Sleep

Everyone’s need for sleep is different, but the average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep a day. However, children and the elderly have different habits. An infant can sleep up to 14 hours of the day, whereas old people sleep increasingly less.

During sleep, the body rests and regenerates. All metabolic processes of the body and brain need regular rest to recover. During sleep, the growth hormone is restored, which is involved in tissue repair, bone production, and red blood cell production.

Even in sleep, the brain’s electrical activity continues, which can be measured by an encephalogram (EEG). Sleep is generally divided into REM and non-REM. Dreams occur in the REM phase, but 90% of sleep is non-REM. The deepest sleep at this stage brings us the greatest rest.

If you suffer from insomnia, it can be combated as follows:

• reducing coffee, tea, and alcohol consumption

• limiting large heavy meals in the evening before bedtime

• exercise during the day

• cooler temperature in the bedroom

• using earplugs if there is noise

• comfortable bed and mattress

Sleeping pills are highly addictive, so they are not recommended. They can also cause a loss of concentration during the day. They should only be prescribed when all other methods have failed.