The Advantage of a Good Night’s Sleep

The average man only gets 6 hours sleep a night. Startling news from scientists in a new paper released recently.

This continued lack of sleep could be putting our health at risk. We live in a culture where it’s considered ‘macho’ to not need so much sleep, but this lack of sleep is causing detrimental effects on our health. The European Heart Journal reports that those who sleep for less than six hours a night have a 48% higher chance of developing a heart disease.

Getting too little sleep over an exaggerated period of time affects the cycle of hormones in the body causing high blood pressure or a raise in cholesterol.
Until an appropriate sleep substitute can be found, Mattressman recommends getting as much rest as possible – but we’d be out of the business then, wouldn’t we?

Possible Insomnia Breakthrough

New research has concluded that the lighting conditions in your house could play a huge role in overcoming insomnia. Scientists are now recommending that lights in houses are dimmed for up to two hours before bedtime in an effort to induce sleep in the body.
Artificial lighting found in homes is said to inhibit the body’s production of melatonin; a hormone which is linked to sleepiness, glucose production and blood pressure. A lack of melatonin at bedtime can prevent sleep and in extreme cases even bring on diabetes.

Exposure to electric light during sleep hours is said to cut melatonin levels by half, making a significant difference to people’s ability to get a good night’s sleep.

The research has been carried out by Dr Joshua Gooley, an author at the Boston-based Harvard Medical School. He was quoted as saying; “Millions of people choose to keep the lights on prior to bedtime and during the usual hours of sleep. Our findings could have important health implications for shift workers who are exposed to indoor light at night over many years.” The study has recently been published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Less Sleep Equals Less Festive Cheer

Sleep experts have recently been warning that a lack of a good sleeping routine can leave people unable to fully enjoy the festive season. Carolling, partying and sledging are all thought to be negatively affected by not getting the required night time rest.

Tiredness could even dull taste-buds, meaning that sleep deprived people are less able to enjoy mince pies, turkey and marzipan. With so much great food around at this time of year, it would be a huge shame not to be fully appreciating all that is on offer.

Scientific advice suggests that despite it being the season for late nights and drinking, people should still take the time to factor in adequate sleeping time to ensure they don’t burn out before the festivities end. Excess alcohol, eating late and general excitement are all cited as reasons why Christmas rest patterns can become disrupted.

Bed expert Mr D Carter has this to say; ‘We estimate that missing significant amounts of sleep could result in people enjoying themselves up to 37% less’. In simple terms this could mean that a great night out might only be enjoyed slightly and an average night out might be considered terrible.

So this Christmas, amongst the standard holiday activities, remember sleep is important too and most of all – stay merry and have a fantastic New Year.