Times of India
8 December 2008
TNN

All you need to do is get some sleep
Want healthier cells in just eight hours? Then get some solid shuteye tonight.

Your body does important things while you sleep – like healing your cells. But, just one night of tossing and turning could trigger cell–damaging inflammation. So turn off the lights, slip on that sleep mask, and get your 40 winks.

Inflamed in the membrane
In a recent study, sleep deprived people – especially women – showed a marked increase in their levels of a protein called NF–kB. That’s bad news, because NF–kB plays an essential role in the body’s inflammation response. The study may help explain why poor sleep is associated with several inflammation–related disorders, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Mini mind–body makeovers
Need help adjusting to the end of daylight saving time? Or getting over jet lag? Or just sleeping through an average night? Doze your way to good health with these tips

• Refresh yourself on the basics. Find out when to sleep, what temperature is best, and which foods to eat.
• You move, you snooze. You might associate stretching with waking up, but it can help you nod off, too. Stretch yourself to sleep.
• Develop good sleeping habits. Fall asleep and stay asleep with a deep sleep plan.