Sleep: Our topic in February
At this point, a brief digression into my private life: I'm a lousy sleeper. At least that's what I think. What comforts me: On average, people with sleep disorders don't lie awake for much longer than good sleepers. Nevertheless, they often have the impression that they have tossed and turned all night. According to sleep research. As a bad sleeper, I know I'm in good company: sleep disorders have long been a widespread illness, with one in three people in this country suffering from them. And the trend is increasing. No wonder, in these strange times many people suffer from headaches and heartaches that deprive them of sleep.
The issue of sleep is no less complex for children and adolescents: the only thing that is undisputed is the importance of sufficient sleep for the healthy development of adolescents. For the «Sleep» dossier, author Anja Lang spoke to sleep doctors and paediatricians, put ten of the best-known sleep myths to the test and explains why a lack of sleep pressure is often the cause of sleep problems. She also explores the question of how parents can promote their child's sleep and what permanent sleep deprivation does to adolescents during puberty.
Did you know that the menopause can also be a trigger for poor sleep? Which brings us to menstrual cycle mentor Josianne Hosner. The 45-year-old has been dealing with menstrual issues professionally for over ten years, is an author and supports women on their way to the menopause. «Those who live cyclically use the female cycle as an inner compass. It has a lot to do with self-acceptance and self-care, knowing what makes you tick and what's in and what's out,» she told my colleague Maria Ryser. Hosner is in favour of integrating cycle knowledge into everyday family life. This would enable fathers to better support their partner («Where in the household can I, as a man, take on more tasks?») and thin-skinned mothers to better deal with their irritable teenager («I understand your emotional ups and downs very well. I feel the same way.»).
I highly recommend this conversation to you, dear reader. And you, dear reader, anyway!
Yours sincerely,
Yours, Nik Niethammer
