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Sleep better

Aleksander07 mins

The inspiration for this article came from my good colleague at work, Eklena.
She always approaches her duties with full commitment, but recently she mentioned that she doesn’t sleep very well, feels tired, and isn’t rested after a night’s sleep. This prompted me to look for answers on why sleep is so important and what we can do to sleep better.

I turned to the knowledge of Christian Benedict – a Swedish neurobiologist, professor of pharmacology, and sleep expert from Uppsala University, author of books like “Sleep your way to a better life“.
I was surprised by the many benefits of good quality sleep that the researcher discusses.

Sleep is a foundation that affects every aspect of your life

Too often, we think sleep is a waste of time. Meanwhile, Christian Benedict proves in his research that the opposite is true. In an article from Uppsala University (“Sleep your way to a better life and health“), he says directly:

“During sleep, the brain consolidates memory and removes unnecessary information, while the heart, circulatory system, and immune system regenerate.”

So, what exactly do we gain when we sleep long and deep enough?

  • More energy and a better mood. When you’re well-rested, you feel better, and even minor problems don’t seem like such big obstacles. The researcher emphasizes that good sleep “improves mood, provides energy, and helps in making decisions.”
  • A smarter and more focused mind. Did you know that your brain “cleans up” while you sleep? It removes unnecessary connections and solidifies the most important information you learned during the day. That’s why a well-slept night is crucial for learning and concentration.
  • Support for weight loss. Few people know this, but lack of sleep can sabotage your efforts in the fight for your dream weight. Changing eating habits and physical activity are one thing, but without proper nighttime regeneration, the body can store fat tissue.
  • A stronger immune system. Sleep has a huge impact on your immune system. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body is more susceptible to infections.
  • A better appearance. Yes, good sleep can actually make you look more attractive! This is because the body regenerates cells during sleep, which has a direct effect on the condition of your skin.

What steals our sleep? The biggest enemies of regeneration

Christian Benedict warns in his book that in today’s world, there are more and more “sleep thieves.” He mentions alcohol, caffeine, mobile phones, stress, and illnesses, among others.

“Many people sacrifice sleep in the pursuit of being a superhero. I have been researching the consequences of such behavior for years, and that’s what I wanted to write about in the book.”

These words are key. We cannot treat sleep as a luxury that we postpone, as it leads to serious consequences.

How to improve your sleep? Simple tips straight from the expert

If you feel like Eklena and are looking for a way to sleep better, the expert suggests that the best advice is… regularity.

“Go to sleep at the same time every day! Your internal biological clock loves regularity.”

Thanks to this, your body will get used to a steady rhythm, and you’ll find it easier to fall asleep and wake up more rested. Also, remember to create the right conditions for sleeping:

  • Ensure darkness and silence in the bedroom.
  • Don’t use your phone right before bed.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially in the latter part of the day.

Thanks to what Christian Benedict has written, you know that taking care of your sleep is just as important as eating healthy food or exercising regularly. It’s the key to a better life, full of energy and overall well-being.

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