Best sleep before midnight

Is the sleep most relaxing before midnight??

02/11/2015

Sleep is essential for the human body and lack of sleep can lead to lasting health problems. At what times we experience the most restful sleep, but remains quite controversial to this day.

It is often assumed that sleeping hours before midnight are particularly beneficial. But to the news agency „dpa“ Dr. Ingo Fietze, head of the interdisciplinary sleep medicine center of Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, said that this was not the case. The sleep researcher makes it clear that sleep before midnight is basically no healthier than at later times. In any case, however, the first four hours of sleep are the most restorative, since during this time the largest portion of deep sleep will be enjoyed.

Many can fall asleep before midnight
Although it makes no difference according to the expert in principle, whether the first four, particularly relaxing, sleep hours before or after midnight are enjoyed, but there is still a connection between restorative sleep and bedtime before midnight. So 22.00 to 24.00 clock is the time window in which most people can fall asleep best. Thus, they are easier to recover in a restful sleep, as in later sleep times and waking recovered.

Minimum six hours sleep
According to the head of the interdisciplinary sleep medicine center in Berlin, most people in Germany are awake about 16 hours a day. After that, the body and especially the brain desperately need sleep. At least six hours of sleep should be achieved, according to the expert. Furthermore, Professor Fietze recommends that these sleep times be not more than three times a week. Also, you should not go to sleep much later than usual, because the regularity helps to fall asleep.

No caffeine and sports before bed
People who have trouble falling asleep should refrain from caffeinated drinks and intense exercise later this evening, according to Fietze. Even bright light before going to sleep could be disturbing. However, rituals such as reading before falling asleep are often helpful.

For sleep disorders consult a doctor
Too little sleep, according to current knowledge, can significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complaints and also has negative effects on cognitive performance. Also, with the lack of sleep increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and sleep disorders in turn can be a warning of already existing diseases. Those who suffer from sleep problems for a long time should therefore seek medical advice. Self-treatment with sleeping pills, however, is strongly discouraged. (Fp)