Sleep is one of the most important elements in physical and mental health, but the rapid pace of living, the continued use of electronic devices, and the daily load are increasingly affecting its quality.
Chronic sleep deprivation, sleep loss, and lack of sufficient rest hours are some of the problems that are increasingly common.
Psychiatrist and sleep specialist Persa Papatheodosiu, in an interview with Greek media, explains how sleeping habits are changing, what are most common disorders, and when symptoms should move us to seek help from a specialist.
According to the expert, there is no universal number of hours of sleep that can be considered suitable for all, since needs vary from person to person. However, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, while some may need a little more or less.
It points out that more than the number of hours are important to changes in sleep habits and how a person feels during the day.
If a person begins to need much more sleep than before, or he experiences intense sleep during the day, even in normal situations such as travel, waiting, or watching television can be a warning sign. In such cases, consultation with a specialist is recommended, since a sleep disorder or another health problem may be erased behind symptoms.
Why Sleep Problems on the Increase
Speaking of increasing cases diagnosed with sleep disorders, Papatheodosiu explains that this does not necessarily mean that all these problems have become more frequent.
According to her, there are today more advanced diagnostic methods and greater awareness of both health professionals and citizens. For this reason, more people are identified and diagnosed properly.
However, some modern – life – style factors really influence the quality of sleep. One of them is a chronic lack of rest hours, since a society that functions almost 24 hours a day often leaves insufficient space for sleep.
The expert points out that the most common cause of sleep during the day is not necessarily a rare disease, but the very lack of time for sleep.
Another factor is the growth of body weight, which may affect the increase in sleep – related applications.
How do phones and screens affect the quality of sleep?
Using telephones, computers, and other sleeping devices is another element that can affect night rest.
According to the expert, light is the body’s main biological clock regulator. Screens emit light with high content of the blue spectrum, which the brain can interpret as a signal that it is still day.
However, the expert warns that the impact of screens should not be overestimated, as general exposure to light during the day and the preservation of a stable bedtime is also very important.
Besides light, the content that we consume on the phone may be a problem. Reading a stressful email, following disturbing news reports, or continuing social networking can increase mental and emotional activity before we sleep.
So technology’s influence is not only related to the light of screens, but also to the psychological stimulus that causes their use.
Sleeplessness and Apnea, the Two Most Common Disorders
In clinical practice, two of the most frequent sleep disorders are chronic insomnia and obesity.
Insomnia manifests itself through difficulty sleeping, frequent wake-up at night, or waking up very early in the morning. These problems may have a significant impact on daily functioning and quality of life.
While the obstructural aura of sleep is marked by repeated nighttime respiratory interruptions. It is often accompanied by snoring, quiet sleep, and intense sleep during the day.
Papatheodosiu avoids using the term “pepidemi” to describe sleep disorders, stressing that increasing identified cases relates to both overweight and public awareness of these problems.
How can sleep be improved without the use of drugs?
Before a treatment is undertaken, the expert highlights the importance of correct identification of the problem. According to her, not all sleep – related concern implies the presence of a disorder that requires medical intervention.
It points out that medications should be used, not simply to improve normal sleep, but only when certain diagnosiss and indicators exist.
An important alternative to dealing with sleep problems is the Sleepful Medicine, which studies the effects of daily habits and the way they can be changed to improve rest.
One of the main methods is Controversial Bringing to Sleeplessness ( CBT-I), considered internationally the first line of chronic insomnia treatment.
In conclusion, the expert points out that general sleep advice should not be given without first realizing the problem facing each individual. According to her, each case requires a personal assessment and approach.
Source Layer: Insander
