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Constantly tired More and more people in Germany are plagued by sleep disorders
Millions of people in Germany suffer from sleep disorders. The consequences can be serious. Patients during the day are not only struggling with fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Health is also endangered. But there are some simple tips to avoid sleeping problems.
More and more people in Germany have sleep problems
More and more people in Germany have problems falling asleep and staying asleep. As the current DAK health report "Germany sleeps badly - an underestimated problem" shows that sleep disorders among working people aged 35 to 65 have increased since 2010 by 66 percent. According to the study, 80 percent of employees currently feel affected, reports the health insurance company in a statement. Accordingly, every tenth employee suffers from the particularly severe sleep disorder insomnia. Since 2010, there has been an increase of 60 percent.
Millions of people in Germany suffer from sleep disorders. That also endangers her health. Some tips can help you sleep better. (Image: Sven Vietense / fotolia.com) Many people do not charge their own batteries
The Berlin-based Iges-Institut evaluated the data of 2.6 million employed persons insured for DAK Gesundheit. In addition, approximately 5,200 gainfully employed women and men between the ages of 18 and 65 were interviewed by the Forsa Institute on a representative basis.
The results are worrying. "The increasing sleep disturbances in the population should shake us up," said Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK-Health.
"Many people spend the night at full charge on their smartphones, but they can not recharge their own batteries."
Serious health problems
The complaints should be taken seriously, as chronically bad sleep could seriously damage the health. "Sleep disorders, for example, increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders. It may be related to the large increase in sick leave for mental illness in recent years, "says Storm.
Sleep disorders also increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, according to health experts. In addition, they weaken the immune system.
Furthermore, a scientific study by the University of Duisburg-Essen showed that sleep disorders can increase the risk of stroke.
Causes of sleep problems
Cause for sleep problems are, according to DAK report, among other working conditions. For example, those who often work at the limit of their capacity increase their risk of developing severe sleep disorder insomnia.
Strong deadlines and performance pressure, overtime and night shifts and constant accessibility after hours are considered important risk factors in this context.
In addition, scientific research has shown that unfinished at night leads to sleep disorders. And American researchers have reported that the frequent use of social media can lead to chronic sleep disorders.
According to the DAK study, 83 percent of the workforce watch movies and TV series before falling asleep, 68 percent do private things on their laptop or smartphone in the evening, and about every eighth manages to take care of business matters such as emails or planning the next working day.
"These results impressively show how our society is pushing the subject of sleep into a supporting role," says Prof. Ingo Fietze, Head of the Interdisciplinary Sleep Medicine Center at the Berlin Charité. "But the body needs time to switch off after a stressful day To adjust sleep. We have to treat him this time. "
Tips for a better sleep
In sleep problems, many sufferers resort to self-medication. Every second of them buys sleeping tablets without prescription in the pharmacy or drugstore, reports the health insurance company. Nearly one in four takes sleeping pills for more than three years.
This can be dangerous: "Today too many resources with dependency potential are still taken over long periods," said sleep expert Fietze. "It is important to leave the treatment with sleeping aids to trained doctors."
According to experts, you should try it anyway with some tips for proper sleep before you resort to medication. A healthy lifestyle and the absence of late food, coffee, nicotine, alcohol and intensive sports in the evening are beneficial for a restful sleep.
It is also helpful to observe regular sleep times and to reduce your weight if you are overweight. Also useful are various home remedies for sleep disorders.
A calming tea made of passionflower or chamomile, for example, has proven to be effective in relieving tension. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation can also be effective.
"Sleep problems are often underestimated. We have to learn that sleep is a crucial factor in our lives in order to be more balanced, more efficient and healthier, "says CEO Andreas Storm. (Ad)