Sleep
Getting Started
Deep, restful sleep is essential for health, well-being and performance. Disturbed sleep not only leads to deterioration in these three areas, but can also cause accidents and chronic physical and mental illness. Sleep disorders are often to blame.
Forty percent of people in Germany have sleep complaints of some kind. More than 10% of the population suffers from sleep disorders requiring treatment.
(1)
A serious sleep disorder shows itself in everyday life. Symptoms include daytime sleepiness and the tendency to nod off during the day.
What kind of sleeping disorders are there?
- When awakened while drifting off to sleep and it takes more than half an hour to get back to that same level of sleep.
- When awakened during the night and it takes more than half an hour to get back to that same level of sleep.
- Disruptions of normal sleep patterns such as Jetlag.
- Strong daytime sleepiness or falling asleep unintentionally.
- Other abnormalities like sleepwalking, speaking in sleep or teeth grinding
Cause
There are many different causes of insomnia and other sleep disorders:
Psychological reasons for sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are triggered in most cases by psychological factors such as stress, anger, depression or emotional stress.
Physical reasons for sleep disorders
Physical causes of sleep disorders can be sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep), restless legs (Restless Legs Syndrome), pain, noise or bright light.
Physiological reasons for sleep disorders
Example: Having varied shifts at work
Pharmacological reasons for sleep disorders
Example: Alcohol, coffee consumption, side effects of drugs
What can be done against insomnia and other sleep disorders?
Possible Solutions
The following rules should be followed for healthy sleep:
- Regularly exercise a few hours before bedtime.
Avoid exercise just before heading to bed.
- The bedroom should be well ventilated and either low or no heat should be used. Let in fresh air before bed.
- Heavy meals in the evening should be avoided.
- Stimulating beverages such as pop and coffee should be avoided as well as alcohol and nicotine. While the alcohol helps you to fall sleep, it will often lead to interupted sleep.
- Before bedtime, relaxing activities such as reading or walking are helpful.
- Avoid light and noise.
- Go to bed only when you are tired.
- Give your brain a rest by counting sheep or another mind relaxation technique.
- Try to go to bed and get up at the same general time each day.
(2)
The Wilms Hygienic Wood Bed Mat, made of pine heartwood, can
also contribute to restful sleep. The essential ingredients have a
calming effect, reduce sleep disturbances and improve the nighttime
recovery process. Furthermore, the unique wood-chip surface structure
of the mat stimulates the nervous system, promoting blood circulation
and relieving pain. (Go to the Mat)