Sleep. A topic that got my attention recently and I truly believe it’s important. Why we sleep? Does technology has any impact on the quality of our sleep?
There’s a book that changed the way I see things and that I recommend called “Why We Sleep”*. It’s not a secret: we all sleep. Most of us, not enough. Everyone has his reason: work, stress, chaotic lifestyle, kids, etc.. sometimes all in one.
Experts recommend us 8 hours of sleep, but let’s see what are the consequences in case we don’t respect these recommendations (data is taken from Matthew Walker’s book*):
- Sleeping 6 hours per night for 10 days causes the same decrease in performance as one night with no sleep
- When we lack sleep, the decision-making areas of our brain (prefrontal cortex) don’t work as well
- If you are on a diet, you better sleep! 😊 Lack of sleep affects hunger, and when you are not sleeping enough you will feel the urge to eat more.
- Dreams help us connect new information to our existing knowledge (which helps us be more creative)
- And…don't forget about beauty sleep! We all know that when we are tired the dark circles are not making the best impression.
Impact of technology on sleep
We tend to use our devices late at night and sometimes even in bed before we close our eyes. This choice is influencing our natural rhythm.
Why is so? The light that our gadgets have it’s called blue light and plays an important role. Researchers discovered that this light suppresses melatonin and shifted circadian rhythms**. (Melatonin is the hormone responsible for inducing drowsiness)
"To prevent sleeping problems, avoid any exposure to blue light 30 to 60 minutes before bed. That means, no TV, tablets, computers or smartphones," said Dr. Robert Oexman, director of the Sleep to Live Institute.
Most of the time, FOMO*** puts sleep on the second place, giving space to mails, social media or other apps. I encourage you not to leave sleep behind, it makes miracles at work and in relationships as well!
You’re convinced? Good sleep.
*** FOMO =the fear of missing out
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