Humans are subject to daily variations in the activity level of their metabolism, affecting their alertness and energy level. Scientists call it the circadian rhythm. Our metabolism typically slows down twice each day, once in the afternoon from about 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and again, more noticeably, between midnight and 6 a.m. During this second cycle, our body literally craves sleep.
Sleep affects our energy level, our mood and our behaviour. It allows our muscles to rest and regenerate. Our personal army of antibodies fights better with sufficient sleep — rest alone can sometimes do the trick!
Children and teenagers need more sleep than adults. For them, it is not only important, it is essential to get enough sleep and respect a regular schedule. Growth hormones do their best work during sleep. Lack of sleep will impair kids' mood, behaviour and learning capacities.
Stop the sleep thieves
Several factors may affect your sleep. However, many can be controlled or modified by adopting a healthy lifestyle:
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Psychological factors
Stress and anxiety are frequent causes of sleep problems, which normally disappear when the situation is resolved. Nevertheless, in the short term, insomnia must be managed and monitored properly from the very beginning.
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Lifestyle
An irregular schedule, smoking, consumption of alcohol or beverages containing caffeine, especially in the evening, exercising or performing intense mental activities shortly before or after getting into bed can all disrupt sleep.
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Environmental factors
If you have trouble sleeping, consider the comfort and size of your bed, room temperature, noises (including your life partner’s snoring!) or light in the bedroom.
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Physical factors
Some physical conditions may interfere with sleep. Sleep apnea, which is quite common in people with excess weight, causes snoring and interrupted breathing, brief awakenings and daytime sleepiness. Other physical causes of sleep problems include various syndromes, backache, arthritis, cancer, lung disease and any other condition that causes pain or discomfort. For women, pregnancy and hormonal shifts may also disturb sleep.
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Medications
Certain medications such as decongestants, steroids and some medicines for high blood pressure, asthma, or depression can disturb sleep.