Sleep is Important to Maintaining Your Overall Health When it comes to sleep, most people believe this is a time when our mind and body shuts down. However, this couldn’t be further from the case. Our brain and body are both very active during periods of rest. Your mind is processing and storing information while your body is restoring and strengthening itself. Sleep is incredibly important to protect your mental and physical well-being. Getting a good night’s rest is as vital to your health as exercising and a healthy diet. Poor Sleep Leads to Obesity Not getting the right amount of sleep has been strongly linked to weight gain. Studies have shown that individuals with short sleep duration are more likely to see their weight increase significantly as opposed to those who get the right amount of sleep. Those deprived of it tend to have bigger appetites and consume more calories than they should. The production of hormones that control appetite is disrupted by the lack of sleep. Studies have shown that levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, were higher, and the levels of leptin, the hormone that subdues appetite, were lower in those without proper sleep. If…
Alcohol Can Be Harmful if Not Consumed in Moderation Drinking has become a staple in many adult lives. Many tend to go to happy hour after work with their coworkers. Alcohol is often used in many networking events as well. It seems difficult to avoid alcohol no matter where you are. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, some struggle to have a healthy relationship with alcohol. It is important to note that if you do have a problem with drinking, you should seek professional help from trusted addiction counselors such as the ones at Lifeworks Counseling Center. That being said, it is still important to be conscious of your relationship with alcohol to stay as healthy as possible. Risks of Alcohol While many people use alcohol as a way to relax or ease nerves, it is well known for its negative effects. Alcohol not only leads to negative consequences for your mind and body, but it can also affect other areas in your life. Here are some risks that come with drinking: Danger to Your Body: Your overall physical health is in danger whenever you drink. Even the smallest doses can lead to noticeable effects. Alcohol attacks your…
Consuming Caffeine Leads to Mimicked Anxiety Symptoms Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the entire world. In fact, about 85% of the American population consumes caffeine in one way or another every day. Caffeine is an extremely powerful stimulant. It keeps you alert and energized, but it can also have adverse reactions. Too much caffeine consumption can lead to increased anxiety or worsen existing anxiety disorders. According to the Nation Institute of Mental Health, roughly 31% of U.S. adults experience some form of anxiety disorder throughout their life. Because of this, caffeine can lead to worsened anxiety symptoms. Correlation Between Caffeine and Anxiety When consumed, caffeine encourages the body to release the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol leads your body to experience a stress response. These responses are synonymous with feelings of anxiety and panic, making you feel on edge. To further prove this connection between anxiety and caffeine, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association’s guide to help healthcare professionals diagnose mental disorders, currently includes four caffeine-related disorders: Caffeine intoxication Caffeine withdrawal Unspecified caffeine-related disorder Other caffeine-induced disorders (anxiety disorder, sleep disorder) Symptoms Anxiety is our body’s response to situations that are…
The Start of a New School Year May Give Children Anxiety August typically indicates the start of a new school year for many young children. It gives them a chance to experience new settings, learn new information, and see their friends. However, the beginning of the school year also leads to an increase in anxiety for many children. Going back to school may be exciting for many, but it can also be dangerous to children’s mental health. Schools are effectively jobs where kids are incredibly micromanaged by their teachers. These working conditions are extremely stressful for adults, let alone children. It is no wonder why going back to school leads to a decline in children’s mental health. Going Back to School Increases Psychiatric Hospital Admissions The summer months are a time for children to relax and enjoy their stress-free everyday lives. Kids get to relax and refresh themselves, being free from the stress of working in a classroom. Unfortunately for many parents, once the school year begins, there is a rise in mental health crises in school-aged children. According to one study, the average number of psychiatric hospital admissions dropped from 32 to 22 per 100,000 school-aged children over the…
