|
[ Sleep apnea and other disturbances Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
Search this site! | |
The following is post from a discussion group. I thought it would be interesting for some to read. It was an answer to a question why it's important to wake up early.
-------------------------
...almost every spiritual and meditative tradition -- from
Christianity to Buddhism, to Vedanta/Hinduism/Yoga, Sufism, and even early Taoism, has recommended getting up well before sunrise for reasons connected with spiritual and emotional well-being -- it seems to somehow enhance our connection with God/Being/Spirit, and also we seem to have more energy and clarity during the day if we get up then. Next, several different areas of psychology have noticed that people seem more alert, happy, limber and aware when they awaken early. Indeed, several research studies in the psychotherapy field of treating depression have concluded
that one thing therapists might try is suggesting to depressed patients that they get up well before dawn. Numerous naturopaths and natural healers have for years suggested that many chronic or degenerative ills, as well as depression, may be "treated" by getting to bed early and getting up early. Lastly, my own experience and my own observation of friends and clients shows that when we awaken well before sunrise, we feel much more in command of ourselves, our day and our activities, feel much more "light" and have more ease in our lives, and have much more energy and clarity.
A number of my Amish and Old Order Mennonite farmer friends remind me that they deliberately live life the way our ancestors did a few centuries ago, in many areas of lifestyle. Among other things, they arise before dawn,
and get to bed early (well, relatively early; at least before 10 PM in summer and even earlier in winter ) They feel that this observance of Nature's rhythms has important benefits for body, mind, emotional health, and spirit; they point out that circumstances forced most of our ancestors,
including our Paleo ancestors, to get to bed early and get up early, and that this Paleo practice engenders deep well-being in the body. I agree!
While in grad school in the early nineties, I had a formidable background in scientific experimental method and statistical research methods, and I was "conscripted" by two professor friends to assist them with the stats portion of a large medical/psych research project going on at a medical
center in Pittsburgh. It seems a very bright and unconventional MD/psychologist at this center was dong research to explore the notion that even major depression and major chronic diseases might be caused simply by the body clocks (some call it "bio-rhythms") getting out of whack. The aim of their study was to restore the cycle and period of the rhythm with interventions such as getting up before sunrise, taking a brief nap in afternoon, brief periods of exercise, etc. The effects of these "minor"
interventions, especially early awakening, was rather astounding.
Anecdotally, many people report drastic reduction in achiness, depression, fatigue, grumpiness and tiredness by awakening well before sunrise. I could go on and on, but I am sure you are getting the drift!
In Reply to: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 18, 2002 at 07:06:42:
I've always been a "night" person. Lately, struggling with fatigue while doing mercury detox, I've noticed that if I wake up early after sleeping for only about 5 hours, I'll be tired, but it's a normal kind of tired from lack of sleep, and is not the extreme fatigue that I get when I sleep in for a full 8 hours, so I'm trying to force myself to change habits, get to bed early and get up early. Maybe this is the answer.
In Reply to: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 18, 2002 at 07:06:42:
For a good part of my life, I was a night person.
For about the past year, I've been getting up at 5am to go running, mainly because in the area where I live, it becomes too hot when the sun gets up.
I've noticed a great increase in energy, even on days that follow 5 or 6 hours sleep. People talk about getting 8+ hours of sleep, but I can't seem to pull it off, except occassionally.
Most of the days daunting tasks seem simpler when tackled first thing, also, there is more time for spiritual aspects and prayer.
There is probably much truth in the old cliche "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise"
In Reply to: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 18, 2002 at 07:06:42:
For as far back as I can remember, I hardly ever awaken feeling refreshed. Maybe thats just what happens when you work odd hours. Actually yes that is true. Before working at this job, I had a lot more energy, mind you, I was 10 years younger at the age of 22.
I also notice that when its my time of the month, I also feel very listless and fatigued. Even after getting 8 hours sleep, still feel drained. Even getting shorter hours sleep 5-6 I dont feel any better. Some of my shifts at work, we start at 5am, and I feel horrid on those shifts, not better. Even if I go to bed early. Problem is I cant sleep early enough to get benefit out of going to bed early. So I lay there, praying for sleep, tossing around, getting frustrated, counting sheep, everything and anything, short of taking sleeping tablets. I refuse to take any drugs for sleep.
I am told I was a restless baby when it came to sleep. Seems I am still that way, but I think its my work that has the most profound effect on my sleep patterns and also the quality of sleep I get. I am not a deep sleeper, cant remember if I ever was. And it does take a toll on my health. I am not sure what to do. Maybe its seriously time to consider leaving this job, as traumatic as that would be, my health is more important than money or any job could ever be.
In Reply to: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 18, 2002 at 07:06:42:
For as far back as I can remember, I hardly ever awaken feeling refreshed. Maybe thats just what happens when you work odd hours. Actually yes that is true. Before working at this job, I had a lot more energy, mind you, I was 10 years younger at the age of 22.
I also notice that when its my time of the month, I also feel very listless and fatigued. Even after getting 8 hours sleep, still feel drained. Even getting shorter hours sleep 5-6 I dont feel any better. Some of my shifts at work, we start at 5am, and I feel horrid on those shifts, not better. Even if I go to bed early. Problem is I cant sleep early enough to get benefit out of going to bed early. So I lay there, praying for sleep, tossing around, getting frustrated, counting sheep, everything and anything, short of taking sleeping tablets. I refuse to take any drugs for sleep.
I am told I was a restless baby when it came to sleep. Seems I am still that way, but I think its my work that has the most profound effect on my sleep patterns and also the quality of sleep I get. I am not a deep sleeper, cant remember if I ever was. And it does take a toll on my health. I am not sure what to do. Maybe its seriously time to consider leaving this job, as traumatic as that would be, my health is more important than money or any job could ever be.
In Reply to: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 18, 2002 at 07:06:42:
Thanks, R.
In fact, having come from a Mennonite/farming background, I have always arisen at 4-5 AM and gone to bed early.
I am convinced that this is a healthier way and something pretty easy to try.
Namaste`
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Sensual on June 18, 2002 at 23:22:32:
Your job hours present a real challenge. Short of changing jobs to a more fixed regimen, perhaps a structured exercise program that gradually becomes more vigorous, would create better conditions for rest, even with your varying hours.
Speaking as someone who has been overweight and become very fit, then become overweight again, I can remember struggling to sleep when I wasn't exerting myself physically.
Good luck with finding something that works for you.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Dan on June 19, 2002 at 09:12:59:
Thanks for your comments Dan.
I am not overweight. I weigh about 110lbs or 53 kilograms. You make a great suggestion about the exercise. I feel so much healthier and even heaps younger, when I exercise on a regular. So why dont I???? No motivation sometimes plus I have lost a lot of weight and dont really want to lose anymore. Probably my best option at this point, would be the rebounder but I dont think that is intense enough to get as much benefit out of. I like to work up a good sweat when I work out and dont feel that on a rebounder I am getting as adequate a work out.
Problem with my work hours is there is never any consistency. earliest I ever start would be 5am and latest finish, not including nightshift is midnight.(Feel like Cinderella, sometimes. :)
Thanks for the idea. Its something I must seriously consider if I want to keep my health good at this point.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Sensual on June 20, 2002 at 00:05:20:
I am able to work up sweat on my rebounder. I jump with a music while doing extra moves, simulating dancing, e.g. moving legs from side to side while going up and down. In just a few minutes I am sweating.
Also doing martial arts like moves are great for this too. If done intensely enough, just a few of these are enough for me to start sweating. The key is to do it with concentration and at highest speed you're capable of. Exhale on exertion. Builds strength, stamina, and I think can be considered aerobic too (correct me if I am wrong). Not that I buy that aerobic is most useful but still...
In Reply to: Rebounder posted by R. on June 20, 2002 at 03:51:44:
Rebounder is also good for lymph node drainage, and strengthening heart by allowing
it to rest/work lighter during rebounding session. Perhaps that would help with relieving
lethargy the comes with shift changes. There is probably a great deal of stress that comes
with shifting your circadian rhythm around so much. Too bad you can't take your rebounder
into work with you...
In Reply to: Rebounder posted by R. on June 20, 2002 at 03:51:44:
Thanks R.
That sounds like a great idea to keep up the intensity on the rebounder. I will try out those new moves, should keep the neighbours entertained, especially when I try out those Bruce Lee moves on my rebounder. :)
When I did aerobics on a regular basis, my favourite was the martial arts aerobics, I loved to kick butt! But with the rebounder, I find I feel healthier than plain aerobics on its own, plus the added benefit of being able to do it in your lounge without having to drag myself off to an aerobics class.
What benefits have you got from rebounding that you find better than regular exercising?
In Reply to: Rebounder II posted by Gregory on June 20, 2002 at 04:48:56:
Thanks Gregory.
At least, I get to kill two birds with one stone! Lymphatic drainage and exercise.
I also noticed the last few days of walking with my dog, being out in the fresh air, really revived me. I felt like a new woman. :) I am certainly going to keep it up. Another good reason to own a pet, they motivate you to stay healthy. I will also combine my walks with rebounding as well. A double whammy, that should work really well.
I am physically stressed from shift work. It affects me on all levels. I have to seriously consider how much longer I want to do this job. The money is great, but it is not everything, so I keep telling myself. :)
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Sensual on June 20, 2002 at 00:05:20:
There are also a couple of cardio workout video's you can buy to use with the rebounder. I have one. I can't imagine anyone not feeling worked out after working out with one of them. They even have some "floor" exercises in them that you do on the rebounder instead of the floor.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 14:55:25:
Hi -
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Raisa on June 20, 2002 at 16:58:40:
I had been jumping on the tramp to music and making up my own routine for a couple of weeks till the video came. Wow! I tried doing the video with them and lasted only 15 minutes LOL I can do the whole routine now. But actually I dont really like the music in it, so what I"ve been doing is putting on Richard Simmons sweating to the oldies aerobic video and doing as much of it as possible on the tramp. Much more fun :-)
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 17:13:03:
LOL!! I have that Richard Simmons' video and have used it for rebounding many times! It is fun and for me just the right amount of aerobic activity (although, I must admit that I do get tired well before the end - age difference, I'm sure!). My daughter ordered that video for both of us to do when she was a teenager, so it brings back great memories now. I also love the tape by Madonna called "you Can Dance". It has a perfect beat. Raisa
In Reply to: Re: Rebounder posted by Sensual on June 20, 2002 at 13:45:50:
What benefits have you got from rebounding that you find better than regular exercising?
Just what you said -- I can do it in the comfort of my own home.
In Reply to: Re: Rebounder posted by R. on June 20, 2002 at 21:19:48:
Right, Gotchya! Thanks.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 14:55:25:
Thanks Barbara N. You certainly are a wealth of knowledge.:)
Anyone know if there are any videos aimed specifically at rebounding? Just that I dont want to damage my back by doing any exercises that may not be appropriate to be done on a rebounder.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 14:55:25:
I have to go and buy a new rebounder. Current one has sprung a coil from a much heavier me bouncing up and down on it a few months ago. I have still been using it from time to time in this state. Not good, I know.
Is there anything in particular i should look for when purchasing a rebounder to get max. effect from it?
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 02:44:42:
I could certainly be wrong, but marketing spiels such as "our $12,000 rebounder is of professioal quality, blah-blah-blah" is just that -- market crap. I bought one for $20 at Wal-mart and happy with it. It has no coils and seems safe and effective to me.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 21, 2002 at 03:11:36:
I messed up my knees with extremely gentle rebounding after ONLY 3 weeks, on an *expensive* rebounder. Of course this could be because my entire body is out of alignment (it is) and the rebounding probably just brought it out. My knees are likely hitting at a bad angle.
For this reason I'm glad I wasn't on one of the cheaper rebounders or it might have been even worse. (I know, this reasoning probably sounds a little off. :-) )
BTW there actually IS a $12,000 exercise machine out there. (although it's NOT a rebounder.) Enjoy the hype....
OK I can get pretty punchy when I fail to observe "importance of time of going to bed and waking up". Look at the time on my posts. (Look at yours, too.) :)
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 02:42:21:
The rebounding video that I have is called cardio bounce. It is specifically for rebounding and has several levels on it as well as a warm up and cool down. It was fairly cheap too. I ordered it from England and I think it cost around 6 dollars. Happy bouncing :-)
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 02:42:21:
AirObics - the "Holly Anderson system"
May still be available at CollageVideo.com (or somewhere). Have fun!
In Reply to: Re: rebounding videos posted by Jan on June 21, 2002 at 07:35:48:
Thanks, Jan. Will see if I can find that video here in Australia.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 21, 2002 at 03:11:36:
Thanks, R.
Im MY opinion the most important criterion is the weight of the person using it. Up to 150#, any $20 unit is fine. Over 300# needs a more expensive one. Between these weights, the risk of breakage fits the bell curve.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 14:55:25:
NMI
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Jan on June 21, 2002 at 04:39:25:
Hi, Jan - Sorry that happened with your knees! I try not to use my knees as little as possible, but, of course, they will bend a little even when doing gentle rebounding.
In Reply to: Re: Rebounder II posted by Sensual on June 20, 2002 at 13:50:23:
My Godmother used to take hers to work with her every day and I was just a teenager and she could dance on the thing she could kick those feet way up there too, I had a hard time doing anything on mine even as a teenager but hearing everybody talk I think I will get mine out give it a good dusting and get to work. You know you grought up something about it cleaning out your lymph nodes I read that if you do it on a regular basis it helps keep differnt things like cancer and different things like that at bay, beause your lymph nodes have to try and get it out of the system, I don't know if that is totally true, but it sounds good.
Charity
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by R. on June 21, 2002 at 03:11:36:
Thanks R.
I certainly wont be buying the expensive variety, erm, well not $12,000 anyway. :) :) :)
And seeing I am under 150lbs, the $20 one will suit me to a T. I will have to look for the coilless ones, but I wonder if the coiled variety is stronger for long term durability.
In Reply to: Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up posted by Raisa on June 21, 2002 at 11:12:38:
Raisa, Yes, I always wear running shoes with great support while rebounding. I never let my feet leave the rebounder and was very gentle. Seemed to do all of the right things :(
Because knees are NOT supposed to get messed up like this on rebounders with such gentle use - these are some possibilities I'm thinking of:
Structural (Scoliosis/misalignment). At one time, a chiropractor had me coming back for perpetual "tune-ups" for scoliosis, to ameliorate various symptoms, but it seemed rather endless (and expensive).
X-rays show the curve in my spine (scoliosis). I can actually see in the mirror that one shoulder is higher than the other. My clothes shift to one side - the collar area never stays centered. Also I have this automatic compulsion to "un-twist" my torso all the time, especially when I'm out walking. (Never can figure that out.)
I'm gathering that Rolfing as a good thing to do for conditions like this. I WANT to do it anyway. And/or possibly look into some of the structural techniques Helping You has suggested.
Arthritic knee. Possibly. Though I have no arthritis anywhere.
The thought of never rebounding again is very depressing! I miss it! I still do the sitting posture - but it's not quite the same.
thanks for listening.
In Reply to: Re: rebounding and bad knees posted by Jan to Raisa on June 22, 2002 at 15:41:31:
Hi again, Jam -
In Reply to: Re: rebounding and bad knees posted by Raisa on June 22, 2002 at 17:02:40:
I consulted just one chiropractor and that's it. Never had any back pain to speak of... oddly enough. Other symptoms, but not back pain. One leg IS a bit shorter than the other, as I recall. Did your husband get any improvement with the scoliosis?
I'll be checking out that site, thanks!
Lightwalking,
Gregory
Follow Ups:
Re: Rebounder
Posted by Sensual on June 20, 2002 at 13:45:50:
Follow Ups:
Re: Rebounder II
Posted by Sensual on June 20, 2002 at 13:50:23:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 14:55:25:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Raisa on June 20, 2002 at 16:58:40:
I agree, Barbara N. I have one of those videos, and even the people doing them show that they are getting a workout.
I would love to do that but can't because of my varicose veins. I think it would be very rewarding as far as feeling that you have worked out if you jumped, skipped, danced, etc. etc. on the rebounder!! Raisa
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by BarbaraN on June 20, 2002 at 17:13:03:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Raisa on June 20, 2002 at 18:42:56:
Follow Ups:
Re: Rebounder
Posted by R. on June 20, 2002 at 21:19:48:
Follow Ups:
Re: Rebounder
Posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 02:37:45:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 02:42:21:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 02:44:42:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by R. on June 21, 2002 at 03:11:36:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Jan on June 21, 2002 at 04:39:25:
'No Time To Work Out' - Get your 45 minute aerobic workout in 4 minutes for only $12,000 - LOL
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by BarbaraN on June 21, 2002 at 06:23:48:
Follow Ups:
Re: rebounding videos
Posted by Jan on June 21, 2002 at 07:35:48:
Follow Ups:
Re: rebounding videos
Posted by Sensual on June 21, 2002 at 07:37:15:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Walt Stoll on June 21, 2002 at 09:48:42:
Follow Ups:
Sleep: importance of time of going to bed and waking up (Archive in rebounding.
Posted by Walt Stoll on June 21, 2002 at 09:51:31:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: (I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Raisa on June 21, 2002 at 11:12:38:
If you had gotten the "cheap" trampoline, you probably would have decided that was the reason for your knees' hurting and would have spent even more to get a "better" one. LOL BTW, did you make sure to wear good athletic shoes while rebounding? When I was rebounding in my bare feet, my legs started aching, so I guess I need the arch supports in the shoes. Hope someone will have some good advice for you so that you can continue rebounding!! Raisa
Follow Ups:
Re: Rebounder II
Posted by Charity on June 22, 2002 at 02:27:41:
Follow Ups:
Re: Sleep: Thanks R.(I forgot,)importance of time of going to bed and waking up
Posted by Sensual on June 22, 2002 at 09:34:18:
Follow Ups:
Re: rebounding and bad knees
Posted by Jan to Raisa on June 22, 2002 at 15:41:31:
Follow Ups:
Re: rebounding and bad knees
Posted by Raisa on June 22, 2002 at 17:02:40:
I have a website (link below) for you to look at about scoliosis. My ex-husband has had it for years and has one shoulder which is higher. Men's problems with spine and bones seem to affect them very differently. He has always had back problems (disc, etc.) but, as far as I know, his knees were not affected. However, he is not one I would compare anything to! Have you consulted a doctor who specializes in diseases of the bone? Do you think that perhaps one leg is shorter than the other? Just a thought...
Here is the link (I hope) Hope it helps. Please let me know.
Raisa
Follow Ups:
Re: rebounding and bad knees
Posted by Jan on June 23, 2002 at 05:23:21:
Follow Ups:
[ Sleep apnea and other disturbances Archive ]
[ Main Archives Page ]
[ Glossary/Index ]
[ FAQ ]
[ Recommended Books ]
[ Bulletin Board ]
Search this site!