While the genes carry the code that makes each one of us unique, epigenetics examines how lifestyle choices and environmental factors affect the expression of the gene. You can’t change your genes, but through changes you can make, like getting enough restful and rejuvenating sleep, you can and do affect the expression of those genes.
Sleep is critical for optimal brain health. When people say that they have “brain fog” many times the condition is directly related to the lack of sleep. In fact, sleep is critical for almost every aspect of healthy living. In addition to attention and learning to memory building, sleep also controls weight loss, and the control of many chronic diseases. And the reverse is equally true. Scientific studies confirm that a lack of sleep is a direct contributor to heart disease, pulmonary conditions, metabolic disorders and early death. Yes, there are lots of reasons your Mom told you to get a good night’s sleep.
Epigenetic experts like Dr. Elliott and Holly L’Italien, understand why we truly need restful sleep. Epigenetic studies suggest that sleep impacts DNA methylation that can activate or deactivate systems in the body even at the cellular level. Do you wake at certain times of the night, or have you set your routine so well that you no longer need to set an alarm to wake up for work each morning? That’s your epigenetic system at work! But it’s so much more. Recent findings have proven that maternal and paternal imprinted genes control REM sleep! This same study found that genes have a profound impact on dreams. The expressed maternal or paternal gene had a direct correlation to dream quantity, quality of sleep, sleep capacity and waking energy levels. We all need quality, restful, rejuvenating sleep. If you are not getting up in the morning feeling fully refreshed, contact SimpliWellness to discuss a sleep evaluation, and get a good night’s sleep
