The Healthy Blogger

Sleeping separately may save lives (and sanity)

As mentioned many times before, sleep is extremely important to your health.  There are various factors that contribute to a poor night of sleep, and though it may be acknowledged in private before, a doctor has now publicly stated that sleeping in separate beds may be good (or even better) for married couples.

For some couples, I believe that’s very true.  Issues of snoring, blanket-hogging and movement can be disturbing for the partner, which results in poor sleep.  It is especially the case when the partner is a light sleeper.

I know from experience that having kids join you in the night is extremely annoying.  I also know that my husband would prefer to sleep in his own bed – no disturbances from anyone.  I, on the other hand, would prefer to sleep with my husband.  Yes, we end up disrupting each other’s sleep, but there’s also a sense of security knowing that someone is there.

We’ve done the sleeping separately deal.  I can’t speak for him, but I really haven’t noticed that my sleep hygiene is any better.  I do notice that there is less waking up in the night, but it is not nil.  That may just be a function of the bed I sleep on.  In any case, the jury’s still out on this.

At least the doctor didn’t advocate that all married couples sleep separately.  It would only be a consideration if there were some serious sleep issues involved.  And it need not be a permanent state.  I have to admit that we both have sleep issues and are constantly tired.  But, the first step would be to get decent beds.

Sex as a part of your exercise regime

A new report has come out with new claims about the benefits of sex. For years, it has been reported that regular sex helps with your mental well-being. It seems a no-brainer in many ways, doesn’t it? Then there was the report that regular sex helps boost your immune system so that you are not vulnerable to many common illnesses, such as the cold. That’s understandable, as many people fall prone to these ailments when they are under stress. Since sex relieves stress, it should help.

However, the report now claims that the immune system response can also help prevent other illnesses like cancer. Seems a bit far-fetched and some sex experts are skeptical about that. Nevertheless, they approve of the message that sex is good for you. Also, sex is promoted as a cardiovascular exercise, which in turn helps your heart. Yet, the report states that you can burn 300 calories from an hour of vigorous sex. Now, how many people you know can sustain that? With or without Viagra?

OK, I won’t undermine any of the claims nor will I dispute that sex is good for you. But I won’t condone the sexual license some may feel this report gives them. The benefits from sex depends on a healthy relationship with your sexual partner. So, if you have that, then go do it.

Social isolation from internet networking

We hear the warnings about being a couch potato, namely that it will lead to obesity and all its complications.  We know that physical inactivity leads to health problems.  Now, there is emphasis on the psychological problems that result from spending too much time on the computer.  That is, if we are on the computer simply to chat and network with others online.

It is known that people have become addicted to websurfing.  And, as they spend more time on the computer, they are spending less time with their friends and family.  There is a decline in social and physical relationships.  Experts warn that this leads to physical as well as psychological isolation.  And this isolation has been linked to health problems.  Studies have shown that those without a social network have poor coping skills and more stress, which then leads to poor health, as a result of a decrease in the functioning of the immune system.

Though some may argue that people networking on the web develop their own social group, this relationship is very superficial.  It does not provide true support that could be found in a real face-to-face relationship with another individual.  In addition, there is no physical contact, which has been shown to be quite therapeutic, especially during stress.   Therefore, these people become prey to many physical and psychological ailments.

In addition, because of the superficial nature of relationships on the web, people lose their ability to interact in real-life.  They have poor socialising skills, which further isolate them.  As they become more isolated, they are at increased risk for health problems.

So, experts are warning that people need to spend less time on the computer.  This becomes very difficult for many people, especially if they are already isolated.  More real-life social outlets need to be in place to help these people with social interaction.  If you know of someone who spends too much time in front of the computer, encourage them to get out and join in some group activities.