Adequate sleep is a mandatory prerequisite for optimal human performance. Research into the science of sleep is ongoing but, we know that sleep plays a major role in helping the body heal itself. Better quality sleep increases overall blood flow and helps the body release stress-reducing hormones. Getting your ‘Zs’ also provides energy for cellular repair and reduces overall inflammation.
In his book Let’s Talk About Sleep, Daniel Barone examines key questions about sleep and reveals some telling statistics: "Some 50-70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders; an estimated 30-35% of adults complain of insomnia; [and] one in every 25 Americans takes a prescription sleep medication.” In other words, if you struggle with sleep, you are not alone! Some people fall asleep (and stay asleep) easily; for others, quality sleep (or quantity of sleep) can be difficult to attain. For Members who struggle with peaceful slumber, The Covery by The Houstonian Club has a couple of therapies that might provide some relief.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) allows the body to be exposed to much higher levels of oxygen than normal air, which has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce dependence on sleep medication, according to a 2018 study by the University of Alberta neuroscientists. One HBOT session takes about ninety minutes. While in the chamber, clients can sleep, read, or even use their phone or laptop.
Red Light Therapy exposes your eyes to certain wavelengths of light, which has powerful effects on the body’s melatonin production, and on its circadian rhythm (responsible for sleep/wake cycles). A 2012 study in the Journal of Athletic Training indicated that a 14-day program of red light treatment improved the quality of sleep and serum melatonin levels in its participants. In addition, multiple studies have shown that red light therapy helps people fall asleep quicker and wake up less frequently throughout the night. One red light session takes about twenty minutes. Clients can stand or sit between the two light panels, and goggles are provided.
Stop by The Covery by The Houstonian Club or email
covery@houstonian.com to learn more about our alternative modalities to help improve your sleep and your overall health and wellness.
Barone, Daniel A. Let’s Talk about Sleep: A Guide to Understanding and Improving Your Slumber. Rowman & Littlefield, 2018.