Are you getting enough Z's?
What’s the number one complaint of women going through perimenopause and beyond?
SLEEP
Even when we get the chance to have an early night, we just can’t seem to get and keep our Z’s! Sure, we might fall asleep quickly but somewhere around 3am the witching hour kicks in and the next thing we know, we’re wide-awake ruminating about our lives and the future.
Or the brain circus starts early, and we can’t even get to sleep, much less stay there.
OR we finally fall into a deep sleep only to be woken up on fire from a hot flash or soaking wet from a night sweat.
Give a girl a break, already!
Sleep is critical...
To our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
1. Rest, restore, repair.
As we sleep our body undergoes critical processes for restoration and repair. That includes muscle growth, tissue repair, protein synthesis and the release of growth hormones (no, not to get taller). Sleep allows us to recover from the wear and tear of the day.
2. No brain camp for this gal!
Sleep also plays a vital role in our cognitive function including memory consolidation (where are my glasses?), problem solving abilities (how can I fake it through this presentation while bathing in a hot flash), concentration (was that a bright, shiny object??) and learning. Getting adequate sleep enhances our cognitive performance, creativity, and productivity – so we can keep ALL the balls in the air!
3. Grumpy Cat
Sleep influences our mood regulation and emotional well-being. Getting a good night’s sleep helps to stabilize emotions, reduce stress, and regulate mood swings. What mood swings? Not me! But why is everyone around me always so annoying and wrong?
Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability (that’s putting it mildly), mood disorders, and increased susceptibility to anxiety and depression.
4. Immune to it all
Sleep is also closely linked to our immune system. That means that during sleep, our bodies produce cytokines which is a type of protein that helps fight off infection, inflammation, and stress. Getting some solid Z’s helps to strengthen the immune system, enhance our resilience to illness and speeds up our recovery from illness and injuries.
5. Keeping things going
Getting an adequate amount of sleep is also essential for maintaining our metabolic health and regulating our appetite hormones. Need I say more on this one? Okay, I will. Not getting enough or having disrupted sleep disrupts our balance of hormones that lead to hunger and satiety (when you truly can’t eat another cookie), leading to increased appetite, cravings for high-calorie foods and weight gain. It’s no surprise then that chronic sleep deficiency is associated with a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorder.
What can you do about it?
Join us for our next "Speak Easily" on Tuesday, February 20th at Bar Ciccio in Leslieville to join She2.0 and Dr. Alexandra Sisam to learn how to get some serious Z’s! Dr. Sisam completed her undergrad at Queen’s university and went on to study Naturopathic Medicine where she took special interest in mental health and the mind-body connection. Her passion for sleep has helped so many women get a better night’s rest!
Sip, shop, and learn.
Come on in and grab one of Ciccio’s great snacks, nibbles, coffee, wine, beer, or a cocktail.
Take some time to meet Phases Tea blend’s co-founder, Donna Sisam and learn about some of their sleep, mood and body enhancing teas.
You’ll also meet Cathy Rust, founder of Cool Your Sweats. Cathy’s mission is to help women who suffer from night sweats get their sleep back. She creates moisture-wicking, heat managing sleepwear made from natural, effective fabric that works all night long so you can sleep.
Because sleep is critical to a long and healthy life.
About the night:
February 20th
- 6pm: Doors open
- 6 – 7pm: Sip, shop and mingle. We have some amazing brands here to help you get a good night’s sleep!
- 7 – 8pm Live Q&A with She2.0 (Jacquie Court) and Dr. Alexandra Sisam
- 8 – 8:30pm ask Alex your questions!
Bar Ciccio has a hard stop at 9pm due to the residents above our venue.
Tickets: $20
Please e-transfer to jacquie@she2-0.ca and include "She Sleeps" in your message
Food & Drinks are purchased separately by guests
About our expert
Dr. Alexandra Sisam is licensed under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and is a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). She has her prescribing rights with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.