NutritionFacts.org

sleep

Getting the proper amount of sleep has many health benefits. Lack of sleep can diminish our antioxidant levels and weaken our immune system. The optimal amount of sleep – not too little or too much – may reduce our risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Part of good sleep hygiene is to avoid light exposure at night, which can undermine our pineal gland’s release of melatonin. We should also avoid the use of petroleum jelly (vaseline) for nostril dryness at night. Exercise helps us sleep better and even tea can help induce a relaxed state of mind despite the caffeine content. Nighty night!

Topic summary contributed by Jason Itle-Clark.
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