Sleep specialist Mikhail Poluektov talked about how lack of sleep affects weight, whether one should sleep with a partner, and which position is the most beneficial.
For an adult, it is extremely important to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. A lack of nighttime rest can lead to diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. People working shift schedules may be at a higher risk of developing cancer. The reason lies not only in the lack of sleep but also in the disruption of biological rhythms that affect melatonin production — the hormone that protects against cancer.
A lack of sleep increases the likelihood of being overweight by 10% compared to those who get enough sleep. If you want to maintain an optimal weight or lose extra pounds, it is important to ensure comfortable sleep. Interestingly, the harm from multiple alarm clock rings is not confirmed; however, even reducing sleep by one hour from the recommended norm can decrease the body's defenses and its ability to fight infections.
Sleep satisfaction depends more on psychological comfort than on the surrounding environment, pillow material, or lighting level. The main thing is how relaxed a person feels and how comfortable they are. If someone enjoys sleeping next to a partner, then such sleep will be beneficial for them.
However, if a person is used to sleeping alone and feels discomfort from co-sleeping, it will not be beneficial for them. Sleep quality is determined by psychological comfort. The most beneficial sleeping position is the one your body chooses. Most often, it is the semi-fetal position, which allows for maximum relaxation of muscles and ligaments.
Gentle touches and hugs generally contribute to better sleep by reducing internal tension, helping a person relax and fall asleep faster.
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