The quality of sleep, the key to health
Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder, followed by sleep apneas-hypopneas syndrome and restless legs syndrome.
The quality of sleep
The slogan "Healthy sleep, healthy aging" commemorates World Sleep Day, which is celebrated on March 15, a date dedicated to highlighting the outstanding role that a good quality of sleep plays in our health.
At least 8% of the Western population suffers from a chronic and severe sleep disorder.
Sleep plays a vital role in our metabolism, immune system, mood, memory, and learning. Not sleeping properly can lead to endocrine complications, metabolic, psychological, immunological, psychomotor, and increasingly considered lousy sleep as a trigger or risk for certain neurological disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or various neuromuscular diseases. In short, not sleeping properly is a health problem.
When there is a gradual or prolonged decrease in the time in which we remain asleep, if the number and duration of nocturnal awakenings increases, if our sleep ceases to be profound, or we experience daytime drowsiness and fatigue, it is time to visit a professional because it is most likely that we are dealing with a sleep disorder that may have treatment.
Although rest needs to change throughout life, poor sleep quality should never be understood as a normal process because underlying causes may be a risk factor for other health complications. And if you don't have bad sleep habits, each person should be able to meet the 'quota' of sleep they need to feel well. If this is not the case, sleep medications should never be taken without consulting a specialist.
To achieve good sleep hygiene, it is necessary to maintain a regular rhythm of life by keeping sound sleep and meal times and taking advantage of light cycles to adjust timetables; to avoid external agents that may disturb our rest, such as noise or external stimuli (television, mobile phones, etc.); to avoid copious meals and stimulating drinks, especially before going to sleep, as well as to practice sport and lead an active lifestyle.
