Protecting your sleep
4 min read
Louise halimi
Sleep, often perceived as a seemingly passive state, is in fact a period of intense activity for our bodies and minds. Each night, as we surrender to our dreams, a veritable ballet takes place within us, offering much more than just a pause. Understanding, appreciating, and safeguarding this vital phase is crucial for our overall well-being.
Sleep: an animated scene of regeneration.
Sleep is not merely a pause. It's during this time that our body repairs and regenerates. Our brain sorts and stores information, strengthening memories and promoting learning. Our cells renew themselves, our immune systems strengthen, and our hormones rebalance. In short, sleep is the cornerstone of our physical and mental health.
Our sleep needs.
On average, adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to maintain good health. However, this can vary from person to person based on various factors such as age, level of physical activity, health status, and individual habits.
Newborns and infants need 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, while young children typically require 9 to 13 hours. Adolescents, on the other hand, need 8 to 10 hours of sleep to feel well-rested.
Sleep quality is as important as quantity. Uninterrupted and restorative sleep allows for adequate recovery of the body and mind, even if the total duration may slightly vary from person to person. Listening to one's body and adjusting sleep habits accordingly is essential for maintaining a good balance and overall health. This is why Alohadoo's daily questionnaire incorporates sleep quality measurement. This monitoring helps identify any persistent or chronic anomalies in your sleep cycles.
The dangers of sleep deprivation on mental health.
Sleep deprivation is not trivial. It is closely linked to a host of mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe problems such as cognitive disorders (dementia, memory disorders, attention disorders…). Restless nights can impair decision-making abilities, mood, and emotional resilience.
Disruptive factors of sleep.
Sleep disturbances can arise for various reasons: stress, heavy meals before bedtime, excessive screen brightness before sleep, excessive caffeine consumption, or an inappropriate sleep environment. By identifying and reducing these disturbances, we can significantly improve our sleep quality and, consequently, our quality of life.
Creating a routine to facilitate sleep.
A bedtime routine can transform our sleep experience. Taking time to relax before bed, limiting exposure to blue light from electronic devices, practicing meditation or yoga, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can be beneficial habits.
Tips for protected and quality sleep.
To promote quality sleep, some simple actions can be adopted. Prioritizing a quiet and dark room, maintaining a comfortable temperature (between 18 and 21°C, between 64.4°F and 69.8°F), avoiding heavy meals before sleep, and investing in a comfortable mattress and bedding contribute to restful sleep.
Protecting your sleep means protecting your physical and mental health. By understanding the importance of sleep, identifying obstacles to quality rest, and adopting rituals to facilitate sleep, everyone can improve their overall well-being. Valuing our sleep is an investment in our long-term mental and emotional health.
Photo by Irina