Sleep, a seemingly mundane daily activity, is in fact full of mysteries and importance. It is a sanctuary for our bodies and minds, a sacred moment for us to take a break from our busy lives and return to ourselves. Sleep is not just a simple resting with your eyes closed, but also a process of physical and psychological repair.
In the silence of the night, as we gradually fall into the embrace of sleep, the various systems of the body also begin to repair in an intense and orderly manner.
Like a hard-working gardener, working silently under the cover of night, ready for the next day's vitality. Every cell, every organ, is rejuvenated by sleep, and the energy is stored to meet the challenges of the new day.
And sleep is immeasurable in nourishing the soul, it allows us to temporarily forget the distractions of the world and immerse our minds in the endless dream.
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In dreams, we talk to our inner selves and explore our true feelings that are obscured by everyday trivialities. Sleep gives us the opportunity to re-examine ourselves and regain that long-lost sense of peace and tranquility.
The absence or insufficiency of sleep is like the tree of life losing its essential nutrients, resulting in both physical and mental exhaustion. Long-term sleep deprivation not only affects our health, but also leads to a series of problems such as mood swings and memory loss.
Therefore, we should cherish every night's sleep time and create a peaceful and comfortable sleeping environment for ourselves, so that the body and mind can be fully repaired and nourished.
01
Is the "8-hour sleep theory" wrong?
The "8-hour sleep theory" has long been regarded as a universal sleep rule, but in recent years, this view has been challenged. In fact, it's not a one-size-fits-all question whether 8 hours of sleep per night is really needed.
Everyone's physical needs, lifestyle habits, age, and health conditions are different, and as a result, the amount of sleep needed will vary.
First of all, we must recognize that sleep is a complex physiological process that is affected by a variety of factors. Age is an important factor.
Newborns and older people typically need more sleep, while younger and middle-aged people may have less. In addition, an individual's physical condition can also affect sleep needs. For example, a person who is in good health may need less sleep than someone with a chronic medical condition.
Secondly, lifestyle habits and work environment can also have an impact on sleep needs. Some people may need less sleep at night because they do a lot of physical activity or mental work during the day, while others may need to stay up late at night due to work or personal reasons.
Therefore, we should abandon the oversimplified concept of "8 hours of sleep" and focus instead on our own physical needs and actual conditions.
If you find yourself needing more than 8 hours of sleep a day to stay energized, don't force yourself to cut back on your sleep hours. Conversely, if you find that you only need 6 hours of sleep at night to stay awake and energized, then don't blindly pursue 8 hours of sleep either.
02
After the age of 60, how long is it good to sleep every day?
First of all, let's be clear about the idea that sleep is a physiological activity that humans must carry out, which helps the body to recover and the brain to rest.
For the elderly over 60 years old, their bodies have experienced decades of wind and rain, and various functions are gradually declining, so it is especially important for them to get enough sleep.
However, everyone's sleep needs are individual and affected by a variety of factors, such as physical condition, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, etc.
In general, people over the age of 60 need to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep per day. This range is not absolute, but depends on the actual situation of the individual.
03
What are the dangers of long-term sleep deprivation to the body?
Long-term sleep deprivation will first destroy our immune system. Sleep is a critical period for the immune system to repair and regenerate itself, and without adequate sleep, the function of the immune system will be seriously affected, resulting in a decrease in resistance and susceptibility to diseases.
Secondly, chronic sleep deprivation can also affect our mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings and are prone to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. In addition, long-term lack of sleep may also cause problems such as memory loss and poor concentration, affecting our daily life and work.
In addition, long-term sleep deprivation may also induce a series of chronic diseases. Lack of sleep can affect the body's metabolism and increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. At the same time, chronic sleep deprivation can also accelerate skin aging, making people look older than their actual age.
04
How to improve sleep quality in the elderly who do not sleep well?
First of all, adjusting your lifestyle habits is key. Older people should maintain a regular sleep schedule, try to be quiet at night, and avoid strenuous exercise and stimulating activities.
In addition, it is equally important to create a comfortable sleeping environment. Keeping your bedroom airy, tidy, and quiet, and choosing a comfortable mattress and pillow can help older adults sleep better.
Secondly, psychological adjustment is also an effective way to improve sleep quality. The elderly should learn to adjust their mentality and maintain an optimistic mental state. You can enrich your life and reduce psychological pressure by participating in interest groups, social activities, etc. At the same time, the care and support of family members and relatives and friends is also an important support for the psychological adjustment of the elderly.
Finally, a reasonable diet is also an important factor in improving the sleep quality of the elderly. Older people should maintain a balanced diet and eat more nutritious foods, such as fish, vegetables, fruits, etc. At the same time, avoid excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol and other irritants to avoid affecting sleep.