Adequate sleep is one of the most important elements of health and well-being. However, modern lifestyles can lead to sleep disruption and, consequently, health risks associated with sleep deprivation. In this article, you will learn why good quality sleep is important and what health risks arise from a lack of it. At the end of the article, we will also give you useful tips on how to improve it.

The importance of healthy sleep

Adequate and quality sleep is as important to our health as a balanced diet. In general, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. Adequate sleep promotes:

• healthy weight,
• cognitive function,
• a healthy heart,
• a healthy mental state,
• immune system,
• sports performance.

Health risks associated with sleep deprivation

The risks associated with sleep deprivation can vary depending on whether the problem is acute or chronic. Acute sleep deprivation causes attention disorders and rapid mood changes.

Chronic sleep deprivation contributes to a wider range of health problems:

Cardiovascular disease

Studies have found significant associations between sleep deprivation and cardiovascular problems. In particular, insufficient sleep can raise blood pressure.

Diabetes

Lack of sleep affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Obesity

People who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation tend to consume more calories. Insufficient sleep stimulates cravings for foods high in fat and carbohydrates, which contributes to obesity.

Immune system

The body's natural defences against infections cannot function properly with insufficient sleep.

Mental health

Sleep deprivation can contribute to symptoms of depression over time. Insomnia and depression are mutually supportive. Sleep disturbances often worsen symptoms of depression, and depression makes it harder to fall asleep.

Bed linen for better sleep

The quality of your bed linen can have a significant impact on your sleep. You should pay especially close attention to it if:

• you sweat in your sleep,
• you are allergic,
• you have odour problems.

Your sleep problem can be solved with Prolen® Medical sheets . They are made of 100% Prolen® Siltex and Prolen® Bodyfresh polypropylene fibre. They wick away moisture and keep you dry and comfortable during the night. Prolen® Medical bed linen is antiviral, antimicrobial and retains fewer allergens compared to cotton linen. Therefore, it is also ideal for allergy sufferers. It is odour-resistant and less susceptible to the growth of bacteria or mould.

Final tips to improve sleep

Although bed linen has an impact on the quality of your sleep, there are other factors that affect it. Here are a few more tips to help you improve your sleep:

• Increase the length of time in daylight during the day.
• Do not consume caffeine or alcohol at late hours.
• Play sports or other physical activity.
• Create a soothing evening ritual.
• Try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time.
• Avoid heavy food for several hours before sleep.
• Do not look at screens that emit blue light for at least 2 hours before sleeping.

Sources:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation#references-79004

https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important