By Dr. Gaby Cora - Executive Health & Wealth

I usually refer to sleep as the third pillar of the healthy physical dimension (the others are nutrition, exercise and relaxation). Many people minimize the benefits of sleep and the essential properties it brings to our ability to produce and perform at our top level. Additionally, researchers have found that sleep dysregulation and stress can increase the risk for depression and anxiety. These problems may also have direct influence over the immune system and increase the risk for heart disease. It is impossible for stressed executives and business owners not to carry their worries and concerns to their sleep. As they can’t relax and re-energize throughout the course of the night, they wake up tired and exhausted, unable to focus, further prolonging the negative cycle. In short: they are stressed out during the course of the day and stressed out during the course of the night.

Download this post as an MP3: The Power of Wellbeing Tip of the Day: Sleep

Dr. Gaby Cora

October 10^th is National Depression Screening Day.

The current economic and financial crisis has created increased pressure on all of us. As many struggle with the uncertainty of whether or not they will continue to have a job, others deal with the challenges of laying people off, many of whom may have been colleagues and friends. With stress reaching epidemic numbers, many struggle with staying healthy during rough times. Stress affects the most vulnerable systems: some people will experience frequent migraine headaches, whereas others will develop gastrointestinal problems, and others will have high blood pressure. Stress may trigger panic attacks in some people and will affect others with clinical depression.

By Dr. Gaby Cora

I was interviewed by Natalie Rodriguez today (WIOD Radio, podcasts available) regarding this timely topic by Associated Press today. Facing the tough times our economy presents to us with foreclosures, gas prices, and lay-offs affects the young adult group with worries about affording their rents and paying for school as well as adults’ wondering about their mortgages and responsibilities to support their families and aging parents.

Can “debt stress” affect your health, though?