Mononucleosis in adults often exhibits in daytime fatigue, poor sleep patterns and unrefreshing sleep. When an infection like mono hits, people need extra sleep. It is during deep sleep that “growth hormone” – your body’s repair hormone is produced.
The amount of sleep required for mononucleosis in adults is at least 9 hours daily. Some people need more. That is fine – just listen to your body and sleep when required.
Humans evolved to sleep when it is dark and wake when the sun comes up. With the advent of electricity and light, many people have pushed their bedtime later and later, often going to bed after midnight.
Unfortunately when you sleep does matter. Studies show that most growth hormone is produced before midnight. The old wives tale that “a hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after” is actually true. So aim to get to bed by 9.30 or 10 pm in order to maximise your body’s production of growth hormone.
So how can quality sleep be achieved during mononucleosis in adults? Here’s a few tips…
- Firstly make sure your room is completely dark and quiet. Any light on the skin, for example from a night light, digital clock or street light, can prevent the production of melatonin – a sleep hormone.
- Have a wind-down routine before bedtime of a small snack (like raw nuts or yoghurt), a warm bath or time to read a good book. Try to get to bed around the same time each night.
- Viruses like the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis in adults can affect adrenal function, leading to anxiety and insomnia. To support the adrenals, nutrients like vitamin C, the B complex and magnesium can help. Sleep herbs like Valerian, passionflower and hops can be of benefit.
- Melatonin – the natural sleep hormone can be useful for mononucleosis in adults.
- You can train yourself to sleep with meditation, positive visualisation and the use of sleep CDs.
Mono can be helped with deep, rejuvenating, unbroken sleep. Simple natural sleep therapies can include taking some natural sleep-inducing herbs, nutrients and foods plus doing some stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing.
All the tips and techniques to turn your sleep patterns around plus more treatments for mononucleosis in adults can be found in my “Nature’s Amazing Mono Cures” e-book. The e-book also comes with 30 days of free email support if you need advice or guidance on your individual concerns.