Sleep disorders because daylight is missing

Deficit of daylight leads to sleep disorders

20/01/2014

Many people sleep particularly badly in the winter months. Often a lack of daylight and movement cause these sleep problems, reports the German Green Cross (DGK) in a recent press release. Those affected are tired all day and can not sleep properly at night. Remedy a daily walk in the fresh air here, so the announcement of the DGK in Marburg.

According to the information provided by the DGK „many people in winter practically only in rooms“, whereby the organism of the „natural timers“ taken. For the daylight has a significant influence on the release of the hormone melatonin, which in turn controls the sleep-wake cycle. Without real daylight, stay in the mirror of the „sleep hormone“ also increased during the day, reports the DGK. „And those who are not awake by fresh air and exercise, can not sleep well at night“, the DGK communication continues.

Walking for sleep disorders
While the dark-cold season in nature is a resting phase for most creatures and many small mammals sleep almost throughout the winter, many people, according to the DGK, are increasingly struggling with sleep disturbances, especially during the winter months. The reasons are lack of exercise and the loss of light. This will „It makes it difficult for our body to coordinate the day and night rhythm.“ As a countermeasure is recommended to go for a regular walk, even in wet and cold weather. That way, two birds would be killed with one stone. The body receives sufficient daylight and movement at the same time. „Both the movement and the daylight cause an increased release of the feel-good hormone Serotonin, and an inhibition of melatonin“, reports the DGK. That would be the people affected „really awake during the day, and really tired in the evening when things are going well.“

Daylight even on cloudy days with sufficient illuminance
Compared to artificial light, the daylight provides „even on cloudy winter days“ even a significantly higher illuminance, according to the DGK communication. This is „at least ten times the amount of light one has in enclosed spaces“ (around 3,000 lux compared to 300 lux). Sufficient light to stimulate the production of serotonin, which is the body in the „Day Mode“ Be moved. The body can therefore better coordinate the sleep-wake cycle. Lowering the temperature in the bedroom, or turning down the heating and opening the window for a few minutes just before going to sleep, also has a positive effect. So „should not stand in the way of a good night's sleep“, reports the DGK. (Fp)