Chapter 3
3 Pillars of Good Health
When it comes to your diet, sleep, and exercise, sleep stands alone as the foundation of great health in people. The association between your sleep health and immune health is evident. People who say they can sleep when they are dead, this is a terrible mindset to have. By not sleeping, you are getting closer to death. It is very simple. Individuals who sleep less than 7 hours a night are 3 times more likely to be infected with the common cold. Individuals who sleep 5 hours or less are almost 70% more likely to become infected by pneumonia.
Hormones
We have many different types of hormones that operate many different functions. Men who get 4-5 hours of sleep a night will have a level of testosterone as someone 10 years their senior. You will age a decade in terms of that aspect. Many people believe testosterone to serve as a sexual interest hormone, but it serves many more important functions, such as maintaining muscle mass, helping our muscles recover, It is also critical for our bone density and keeping us lean.
Women who get a lack of quality sleep have more disrupted menstrual cycles. There is a significantly higher rate of miscariage among women who work night shifts.
Cancer
What experts now know is that a lack of sleep will accelerate the growth of a cancer and increase its aggressiveness. In a mice study, scientists found that mice with cancer who are deliberately deprived of sleep across a one month period had about a 200% increase in the size of the cancer. If you are fighting a battle against cancer, a lack of sleep will hurt your chances of eliminating the cancer.
