeo.com). In short, Zeo is composed of a lightweight wireless headband, a bedside display, a set of online analytical tools, and an email-based personalized coaching program. I have used it for about a week now, and have started to understand the importance of sleep and the need for lifestyle adjustment.
As I have learned, sleep is broken into four phases: wake, deep, REM, and light. I will focus on several areas, but most importantly getting more restorative sleep. Restorative sleep consists of deep and REM. This sleep rejuvenates body functions like muscle growth, protein synthesis, tissue repair, and cognitive abilities. These types of repairs are important to all of us, but as a triathlete competing at the ironman level, it is paramount to me.
Deep sleep is when our brain waves become slow and large and our blood pressure and breathing decrease. It is here where physical healing takes place with the release of growth hormones and the immune system strengthens and heals itself. Research shows that this is probably the most important phase of sleep and lack of it can be devastating.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is an active stage of sleep where dreams occur. Amazingly enough, we function in this stage as if we were awake, but our muscles are shut down. REM is vital for memory formation and storage and emotional well being. It further helps with the learning of new skills.
Deep sleep occurs during the first third of the night and REM during the last third. The importance of consistent sleep patterns (i.e., going to bed and awaking at the same time) needs to be underscored for a healthy life style. Other factors that play on restorative sleep are caffeine and alcohol consumption. I am in my second week of “adjustment”; I have given up alcohol and restricted myself to one cup of morning coffee. I have also used the services of Bioletics (www.bioletics.com) to help improve my physical wellness; I will write more on Bioletics later.
As my next triathlon approaches, my training time increases as does the physical stress on my body. It is a balancing act to stay physically fit and healthy along with life’s other important duties. Balance is the key. Over the course of the next few months, I will update my progress. For now, I can say that I feel a big difference from the Bioletics recommendations and, I look forward to the recommendations made by Zeo. Small changes can make a big difference.
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