More than half of the Spanish population has identified stress as the primary cause of sleep disruption, according to the Cigna International Health Study. This phenomenon affects women and individuals aged 45 to 59 more intensely. The combination of stress and rising temperatures is significantly altering sleep quality, which is a key aspect for the proper physical and mental functioning of individuals.
The statistics related to sleep quality in Spain are alarming. The Spanish Sleep Society reports that 30% of the population wakes up daily without having achieved adequate rest, negatively impacting their daily well-being. The World Health Organization recommends that adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night to maintain a healthy balance. Regularly sleeping less than six hours has been associated with a compromised quality of life and a higher risk of long-term cognitive problems.
The increase in environmental temperature also causes a considerable reduction in both the duration and quality of sleep. In hot conditions, the body struggles to regulate its temperature, interfering with the natural sleep-wake cycle. Moreover, stress not only makes it difficult to fall asleep but also fragments sleep, leading to constant fatigue. This biological hyperactivation triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which obstruct rest and promote nighttime awakenings.
Both factors, stress and high temperatures, negatively affect various cognitive functions, impacting memory, attention, and emotional regulation. Dr. Daniela Silva, a specialist in Internal Medicine, emphasizes that “sleep is an essential process for recovery and balance in the body.” The hyperactivity caused by stress disrupts both the deep stages of sleep and REM sleep, which are crucial for adequate restoration.
As a result, the lack of restorative sleep has a detrimental impact on the brain and emotional well-being. Among the most common consequences are memory deterioration, decreased concentration, alterations in emotional regulation, and adverse effects on mental health in the long term. If these issues are not addressed with proper attention, they can lead to a harmful cycle where lack of rest exacerbates emotional difficulties and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize good sleep hygiene, complemented by healthy habits such as proper nutrition and regular physical activity.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
