[LifeStyle] Sleeping well can make anticovid immunization more effective, says specialist

[#Steeven.™]

Expert stressed that the use of technology affects people's rest.

Sleeping well for at least two days before applying the covid-19 vaccine can help to have a better response to immunization, a specialist explained to Efe on Thursday.

"There are studies in which it has been shown that when you sleep well, at least two days before receiving a vaccine against influenza, or in this case, covid-19, we can generate a better number of antibodies," Guadalupe said in an interview Terán, specialist in sleep medicine.

For World Sleep Day, which is celebrated every year on March 19, she explained that this means that people should try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a day to consider that they have had a good sleep.

 

Protection against disease
The also coordinator of the research area of the Sleep and Neurosciences Center, associated with the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), pointed out that having a good sleep also helps prevent chronic diseases.

"Otherwise, they increase the chances of developing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart attacks and obesity, among other cardiovascular and metabolic diseases," she explained.

She pointed out that sleep serves to strengthen the immune system, so getting a good night's sleep can help you be less likely to get infected with COVID-19, plus it also works as an antioxidant, slowing down aging.

In the case of children, she said, getting a good night's sleep helps them stay focused and have energy during the day, which is essential in the midst of the pandemic, where online classes require a high level of concentration.

 

Pandemic increased insomnia
The stress and uncertainty generated by the confinement forced by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the po[CENSORED]tion's lifestyle changes, and this is no different in terms of sleep and insomnia.

Terán, who also serves as president of the Mexican Society for Sleep Medicine and Research, pointed out that according to a survey conducted by her team, insomnia has increased by 40% during the pandemic.

"It is worrying, because at the beginning of the pandemic we did that survey and 18% of the po[CENSORED]tion was reported with insomnia, but now this number has grown considerably," she said.

 

Sleep quality
The specialist stressed that the use of technology affects people's rest, since every minute in front of electronic devices prolongs the time it takes to sleep and is the cause of night awakenings, so it is necessary to do without these devices at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

She pointed out that people should maintain established hours to sleep, try to wake up early, exercise in the morning, avoid coffee, tea, cola and tobacco at night, among other stimulating substances.

Similarly, the researcher asked to put aside the idea that sleeping is a waste of time.

"Sleep is the possibility of restoring our body, balancing our system, recovering from diseases, detoxifying our body and increasing our life expectancy," she said.