Are You Getting Enough Deep Sleep?
Sleep occurs in a cycle that repeats numerous times over a seven- to nine-hour period. Portions of each cycle include “deep sleep” – the most restorative part of the sleep cycle. It bolsters the immune system, strengthens bones and muscles, helps prevent injuries, and contributes to overall improved health. If you’re getting about eight hours of sleep, you are likely to cycle through the entire sleep process about four or five times a night.
There’s no exact number for how much deep sleep you need – but if you haven’t had enough of it, you’re unsurprisingly going to feel very tired the next day. A regular deep sleep deficit can lead to more serious health issues like a weakened immune system and decreased ability to recover from injuries.
The best way to ensure that you’re getting an optimal amount of deep sleep is to develop a healthier sleep cycle. A consistent sleep schedule, exposure to daylight, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime can promote proper alignment of your circadian rhythm – the body’s natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. If you suspect that you may have a sleep disorder, it’s important to talk with a doctor who can guide you in a treatment plan.
Fight Halitosis With Food
Good dental hygiene and mints can do wonders for halitosis sufferers, but they shouldn’t be the only defenses in your bad breath arsenal. There are plenty of ways to use your diet to improve the smell of your smile. Try incorporating more of these halitosis-fighting foods into your regimen.
Raw fruits and veggies produce saliva, which helps to clean out odor-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Ginger contains a compound called 6-gingerol, which stimulates the production of an enzyme that breaks down sulfur compounds.
Parsley and basil contain
polyphenols, natural chemicals that ward off halitosis.
Probiotic yogurt contains good bacteria that combat the bacteria that causes bad breath.
