Sleep problems represent the most prevalent medical pathology in our society. At any sign of suffering from them, it is essential to see a specialist as soon as possible. Nowadays there are excellent diagnostic means and treatments to solve any sleep disorder.
Sleeping is what we do most in our lives and the human body endures worse the lack of sleep than hunger or thirst, so it is justified the great importance of sleeping well. Restful sleep is the best preventive treatment to avoid infections. The levels of immunoglobulins (part of the “defenses” of our immune system) are higher in people who sleep more than 6 hours and have a deep sleep.
Apnea and snoring
In the winter months, the months with the worst weather of the year, our physiology changes to make us sleep more (similar to that of animals that hibernate) and thus achieve a better state of health to overcome the cold days free of diseases. Sleeping well during these dates is the easiest and most effective way to get rid of the usual cold. Darkness and low temperatures are two natural sleep inducers.
Fewer daylight hours and lower temperatures during the night make it easier for us to get more sleep, although this is not always the case. Cases of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome are aggravated during the cold months due to the increased likelihood of catching colds, which aggravate the breathing disorder.
Depression and anxiety
Cases of depression and anxiety also increase during the winter. The lack of sunlight predisposes people who traditionally sleep poorly or have mood disorders to suffer the so-called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
A very effective technique for its treatment is light therapy, always under medical prescription. In these cases, signs of depression should be evaluated because they are the first warning sign of a sleep pathology and, by solving it, our mood will definitely improve. It is highly recommended to expose yourself to as much sunlight in the morning and reduce artificial lights as much as possible as bedtime approaches.
Natural remedies for sleep
Sleep habitat and diet are very important factors in improving our rest in winter. Hearty meals, which help to better cope with the cold, are not advisable at dinner as heavy digestion will interfere with sleep.
Since the weather is usually adverse in winter, some recommended measures are to better condition doors and windows, dispense with unstable blinds and use earplugs during the night so that, despite the bad weather, we can have happy dreams.
Overheating is not conducive to optimal rest. It is better to sleep with several layers of clothing, blankets or comforters, which we can remove or add according to our feelings, than with a heater that can dry out the environment and our mucous membranes, causing us to breathe through the mouth and snore more. In addition, heating can cancel out one of the key inducers of sleep, which is the decrease in nighttime temperature.