Counsel #12 — Hormonal Sleep Connection

Picture: Counsel #12 — Hormonal Sleep ConnectionCWe 119.1

Sleep quality plays a crucial role in regulating various hormones in the body, and poor sleep disrupts these hormones, leading to chronic health problems. Regularly staying up late elevates cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, which results in persistent tension. Excess cortisol can contribute to diabetes, skin issues (such as scars and acne), muscle weakness, and difficulties with concentration.CWe 119.2

Sleep disturbances also impact leptin and ghrelin, the hormones responsible for managing hunger, often leading to increased appetite and weight gain. Furthermore, inadequate sleep lowers levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which can affect metabolism and energy levels. Growth hormone (GH) secretion, essential for normal growth and cellular repair, primarily occurs during deep NREM sleep. Insufficient sleep reduces GH release, potentially stunting growth in children and impairing recovery in adults. The body’s intricate hormone system was designed by God to function optimally with sufficient rest.^{[130]https://adventistreview.org/commentary/whatever-helps-you-sleep-at-night/}CWe 119.3

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” 1 Corinthians 14:40 NIVCWe 119.4

“Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession mortals can have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly purchased, if it be at the loss of the vigor of health. None of these attainments can secure happiness if health is wanting. It is a terrible sin to abuse the health God has given us…” Ellen White in Christian Education, p.16CWe 119.5

Reflect: Did you know that getting better sleep has a direct, positive effect on your body’s hormones?CWe 119.6