Good sleep, a sleep expert says, is practically free, “you just have to help yourself.” But truth is, it is often the free things that are taken for granted.
In celebration of World Sleep Day on March 19, bed mattress manufacturer Uratex presents a series of expert-led talks that highlights the importance of good sleep.
Studies link sleep deprivation to a number of health problems, including increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, memory and concentration issues, and injuries from accidents. Lack of sleep also weakens immunity, lowers sex drive, and leads to weight gain.
Despite the science-backed findings that show taking sleep for granted is bad for everyone, sleep deprivation remains a problem among a third of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Sleep is a basic human need, much like eating and drinking, and is crucial to our overall health and well-being,” emphasizes Dr. Keith Aguilera, president of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, Inc.
Many factors are involved in poor sleep, and the current situation—the pandemic that is—further lowers the sleep quality of many.
“The most common complaint we get is insomnia,” says Dr. Aguilera.
The reason of majority of those not being able to sleep on a regular schedule, the sleep expert reveals, is their not having anything to do the next day.
“Because they didn’t have anything to do the following day, they would watch TV or Netflix throughout the night,” he shares. “And that would disturb your sleep. If you keep changing your sleep time and rise time, that will lead to misalignment of your sleep-wake cycle.”
Establishing and maintaining a regular bedtime and waking time is the number one step to getting a better sleep, according to Dr. Aguilera.
Other ways to getting a good quality of shuteye include, taking a nap “if you’re tired,” avoiding caffeine at least six to seven hours before bed, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol four hours before bedtime, reserving bed for sleep and sex and not for work or general recreation like watching TV, and using comfortable mattress and bedding.
“If you have a nice mattress, you save yourself from having back aches, from having sleepless nights,” seconds Cheska Kramer.
Dr. Aguilera will talk more about “Covidsomnia” and other pandemic-induced sleep problems during his Facebook Live talk, entitled “Better Sleep, Better Health,” on Uratex Philippines’ page on March 19 at 7:00 p.m. The talk is part of Uratex’s #BetterSleepBetterU campaign that runs until March 31.
On March 20, professional football player Alyssa Valdez will take the reins as she discusses on the value of maintaining an everyday routine in order to be healthy. The “Better Sleep, Better Performance” talk will go live at 4:00 p.m.
Previous sleep-related talks included “Better Sleep, Better Skin” led by Dr. Winlove Mojica and “Better Sleep, Better Diet” which had Dr. Dex Macalintal as the guest speaker.
In addition to the four-day Facebook Live session, Uratex also has an ongoing #BetterSleepLook challenge that invites everyone to post their “Bagong Gising Look” on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to win prizes.