If you struggle with falling asleep—or staying asleep—there’s a surprisingly simple habit that may help: wearing socks at night. It sounds almost too easy, but this small change can support one of the most important drivers of good sleep: healthy temperature regulation.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) refers to the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It's a measure of the flexibility and adaptability of the cardiovascular system, reflecting the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. Higher HRV typically indicates a greater ability to respond to stressors.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, which can lead to a decrease in the quality of sleep and other health problems. Traditional medical treatments for sleep apnea include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, surgery, and medication. However, holistic medicine approaches offer alternative options for those seeking a more natural, non-invasive treatment.
As any functional medicine doctor will tell you, getting high quality sleep in sufficient quantities is an important part of a holistic health plan. At Tendwell, we tailor our integrative medicine plans to your unique needs, but we find that in almost all cases, improved sleep habits are an important part of your journey to wellness.