News & Trends
Our Sleepless Society
Or the Dream of a New Status Symbol
Who hasn’t quickly checked their emails or read the day’s upsetting news just before going to bed? After this good helping of sensory overload, the goal is to get the most restful sleep possible, but not for too long, because as our parents already knew: “The early bird catches the worm.”
Sleep has played a minor role for too long – anyone who didn’t sleep much was considered diligent. But more and more people are turning their backs on the non-stop society and hyper-connected world – at least at night. A more conscious approach to our own bodies is conquering our bedrooms and there are very good reasons for this.
Sleep Is the Best Medicine
A lack of sleep has been shown to alter blood sugar regulation, resulting in an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. The immune system is also negatively impacted. For example, one study found that subjects who slept less than six hours a night were four times more likely to catch a cold over a two-week period. Constant exhaustion can lead to depression as well as anxiety disorders and trigger cardiovascular diseases. Even a change in eating behaviour is noticeable with overtiredness, which in many cases results in obesity.
Large companies are also having a rethink. For example, well-rested employees are more likely to be able to solve problems effectively or create innovative ideas. McKinsey recommends introducing training programmes and adapting company policies to promote cognitive performance and relaxation.
The Business of Sleep
The annual revenue of the “sleep industry” is estimated at around USD 40 billion. A thriving business sector and proof of how much society cares about its own sleep. The company Emma was able to increase its revenue by 59 percent in 2021 – in its product range: a smart mattress that adjusts to the sleeping position in real time. But sleep trackers, sleep apps or soothing gravity blankets are also very popular. Because today it’s more get into rather than “out” of bed.
The annual revenue of the ‘sleep industry’: an estimated USD 40 billion.
5 Tips for a better sleep
- Enjoy the “digital sunset”. In other words: avoid electrical appliances and their blue wavelengths two hours before going to sleep. Your melatonin levels will thank you.
- There is strength in rest – and good sleep. Autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation or pleasant breathing exercises make it easier to cross the border into the land of dreams.
- It should not be too cold or too warm. Sleep experts recommend a room temperature between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius.
- Do not hit snooze. It is better to set the alarm clock for 30 minutes later and then get up immediately.
- Exercise in the morning… and walk on sunshine all day. Even light yoga exercises or moderate mobilisation training lead to the release of happiness hormones after getting up.
