Did you know that a good night’s sleep can help your body fight colon cancer? Feeling rested can affect our mood in a positive way and decrease levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone responsible for the fight or flight response.
Cortisol is produced by our bodies to help regulate our immune system. Our immune system is the warrior of the body….always on the lookout for invaders such as infections and cancer cells. Too much cortisol in our systems can mess up the army, so to speak. The fighter cells on patrol can get overwhelmed when too much cortisol is released during times of stress or consistent lack of sleep. When the fighter cells are constantly stimulated, they cannot work effectively, and our body becomes prone to invaders.
Lack of sleep can also affect another hormone called melatonin. This substance is produced by our brains when we are sleeping. Some scientists believe that melatonin can also prevent damage to cells. Lack of sleep can lead to lack of melatonin, which can stress our body in a negative way.
So, what do you do if you are not sleeping? Managing stress is the first step. Eating good nutrious foods, drinking lots of healthy fluids such as water, and consistent exercise most days of the week are all ways to help keep stress under control. Having a good solid support group can help also. Some people enjoy being part of a formal cancer support group while others might get the same benefit from talking to a close friend or family member.
The attitude we carry with us all day can help us deal with stress also. Developing a practice of relaxation and deep breathing every day can definitely help our bodies maintain a better balance, which can lead to a better nights sleep.
Keep your bedroom a sanctuary for rest. Keep the temperature cool, the room dark and comfortable. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night.
Some people enjoy falling to sleep with a relaxing CD on.
Try this deep breathing exercise that Dr Weil recommends:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html
The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
Sit up in a comfortable chair with your back straight.
Put the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth
Exhale all the air through your mouth to start.
Then close your mouth and inhale quietly to a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely to a count of eight.
This completes one breath. Inhale again and repeat this cycle three more times. The ratio of 4-7-8 is important.
This type of breathing is very soothing to your nervous system and helps promote relaxation. Practice this at least 2 times a day and see how much more relaxed you feel! You will then be helping the body even more to fight the evil colon cancer.