Better Blood Sugar Starts in the BEDROOM
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 11, 2023
If you were to ask your doctor how to manage your blood sugar without using drugs, I’m guessing they’d offer one or two respectable ideas.
Ask an alternative or integrative medicine professional the same question, and you’d probably get a far LONGER list of good options.
In fact, I’ve shared more than a few drug-free blood-sugar solutions with Living Well Daily readers over the years.
But new research reveals one powerful solution for taming blood sugar that likely NONE of us would EVER guess.
According to a new study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, sleep could be the key to reigning in misbehaving blood sugar.
In fact, the findings show the RIGHT kind of sleep could dramatically improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Incredibly, researchers found that they could PREDICT a person’s blood sugar levels by looking at their deep-sleep brain waves the night before.
But as odd as this sounds, it’s not entirely out of left field. Because we’ve known for a long time that not getting enough sleep can alter blood sugar control and increase the risk of gaining weight.
But these findings reveal a whole new level to the link between sleep and glucose levels.
It turns out that a combination of TWO synchronized brain waves called sleep spindles and slow waves (which occur when you reach an optimal sleep state) can predict an increase in the body’s sensitivity to the hormone insulin.
In other words, instead of focusing entirely on sleep quantity as we have in the past, we should be working on improving sleep QUALITY.
It’s a fantastic discovery for folks with diabetes or pre-diabetes because improved sleep quality is something we can ALL work on.
Dr. Scott’s Peaceful Sleep Program:
- White noise: Using a fan or white noise to drown out surrounding sounds can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. You’ll find plenty of white-noise apps in your smartphone’s app store, or buy a white-noise machine online.
- Be consistent: Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day (even on the weekends). Establishing a predictable schedule helps your body prepare for sleep.
- Use herbs: If falling asleep or staying asleep is an issue, various herbs could help, including chamomile, passionflower, hops, and valerian. They’re available as teas or pills anywhere supplements are sold.
- Ease pain: One of the most common reasons for poor sleep is pain. And the resulting interruption can prevent you from reaching the deep sleep necessary for better blood sugar control. Taking fish oil, turmeric, and Boswellia can help reduce pain without turning to risky pain medications.
- Boost serotonin: The neurotransmitter 5 hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) helps increase the production of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin. Supplementing with 5HTP can improve sleep quality, mood, pain perception, and digestion.
- Boost melatonin: Melatonin helps us fall asleep and stay asleep. But we produce less of the vital hormone as we grow older. Chronically low melatonin levels could interrupt sleep leading to less deep sleep and worse blood sugar control. You’ll find melatonin anywhere supplements are sold.
Remember, for better blood sugar control, focus more on sleep QUALITY starting TODAY.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve discussed this week in Living Well Daily…
Vitamin D PREVENTS Heart “Hiccups”?!
As we age, dangerous heart arrhythmias can trigger a stroke or heart attack. But new research reveals a common vitamin could SLASH your risk of developing them.
Summertime Danger Puts Seniors at RISK [ALERT]
Summertime heat can put any one of us at risk. But soaring temperatures can be an even bigger risk for seniors. Here’s how to beat the heat.
Scientists (and Java fans) know that drinking coffee gives you a brain boost. But is the brew’s caffeine content ALONE responsible? Find out…
Weird “Bug” Solution Beats Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can hit in a blink of an eye. But they plague folks more often as they get older. The solution may be in the most unlikely spot… your belly.
Mailbag: Constipated? Try My “Path to Better Pooping”
Constipation is the worst. It leaves you feeling bound up and miserable. But help is on the way with “Dr. Scott’s Path to Better Pooping.”
Common Cooking Oil WARPS Your Brain!?
Vegetable oils are a popular choice for cooking. But scientists warn soybean, the most widely used in the U.S., is harboring a dark secret.
Surprising Cause of SUDDEN Confusion
Battling brain fog or confusion? Don’t panic. While most folks fear dementia, a sudden bout of confusion could be caused by this surprising issue.
P.S. Still need some help reigning in those numbers? Make just one tiny change to your routine and FINALLY be rewarded with the blood sugar control you’ve been working so hard for.
Source:
“Coordinated human sleeping brainwaves map peripheral body glucose homeostasis,” Cell Reports Medicine, Published: July 07, 2023, doi. org/ 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101100
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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