How good sleep hygiene can change your health and wellbeing

In celebration of World Sleep Day on March 19, luxury bed brand Hästens has teamed up with Dr. Michael J. Breus, who is known as ‘The Sleep Doctor’ to explore the importance of sleep for general health and wellbeing.

As one of the world’s most prominent sleep experts, a clinical psychologist and fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Breus talks to European Spa talks about the science of sleep.

What are the implications of poor sleep on our health?

“When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies reduce the release of leptin, a hormone that helps to suppress appetite and encourages the body to use energy, which has implications on weight. Researchers believe that poor sleep throws the body’s hormonal balance off and leads to less control over appetite and metabolism.

Type-two diabetes is more common in those suffering from sleep deprivation. Older adults who don’t get enough sleep are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Type-two diabetes. Sleep helps to regulate glucose and a lack of sleep can lead to a spike in cortisol, which can make cells more resistant to insulin.”

How does sleep impact on our ability to function day-to-day?

“Memory is directly connected to sleep habits. When we receive new information, our brains need time for it to ‘stick’. This process is called ‘memory consolidation’, where what we have learned shifts from short- to long-term memory. Research has shown that sleep aids this process and suggests we retain 40% less information when sleep deprived.

Sleep also improves our focus. Billions of neural cells are at work in our heads, helping us make decisions, process information and focus. Sleep deprivation hampers the brain cells’ ability to work together.

REM sleep – or the ‘rapid eye movement’ stage – is also known to be key to creativity. This is the period in which we start to think abstractly, when acetylcholine – a chemical that acts as a messenger between cells – floods the brain.”

What are the key things to look for in selecting a bed?

“The goal is to provide your body with sufficient support to bring the spine into alignment and allow your muscles to relax during sleep, without sacrificing comfort. Waking up with pain and stiffness is a clear sign that you’re not getting the right amount of support, regardless if you felt comfortable or not.”