Harness Hidden Powers: An Essential Action for Vibrant Longevity
Of all of the Five Essential Actions, exploring the hidden powers within our bodies and minds seem the most intriguing to me. Who would not want to tap into the free, super powers within?
I sure do!
Let’s sort through this concept.
Activities that are easy to see and touch are straight-forward. It’s easy to grasp the concept that playing the piano and using your brain and your body simultaneously builds up cognitive reserves and is good for you.
It’s much harder, however, to take action on the invisible, the microscopic, the automated. Yet, numerous, powerful physiological processes are happening in the background of your body and mind.
We don’t normally think about them, but they have profound effects on your well-being. Modern technology makes it easier than ever to track some of them, even while you sleep.
Let’s start with a basic hidden super power: sleep.
Study after study has shown the dramatic and immediate effects that sleep (or lack of sleep) has on your physical and mental health. I urge you to spend some time understanding what an enormous impact your sleeping habits have on your life.
Study after study has shown the dramatic and immediate effects that sleep (or lack of sleep) has on your physical and mental health.
Consider this:
A lack of sleep negatively impacts your cognitive function:
Impaired Memory and Concentration:
Research from Harvard Medical School, among many others, indicates that sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. Poor sleep disrupts this process, leading to difficulty learning and remembering information. I’ve heard many times from academic counselors to study and then make sure to get a good night’s sleep to help store what you’ve learned before a test. All-night cramming does more harm than good.
Reduced Cognitive Performance:
Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that sleep deprivation negatively impacts attention, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. People who brag about performing well on four hours of sleep are seriously fooling themselves. Adults need between seven and nine hours, probably rarely less or more.
Sleep disorders can impact your Mental Health:
Increased Risk of Mood Disorders:
Research from the University of California, Berkeley, has found strong links between poor sleep and increased risk of depression and anxiety. Something I have always believed and shared with my children and friends is: “As goes your bed, so goes your head.” Admiral William McRaven and I both understand the strong connection between our beds and our mental heath. Research backs this up.
Irritability and Emotional Instability:
The National Sleep Foundation highlights that lack of sleep can lead to heightened emotional reactivity and mood swings. Do you know anyone who has a rotten night of sleep and gets up feeling joyful and happy? Not me, that’s for sure.
Poor sleep has numerous negative effects on your Physical Health:
Weakened Immune System:
For example, studies from the Mayo Clinic demonstrate that sleep deprivation impairs immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections. The last thing we need is for our immune function to decrease as we age.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease:
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a correlation between poor sleep and increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:
Poor sleep is linked to insulin resistance, as published in an endocrinal journal, and a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Weight Gain and Obesity:
Along with the insulin resistance potentially leading to weight gain, studies from Stanford University have also found that sleep deprivation disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased food intake and weight gain. If you’re not convinced by now, there’s more!
Hormonal Imbalances:
Research from the University of Chicago has shown that sleep deprivation disrupts the body’s normal hormonal cycles.
Overall Well-being:
Increased Risk of Accidents:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that drowsy driving is a significant cause of traffic accidents.
Reduced Quality of Life:
The CDC emphasizes that chronic sleep deprivation can negatively impact overall quality of life, affecting physical and mental health, as well as social interactions.
The research is abundant and very straightforward. You need good, quality sleep to function at your peak performance. I consider sleep one of your super powers. While physically being asleep isn’t hidden—it is a third of our life, after all; its many effects in your body are hidden.
You may not see all of the outcomes of quality sleep, but your body is hard at work while you’re asleep clearing and cleaning the brain, consolidating memories, regulating your hormones, and so much more.
Harness this hidden power each and every night! And if you struggle with believing you “shouldn’t” nap, please allow me to personally give you permission to sneak in a good catnap here and there, too!
Sleep, in the right quantity with the correct quality, certainly stands out at the top of the list of hidden powers. There are, however, so many more!
More Hidden Powers to Harness for Vibrant Longevity
What about learning more about and taking the reins of Hidden Powers like these:
Telomere Length
Gut Microbiome health
Cell Autophagy
Chronic Stress
Heart Rate Variability
Mitochondrial Function
Inflammation Regulation
Epigenetic Modulation
Hormonal Balance
Detoxification Pathways
Brain Neuroplasticity
Vascular Health
Keep checking The Pounce Pot Post as I add more information about each of these topics under the Harness Hidden Powers category. I’ll be linking them to The Pounce, as well, so be sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter where we’ll be sorting out five actions you can take weekly to help you power up your future self.
Trying at least one action each week will be a start in the right direction. It’s never too late!
The Five Essential Actions are:
Harness Hidden Powers
Ready to pounce on life’s possibilities? Get The Pounce, your free weekly guide to applying the latest healthspan research to a five-part action plan you can put to work for you now. Quick, actionable, budget-friendly tips delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now!
To learn more about The Pounce Pot, follow this link. I’d also like to introduce you to our Pounce Pot team. Welcome to the community!
