Sleep has become an integral part of conversations. We ask our partners and family how they slept during the night. And it has become even more common to talk about sleep as part of a wellness discussion. With iPhone features like tracking our sleep, we’re becoming more aware of how much sleep we’re getting, and some are actively trying to get more sleep. How is the situation in Denmark?
The young do not get enough sleep
Among 16 to 24-year-olds, about half of them have problems with sleep. This is the conclusion of a report from the Danish Health Authority. One reason is the extensive use of screens. Often, young people will use their smartphones to send text messages, watch videos and listen to music. But this can negatively affect sleep quality.
Some of the effects of poor sleep are:
– concentration difficulties
– Difficulty remembering
– Headache
– Sadness
Therefore, it may be good for teenagers to cut out screen time before bed. Also having a greater focus on beds can help the young people. Sometimes poor sleep is caused by an uncomfortable bed, for example if the teenager has outgrown his bed. Instead, sheep beds in the right size with the right firmness can help.
Insomnia in adults
Most people will experience not being able to sleep during a lifetime. This is commonly known as insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder defined by different phases. It is short-term, also called acute insomnia, which can last for days or weeks. It can be triggered by stressful events or experiencing something anxiety-provoking.
Some of the causes of insomnia are:
– Stress
– Bad sleeping habits
– Mental disorders
– Caffeine
– Medicine
In some cases, insomnia begins in your childhood and continues into adulthood. When you experience insomnia for months or years, it is described as chronic insomnia. In Denmark, around 10 to 20 percent of adults suffer from chronic insomnia, and more women than men suffer from insomnia according to Rigshospitalet. If you are dealing with insomnia, professionals will often look into underlying issues such as stress or psychological disorders, such as
Use of melatonin
Over the course of 10 years, several Danes between the ages of 45 and 64 use melatonin as a sleep medicine. Melatonin is a hormone that changes your circadian rhythm by telling your body it’s time to go to bed.
However, some researchers are hesitant to use melatonin, as there has not been enough research into the substance’s side effects. The Danish Health Authority has issued guidelines for melatonin can be considered if sleep problems affect the person to such an extent that other non-medical treatments have not worked.
This content is sponsored by bedrenaetter.dk.
Source: The Nordic Page