Sleep is a normal process essential for the physical and mental health of man
The importance of good sleep for the human body has been recognized since ancient times. It is no coincidence that in Ancient Greece sleep was considered a form of communication with the gods.
Unfortunately, however, “good sleep” is for many people an elusive dream. A recent survey in European countries showed that 1 in 3 adults experience a sleep problem related to either the quality or quantity of sleep.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults experience a sleep problem related to either the quality or quantity of sleep.
The problem is more common in women, shift workers and older people. Insomnia can be linked to medical issues but also to stress and the strain of everyday life.
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a condition in which a person feels that the duration and/or quality of sleep is not satisfactory
Insomnia is characterised by
- difficulty in falling asleep
- frequent awakenings during the night with difficulty in falling asleep again,
- very early awakening
- Poor quality sleep that does not rest the body
- fatigue and drowsiness during the day which reduces performance at work and makes it difficult to respond to daily activities
How much sleep do we really need?
The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person and is influenced by various factors such as age, heredity, daily activities (lifestyle, exercise, etc.)
Sleep is adequate when a person wakes up feeling refreshed without feeling drowsy during the day.
The World Health Organization, in an effort to raise awareness among both the public and health professionals of the importance of adequate sleep in terms of quantity and quality, has established 21 March as World Sleep Day.
Why is it important to raise awareness of the importance of sleep?
A good night’s sleep plays an important role in consolidating memory and learning, in the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems, promotes cell growth and repair and improves mood.
- Memory and learning
Sleep plays an important role in consolidating memory, learning and thinking. Sleep deprivation reduces scores on cognitive tests and significantly affects the ability to concentrate and has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
- Nervous system
During sleep, neuronal function improves.
- Immune system
Sleep plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system and a lack of sleep is associated with an increased risk of infections
- Development
Sleep is important during childhood and adolescence because growth hormone is secreted during deep sleep
- Cell renewal
During sleep cell renewal and repair takes place which makes sleep a valuable ally of health and beauty
- Improved mood and social behaviour
During sleep the function of the part of the brain that controls mood, emotions and social functioning is interrupted, ensuring optimal performance during the day
According to an international study in which Greece participated (the Equinox study), which aimed to investigate the effects of disturbed sleep, insomnia was associated with reduced productivity and an increase in accidents.
There are many products for the treatment of insomnia but a new approach comes from the new dietary supplement, Valetonina®, launched in the Greek market by Win Medica.
Valetonina® is a new and innovative combination of Melatonin and Valerian.
This innovative combination has been designed with an innovative approach, which allows the release of the two components of Valetonina®, Melatonin and Valerian, at different times thus ensuring a dual and prolonged action.
The tablet coating, which contains Melatonin, dissolves quickly helping to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Inside the tablet, i.e. in the core, there is valerian (root extract), the release of which takes place in a second time, favoring the relaxation threatened by daily stress.
The result is a prolonged, peaceful and quality sleep, which provides us with a pleasant awakening and energy during the next day
Melatonin – The regulator of our internal clock
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by our body that determines our sleep-wake cycle, i.e. it is the regulator of our internal clock.
Our body clock controls how much melatonin is produced during the 24-hour period. Melatonin secretion increases in the late afternoon, peaks in the middle of the night and decreases in the early hours of the morning to achieve the morning wakefulness. The main factor affecting it is light.
Natural levels of melatonin show a decline with advancing age, resulting in an increase in the incidence of sleep disorders, especially after middle age.
In people suffering from insomnia it has been shown that after taking melatonin for 3 weeks the quality of sleep improves, night awakenings are reduced and primarily the time to sleep is reduced, i.e. they fall asleep faster.
Melatonin allows to improve night sleep so that we are more alert during the day.
Valerian – nature’s tranquilizer
Valerian is a plant known since ancient times for its sedative and anxiolytic properties, which are mainly due to the presence of substances such as valeric acid.
Its name comes from the Latin word valere, meaning health or strength. Valerian helps to reduce states of tension and agitation and naturally promotes peaceful sleep.
Source: world sleep day® 2016 (worldsleepday.org/press-releases), http://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/G00-G99/G40-G47/G47-/G47.0, sleep-med.gr, Valetonina® product instruction sheet
