The Effects of Sleep on Your Health

The Effects of Sleep on Your Health

Dec 19, 2019 | General Health

How well did you sleep last night? If you didn’t get a full seven or eight hours, you aren’t alone. About one-third of adults get less sleep than recommended, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s important to understand the effects of sleep on your health.

Bouncing between work, family, friends, and responsibilities can leave very little time for rest. However, when you don’t get your daily recommended dose, you are putting your routine and health at risk.

Sleep and Your Immune System

Everyone knows that sleep is important for both mental and physical recovery. Without the proper amount of rest, your body is in danger of infection and disease.

When you choose to stay up over going to bed, your body starts to produce fewer cytokines. Cytokines are essential proteins that promote sleep. These proteins are very important when you’re sick, as the body needs more rest.

Studies have shown that when your body is sleep deprived you are more susceptible to infection. Even coming into contact with simple viruses such as the common cold puts you at risk of becoming very ill.

Long-term and serious problems from lack of sleep include diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, obesity, depression, and lower sex drive.

Sleep and Your Personal Life

There are many short-term effects from lack of sleep that can occur even when missing as little as 1.5 hours. These effects include lowered alertness and the inability to remember and process information.

Surprisingly, scientists have stated that when we sleep our memory may be emptying unneeded knowledge. It does this to free up space for new information and memories we make in the future. Without clearing this  knowledge, it’s difficult for us to grasp new information.

Being able to properly process what you are being told, whether it’s at work or school, is important for keeping your job or maintaining a good GPA. Lack of sleep can also make you moody and more likely to have conflicts with family and co-workers. 

Sleep and Your Veins and Arteries

According to research recently reported by Science News, people who do not get enough sleep have lower levels of good cholesterol. Sleep usually protects your arteries by removing bad cholesterol.

When bad cholesterol isn’t removed, it builds up in your arteries causing heart disease. Atherosclerosis, a condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, increases the risk of heart health issues and stroke.

Just one week of fewer hours of sleep changes your immune responses and metabolism. The metabolic processes needed to keep good cholesterol flowing through the body is affected.

Not only have artery problems been found more often in people who sleep less but vein issues arise as well. In a recent study, scientists saw a decrease in three major miRNAs.

RNAs are vital for the cardiovascular process. When we have fewer of these essential micro RNAs, our veins become inflamed much easier. Inflammation of the veins leads to blood clotting, stroke, and heart attack.

Varicose Veins and Sleep Problems

About six quarts of blood circulate three times every minute throughout your body. This blood carries essential oxygen and nutrients to every cell. When blood flow changes due to varicose veins, more than appearance is at stake.

Varicose veins can cause restless leg syndrome. This may interrupt your sleep-wake cycle, sometimes to a worrisome degree.

Restless leg syndrome just about always occurs when you are laying down or sitting. This specific issue is defined as the irresistible urge to move your legs.

When you are trying to get some sleep, the only way to stop the uncomfortable feeling is to get up and walk around. However, this only removes the issue for a short period of time.

People with RLS report fewer hours of sleep than those without. Typically, they get less than 5 hours of sleep each night.

How Much Sleep Do We Need?

By now you’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but you can never hear it enough. When it comes to sleep, children should have 9-10 hours while adults should have 7-8 hours of uninterrupted rest.

During this time, you should remove anything that may interfere with sleep. Why we need this amount of rest is currently unknown, but we do know it’s vital for staying healthy and happy. 

If you have been feeling lucky because you sleep less than the recommended amount but still feel fine – beware! You may be wrong about not needing the same amount of rest as everyone else.

Researchers believe while some people may not feel tired with less rest, the lack of sleep catches up to individuals as they get older.

Fix Your Sleeping Habits

When your sleep schedule gets messed up, it can be hard to get back into a good routine. Here are some tips to getting that much-needed rest:

  • If you’re feeling fatigued during the day, start small. Moving your bedtime up 10-15 minutes is a good way to get used to going to bed early. 
  • Everyone loves a good nap, but your body doesn’t like it as much as you may think. When it comes to naps, you should only be sleeping for 20-30 minutes before 3 pm; never after.
  • Caffeine is the enemy to sleep. Try avoiding anything caffeinated in the late afternoon.
  • Exerting energy is a sure-fire way of going to sleep early. Make plans to go to the gym for a good run or lift.

NJVVC Can Help You

If your vein problems are affecting your sleep, we have solutions. Our specialists offer the world’s most advanced methods in medical diagnostic technologies.

We can recommend a specialized and precise treatment plan for your unique situation. Our services will relieve your worrisome symptoms and improve your health and appearance.

Please contact us with your questions and concerns or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you! 

How Does Yoga Benefit the Cardiovascular System?

How Does Yoga Benefit the Cardiovascular System?

Nov 19, 2019 | General Health

When it comes to heart-healthy exercises, yoga may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But anyone who has spent time at a yoga studio knows that this mind-body exercise can get your heart pumping. As it turns out, yoga is good for the you, but how does it benefit the cardiovascular system?

Can You Be Too Old for Yoga?

Yoga has become increasingly popular for young adults. Studios are beginning to pop up everywhere for those looking to better their mind and body. You may investigate a yoga class and think, “I’m not that flexible, I can’t do that.” In reality, there is a type of yoga for everyone.

Ashtanga Classes 

An ashtanga class is centered around conscious breathing and meditation. This form of yoga fits people who may have limited mobility and energy. 

Online Yoga

If you’re worried that a yoga course offered by a studio may be too much for you, start online. Whether it’s YouTube or a fitness coach’s website, you can find a large selection of yoga programs that are age and skill level appropriate. 

Custom Classes

Talk to the yoga instructor before starting a course. Many instructors are willing to work one-on-one to help you get started. They can work at your pace until you feel ready to join a group class. Look for a qualified instructor with certifications and experience. 

The above course offerings are beneficial for any age group. When you start, you may find you can’t touch your toes. But, with some patience and practice, even the least flexible person will see huge benefits in mobility and overall health.  

Yoga and the Cardiovascular System

Yoga affects cardiovascular health in several ways. Some postures (or asanas) and certain forms of yoga, such as vinyasa or ashtanga, can raise the heart rate to aerobic levels. Heat-building postures – such as Navasana (Boat Pose), Utkatasana (Chair Pose) and Dolphin Plank – increase heart strength when held for long periods of time. 

Other gentler forms of yoga can benefit the heart by helping the blood flow more efficiently. 

A 2019 study found significant blood pressure benefits for people who practice yoga. This was especially true for people engaging in hot yoga; a yoga course that uses heated studios.

In a control group of people with elevated blood pressure, many saw a significant decrease after 12 weeks of being in a hot yoga class. In the same study, those people who did not attend yoga saw no decrease in blood pressure in that 12-week period.

Heart-opening postures improve blood flow to the chest while stretching the front of the body. As a result, more oxygen-rich blood enters the heart space. 

Yoga and Vein Health

We know that yoga can benefit cardiovascular health, but what about vein health? In a way, the two go hand in hand. 

Certain postures can benefit varicose veins. This is particularly true for positions where the lower legs are elevated above the heart. These positions make it easier for veins to push blood back to the heart.

Postures that engage the calf muscles can have the same effect while alleviating pain and pressure. 

A Natural Stress-Buster

Yoga can also benefit the heart in a more indirect way by relaxing the mind and body. When we’re feeling stressed, our bodies release cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones narrow our arteries and raise our blood pressure. 

Lower stress levels can lead to healthier blood pressure. Yoga’s emphasis on deep breathing and stretching reduces tension and stress. 

Practicing yoga for just a few hours a week can help you enjoy these cardiovascular benefits. Young or old, even gentle stretching can help to maintain heart health.

Yoga can be great for your heart health, but it may not be your end-all for vein issues. If you are having trouble with varicose veins or are experiencing leg pain, contact us. We can help alleviate any vein issues you may be having in a quick and effective way.

Can Varicose Veins Cause Hypertension?

Can Varicose Veins Cause Hypertension?

Sep 19, 2019 | General Health, Spider Veins, Varicose Veins

For some of us, it seems that the mere thought of varicose veins is enough to cause high blood pressure. But can varicose veins cause hypertension? 

 

High Blood Pressure and Varicose Veins

While there is clear evidence that hypertension can lead to the development of varicose veins, the jury is still out if the reverse is true. The medical community is currently working hard to research the links between high blood pressure and varicose veins.

Right now, there is one thing that they do know for sure. That is, varicose veins can lead to a condition known as venous hypertension. 

Venous Hypertension

Venous hypertension results when the valves in the veins of the legs are damaged. Damage allows a backflow of blood that begins to pool in the lower legs. As pooling continues, additional strain is put on the heart because greater pressure is needed to transport the pooled blood back to the heart. 

Varicose Veins and Your Health

This is a two-way street. Varicose veins may cause venous hypertension and venous hypertension can cause varicose veins. Varicose veins can also lead to a slew of other problems. Ankle flare, edema (swelling), varicose eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, and haemosiderin stainings are all possible issues. 

This can be particularly dangerous if you already have any other heart condition. More than one issue can build off each other and develop into heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. That’s just one reason why varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic issue, but an actual medical condition. 

Varicose veins can also contribute to orthostatic hypotension. This is a marked drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to standing up.

If you’re sick of the heaviness, the aching, and swelling, seek treatment. When you’re done with the pain, itching, burning, and cramps, you can say goodbye to the suffering. There are several treatment options available that will not only improve your venous health, but simultaneously improve the appearance of your legs. 

Contact our office to schedule a free consultation. Our staff will listen to your needs. We want to help you find a solution to your painful or unsightly venous conditions.

What You Need to Know About Venous Ulcers

What You Need to Know About Venous Ulcers

Aug 19, 2019 | Venous Insufficiency, Venous Ulcers

A product of venous insufficiency, venous ulcers are a painful and stressful health issue. Managing this condition means making lifestyle changes. But, how do you know if you have a venous ulcer to begin with? And, are there ways to prevent them?  

Here we discuss everything you need to know about venous ulcers: what they are, the risks associated with them, and how to prevent and treat them.

What is a Venous Ulcer?

Venous ulcers or leg ulcers are open sores on your legs caused by poor blood circulation in the veins of the leg. They heal very slowly and can lead to further complications if not adequately treated.  

What Causes Venous Ulcers? 

Venous ulcers occur as a result of your leg veins not being able to keep blood flowing back to the heart. This leads to blood pooling in the lower legs, especially the bony areas, usually the ankles. Since blood is not flowing properly, the legs swell, exacting pressure on the skin. This results in an open sore otherwise known as an ulcer. 

What does a leg ulcer look like?

Leg ulcers begin to form when blood pooling in the lower legs goes untreated. The very next sign is stasis dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis is itchy, thin and hardened skin that may have undergone a color change to red, blue, or purple.

You will also notice heaviness, pain, or cramping in your legs. Signs that this condition has advanced into a leg ulcer are:

  • A sore with a red base. It may usually be covered by yellow tissue
  • Uneven sore borders
  • Shiny, tight, warm, and discolored skin surrounding the sore
  • Leg pain

For people who think they’re at risk for venous ulcers, you should develop a prevention plan. Ulcers are a very stubborn condition to treat once fully formed. Typically, it takes 3-4 months for your legs to fully heal from a venous ulcer.

Venous Ulcer Prevention 

To prevent venous ulcers, you will need to embrace lifestyle changes that promote a healthy flow of blood for the veins in your legs. Preventative methods include:

  • Avoiding smoking
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Staying at a healthy weight – if you are overweight you may want to develop an exercise program 
  • Not staying in the same position for hours – take breaks to move around
  • Moderate your salt intake
  • If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, keep it in check
  • Wear compression stockings, which can help increase pressure in your leg veins, keep swelling at a minimum, and prevent venous ulcers

Risks Associated with Ulcers

If not properly treated, venous ulcers can lead to severe complications such as:

Skin Infections

The sore may become infected if treatment is ignored. The symptoms of infection include odor, pus, serious pain, and fever. 

Bone Infections

When a wound is open too long, bone infections may occur from invading bacteria. Signs of bone infection include fever, muscle spasms, and deep pain in your legs. 

Skin Cancer

If your ulcer becomes infected and you continue to ignore it, a malignant tumor may form. Sometimes even with treatment, this may still occur. It is always important to seek medical attention at the first signs of an ulcer.

Management/Treatment

Venous ulcers are not a condition that will go away over time. Without help from a professional, they can escalate to severely painful or even life-threatening conditions.

That’s why this specific type of ulcer requires a lot of care from the patient and treatment from a professional. Treatment of venous ulcers includes:

  • Compression stockings, to increase blood circulation in your veins, improving your body’s capacity to heal the ulcer.
  • Elevating your legs for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a day to improve circulation
  • Antibiotics to clear the infection
  • Surgery to improve circulation. This will help the sore to heal and prevent future blood pooling, as well as the development of future ulcers.

Are you experiencing pain in your legs? Have you noticed any symptoms of venous ulcers? The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center offers top of the line, personalized vein diagnosis and treatment. We will do our best in expediting your length of treatment to limit your pain and downtime. Contact us today for the highest standard of care. 

Diabetes and Veins: How Your Veins are Affected by Diabetes

Diabetes and Veins: How Your Veins are Affected by Diabetes

Jul 19, 2019 | Diabetes and Veins, Vein Conditions

Diabetes affects over 30 million Americans, according to the most recent data provided by the CDC. People most often attribute diabetes to blood-glucose levels, insulin, and even diabetic shock. But diabetes negatively affects the body in other ways. One area that often gets overlooked is the venous system and how your veins are affected by diabetes.

How does diabetes affect vein health? 

Over time, high blood glucose levels can weaken or damage blood vessels. These weakened blood vessels make your veins more susceptible to infection.

A diabetic’s veins and blood vessels are prone to inflammation and weakness. Often, this creates the possibility of circulatory issues in addition to infection.

Vascular disease is also a possibility for diabetics if there is too much glucose in the blood. 

Advanced diabetes may even result in nerve and tissue damage. This primarily happens in the legs where varicose veins are more common. Varicose veins are unsightly and cause pain, weakness, and overall discomfort. Weight gain as a result of diabetes can encourage varicose vein growth.

Often a sign of inflammation, varicose veins can also put extra pressure on the body’s immune and circulatory systems. 

How is diabetes linked to vascular disease?

It is imperative that you maintain a healthy lifestyle when living with diabetes. Managing your dietary intake and exercising on a regular basis is important.

Without an emphasis on health, vascular diseases are bound to occur. Even when a diabetic keeps their glucose levels under control, they are still at risk for vascular diseases.

This is because diabetes affects:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Weight
  • Mobility

These effects can lead to vascular diseases such as:

Retinopathy – abnormal growth of blood vessels in your retina

Nephropathy – a disease that damages the tiny filtering units of the kidney

Neuropathy – a condition causing a loss of sensation in the feet and toes

Atherosclerosis – caused by high blood pressure, this is when plaque builds up on the walls of arteries 

Stroke – a blockage in arteries that causes and a loss of blood to the brain

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – the narrowing of arteries

Importance of diabetic care and being proactive.

Diabetes is unlike any other disease. It can be very overwhelming and time-consuming when considering treatment and care. Taking medication is not enough.

A diabetic needs to fully change their lifestyle in order to keep the disease at a minimum. It’s easy for diabetes to get out of control if certain conditions are not properly met. 

Always take your medication on time, as prescribed.

Always take your medication on time, as prescribed.

Follow proper nutrition as directed by your health-care provider.

Check your blood glucose (sugar) levels regularly.

Get adequate amounts of exercise and physical activity (as recommended by your provider)

Find ways to eliminate stress

Finding the right vein and vascular specialist 

When deciding on a specialist, it is imperative that you go with a provider who has knowledge and experience in a dedicated field. Your veins and vascular system  play a vital role in your body. Thus, it is important they are handled appropriately.

The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center is New Jersey’s leading vein center with the highest standard for patient care. Contact Us today to see how you can benefit from our services.  

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