Why is sleep important anyway? There are a myriad of reasons why. Sleep is a necessary process for the body to restore itself. During sleep, the body is recharging, restoring and recovering from daily activity. The gut is relaxed, muscles are relaxed and hormones are stabilized. So what happens when you don’t sleep well? Sleep deprivation can cause problems ranging from mild to severe, from yawning to heart issues, and many in between. Recently there have been studies that have shown just how important it is to get enough sleep and what will occur in your body when you don’t get enough, even for one night! These sleep deprivation effects include type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.
Sleep Deprivation:
Many people squeak by on 6 or less hours of sleep a night and think that is enough. However, 6 seems to be the magic number, when you cross the line from the ‘healthy range’, into the ‘deprivation range’. Sleeping less than 6 hours a night increases your risk of most ailments, including Type 2 Diabetes. This is due to a number of factors. When you sleep less than 6 hours, your level of glucose tolerance decreases, you can become insulin resistant and this can happen within just a few days of sleep deprivation.
This data regarding Type 2 Diabetes, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity has a great impact on obesity as well, as they all go hand in hand. The craziest thing I read recently from The Paleo Mom, is that in recent studies, it was shown that sleep is more impactful on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism than diet. Say WHAT?! Now, if that isn’t reason enough to get in all your zzz’s, I don’t know what to tell you.
Again, sleeping less than 6 hours increases your risk for cardiovascular diseases. Want some specifics? Less than 6 doubles your risk for a myocardial infraction, doubles your risk of stroke, increase risk of coronary heart disease by 48% and increases risk of congestive heart failure by 67%. Like Whoa. The Paleo Mom brought up a FANTASTIC point about cardiovascular disease over the past 30-50 years. We all know these diseases are on the rise. But society blames changes in foods for the increase in occurrences. Yes, trans-fat, processed foods and high fructose corn syrup are NOT GOOD for you. I get that. But look at what I wrote up above, in bold. It’s not just diet that controls our life. It’s not just one piece of the puzzle that controls the outcome of everything else. It all works together, either for or against us.
Finally, sleep deprivation definitely puts an individual at risk for autoimmune disease. Even just mild insomnia will increase risk of autoimmune disease by around 50%. Specifically, when dealing with sleep deprivation, the risk of rheumatoid arthritis goes up by 45%, Sjogrens syndrome by 51%, ankylosing spondylitis by 53% and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) goes up by a whopping 81%. Those are pretty incredible statistics. One study discussed findings that stated when the sleep cycle is disrupted, there is an increase in T cells in the body. T cells are immune cells, and are implicated in many autoimmune disorders. When there are too many T cells, the immune system becomes overactive and starts causing problems, like autoimmune disease.
Sleep and Multiple Sclerosis:
It’s clear that not getting enough sleep can affect your life in a multitude of ways, and you probably didn’t have to read this article to know that either. But how else can sleep affect us, especially the MSers? I know from personal experience, as I bet you do too, that after a night of fitful sleep, I just feel worse. I experience my MS symptoms stronger and I have a lower tolerance for them as well. Research is showing just how important sleep is to individuals with MS. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin are discovering that during sleep a specific brain cell called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) doubles during sleep versus during waking hours. These specific brain cells are responsible for the production and repair of myelin. I’d say that’s a pretty important thing for us!
‘Just get more sleep’ isn’t as easy as it sounds, however. Stress, spasticity, pain and depression can all impact quality and quantity of sleep. Finding ways to control the symptoms that disrupt our sleep is key in improving quality of sleep and therefore quality of life. Meditation, going to bed when tired and avoiding naps can all help you in your quest for better sleep. Have you found something that works for you? I’d love to know! Leave a note in the comments and tell me about it! I need all the help I can get!
I’ve also created something special for you! 5 Tips to Improve Sleep! It has 5 ways you can improve your sleep environment and get better quality sleep, just by doing a few things differently. They’ve certainly made a difference in my life, (especially number 4).
You can grab your copy here 😉
References:
http://www.thepaleomom.com/sleep-and-disease-risk-scarier-than- zombies
http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2013/09/researchers_find_possible_link.html
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This is one of the most impactful shifts for my clients, to totally reframe their idea of consistency.
Because at one point perfectionism took over and told them the lie that only perfection = consistent.
This shift clears the way for action.
Action that allows for slow change to take place, that changes your life.
Change that allows for your body to start to repair.
Repair that allows for less MS impact on your day.
If you’re ready to change your life but in a way that fits into your life, DM me CHANGE and we’ll chat!!
This is one of the most impactful shifts for my clients, to totally reframe their idea of consistency.
Because at one point perfectionism took over and told them the lie that only perfection = consistent.
This shift clears the way for action.
Action that allows for slow change to take place, that changes your life.
Change that allows for your body to start to repair.
Repair that allows for less MS impact on your day.
If you’re ready to change your life but in a way that fits into your life, DM me CHANGE and we’ll chat!!
I’ve seen this trend with women under 35 and over 35.. so let’s see if we can adapt this for others living with MS!
Those of you who are living with MS for just a few years ask a question and those of us who have been living with it for many years will answer!
Who knows, this may bomb, but the idea is fun!!
Ask away!
I’ve seen this trend with women under 35 and over 35.. so let’s see if we can adapt this for others living with MS!
Those of you who are living with MS for just a few years ask a question and those of us who have been living with it for many years will answer!
Who knows, this may bomb, but the idea is fun!!
Ask away!
Last week I wanted 0 to do with working out.
I love working out,
I love being able to lift heavy things and feel strong.
But last week?
Nah, I was all set.
However.. I have some goals and abilities I want to maintain.
Strength training is one way of the consistent ways I help myself to feel good despite living with MS.
So I made sure that there wasn’t a reason I didn’t want to workout besides my inner toddler, and lo and behold- there wasn’t.
So off I went.
I gave myself permission to go lighter and slower, which helped me be successful in doing it at all.
I often find that when I stop strength training for a while, everything starts to hurt, so that’s obviously not what I’m going for.
I also have a goal of gaining muscle. Muscle decline happens anyway with age, I don’t need to help it along with not moving.
✨Following through with my daily habits is a form of self care.✨
If you’re done with thinking:
“I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it”
DM me ACTION and we’ll chat
Last week I wanted 0 to do with working out.
I love working out,
I love being able to lift heavy things and feel strong.
But last week?
Nah, I was all set.
However.. I have some goals and abilities I want to maintain.
Strength training is one way of the consistent ways I help myself to feel good despite living with MS.
So I made sure that there wasn’t a reason I didn’t want to workout besides my inner toddler, and lo and behold- there wasn’t.
So off I went.
I gave myself permission to go lighter and slower, which helped me be successful in doing it at all.
I often find that when I stop strength training for a while, everything starts to hurt, so that’s obviously not what I’m going for.
I also have a goal of gaining muscle. Muscle decline happens anyway with age, I don’t need to help it along with not moving.
✨Following through with my daily habits is a form of self care.✨
If you’re done with thinking:
“I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it”
DM me ACTION and we’ll chat
Instead of being a lump on the couch, now I can go hiking up a mountain with my husband
Or walk 8 miles around NYC with my sister
Or do a workout at the gym
Or shower, go shopping and cook dinner all in the same day
This is possible because:
✨Yes, the medication I’m on helps for sure
But truthfully my life has improved so much because of:
✨My daily habits and lifestyle (my morning routine, my diet, my sleep habits, my workouts..)
✨ But what REALLY moved the needle is actively working to have a mindset that allows me to be flexible with myself, to give myself grace when I “mess up” (aka- when I don’t follow through on a habit)
✨This is a mindset that doesn’t require perfection✨
This allows me to be consistent with the habits- like diet changes or movement programs or whatever else I want to do, which then allows me to see progress (aka: my body feeling better)
Which THEN gives me the motivation and desire to keep doing what I’m doing.
✨This is the secret to “success”- right here.✨
Consistent action + giving yourself grace + noticing progress = motivation to keep going.
It’s not quick or sexy, its actually rather boring.
But boring is actually way better!!
If you want a life where you:
Feel good in your body,
Have energy to spend on your friends and family,
Don’t think about what the MS symptom of the day will be..
I help you create that life for yourself in my signature program, Holistically Healing MS.
Today is the last day it’s on FLASH SALE…
Comment MOUNTAIN below and I’ll send you the details!!
Instead of being a lump on the couch, now I can go hiking up a mountain with my husband
Or walk 8 miles around NYC with my sister
Or do a workout at the gym
Or shower, go shopping and cook dinner all in the same day
This is possible because:
✨Yes, the medication I’m on helps for sure
But truthfully my life has improved so much because of:
✨My daily habits and lifestyle (my morning routine, my diet, my sleep habits, my workouts..)
✨ But what REALLY moved the needle is actively working to have a mindset that allows me to be flexible with myself, to give myself grace when I “mess up” (aka- when I don’t follow through on a habit)
✨This is a mindset that doesn’t require perfection✨
This allows me to be consistent with the habits- like diet changes or movement programs or whatever else I want to do, which then allows me to see progress (aka: my body feeling better)
Which THEN gives me the motivation and desire to keep doing what I’m doing.
✨This is the secret to “success”- right here.✨
Consistent action + giving yourself grace + noticing progress = motivation to keep going.
It’s not quick or sexy, its actually rather boring.
But boring is actually way better!!
If you want a life where you:
Feel good in your body,
Have energy to spend on your friends and family,
Don’t think about what the MS symptom of the day will be..
I help you create that life for yourself in my signature program, Holistically Healing MS.
Today is the last day it’s on FLASH SALE…
Comment MOUNTAIN below and I’ll send you the details!!
If you’ve been a client, I’m sure you’ve heard me rant about how society’s expectations for women have set us up for autoimmunity and illness.
We were praised for being quiet, not rocking the boat, keeping the peace, helping others before ourselves, not talking back, etc etc.
But where did this get US? The women behind the behaviors?
Sick, anxious and depressed- that’s where.
Healing MS or any autoimmune disease can’t happen until you put yourself first.
That doesn’t mean all of a sudden become a b*tch and ignore the world.
It means considering yourself as much as you consider others.
One of my clients this week was talking about the boundaries she set in her life and how proud she was of herself.
She was able to manage the uneasiness (aka: terror) of:
potentially letting others down,
being abandoned and
discarded for voicing her needs.
No wonder we’re all sick when even saying our needs outloud is scary!
What allowed her to do that after all these years of staying silent?
Well many things, but one of them is “nervous system regulation” aka: utilizing small exercises that allow your body to “respond appropriately” aka: not entering an anxiety freak out spiral- to daily stressors.
This is the “stress management” you’ve been looking for and what will change your life.
My program Embodied Resilience is your road map to how.
Drop a 🌀🌀 in the comments and I’ll send you details
If you’ve been a client, I’m sure you’ve heard me rant about how society’s expectations for women have set us up for autoimmunity and illness.
We were praised for being quiet, not rocking the boat, keeping the peace, helping others before ourselves, not talking back, etc etc.
But where did this get US? The women behind the behaviors?
Sick, anxious and depressed- that’s where.
Healing MS or any autoimmune disease can’t happen until you put yourself first.
That doesn’t mean all of a sudden become a b*tch and ignore the world.
It means considering yourself as much as you consider others.
One of my clients this week was talking about the boundaries she set in her life and how proud she was of herself.
She was able to manage the uneasiness (aka: terror) of:
potentially letting others down,
being abandoned and
discarded for voicing her needs.
No wonder we’re all sick when even saying our needs outloud is scary!
What allowed her to do that after all these years of staying silent?
Well many things, but one of them is “nervous system regulation” aka: utilizing small exercises that allow your body to “respond appropriately” aka: not entering an anxiety freak out spiral- to daily stressors.
This is the “stress management” you’ve been looking for and what will change your life.
My program Embodied Resilience is your road map to how.
Drop a 🌀🌀 in the comments and I’ll send you details
It’s ok if it takes time from learning about something to implementing it into your lifestyle.
There is a lot that needs to happen in our mind and body for us to be ready to change something about our day to day life.
And it’s ok if that process takes longer than you “think it should” or want it too.
You know what *won’t* help you when this happens?
Being mean and judgemental to yourself.
You’re not lazy and nothing is wrong with you, so stop saying that to yourself.
You know what *will* help you when this happens?
Taking action.
Action is the antidote to the fear and overwhelm you’re feeling.
But- in a whole different way than you have been trying.
The key is slow and steady, not sexy or flashy- but this means it’s something better- sustainable.
Sustainable means “able to be maintained or held”- which is the goal for habits right?
Being “perfect” for 2 weeks then “messing up” (missing a day) then feeling like a “failure” for that one day, then being “off the wagon” for 3 months isn’t doing you any good (said with muchhhh ♥️♥️♥️)
We want a Supportive Sustainable Lifestyle aka being able to keep up with your habits and progress overtime (ideally for the rest of your life right? It’s about the journey not the destination)
If you want to create a lifestyle that is supportive to reducing your MS symptoms, so you don’t need to be thinking about being on or off “the wagon” again, my signature program Holistically Healing MS is for you.
And good news, it’s on flash sale this week- and the lowest price it will be ever again.
Comment MSSUCKS below and I’ll send you details
🧡🧡🧡
It’s ok if it takes time from learning about something to implementing it into your lifestyle.
There is a lot that needs to happen in our mind and body for us to be ready to change something about our day to day life.
And it’s ok if that process takes longer than you “think it should” or want it too.
You know what *won’t* help you when this happens?
Being mean and judgemental to yourself.
You’re not lazy and nothing is wrong with you, so stop saying that to yourself.
You know what *will* help you when this happens?
Taking action.
Action is the antidote to the fear and overwhelm you’re feeling.
But- in a whole different way than you have been trying.
The key is slow and steady, not sexy or flashy- but this means it’s something better- sustainable.
Sustainable means “able to be maintained or held”- which is the goal for habits right?
Being “perfect” for 2 weeks then “messing up” (missing a day) then feeling like a “failure” for that one day, then being “off the wagon” for 3 months isn’t doing you any good (said with muchhhh ♥️♥️♥️)
We want a Supportive Sustainable Lifestyle aka being able to keep up with your habits and progress overtime (ideally for the rest of your life right? It’s about the journey not the destination)
If you want to create a lifestyle that is supportive to reducing your MS symptoms, so you don’t need to be thinking about being on or off “the wagon” again, my signature program Holistically Healing MS is for you.
And good news, it’s on flash sale this week- and the lowest price it will be ever again.
Comment MSSUCKS below and I’ll send you details
🧡🧡🧡
One of the criticisms I see about using lifestyle medicine to help improve MS symptoms is that it means “I think my disease is in my control, totally up to me and therefore my fault”.
The things in our control, are only a piece of the puzzle in how we feel, our MS symptoms and disease progression.
Many more things also go into our health equation:
- Genetics
- Age
- Socioeconomic Status
- Education
- Health care access
- Your community
- Economic stability
I’m not saying that lifestyle medicine doesn’t matter, it does a lot. I’m just saying it’s not the *only* thing that matters.
What are your thoughts on this? I know it’s a highly charged topic for some!
One of the criticisms I see about using lifestyle medicine to help improve MS symptoms is that it means “I think my disease is in my control, totally up to me and therefore my fault”.
The things in our control, are only a piece of the puzzle in how we feel, our MS symptoms and disease progression.
Many more things also go into our health equation:
- Genetics
- Age
- Socioeconomic Status
- Education
- Health care access
- Your community
- Economic stability
I’m not saying that lifestyle medicine doesn’t matter, it does a lot. I’m just saying it’s not the *only* thing that matters.
What are your thoughts on this? I know it’s a highly charged topic for some!
Living with MS is hard.
Some days are harder, some easier.
If you’re in a season where it feels hard, I see you.
I believe in you.
🧡🧡🧡
Living with MS is hard.
Some days are harder, some easier.
If you’re in a season where it feels hard, I see you.
I believe in you.
🧡🧡🧡
The food we eat can have a powerful impact on our MS symptoms and how we feel.
It’s not a magic bullet- because nothing is.
But, there is incredible potential for healing and improvement.
If you’re not quite ready to follow a “diet template”, like The Wahls Protocol or Autoimmune Protocol, that’s ok.
Focus on getting some of these foods on your next trip to the store:
🥗Brightly Colored Fruits & Veggies
🥬Deep Leafy Greens
🍤Seafood & Shellfish
🥜Healthy Fats
🥩Organ Meat
Each of these different types of foods contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help support cellular functions, immune health and even help with myelin formation.
Not eating any of it? That’s ok!
Start with adding a serving or two here and there.
Ideas:
✨Have a salad with dinner
✨Toss some veggies in your breakfast egg scramble
✨Have some olives or nuts as a snack instead of chips
It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated.
There is SO MUCH we can be doing to help improve our MS symptoms & progression with diet & lifestyle interventions.
Each thing you’re doing matters.
It may seem like it’s not worth it sometimes, but I’m here to tell you it is.
Keep going!
🧡🧡
The food we eat can have a powerful impact on our MS symptoms and how we feel.
It’s not a magic bullet- because nothing is.
But, there is incredible potential for healing and improvement.
If you’re not quite ready to follow a “diet template”, like The Wahls Protocol or Autoimmune Protocol, that’s ok.
Focus on getting some of these foods on your next trip to the store:
🥗Brightly Colored Fruits & Veggies
🥬Deep Leafy Greens
🍤Seafood & Shellfish
🥜Healthy Fats
🥩Organ Meat
Each of these different types of foods contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help support cellular functions, immune health and even help with myelin formation.
Not eating any of it? That’s ok!
Start with adding a serving or two here and there.
Ideas:
✨Have a salad with dinner
✨Toss some veggies in your breakfast egg scramble
✨Have some olives or nuts as a snack instead of chips
It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated.
There is SO MUCH we can be doing to help improve our MS symptoms & progression with diet & lifestyle interventions.
Each thing you’re doing matters.
It may seem like it’s not worth it sometimes, but I’m here to tell you it is.
Keep going!
🧡🧡
In case you needed to hear that today.
You’re not a failure.
You didn’t “fail” at healing.
Having MS is hard- do what’s best for you.
In case you needed to hear that today.
You’re not a failure.
You didn’t “fail” at healing.
Having MS is hard- do what’s best for you.
This is my challenge to you over the next week.
Take some time and think about this past year.
All you’re proud of, all you’ve accomplished. And if you have some things that don’t bring you joy, be proud of yourself for making it through in one piece and still being here.
Reflection is a great way to cultivate motivation to keep going..
You’re doing amazing.
You’ve done amazing.
Let’s keep going.
🧡❤️🧡
This is my challenge to you over the next week.
Take some time and think about this past year.
All you’re proud of, all you’ve accomplished. And if you have some things that don’t bring you joy, be proud of yourself for making it through in one piece and still being here.
Reflection is a great way to cultivate motivation to keep going..
You’re doing amazing.
You’ve done amazing.
Let’s keep going.
🧡❤️🧡
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Regardless of what you see others doing,
you’re right where you should be.
❤️🧡❤️
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Regardless of what you see others doing,
you’re right where you should be.
❤️🧡❤️
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