There are some alarming statistics out there: 2 out of 3 Americans are considered obese according to the Centers for Disease Control. Let's take a few minutes and explore some of the reasons for this statistics.
Much of it is common sense. 100 years ago, there were no lights, few cars, and generally people moved much more than the lifestyle of the modern America. Simply put our level of activity is much less than it was in the past. Whether it is sitting in front of computers, or just couch potato time on our days off, coupled with increased stress of constant communication and the never ending job day, we just don't as a nation, get enough activity. Health clubs are booming, with some people waking at early morning hours to 'work out' because that is the only time they can.
Enter problem number 2, lack of sleep. Since the invention of the light bulb, and the subsequent wiring of our nation, we have been getting much less sleep. It is down from almost 9 hours at the turn of the last century (1900) to 7 or less today. Because of obesity, an estimated 18 million Americans experience sleep apnea. Sleep apnea infringes on what sleep we do get. Just a 10% decrease in body weight can lead to a lessening of the severity of sleep apnea.
Our bodies have an internal clock that can't really be cheated, with out consequences, like obesity. Stress on our bodies causes it to retain fat, a natural reaction built into our DNA. It is a crazy circle, we are fatter, which causes us to sleep less soundly, which makes us fatter. We need to break the circle, to get healthier and more productive within the current socialital culture we find ourselves in, because we can't really change that on a massive scale.
Much of it is common sense. 100 years ago, there were no lights, few cars, and generally people moved much more than the lifestyle of the modern America. Simply put our level of activity is much less than it was in the past. Whether it is sitting in front of computers, or just couch potato time on our days off, coupled with increased stress of constant communication and the never ending job day, we just don't as a nation, get enough activity. Health clubs are booming, with some people waking at early morning hours to 'work out' because that is the only time they can.
Enter problem number 2, lack of sleep. Since the invention of the light bulb, and the subsequent wiring of our nation, we have been getting much less sleep. It is down from almost 9 hours at the turn of the last century (1900) to 7 or less today. Because of obesity, an estimated 18 million Americans experience sleep apnea. Sleep apnea infringes on what sleep we do get. Just a 10% decrease in body weight can lead to a lessening of the severity of sleep apnea.
Our bodies have an internal clock that can't really be cheated, with out consequences, like obesity. Stress on our bodies causes it to retain fat, a natural reaction built into our DNA. It is a crazy circle, we are fatter, which causes us to sleep less soundly, which makes us fatter. We need to break the circle, to get healthier and more productive within the current socialital culture we find ourselves in, because we can't really change that on a massive scale.
First, we believe the most important first step is to improve our sleep. We need to care for any thing like sleep apnea that may be robbing us of vital sleep. Sometimes it is important to consult a medical professional, especially in extreme cases. There are treatments that can lessen sleep apnea's affect on our sleep. There is also something to say about our sleep surface. Sleep Apnea can be helped if you maintain a positive air flow through positive posture. Our beds can augment other medical devices and improve your sleep, making it more productive. More productive sleep will encourage more waking activity, which can improve obesity. Keeping a consistent schedule will also help. Put sleep on your calendar at the same time every day.
Controlling the amount and quality of our sleep will help break the circle. A quality sleep surface like a Comfortaire mattress can help.
Secondly, it is important to watch your waking life, heating healthy, and of course exercise will be the second leg of attack against the national scourge of obesity.
We welcome you to our store to explore the options of better sleep, whether it is due to obesity, or any other cause, we want to help. We believe we have more options to improve sleep than any other store in town.
Sleep Well!
No comments:
Post a Comment