On March 13, we are about to celebrate World Sleep Day. "More and more people suffer from insomnia, and the lack of quality sleep affects memory, immunity and the heart, writes BNR.
Between 6 and 20 percent of people in Europe suffer from insomnia, with the frequency of sleep disorders increasing with age. Women are more often affected, as well as people with a lower socio-economic status. Bulgaria is no exception to this trend. This was told to BNR by prof. Ivan Staykov, Head of the Clinic of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at Tokuda Hospital in Sofia.
According to him, one of the most common reasons for patients to seek help is chronic insomnia.
"The most common reason for visiting a specialist is the so-calledchronic insomnia – insomnia that lasts more than three months“ explained Prof. Staykov.
Another common problem is obstructive sleep apnea, which is manifested by loud snoring and cessation of breathing during sleep.
"Sleep apnea is especially common in younger men – snoring combined with cessation of breathing. This leads to fragmented sleep and severe daytime sleepiness, the specialist pointed out.
According to him, sleep is extremely important for the body's recovery. At night, a person goes through an average of four to six sleep cycles, each of which includes several stages - light sleep, deep sleep and the so-called REM sleep.
"Deep sleep is key for the body's physical recovery. Then the growth hormone is released and the immune system is strengthened“, explained Prof. Staykov.
He added that REM sleep is particularly important for brain activity.
"REM sleep is also called cognitive sleep, because it is related to memory, emotions and mental stability, the specialist also said.
Lack of quality sleep can lead to a number of health problems – weakening of immunity, memory problems, emotional instability and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
"Chronic sleep disorders can lead to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and heart rhythm disorders, warned Prof. Staykov.
He also drew attention to the widespread misconception that alcohol or sleeping pills help with better sleep.
"Alcohol and some sleeping pills can worsen sleep apnea because they reduce the tone of the muscles of the upper respiratory tract, the specialist explained.
In case of serious sleep problems, a consultation with a specialist is necessary, and in some cases a specialized examination is also performed – polysomnography, which tracks the different phases of sleep.
Prof. Staykov recommends several basic rules for better sleep – going to bed and getting up at the same time, avoiding electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime and having dinner at least three hours before bedtime.
"The bedroom should be a place only for sleep. Also, moderate physical activity during the day is very important for a good night's sleep“, he emphasized.