Do you sleep 6 hours a night? If so, it is the same as if you were not sleeping at all. This was shown by a study conducted by the universities of Harvard, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia. After ten days, study participants who slept for six hours performed just as poorly on laboratory test questions as individuals who had not slept at all for two nights.
As reported by the Focus Online edition, the study was published in the journal "Sleep." A total of 48 adults participated over a period of 14 days. The result: sleep deficit is equivalent to attention deficit. Accordingly, getting little sleep has the same effects on cognitive performance as getting no sleep at all.
The brain regenerates at night
During sleep, the "cleanup" begins in our brain. For example, metabolic waste products are only removed from the brain during sleep, and repair work is carried out. To do this, the body must rest and the brain must shut down.
In general, it is assumed that it is not the length of sleep that is important, but the quality of sleep, and how well you can fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep specialists like Dr. med Michael Feld use a "rule of threes": If you are awake for more than 3 hours per night more than 3 times a week, and this state persists for more than 3 weeks, you should see your GP or a specialist.
Those suffering from sleep deficits and lack of sleep can initially turn to herbal supplements. Self-treatment with natural sleep products should not last longer than four weeks, advises sleep specialist Feld.
Heavy snorers or people suffering from sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep) also experience poorer sleep.
5 tips for better sleep
- Accustom your body to the same bedtime
- Exercise and physical activity promote sleep quality - avoid blue light from electronic devices in the bedroom
- Keep the bedroom cool and dark
- A light evening meal does not overtax the gut at night and helps you sleep better
- Herbal products with valerian and hops can help with mild sleep disorders
• Are you interested in sleep products? You can read more about them here.
