Tuesday's Tip

Today's Tip: Get some sleep!

I know from whence I speak. I spent most of January either under the weather or out and out sick. Twas no fun. I credit the roller coaster temperatures of a Houston winter and not getting enough sleep.

Now, I realize that some people have medical issues that prevent a good night's sleep. My problem - I am a bit of a night owl. I had to be at church to cook at around 7 in the morning. That's a little earlier than I like to be up and moving. Foolishly, I just went to bed at my usual time. After a few days of this, it starts to add up.

When you don't get enough sleep your resistance gets low. You are more susceptible to the illnesses going around. Then you get sick. At least, I do.

If you look on Dr. Mercola's web site you will find this:

Sleep deprivation lowers the percentage of natural killer cells in peripheral blood according to Dr. Zerrin Pelin...Dr. Pellin reported that CD16 levels changed significantly with sleep deprivation. Dr. Pellin believes that the decrease in the proportion of natural killer cells in peripheral blood during sleep deprivation may reflect the suppression of nonspecific immune response and an increased susceptibility to viral infection.

That's what I experienced, increased susceptibility to viral infection. Yuck. No fun.

So turn off the tube, turn down the lights, and get some sleep for a change. You will feel better, look better, and be healthier for it. I know I will.