When we sleep, our body carries out hundreds of fundamental repairs so that when we wake up, these include metabolism, eliminating toxins, eliminating senescent cells, detoxifying the brain of mental detritus, eliminating toxins, burning fat and an endless number of functions that are important to get up the next day. and be able to carry out our activities. In general, lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can negatively affect our quality of life and increase the risk of serious health problems.

What happens if there is no good quality of sleep?

Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can have a series of negative consequences on our physical and mental health, both in the short and long term.

In the Short term:

• Fatigue and drowsiness: Difficulty concentrating, paying attention and making decisions.
• Irritability and mood swings: Increased likelihood of experiencing stress, anxiety and depression, increased risk of suffering outbursts of anger, sadness or anxiety.
• Difficulty controlling impulses: Increased risk of impulsive behavior and accidents.
• Difficulties in decision making and judgment: Increased risk of making mistakes and accidents.
• Decreased physical and mental performance: Poor performance at work, school, and sports activities.
• Memory and learning problems: Difficulty remembering information and learning new things.
• Increased risk of accidents: Increased probability of having traffic or work accidents.

Long term:

• Increased risk of chronic diseases: Diabetes, heart disease, obesity, stroke and some types of cancer.
• Weakening of the immune system: Greater susceptibility to infections and diseases.
• Mental health problems: Increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
• Premature aging: Skin appears paler and more wrinkled, and the risk of age-related diseases increases.

The main causes of Insomnia

Medical causes:

• Mental disorders: Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, etc.
• Chronic diseases: Chronic pain, heart disease, lung disease, acid reflux, etc.
• Medications: Some medications can have insomnia as a side effect.
• Substances: Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, etc.

Non-medical causes:

• Stress: Work, family or personal stress can make it difficult to sleep.
• Socioeconomic problems: Lack of liquidity, lack of work.
• Lack of social life and sharing with friends who make you feel accompanied.
• Lack of a purpose or something creative that excites.
• Sleep anxiety: Worrying about not being able to sleep can make insomnia worse.
• Poor sleep habits: Irregular sleep schedules, prolonged daytime naps, use of electronic devices before bed, etc.
• Inappropriate sleeping environment: Noise, light, uncomfortable temperature, etc.

In some cases, no clear cause of insomnia can be identified. It is called primary or idiopathic insomnia.

Among the functions that our body performs with good quality sleep are:

• Cellular repair: During sleep, hormones are released that promote tissue repair and growth, which helps repair damage caused during the day and keep the body in good condition.
• Memory consolidation: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, which means transferring memories from short-term memory to long-term memory. This helps us remember important information and experiences.
• Strengthening the immune system: Sleep also plays an important role in strengthening the immune system. During sleep, the body produces more white blood cells, which are the cells responsible for fighting infections.
• Hormonal regulation: Sleep is essential for regulating the production of hormones, such as melatonin, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones. These hormones control various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and mood.
• Melatonin release: This hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle and promotes deep sleep.
  

Physical recovery:

• Decreased heart rate and blood pressure: During sleep, heart rate and blood pressure decrease, allowing the heart and circulatory system to rest.
• Muscle Relaxation: Muscles relax deeply during sleep, helping to relieve tension and stress.
• Lowered body temperature: Body temperature drops slightly during sleep, which helps create an ideal environment for rest.
• Slowing down breathing: Breathing becomes deeper and more regular, which promotes oxygenation of the body.
• Digestion: The digestive system continues to function, but at a slower pace.
• Energy Saving: The body reduces its metabolic activity, which conserves energy for the next day.

Brain functions:

• Emotional processing: Sleep is important for processing the day's emotions and regulating mood.
• Creativity: Sleep has been shown to improve creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Here are some additional tips to improve sleep quality:

• Set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as best you can, even on weekends.
• Create a relaxing sleeping environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid doing it too close to bedtime.
• Relax before bed: Take a hot bath, read a book, or listen to relaxing music.
• Avoid using electronic devices in bed.

Considerations

As we can see, sleep quality is influenced by various factors, and it is crucial to address them comprehensively. However, many people do not give sleep the necessary importance and seek solutions only when the problem has become chronic. This can result in complications that require the use of medications. Although these may be effective in the short term, without a comprehensive approach, the underlying problem persists and can lead to other, more complex health problems.

It is common that we do not consider insomnia as a possible cause of other health problems. For example, an emotional problem may be directly related to lack of sleep. By not addressing insomnia holistically, we focus only on the obvious symptoms, which often leads to treatment failure. This superficial approach does not solve the root of the problem and can result in continued dependence on medications.

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Failure to adequately treat sleep problems can affect our overall well-being and increase the risk of chronic diseases, mental health problems, and a lower quality of life. That's why it's essential to take a holistic and preventative view when addressing sleep problems, to ensure we're taking care of all aspects of our health and not just the visible symptoms.

In summary, sleep quality should be a priority in our daily lives. Addressing sleep problems holistically can prevent long-term complications and significantly improve our quality of life. If you have problems sleeping, it is essential to request a Bioresonance therapy session (WhtasApp: +34 633-608-345) and adopt healthy habits that promote restful sleep.

Eduardo González Coeto M.D.