Sleeping is one of the greatest and simplest pleasures that life gives us. Anyone would say it is harmless, and until some time ago it was believed to be. However, a recent study says that sleeping too much can be very harmful to your health.
What happens in our body when we sleep?
When we are about to sleep, we prepare our body not only for physical and mental rest.
There are several stages of sleep .
If we continue to sleep without interruption, we will fall asleep. At this point, the body is preparing to start a series of processes, such as the regulation of metabolic and endocrine hormones that control appetite and glucose levels, which determine obesity or diabetes, depending on the pace of life you have. , and also leave you prone to heart problems. These hormonal processes change when the person has insomnia.
In addition, heart rate, brain waves and other body functions also slow down. It is when your body regains energy and the brain stores information. But of course, for that to happen, you must sleep 6 to 8 hours uninterrupted.
How can too much sleep kill you?
A study published in the European Heart Journal explains that an adult should sleep between 6 to 8 hours a night. Less or more than that can affect health.
The risk tends to increase if the person in question has a sedentary lifestyle, does not eat properly, smokes, consumes alcoholic beverages and drinks a lot of caffeine.
The result of this macabre combination will result in disruptions in heart rate and a sudden rise in blood pressure.
Is it beneficial to take a nap during the day?
What happens is that when you take a nap, your circadian cycle is altered, which causes changes in the rhythm of night sleep. This gradually affects the heart and causes primary sleep disorders (sleep apnea).
Other aspects that change when you sleep a lot
You will not only have heart problems, as revealed in the study. The following areas are also affected :
- Changes in cognitive ability
These changes end up affecting the ability to reason and gradually reduce short-term memory. In the long run, it can make you more susceptible to some form of dementia. This also happens when you sleep little.
- Causes more drowsiness
When we sleep too much, we tend to wake up confused, as if we have slept less than normal. When we wake up, we experience headache, dizziness and weakness, perhaps with a sleep of inferior quality than we would have had we had slept only the 8 hours that the body needs to regenerate.
- Increases the likelihood of a stroke
People who sleep more than 8 hours are more likely to suffer a stroke , especially if they are over 50 or 60 years old.
- Obesity and diabetes
Back to the study, too much sleep results in weight gain, due to hormonal and endocrine uncontrolled, making your body more prone to obesity and the development of diabetes.
- Depression
Your mental state is affected if you sleep too little or too much. Depression leaves you inactive, you will feel more deteriorated and tired, which will make you want to sleep more throughout the day.
Mechanisms that can help you have an excellent night’s rest
There are a few things you can do to get enough sleep and the right way:
Reduce your room temperature
Make sure your room is as cool as possible, at least around 20 degrees. You sleep better when the bed is heated and the room is a little cold (for sure!).
What kind of mattress do you have?
If your mattress is firm and comfortable, you will have a good place to rest. Try changing your mattress every 10 years to avoid dust mites.
A hot bath
Taking a hot shower before bed leaves you relaxed and ready to fall asleep faster. This is because when you leave the bathroom, your temperature drops and your body is ready to enter a state of relaxation, which will facilitate sleep.
Disconnect
Make sure your room is dark, free of noise or anything that might bother you. This will ensure a better sleep condition.
Create a sleeping ritual
Try yoga, meditation, put on some relaxing music. The important thing is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the day and gradually you can channel your energy, until you can get adequate sleep.
Stay away from technological and electronic devices
Disconnect Wi-Fi, turn off your phone, stay away from the computer and even the TV. These devices generate many electromagnetic waves that disturb your rest, as they obstruct the function of the pineal gland that regulates sleep and wakefulness.
Sleeping well and in the right way is something that is at your fingertips. Try to create a good environment around you to be able to rest properly. Eat well, have an active life and get rid of bad habits. Thus, you will have better health and a lower risk of risk to your life.
