Raise awareness of its importance to public health. That is the main goal of World Sleep Daywhich this year will focus on the differences between people and their effects Bad habits in the various related disorders. According to the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), 22-30% of the Spanish population is affected by the latter.
“Healthy sleep is sleep that adapts to the needs of each individual and their environment, is satisfactory, has an appropriate duration and schedule, is efficient, without nocturnal awakenings and allows sustained alertness during waking hours,” we explain Ana Fernandez ArcosCoordinator of the SEN Sleep and Wake Disorders Study Group.
According to Fernández Arcos, this does not only depend on better education and awareness of sleep habits: “In a large part of the population, there are obstacles, mainly due to professional, social and lifestyle needs, that cause night’s sleep to be interrupted for hours is.” , insufficient for adults under 7 hours.”
Poor rest impacts the health of individuals and society in general and is linked to mental, emotional and physical health problems.
“A poor recovery has an impact on the health of the individual and on society in general. and is associated with mental, emotional and physical health problems. “In addition, people with chronic illnesses, members of minorities and those in vulnerable situations may have great difficulty maintaining optimal sleep routines,” he adds.
The data makes it clear that the Spanish population is not getting enough rest. The SEN estimates that 48% of the Spanish adult population and 25% of the child population do not sleep well. In addition, recent studies show that at least 50% have trouble falling asleep and 32% wake up feeling like they haven’t had a restful sleep.
“Sleep is important for health. Especially for brain health, because poor sleep affects memory and learning and increases the risk of developing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s or cerebrovascular disease. “But it is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, infections or premature mortality,” the specialist continued.
Insomnia and apnea are the most common
There are almost 100 classified sleep disorders and, in addition, there are many people who live with illnesses that affect rest due to their symptoms. He insomnia It is most widespread in Spain; It affects approximately 20% of the population and has consequences that go beyond the nighttime symptoms as it affects the physical and emotional health of those affected.
Another common disease in our country is obstructive sleep apneawhich affects 5-7% of the population and is characterized by causing pauses in breathing during sleep, affecting rest and increasing the long-term risk of vascular disease (such as stroke), diabetes and other serious health problems.
On the other hand, between 5 and 10% of Spaniards suffer from it Restless legs syndromewhich is manifested by unpleasant sensations in the extremities that occur in the evening or at night and at rest, causing an irresistible urge to move the extremities, which interferes with falling asleep and maintaining sleep.
“Although problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome are the most common sleep disorders in Spain, there are many others that not only affect the quality of life of those affected, but can also have an impact on the development of diseases in the future” says Fernández Arcos.
Although sleep disorders are common, they are not always properly diagnosed or treated. / Pixabay
The numbers in Spain
According to the SEN More than 4 million Spaniards suffer from a chronic and severe sleep disorder, and the World Sleep Society estimates that at least 45% of the world’s population will suffer from a serious sleep disorder at some point. Despite this data, less than a third of those affected consult their doctor.
In Spain, according to SEN calculations, only 10% of all cases were diagnosed. “Although sleep disorders are common, they are not always properly diagnosed or treated. “There are many people who suffer from this and believe that they should calm down and not see a doctor, even if they have persistent problems,” emphasizes the expert.
Factors affecting sleep
There are six elements that influence sleep health and therefore overall health and well-being: duration (how much we sleep throughout the day), efficiency (how long it takes us to fall asleep and whether we stay asleep without waking up), timing (when we sleep), regularity (maintaining stable sleep and wake times), level of alertness (whether we are able to concentrate and maintain attention during waking hours), and quality (whether our sleep is restful) .
“We must remember that although certain changes in sleep are normal, anyone who cannot find restful sleep despite improving their habits should consult their doctor,” concludes Fernández Arcos.
