Do you know that adequate sleep is just as important for Your health as a balanced diet and an active lifestyle? Sleep allows mind and body to rest, and also improves physical performance and mental activity, both the next day and in the long term.
Although an amount of sleep each person needs is different, the most of adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. (1) Children, especially those under the age of five and teenagers, need significantly more sleep than adults.
Acute sleep disturbances are usually related to falling asleep or the quality of sleep, and can be triggered by emotional or psychological distress, or by sudden noise or light. Generally, acute sleep disorders do not require treatment. (2)
Insomnia may be called chronic if sleep is disturbed at least three nights a week for at least three months. (2)
Sleep disorders significantly reduce the quality of life:
- reduce the ability to concentration;
- contribute to excessive daytime sleepines;
- complicate intellectual work – the ability to think, remember and process information;
- cause mood swings;
- reduce endurance during everyday or physical efforts.
Obtained data suggest that sleep disturbances increase the possibility of being involved in a traffic accident, meaning that drowsiness shall be responsible for thousands of car crashes, accidents and deaths each year. (3)
In the long term, inadequate sleep can cause serious health problems. Chronic sleep deprivation can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. Other possible problems caused by insomnia include: obesity, depression, impaired immune function, and decreased sex drive. Chronic lack of sleep can even negatively affect the appearance and cause premature aging, emergence of wrinkles and dark circles under eyes.
3 valuable tips for healthy sleep:
- Refuse to use smart devices at least an hour before bedtime!
- A cool, dark bedroom promotes better sleep.
- Follow the sleep schedule – every day go to bed at the same time, even on weekends!
Despite the fact that the topic of sleep is often discussed in society, people still do not understand how important sleep is for health. If You have sleep disorders, do not wait until they lead to health problems, and contact a specialist in a timely manner!
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Online] 2d March 2017. [Quoted: 5th July 2022.] https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html.
2. WebMD. [Online] 21st July 2021. [Quoted: 25th August 2022.] https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes.
3. National Library of Medicine. [Online] 20th March 2018. [Quoted: 25th August 2022.] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859531/.
