“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
We often talk about sleeping like a baby, but why do babies sleep so deeply? Here are a few facts about sleep:
• Melatonin is produced in the brain by a small gland called the pineal gland
• Melatonin production slows down as we age
• Reduced melatonin production causes restless sleep patterns
• There is a reflex point in the foot that reaches the pineal gland
The pineal gland is a pea-sized, pinecone-shaped endocrine gland located in the geometrical center of the brain with the main function of producing melatonin, a serotonin hormone. It produces more melatonin during the early years, which affects sleep.
Melatonin also regulates circadian rhythms, the body’s daily cycle of energy, affecting when we wake up, feel tired, or feel alert. Melatonin is also linked to bone health. As we age, the pineal gland produces less melatonin, and this reduction of melatonin may also be linked to aging in general. Calcification or calcium deposits interfere with the function of the pineal gland to produce melatonin, which affects our sleeping patterns, circadian rhythms, and may even be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and migraines.
“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.” (Psalm 3:5)
Of course, we all know the importance of exercise to get the body physically tired. If you need help with that, let an expert show you, for example, the Samantha Taylor Fitness studio. A nutrition counselor can help with proper diet for better sleep. Daily prayer and meditation also help to restore the mind and soul. These are just a few suggestions for peaceful sleep.
Technically speaking, reaching the pineal reflex, a small reflex point, requires the skilled hands of an experienced and knowledgeable Reflexologist. When properly stimulated, the pineal gland can begin to normalize and then can begin to naturally produce the body’s own melatonin, rather than consuming it by artificial means. This is how Reflexology improves sleep; and it’s good for the soul.
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
How about you? Are you ready to “sleep like a baby?” Call me to get started on the path to a better-quality sleep. I can be reached at (813) 965-1697 or go to my website: www.Reflexology4You.com.
Louise Richardson, “For the HEALTH of it!”