{"id":5315,"date":"2021-10-14T15:26:18","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T15:26:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/?p=5315"},"modified":"2021-10-14T15:26:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T15:26:18","slug":"healthy-bones-sleep-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/blog\/healthy-bones-sleep-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Keep Your Bones Healthy Through Better Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Learn<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a phrase that\u2019s often used when we feel tired \u2013 the need to \u201crest our weary bones.\u201d An interesting bone density study shows us that we should take this phrase literally! Bone density research from the Medical College of Wisconsin found that sleep actually helps build up your bones.<\/p>\n

In the study, done with lab rats, scientists found that a lack of sleep resulted in the interruption of new bone formation. In addition to this, the bones the rats already had continued as usual to decrease in density. When it came to bone marrow, they found a decrease in the fat, and an increase in platelet-generating cells. What all this means is that the rats in the study experienced greatly diminished flexibility and more fragile bones.<\/p>\n

Another study from China looked at the association between a reduction in sleep and lower bone density in middle-aged and older women, and found a correlation.<\/p>\n

From this, we can learn that to take care of your bones, the body must be able to go through a bone remodeling cycle. The process is also vital to keep the body flexible so that we can avoid fractures. With our usual activities, we recover from normal bone wear quickly. However, when sleep deprivation negatively influences bone remodeling<\/a>, bone density may decrease. So, we can become less flexible, more prone to fractures and more susceptible to osteoporosis. There\u2019s no doubt about it \u2013 sleep is essential for bone health. Keep reading for bone health tips that can help improve bone density.<\/p>\n

How Aging Affects Sleep<\/strong><\/h4>\n

But here\u2019s the problem: Osteoporosis is associated with aging. And as we get older, it can be more difficult to get the good night\u2019s sleep that we need. One reason for this is that melatonin, also known as the \u201csleep hormone\u201d because it impacts sleep, decreases with age. The body produces melatonin based on the amount of light that we are exposed to. Getting some sunlight in the daytime helps the body produce melatonin at night when it\u2019s dark. The combination of lower melatonin levels that come with age and loss of sleep puts us in a downward spiral that accelerates bone loss.<\/p>\n

We can\u2019t avoid aging, and we can\u2019t control some of the other risk factors for osteoporosis, such as:<\/p>\n