Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Dr. John Bergman D.C.

Sleep is an absolutely vital part of maintaining your health, but there seems to be a massive problem these days with sleep. When over 9 million prescriptions a written for sleep drugs every year and you notice coffee shops on almost every corner then you have to wonder what's going on.

The affects of sleep deprivation might shock you because they include:

Read more

Sleep is an absolutely vital part of maintaining your health, but there seems to be a massive problem these days with sleep. When over 9 million prescriptions a written for sleep drugs every year and you notice coffee shops on almost every corner then you have to wonder what's going on.

The affects of sleep deprivation might shock you because they include:

  • Elevations in LDL Cholesterol
  • Elevations in Blood Sugar
  • Reduction of Blood supply to the gut
  • Debilitating both physically and mentally
  • A weakened immune system
  • Higher disease rates
  • Build up of waste products in the brain
  • Increased risk of Cancer
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Hallucinations
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Aggression
  • Shorter attention span
  • Impaired memory

Every disease, condition, or illness is always linked to underlying problems with sleep. If you have to take sleep medications at night or you have to consume large amounts of stimulants like coffee every day then it's time to look at your sleep patterns to find out what's going on because you're setting yourself up for some major health problems later in life.

The Solution

The good news is that if you follow all the advice in this video series you'll become a master of sleep and you'll wake up refreshed and energized every single day. This video course is designed to guide you step by step to address all the factors that affect your ability to achieve deep restful sleep every night.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

Achieve deep sleep every night

Syllabus

If you follow all these simple Do's and Don'ts you'll become a Master of Sleep

The 3 Chronic Stressors

  • Physical

  • Chemical

  • Emotional

Diseases associated with Sleep Problems

  • Dementia

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Autoimmune Conditions

  • Lyme Disease

  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

  • Genetic Disorders

Notes:

  • Your body regenerates tissues during Sleep

  • Sleep is a Major Factor in all Diseases

Read more

2 parts of the Autonomic (Automatic) Nervous System

  • Sympathetic

  • Parasympathetic

Sympathetic = Fight or Flight

Parasympathetic = Rest or Digest

Sympathetic = active during the day

Parasympathetic = active during the night

How do Sleep Medications affect the body?

  • Number of Prescriptions of Sleep Medications in America = 9 to 12 million
  • Sleep medications cause a 35% increase in Cancer
  • Sleep Medications only help you get an extra 12 minutes of sleep
  • Sleep medications negatively affect how your body functions
  • The Adrenal glands and the thyroid gland are the two main organs involved in tissue regeneration

  • The Thyroid produces cells during a healthy state

  • The Adrenal glands produce cells during a stressed state

  • The adrenal glands are the pharmacy of the body

  • The adrenal glands must be balanced with the Thyroid

  • The Sympathetic Nervous system must be balanced with the Parasympathetic Nervous system

  • Sleep is a Chemical Stressor

  • Sleep deprivation is the most common form of torture around the world

What are the common characteristics of people with Sleep Apnea?

  • Overweight or Obese

  • Chronic Illness or Disease

  • Elderly

Cause of Sleep Apnea

  • Alteration in the nerve supply to the diaphragm

  • The nerves that supply the diaphragm originate from the neck

Solutions for Sleep Apnea

  • Sleep on a pillow that lifts your head 3-4 inches

  • Corrective Chiropractic care to stimulate the nerves that supply the diaphragm

What kind of drugs affect Sleep?

  • Appetite suppressants

  • Blood pressure drugs

  • Beta blockers/ace inhibitors

  • Antacids

  • add/adhd drugs

  • NSAID’s

  • Antihistamines

  • Asthma drugs

Become a Master of Sleep

  • Eliminate your Medications (Work with your doctor)

  • Get Your Nervous System checked by a corrective chiropractor

  • Maintain a Healthy Diet

Notes:

  • Stimulants like coffee negatively affect Sleep

  • Melatonin does cause you to feel sleepy

  • Blue Light from computers, phones, tv’s and tablets Suppress Melatonin production

Melatonin Boosting foods

  • Cherries

  • Bananas

  • Pineapples

  • Oranges

  • Grapefruits

  • Olive oil

  • Wine or Beer

Journaling

  • Journaling to quiet your mind for 5 to 10 minutes

  • What is the purpose of Journaling? Take an emotionally charged thought and physically write it down

  • Journaling takes a thought from the emotional aspect of the brain to the logical aspect of the brain

Reading

  • Reading 15 minutes before bed

  • Avoid E-books and read only paper books

Sleep Mask

  • During sleep your eyes open every 90 minutes on average

  • Any light stimulus can activate your Sympathetic nervous system and wake you up

White Noise Generator

  • Auditory stimulus to block out any sounds

Sleep Restrictive Therapy

  • Restricting Sleep helps reset your circadian rhythm
  • Go to Bed: 10 to 10:30pm

  • Wake up: 4 to 4:30am

  • Do this for 21 days

  • The first couple of days you might be tired so be careful during your daily activities

    Keys to Getting Deep Sleep

    • Journaling

    • Reading

    • Sleep Mask

    • White Noise Generator

    • Sleep Restrictive Therapy

    • No Naps at All

    Night Shift Workers

    • Limit your sleep to 6 hours of sleep

    • Use all the keys to getting deep sleep

    • Increase your Omega 3’s from wild caught anchovies, mackerel, or sardines

    • Increase your Vitamin D3 supplementation

    What amount of sleep is the best?

    • High disease rates for less than 5 hours of sleep or more than 9 hours of sleep

    • 6 to 7.5 hours of sleep is the optimal range

    What do I do to get good sleep when I’m traveling to a different time zone?

    • Increase Omega 3’s and vitamin D intake

    • Increase melatonin boosting foods

    Juicing Vegetables

    • 2 types of fibers from vegetables: Soluble and Insoluble

    • Insoluble fibers help you form stool

    • Soluble fibers help to clean out your blood vessels

    • If you have a low functioning thyroid, avoid dark green leafy vegetables

    • The best type of juicing is a slow, masticating juicer

    • Favorite Brands of Juicer: Greenstar, Omega, Kuving Juicers

    • You want a juicer that produces very dry pulp

    Juicing Recipe

    • Apples (with core)

    • Celery

    • Carrots

    • Dark Green leafy vegetables (avoid if you have a low functioning thyroid)

    • Beets

    • Cucumber

    • Turmeric Root (optional)

    • Garlic (optional to boost your immune system)

    • Ginger (optional: fantastic for digestion)

    Notes:

    • Celery is high in minerals

    • When juicing it’s good to run hard root vegetables to push all the pulp through the juicer

    • Apples have malic acid that help to clean the kidneys

    • Carrots turn into beta carotene and vitamin A which help clean the lungs

    • Beets help to clean the liver and the blood

    • Beets will turn your pee and poo red

    • Juice last about 4 to 5 days before going bad

    • A quart of juice every day is the optimal daily intake

    • Moist pulp have be run back through the juicer to get all of the juicer

    • Fill your juice to the top of the jar so there is little to no air in the jar (this keeps the juice fresh)

    • Orange Juice is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and helps to clean the blood

    Options for Pulp

    • Put in soups or salads

    • Make dehydrated cookies

    • Put in a compost pile for your garden

    Notes:

    • Coffee is really good for the thyroid

    • Drink only filtered water to avoid possible toxins

    • Berkey is a great water filtration system

    • Freshly ground organic coffee is the best option

    • Coffee taxes the adrenal glands so you need simple carbohydrates (sugar) and healthy fats (coconut oil)

    • Don’t drink coffee at night

    Coffee or Coffee Alternative Recipe

    • Organic freshly ground coffee or macha tea or moringa tea

    • Hydrolyzed Collagen

    • Raw Organic Sugar

    • Organic Coconut oil

    Notes:

    • Remember: juice vegetables and blend fruits

    • Cacao is a powerful antioxidant

    • Hydrolyzed collagen is great for regenerating tissue

    • Apples: remove the stem and leave the core

    Smoothie Recipe

    • Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

    • Coconut Water

    • Hydrolyze collagen

    • Maca Root

    • Cacao

    • Spirulina

    • Bananas

    • Apples

    • Berries

    • Mangos

    Notes:

    • Sunlight exposure is the key to setting your circadian rhythm

    • Exercise is a method of clearing your mind to reduce your emotional stressors and help you get deep sleep

    Notes:

    • Recumbent bikes are the best type of bikes

    • 3 Stressors: Physical, Chemical, Emotional

    • Exercise has a calming emotional effect on your body

    • If you can’t exercise try doing deep breathing exercises

    Walking

    • Walk 30 minutes every day

    • Walk on wet dirt, grass or sand

    • Walking in the ocean causes a transdermal absorption of magnesium

    • Walking barefoot helps to stimulate your brain

    Notes

    • The is a normal curvature of the neck

    • C3, C4, and C5 supply the diaphragm

    • Any trauma to the neck can alter nerve supply to the diaphragm which will negatively affect your ability to sleep and cause sleep apnea

    • You must find a corrective chiropractor if you have a reversed cervical curve or a loss of the normal cervical curve

    Neck Exercises before bedtime

    • Sit down and put your elbows on the table and support your chin with your thumbs

    • Thera Curve or Rolled up towel

    • These exercises help to hydrate the discs in the cervical spine

    • The worst sleep position is lying down on your back with your legs bent

    • This rocks the pelvis backwards and flattens the lumbar curve which will set you up for long term pelvic and lumbar problems

    • The best sleep position is sleeping on your side with a pillow in between your legs to take pressure off your sacroiliac joint

    • Make sure the spine is in total alignment

    Notes:

    • Grounding sheet

    • Mattresses: large heavier person (firmer) smaller lighter person (softer)

    • Coconut fiber mattress

    • Pillows: slight elevation of the head when you’re lying flat on your back

    • Pillows: aligns your spine when you’re lying on your side

    • Recommendation: Buckwheat pillow

    • White Noise Generator- intermittent sounds can disrupt your sleep and white noise generators give your brain something to focus on when you’re sleeping

    • You should have only a journal, pen, and a boring book next to your bed

    • Journal: write down your thoughts, ideas, or feeling

    • Journal a few lines to half a paragraph, not several pages for hours

    • Read a boring book for 15 minutes

    Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Explores the connection between sleep and various health conditions, offering a comprehensive view of sleep's impact on overall well-being
    Recommends specific brands of juicers, such as Greenstar, Omega, and Kuving, which may be helpful for some but inaccessible to others
    Discusses the use of corrective chiropractic care for sleep apnea, which may be a beneficial approach for some individuals with specific conditions
    Suggests eliminating medications with a doctor's help, which emphasizes the importance of professional medical advice and guidance
    Recommends specific sleep positions and mattresses, which may help learners optimize their sleep environment for better rest
    Details sleep restriction therapy, which may be difficult for some learners to adhere to due to its demanding schedule

    Save this course

    Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
    Save

    Reviews summary

    Holistic approaches to enhance sleep

    According to learners, this course offers a unique perspective on tackling sleep issues by focusing on natural methods and lifestyle adjustments. Many found the practical tips and strategies easy to implement, helping them make immediate changes. Students appreciate the broad coverage of factors affecting sleep, including diet, environment, and stress. While generally well-received and effective for some, a few reviewers noted that some of the course's specific recommendations, such as those related to chiropractic care or certain supplements, might require further research or discussion with a healthcare professional. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for those seeking drug-free ways to improve sleep quality.
    Presents less conventional methods alongside common tips.
    "The course includes some ideas I hadn't heard before, like specific neck exercises and the grounding sheet concept."
    "It's not just standard sleep hygiene advice; it delves into specific physiological and lifestyle connections."
    "The approach feels more rooted in alternative health principles than mainstream medical advice."
    "I found the information on how certain drugs affect sleep very informative, although the advice to eliminate them requires medical guidance."
    Includes advice on diet, supplements, and chiropractic care.
    "The recommendations for specific foods, juicing recipes, and smoothie ingredients were interesting and aligned with my health goals."
    "The section on the potential link between neck issues and sleep apnea, and suggested chiropractic solutions, was unique."
    "Some advice, like eliminating medications or specific chiropractic recommendations, seemed quite strong and should definitely be discussed with a doctor."
    "I wasn't sure about all the claims made regarding certain supplements or therapies; more scientific backing would be good."
    Connects sleep issues to wider health and lifestyle factors.
    "I liked how the course links sleep problems to various health conditions and stressors, providing a holistic view."
    "Understanding the role of the nervous system in sleep was a valuable part of the course for me."
    "The discussion on chronic stressors (physical, chemical, emotional) provides useful context."
    "It goes beyond basic sleep hygiene to discuss underlying physiological factors."
    Offers actionable, drug-free strategies for better sleep.
    "I found the practical tips on journaling, reading before bed, and sleep masks to be incredibly helpful and easy to start."
    "The section on sleep restrictive therapy gave me a structured plan to reset my sleep schedule."
    "I appreciate the focus on diet and natural methods like juicing and specific foods to support sleep."
    "The advice on sleep position and environment made a noticeable difference for me."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Restoring Deep Sleep to Enhance your Health with these activities:
    Review Autonomic Nervous System
    Reinforce your understanding of the autonomic nervous system to better grasp the course's discussion of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches and their impact on sleep.
    Browse courses on Autonomic Nervous System
    Show steps
    • Review the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
    • Identify how each system affects sleep and wakefulness.
    • Summarize the key differences between the two systems.
    Mindfulness and Meditation Exercises
    Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to reduce stress and improve sleep quality, complementing the course's focus on emotional stressors.
    Show steps
    • Find a quiet space to practice mindfulness or meditation.
    • Follow a guided meditation or focus on your breath.
    • Practice for 10-20 minutes daily.
    Read 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker
    Expand your knowledge of sleep science with a detailed exploration of the biological and psychological aspects of sleep.
    View Why We Sleep on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker.
    • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to sleep stages and health impacts.
    • Take notes on key concepts and findings.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Sleep Journaling and Analysis
    Track your sleep patterns and identify factors affecting your sleep quality, reinforcing the course's emphasis on personalized sleep solutions.
    Show steps
    • Create a sleep journal to record sleep duration, bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep quality.
    • Track factors like diet, exercise, stress levels, and screen time before bed.
    • Analyze the data to identify patterns and correlations.
    • Adjust habits based on the analysis to improve sleep.
    Create a Sleep Hygiene Guide
    Synthesize course information and external research to create a practical guide for improving sleep hygiene, solidifying your understanding of the material.
    Show steps
    • Research and compile information on sleep hygiene best practices.
    • Organize the information into a clear and concise guide.
    • Include tips on creating a relaxing bedtime routine and optimizing the sleep environment.
    • Share the guide with others and gather feedback.
    Read 'The Sleep Revolution' by Arianna Huffington
    Gain insights into the cultural and societal factors affecting sleep and learn practical strategies for improving sleep habits.
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of 'The Sleep Revolution' by Arianna Huffington.
    • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to sleep habits and cultural factors.
    • Reflect on how these factors affect your own sleep.
    Design a Personalized Sleep Plan
    Develop a comprehensive sleep plan tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle, integrating the knowledge gained from the course and additional research.
    Show steps
    • Assess your current sleep habits and identify areas for improvement.
    • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for sleep.
    • Develop a detailed plan that includes strategies for improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and optimizing the sleep environment.
    • Implement the plan and track your progress.
    • Adjust the plan as needed based on your results.

    Career center

    Learners who complete Restoring Deep Sleep to Enhance your Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Health Coach
    A health coach guides clients towards better health practices, and this course on restoring deep sleep provides a detailed understanding of a vital component of overall health. A health coach helps individuals to understand the importance of sleep in managing stress, improving physical and mental well being, and strengthening the immune system, all of which are addressed in this course. The course details the impact of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and it goes into detail about ways to improve sleep quality, including physical, chemical, and emotional stressors. This course provides a useful understanding of the underlying issues that affect sleep, making it valuable to someone who seeks to improve client outcomes.
    Wellness Consultant
    A wellness consultant advises individuals and organizations on practices that promote wellbeing, and this course on sleep is a key resource because it emphasizes the importance of sleep for achieving optimal health. In this role, one might teach clients the practices that are necessary to achieve deep, restful sleep. A wellness consultant can use the principles of this course to educate clients on sleep hygiene. They may advise clients on the importance of diet, exercise, and stress reduction as they are linked to sleep. This course provides a strong foundation for someone wishing to guide others to a healthier lifestyle.
    Lifestyle Consultant
    A lifestyle consultant works with clients to develop habits and routines that promote a healthy lifestyle, and this course directly connects to this role because it gives the tools to address a major component of health: sleep. A lifestyle consultant can use course concepts such as the impact of stressors on sleep to help clients live a more balanced lifestyle. They may help clients to understand the links between sleep and disease. This course is valuable because it provides actionable steps to improve sleep which are vital for a lifestyle consultant looking to positively influence clients' daily routines.
    Corporate Wellness Specialist
    A corporate wellness specialist designs and implements programs that improve employee health, and this course on restoring deep sleep is important because it addresses a major factor in workplace wellbeing including elevated stress levels, poor concentration, and low energy. A corporate wellness specialist could adapt the course materials to teach employees about sleep hygiene. They might address topics such as the effects of sleep deprivation and the benefits of consistent sleep. This course provides a strong foundation for someone who is dedicated to improving employee productivity and overall health.
    Wellness Program Coordinator
    A wellness program coordinator develops and manages health programs, and a course in sleep may be useful by offering a guide to one of the most important components of health. This course details the negative effects of sleep deprivation while providing practical tips to achieve a better night's rest through changes in diet, exercise, and habits. A wellness program coordinator can adapt these principles to develop a program that enhances employee sleep and overall well being. This course may be useful for someone looking to create or maintain successful health initiatives.
    Holistic Health Practitioner
    A holistic health practitioner focuses on treating the person as a whole, and this course on sleep is aligned with their philosophy as it looks at not only the physical aspects of sleep but the chemical and emotional aspects as well. A holistic health practitioner will find the information in this course useful. This course helps to develop a deeper understanding of the connection between sleep, overall health, and various conditions. In understanding the root causes of sleeping problems, a holistic health practitioner can develop a broader understanding of how to properly address underlying health conditions with a focus on sleep. This course may be particularly useful for someone who takes a more comprehensive and integrative approach to health.
    Chiropractor
    Chiropractors focus on the body's structure, particularly the spine, and how it impacts overall health, and this course directly ties because it discusses the importance of the cervical spine's role in sleep. This course addresses the connection between nerve supply to the diaphragm and sleep apnea, which is vital for a chiropractor. The course also discusses how corrective chiropractic care can improve these issues. This course may be particularly relevant and useful for a chiropractor as it provides specific, actionable strategies for patients who have difficulty sleeping due to issues with the nervous system.
    Nutritionist
    A nutritionist advises on diet for better health, and in this course, many of the nutritional topics that affect sleep are covered, which a nutritionist could find helpful. This course discusses the role of diet in sleep, addressing not only the benefits of juicing but also the role of coffee, caffeine, and other substances. A nutritionist may use the information provided in this course to offer a more precise, effective, and comprehensive strategy with clients. The course provides useful insight into how diet affects sleep, which is important for a nutritionist looking to improve client well being.
    Occupational Therapist
    An occupational therapist helps people perform daily tasks and improve their quality of life. Because this course discusses the importance of habits that promote better sleep, it can be useful for an occupational therapist. The course gives specific advice on how to modify habits to improve sleep, such as journaling or reading. An occupational therapist who wants to help clients with sleep may find this course valuable. This course may be of use to an occupational therapist seeking ways to integrate sleep hygiene into treatment plans.
    Personal Trainer
    A personal trainer instructs clients on exercise and fitness, and this course connects because it discusses the importance between exercise and better sleep. The course explains the role of exercise in reducing stress and improving sleep, something that is vital for a personal trainer. A personal trainer can utilize this course's concepts to better advise their clients, for example, discussing how exercise and grounding can improve sleep. This course may be a useful resource for someone looking to provide more comprehensive fitness advice.
    Sleep Technician
    A sleep technician works in sleep labs, assisting with sleep studies, and this course may be useful by providing a more comprehensive view of sleep. This course goes into detail on factors impacting sleep such as medications, stress, and lifestyle. A sleep technician might find the content on the autonomic nervous system particularly relevant. Understanding the material presented in the course may help a sleep technician to have a more comprehensive perspective on what factors affect sleep and sleep quality. This course may be useful for individuals seeking a more comprehensive understanding of sleep.
    Public Health Educator
    A public health educator promotes healthy living through outreach and education, and this course may be useful in helping the educator understand the importance of sleep. This course outlines many of the negative effects of sleep deprivation, ranging from a weakened immune system to chronic diseases. A public health educator can use this knowledge to create health campaigns to promote awareness about the need for sufficient, high-quality sleep. This course may helpful for someone looking to address major public health concerns.
    Rehabilitation Counselor
    A rehabilitation counselor works with individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions to help them achieve a better quality of life, and this course may be helpful in providing a deeper understanding of how sleep impacts physical and mental health. The course emphasizes the role of sleep in tissue regeneration, and it discusses the connection between poor sleep and diseases. A rehabilitation counselor could find this helpful. While it is not the main focus, the course could assist a rehabilitation counselor in understanding the connection between sleep and their clients' conditions. This course may only be helpful to those rehabilitation counselors who are looking at lifestyle factors that impact well being.
    Medical Assistant
    A medical assistant supports healthcare professionals through administrative and clinical tasks, and this course may provide insight into a major component of health. This course discusses the negative impact of poor sleep, which is useful for a medical assistant who is interested in learning about underlying causes of common conditions. This course may only be helpful to a medical assistant who is seeking to expand their perspective beyond typical clinical tasks.
    Researcher
    A researcher designs and conducts studies to investigate a topic, and this course may be useful as it explores the connection between sleep and various health conditions. The course covers topics such as the impact of sleep medications on the body, the role of the nervous system, and the link between sleep and disease. A researcher may benefit from this broad overview of sleep, particularly one who is looking into the correlation between various health conditions and sleep. This course may be helpful for those looking for a broad perspective on some key topics in sleep health.

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Restoring Deep Sleep to Enhance your Health.
    Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of sleep, covering topics such as the stages of sleep, the effects of sleep deprivation, and the relationship between sleep and health. It expands on the course material by providing in-depth explanations of the biological mechanisms underlying sleep. It valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of sleep and its importance.
    Explores the importance of sleep for overall well-being and provides practical tips for improving sleep habits. It complements the course by offering a holistic perspective on sleep, addressing the cultural and societal factors that contribute to sleep deprivation. It useful resource for understanding the broader context of sleep and its impact on various aspects of life.

    Share

    Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

    Similar courses

    Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
    Our mission

    OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

    Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

    Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

    Affiliate disclosure

    We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

    Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

    Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

    © 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser