Here is some interesting information from the world of sleep research that may have pertinence to those of you trying to conceive--and avoid miscarriage.
Even though we consider exercise to be a healthy behavior, technically, it is a stress. One of the types of stresses it induces, is thermal stress, or a rise in body temperature.
In this study, it was found that injecting melatonin helped to reduce the level of stress hormones found in the goats' blood samples. As melatonin levels rose, so did immune activity.
What does this mean to you?
1. If you're overexercising, your chronically (even if marginally) elevated blood pressure may be causing you to use your melatonin to restore balance. It may be interfering with your ability to get a good night's sleep.
2. Women whose melatonin levels are imbalanced have been found to be able to conceive, but to have trouble implanting the embryo.
3. Even if you're not overexercising, but you're not managing your stress, you may be channeling your important sleep hormone into a function that keeps it from being available for important reproductive-related functions.
4. Diet and exercise are important…but even more important is BALANCE in your life!
5. If you find that emotionally you cannot cut back on your exercise, let us help you. Sometimes the underlying reason has a very workable solution when addressed with the guidance of a trained professional.
Bottom line, it's important to exercise, but to not overdo it. And be sure that you're not compromising in the sleep department because you have underestimated the value of what happens while your eyes are closed.
Sejian V, Srivastava RS. Pineal-adrenal-immune system relationship under thermal stress: effect on physiological, endocrine, and non-specific immune response in goats. J Physiol Biochem. 2010 Aug 17.