Sleep and Health: how sleep mode affects health by 50%
I. Introduction to the world of sleep: Architecture and stages
Understanding the influence of sleep on health begins with the awareness of the complex architecture of this process. Sleep is not just a state of shutdown; This is an active, dynamic period consisting of severalDistINC stages, each of which plays its own unique role in restoring and maintaining the optimal functioning of the body.
A. Circle rhythms: inner sleep conductor
Circat rhythms are internal biological watches that regulate many physiological processes during the 24-hour cycle, including sleeping, hormonal regulation, body temperature and appetite. These rhythms are synchronized with external signals, such as light and darkness, acting as a conductor that provides harmonious functioning of the body.
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The role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN): SCN, located in the hypothalamus, is the main regulator of circadian rhythms. It receives information about the light mode from the retina and transfers it to other areas of the brain, coordinating their activity in accordance with the time of day. SCN operational disruption caused, for example, by changing time zones or working on a night shift, can lead to serious health consequences.
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Melatonin: Hormone Darkness: Melatonin, the hormone produced by the pineal gland in the dark, plays a key role in sleep regulation. Its level increases in the evening, signaling the body about the onset of night and contributing to falling asleep. Light suppresses the production of melatonin, which explains why the use of electronic devices before going to bed may difficult to fall asleep.
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Factors affecting circus rhythms: In addition to the light, other factors, such as the diet, physical activity and social interaction, affect circus rhythms. The regular regime of the day, including food and sports at the same time, helps to maintain the synchronization of circadian rhythms and improves sleep quality.
B. Stages of sleep: Traveling deep into the subconscious
The dream consists of two main phases: NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement-a dream without quick eye movements) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement-a dream with quick eye movements). NREM-SN is divided into three stages, each of which is characterized by certain physiological changes.
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NREM-SN: Restoration of the body and brain:
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Stage N1 (Speak): This is a transitional stage between wakefulness and sleep. The muscles relax, the heart rhythm and breathing slow down. It is easy to wake up at this stage.
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Stage N2 (easy sleep): A deeper stage than N1. It is characterized by the appearance of sleepy spindles and K-comprehensive electroencephalogram (EEG). Sleepy spindles are involved in the consolidation of memory, and the K-complexes in the suppression of external stimuli.
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Stage N3 (deep sleep): The most restorative stage of sleep. The heart rhythm and breathing slow down as much as possible, the muscles completely relax. The development of growth hormone reaches a peak. Awakening at this stage is difficult, and a person feels disoriented. A deep dream plays an important role in physical restoration, strengthening of immunity and consolidation of declarative memory (memory of facts and events).
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REM-SN: Mental Processing and Dreams:
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Rem-sne characteristics: It is characterized by quick movements of the eyes, rapid and irregular breathing, increased heart rhythm and blood pressure. The muscle tone is significantly reduced (atony), which prevents the implementation of dreams in physical actions.
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Rem-Sna role: REM-SN plays an important role in the consolidation of procedural memory (memory and habits), emotional regulation and creative thinking. During REM-SNN, the processing and integration of information received during the day occurs. Dreams arising in REM-SNE can be associated with the processing of emotional experiences.
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II. Influence of lack of sleep on physical health
A chronic lack of sleep has a destructive effect on all body systems, increasing the risk of developing various diseases and reducing the total life expectancy.
A. Immune system: Weakened protection
The lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.
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Reducing the activity of immune cells: Sleep is important for the development and functioning of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killers (NK cells), which fight infections and cancer cells. The lack of sleep reduces the activity of these cells, weakening the body’s protection.
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Increase in the level of inflammation: The lack of sleep helps to increase the level of inflammatory cytokines in the blood, which can lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other diseases.
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Increase in the risk of infections: Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 6 hours a day have an increased risk of infection of colds, influenza and other infectious diseases.
B. Cardiovascular system: increased load
The lack of sleep has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of developing hypertension, heart failure, stroke and other diseases.
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Improving blood pressure: The lack of sleep can lead to an increase in blood pressure, both in the daytime and at night. Chronically increased blood pressure increases the load on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
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Cardiac violation: The lack of sleep can violate the heart rhythm, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
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Improving cholesterol levels: The lack of sleep can help increase the level of “poor” cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
C. Endocrine system: hormonal imbalance
The lack of sleep has a significant effect on the endocrine system, violating the production of various hormones, such as insulin, cortisol and growth hormones.
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Insulin resistance and diabetes: The lack of sleep reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can lead to the development of insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Increasing the level of cortisol: The lack of sleep helps to increase the level of cortisol, stress hormone. Chronically increased level of cortisol can lead to various negative consequences, such as a decrease in immunity, increasing blood pressure and weight gain.
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Reducing the level of hormone growth: During deep sleep, growth hormone is developing, which plays an important role in restoring tissues, muscle growth and metabolic regulation. The lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in the level of growth hormone, which can negatively affect these processes.
D. Metabolism: metabolic disorder
The lack of sleep violates metabolism, contributing to the weight gain, the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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Strengthening the feeling of hunger and decrease in a sense of saturation: The lack of sleep affects hormones that regulate appetite, increasing the level of ghrelin (hormone hormone) and reducing the level of leptin (saturation hormone). This can lead to overeating and weight gain.
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Reducing the speed of metabolism: The lack of sleep can reduce metabolism, which complicates the burning of calories and helps to accumulate fat.
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Increased traction to unhealthy foods: The lack of sleep can increase the craving for unhealthy foods, such as sweets and fatty foods.
III. Influence of lack of sleep on mental health
A lack of sleep is exerted by Profound effect on mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental diseases.
A. Depression: oppression of mood and motivation
The lack of sleep is one of the risk factors for the development of depression.
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Violation of mood regulation: Sleep plays an important role in the regulation of mood. The lack of sleep can violate the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in the regulation of mood.
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Increased sensitivity to stress: The lack of sleep can increase the sensitivity to stress, which can aggravate the symptoms of depression.
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Reducing cognitive functions: The lack of sleep can reduce cognitive functions, such as concentration of attention and memory, which may impede the overcoming of depression.
B. anxiety: increased nervousness and anxiety
The lack of sleep can increase anxiety and increase the risk of anxiety disorders.
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Activation of a stress system: The lack of sleep activates the stress system, which leads to an increase in the level of cortisol and other stress hormones. This can increase anxiety and cause anxiety.
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Cognitive processing violation: The lack of sleep can violate cognitive processing, which makes it difficult to evaluate situations and can lead to excessive anxiety.
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Deterioration of physical health: The lack of sleep can worsen physical health, which can also contribute to the development of anxiety.
C. Bipolar disorder: mood destabilization
The lack of sleep can destabilize the mood in people with bipolar disorder, increasing the risk of developing manic and depressive episodes.
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Violation of circadian rhythms: Bipolar disorder is often associated with circus rhythms. The lack of sleep can aggravate these violations, destabilizing the mood.
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Increased sensitivity to stress: The lack of sleep can increase the sensitivity to stress, which can provoke the development of manic and depressive episodes.
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Violation of cognitive functions: The lack of sleep can disrupt cognitive functions, which can complicate the management of symptoms of bipolar disorder.
D. Reducing cognitive functions: worsening memory, attention and decision -making
The lack of sleep has a negative effect on cognitive functions, worsening memory, attention, concentration and decision -making.
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Memory consolidation: Dream plays an important role in the consolidation of memory, a process in which the information is transferred from short -term memory to long -term. A lack of sleep can violate this process, a deteriorating memory.
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Attention and concentration: The lack of sleep reduces attention and concentration, which makes it difficult to perform tasks that require mental concentration.
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Decision -making: The lack of sleep can worsen decision -making, making a person more impulsive and prone to risky actions.
IV. Factors affecting the quality of sleep
The quality of sleep is influenced by various factors, both internal and external. Understanding these factors allows you to take measures to improve sleep.
A. Age: Changing the structure of sleep throughout life
The structure of sleep changes with age. In infants, REM-SN, which is necessary for the development of the brain, prevails. With age, the proportion of REM-SNA decreases, and the proportion of deep sleep increases. In the elderly, the total duration of sleep decreases, as well as the amount of deep sleep.
B. Paul: differences in sleep needs and sleep disturbances
There are differences in sleep needs and sleep disturbances between men and women. Women, as a rule, need more sleep than men. They are also more prone to the development of insomnia and restless legs syndrome.
C. Genetics: Predisposition to sleep disturbances
Genetics plays a role in a predisposition to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, apnea syndrome in a dream and narcolepsy. However, a genetic predisposition does not mean that a person will necessarily develop these violations. The lifestyle and the environment also play an important role.
D. Life: the influence of diet, physical activity and alcohol and caffeine
Significant has a lifestyle impact on the quality of sleep.
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Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps to improve sleep. Avoid eating heavy foods, sweets and caffeine before bedtime.
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Physical activity: Regular physical activity helps to improve sleep, but avoid intense training immediately before bedtime.
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Alcohol: Alcohol can help fall asleep, but it violates the structure of sleep and worsens its quality.
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Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with falling asleep and worsen the quality of sleep. Avoid the use of caffeine in the afternoon.
E. Environment: the influence of light, noise and temperature
The environment in the bedroom has Significant influence on the quality of sleep.
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World: The bedroom should be dark. Use dense curtains or a sleep mask to block light.
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Noise: The bedroom should be quiet. Use Berushi or white noise to drown out unwanted sounds.
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Temperature: The bedroom should be cool, about 18-20 degrees Celsius.
F. Medical conditions: diseases affecting sleep
Some medical conditions, such as apnea syndrome in a dream, restless legs syndrome, chronic pain and thyroid disease, can affect sleep.
G. Medicines: side effects affecting sleep
Some drugs, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and corticosteroids, can cause sleep disturbances as a side effect.
V. Disorders of sleep: classification, symptoms and treatment
Sleep disorders are common conditions that can have a negative effect on health and quality of life.
A. Insomnia: Difficulties with falling asleep and maintaining sleep
Insomnia is characterized by difficulties with falling asleep, maintaining sleep or early awakening.
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Symptoms:
- Difficulties with falling asleep
- Frequent awakening during the night
- Early awakening
- A feeling of fatigue and breakdown after sleep
- Difficulties with concentration
- Irritability and mood swings
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Treatment:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (KPT)
- Medicines (sleeping pills)
- Improving sleep hygiene
B. Apnee syndrome in a dream: intermittent breathing during sleep
Apnee syndrome in a dream is characterized by intermittent breathing during sleep caused by obstruction of the upper respiratory tract.
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Symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Breathing stops during sleep
- Feeling of suffocation during sleep
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headaches in the morning
- High blood pressure
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Treatment:
- CPAP therapy (Continous Positive Airway Pressure-constant positive pressure in the respiratory tract)
- Surgical treatment
- Change in lifestyle (weight loss, rejection of alcohol and sleeping pills)
C. Restless legs syndrome: an irresistible desire to move your feet
The syndrome of restless legs is characterized by an irresistible desire to move legs, usually accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
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Symptoms:
- An irresistible desire to move your feet
- Unpleasant sensations in the legs (itching, burning, tingling)
- Deterioration of symptoms at rest
- Improving symptoms when moving
- Sleep violation
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Treatment:
- Medicines (dopaminergic drugs, Gabapentinoids)
- Change in lifestyle (regular exercises, avoiding caffeine and alcohol)
D. Narcolence: Excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks
Narcolence is characterized by excessive daytime drowsiness, sudden attacks of sleep (sleepy attacks), cataplexia (sudden loss of muscle tone), sleepy paralysis and hypnagogical hallucinations (bright dreams when falling asleep or awakening).
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Symptoms:
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Sleepy attacks
- Cathaplexia
- Sleepy paralysis
- Hypnagogical hallucinations
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Treatment:
- Medicines (stimulants, antidepressants)
- Regular sleep and wakeful regime
VI. How to improve sleep hygiene: practical tips
Improving sleep hygiene is an important step towards improving sleep quality.
A. Creating a regular sleep and wakeful regime
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help synchronize your circus rhythms and improve sleep quality.
B. Creating a relaxing atmosphere before going to bed
Create a relaxing atmosphere before bedtime to prepare your body for sleep. Take a warm bath, read the book, listen to calm music or make easy stretching.
C. Optimization of the environment in the bedroom
Make your bedroom dark, quiet and cool. Use dense curtains or a sleep mask to block light. Use Berushi or white noise to drown out unwanted sounds. Support the temperature in the bedroom about 18-20 degrees Celsius.
D. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
Avoid the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with falling asleep and worsen the quality of sleep. Alcohol can help fall asleep, but it violates the structure of sleep and worsens its quality.
E. Regular physical activity
Regular physical activity helps to improve sleep, but avoid intense training immediately before bedtime.
F. Avoiding the use of electronic devices before bedtime
Avoid using electronic devices (phones, tablets, computers) before bedtime. Blue light emitted by these devices suppresses the production of melatonin, which can make it difficult to fall asleep.
G. Appeal to a doctor if there are problems with sleep
If you have sleep problems, consult a doctor. He can evaluate your condition and offer Appropriate treatment.
VII. Sleep and longevity: the connection between high -quality sleep and life expectancy
A qualitative dream plays an important role in maintaining health and prolonging life. Studies have shown that people who sleep enough and have a good sleep live longer and healthier.
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Reduction of risk of chronic diseases: High-quality sleep helps to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and depression.
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Strengthening the immune system: High -quality sleep strengthens the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections and diseases.
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Improving cognitive functions: High -quality sleep improves cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and concentration.
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Improving the quality of life: High -quality sleep improves the quality of life, improving mood, energy and overall well -being.
VIII. Sleep and performance: the impact of sleep on productivity and effectiveness
High -quality sleep plays an important role in increasing performance and effectiveness. People who sleep enough and have a good sleep, work better, study faster and make more balanced decisions.
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Improving concentration and attention: High -quality sleep improves concentration and attention, which allows you to better focus on tasks and perform them more efficiently.
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Improving memory and learning: High -quality sleep improves memory and training, which allows you to quickly absorb new information and remember it for a long time.
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Improving decision -making: High -quality sleep improves decision -making, making a person more reasonable and less impulsive.
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Improving creative thinking: High -quality sleep improves creative thinking, allowing you to find new solutions and generate new ideas.
IX. Sleep and safety: the role of sleep in the prevention of accidents
The lack of sleep is a serious risk factor for accidents, especially on roads and at work. People who do not get enough sleep are more prone to accidents and injuries.
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Reducing reaction time: The lack of sleep reduces the reaction time, which increases the risk of accidents on the roads and at work.
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Deterioration of attention and concentration: The lack of sleep worsens attention and concentration, which also increases the risk of accidents.
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Reducing coordination: The lack of sleep reduces coordination, which can lead to injuries at work and in everyday life.
X. Sleep and sport: the influence of sleep on sports results
A qualitative dream plays an important role in improving sports results. Athletes who sleep enough and have a good sleep show the best results, recover faster after training and less often get injuries.
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Improving physical endurance: High -quality sleep improves physical endurance, which allows you to train longer and more intense.
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Acceleration of recovery: High -quality sleep accelerates recovery after training, allowing the body to recover faster and prepare for the next training.
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Improving coordination and accuracy: High -quality sleep improves coordination and accuracy, which is important for many sports.
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Reducing the risk of injuries: High -quality sleep reduces the risk of injuries, strengthening muscles and ligaments.
XI. Sleep and children: Features of children’s sleep and its influence on development
Sleep plays Crucial a role in the development of children. The lack of sleep can have a negative impact on the physical, mental and emotional development of the child.
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Sleep duration in children: Children need more sleep than adults. The duration of sleep depends on the age of the child.
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The effect of sleep on brain development: Dream plays an important role in the development of the brain, especially in the first years of life.
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The influence of sleep on behavior and performance: The lack of sleep can lead to behavioral problems and reducing academic performance.
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Tips for improving sleep in children:
- Create a regular mode of sleep and wakefulness.
- Create a relaxing atmosphere before bedtime.
- Limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime.
- Make sure that the child’s bedroom is dark, quiet and cool.
XII. Sleep and elderly people: Features of sleep in old age and ways to improve it
With age, the structure of sleep changes. In the elderly, the total duration of sleep decreases, as well as the amount of deep sleep. They are also more prone to the development of sleep disturbances.
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Features of sleep in old age:
- Reduction in the total duration of sleep
- Decrease in the amount of deep sleep
- Frequent awakening during the night
- Early awakening
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Causes of sleep disturbances in older people:
- Medical conditions
- Medication
- Change in lifestyle
- Reduction in physical activity
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Tips for improving sleep in the elderly:
- Create a regular mode of sleep and wakefulness.
- Create a relaxing atmosphere before bedtime.
- Contractly engage in physical activity.
- Avoid the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
- Contact the doctor if there are problems with sleep.
XIII. Modern technologies and sleep: the influence of gadgets and applications on sleep quality
Modern technologies have both positive and negative impact on the quality of sleep.
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Positive influence:
- Sleep tracking applications
- White noise
- Applications for meditation and relaxation
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Negative influence:
- Blue light emitted by electronic devices
- Using electronic devices before bedtime
- Dependence on gadgets
XIV. Alternative methods of improving sleep: herbs, additives and therapy
There are alternative methods of improving sleep, such as herbs, additives and therapy.
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Herbs:
- Valerian
- Chamomile
- Melissa
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Supplements:
- Melatonin
- Magnesium
- L-theanine
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Therapy:
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Yoga
- Meditation
XV. Sleep and work: the impact of work on health changes and methods of minimizing negative consequences
Change work disrupts circus rhythms and can have a negative effect on health.
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Negative consequences of shift work:
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Increased risk of cancer
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Ways to minimize the negative consequences of shift work:
- Follow the regular mode of sleep and wakefulness, as far as possible.
- Use bright light while working on a night shift.
- Use dark glasses and dense curtains to block the light during the day.
- Avoid the use of caffeine in the second half of the night shift.
- Contractly engage in physical activity.
- Observe a balanced diet.
- Contact the doctor if there are problems with sleep.
XVI. Future of sleep research: new directions and prospects
Sleep studies continue to develop, opening new horizons in understanding the role of sleep in health and illness.
- Sleep genetics: The study of genetic factors affecting sleep.
- Sleep neurobiology: The study of neural mechanisms regulating sleep.
- Sleep and neurodegenerative diseases: The study of the connection between sleep and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Development of new methods of treatment of sleep disorders: Development of new drugs and therapy for the treatment of sleep disorders.
- Individualization of the treatment of sleep disorders: Development of individualized plans for the treatment of sleep disorders based on the genetic and neurobiological characteristics of the patient.
XVII. Sleep and social factors: the influence of the social environment and culture on sleep
The social environment and culture have an impact on sleep.
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The influence of social norms and expectations: Social norms and expectations can affect the duration of sleep and the time of falling asleep.
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The influence of family circumstances: Family circumstances, such as the presence of young children, can affect sleep.
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Influence of socio-economic status: Socio-economic status can affect access to resources to improve sleep, such as medical care and comfortable housing.
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The influence of culture: Cultural traditions and beliefs can affect the ideas of sleep and its significance.
XVIII. Sleep and travel: how to deal with jetlag and adapt to a new time zone
Traveling, especially the intersection of several time zones, can violate circus rhythms and cause jetlag.
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Symptoms of Jetlag:
- Insomnia
- Daytime drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Indigestion
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Ways to combat jetlag:
- Gradually adapt your sleep mode to a new time zone before the trip.
- See your destination a few days before an important event.
- Explore bright light at the right time of the day.
- Take melatonin.
- Avoid the use of caffeine and alcohol.
- Drink a lot of water.
XIX. Sleep and awareness: Practices of awareness to improve sleep
Practices of awareness, such as meditation of awareness and breathing exercises, can help improve sleep.
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Meditation of awareness: Meditation of awareness helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve sleep.
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Respiratory exercises: Respiratory exercises help to relax and prepare the body for sleep.
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Body-Scan: Body-Scan is a practice of awareness that helps to realize sensations in the body and relax.
XX. Sleep and pets: as the presence of pets affects sleep
The presence of pets can have both positive and negative impact on sleep.
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Positive influence:
- Self -safety and comfort
- Decrease in stress and anxiety
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Negative influence:
- Interruption of sleep
- Allergy
- Noise
XXI. Sleep and clothing: the effect of sleeping clothes on sleep quality
Sleep clothing can affect the quality of sleep.
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Material: Choose clothes for sleeping from natural materials, such as cotton, flax or silk.
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Free cut: Choose clothes for sleeping free cut so as not to constrain movements.
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Temperature: Choose sleeping clothes that corresponds to the temperature in the bedroom.
XXII. Sleep and pillows: the choice of a suitable pillow for comfortable sleep
The choice of a suitable pillow is important for a comfortable sleep.
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Position during sleep: Choose a pillow that supports the correct position of the head and neck during sleep.
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Material: Choose a pillow of material that is comfortable for you.
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Height: Choose a pillow that has the correct height for your position during sleep.
XXIII. Sleep and mattresses: the effect of the mattress on the quality of sleep
The mattress has Significant impact on sleep quality.
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Rigidity: Choose a mattress that has the correct rigidity for your weight and position during sleep.
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Material: Choose a mattress made of material that is comfortable for you.
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Size: Choose a mattress that has a suitable size for you and your partner.
XXIV. Sleep and dreams: the role of dreams in the processing of emotions and information
Dreams play an important role in processing emotions and information.
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Theories about the role of dreams: There are various theories about the role of dreams, including the theory of consolidation of memory, the theory of emotional regulation and the theory of solving problems.
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Conscious dreams: Conscious dreams are dreams in which a person realizes that he is sleeping.
XXV. Dream and Future: Prospects for the development of technologies and methods for improving sleep
In the future, the development of new technologies and methods for improving sleep is expected.
- Smart beds: Smart beds that can track sleep and adjust the temperature and rigidity of the mattress.
- Neurotechnology: Neurotechnologies that can improve sleep by stimulating the brain.
- ** Personalized approaches to