A good night’s sleep is a crucial component of maintaining a healthy immune response. Sufficient sleep increases the body’s number of infection-fighting antibodies and other cells. During sleep, the body releases pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins which are important for fighting infection. Additionally, studies have shown that sleep plays a role in the way these proteins help promote the interaction between antigen presenting cells and T helper cells and may play a role in the formation of immunological memory.
As we age, andropause in men and menopause in women can cause hormone imbalance and make sleeping soundly a challenge. Hormone optimization helps restore patient’s energy and promotes the ability to sleep soundly.
In addition to hormone balance, positive habits play an important role in promoting healthy sleep patterns and boosting the body’s ability to fight infection. Encourage patients to establish a checklist to help practice proper sleep hygiene, including:
- Reducing screen time before bed
- Being mindful of light levels to promote a proper circadian rhythm
- Developing a pre-bed routine to relax
- Exercising regularly
THE HORMONE CONNECTION TO SLEEP
In men, balancing testosterone levels using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may help promote restfulness. In women, estrogen also helps promote healthy sleep. It helps the body properly utilize the neurochemicals, like serotonin, that assist in sleep—assisting patients in falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. Replacing estrogen may help manage hot flashes, which have been proven to disrupt sleep patterns in perimenopausal women. For women, higher endogenous levels of progesterone promote a sense of calmness and relaxation and may help facilitate sleep.
BALANCING HORMONES FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Even though symptoms like trouble sleeping may seem small, they can have a significant impact on overall health. Optimizing your hormones to treat these symptoms at their root strengthens vitality and promotes a strong, resilient immune system. Contact us today at (317)-827-6326 or email [email protected] to get your hormones tested. Your body will thank you!