Do you sleep (well) enough?

Do you sleep (well) enough?

First you want to quickly read to the end of the chapter or finish watching the series, and then you’ll go to bed – at least that's the plan. And it's important to stick to the plan, because getting the right amount of good sleep keeps you healthy and in good spirits.
Author:
Content-Team SWICA
Sleep is an important process which refreshes both the body and the mind. It also boosts the immune system. After a good night's sleep you feel well and are able to give your best right through to the following evening.

How much sleep is enough?

Everyone has different sleep habits. How much sleep a person needs depends on their age, sex and genetic make-up. While some adults find that six hours is enough, infants (4-11 months) need between 12 and 15 hours’ sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends that individuals aged between 18 and 64 should sleep for at least eight hours per night. When trying to work out how much sleep you need, it’s best to trust your body. If you wake up in the morning feeling fit and ready for the day, then you've definitely had enough sleep.

What about a nap at lunchtime?

A lunchtime nap can be very restorative as long as it doesn’t last for more than twenty minutes. It should deliver an energy boost for the next three to four hours. If you feel less energetic after your nap than before, you should try simply lying down and relaxing instead.

What happens if you don't get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on overall health. Concentration is reduced, memory function declines, and mood is adversely affected. Persistent sleep disorders can lead to depression, increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In addition, there is an increased risk of accident, both in road traffic and at work because acute sleep deprivation affects people in much the same way as alcohol consumption.

Causes of too little (good) sleep

There are many causes for not getting enough good sleep: Spending too much time watching TV, playing computer games or writing messages on your phone can prevent the brain from going into "sleep mode." Other causes can be related to mental problems or fears. In addition, snoring, teeth grinding, fidgety legs or getting up repeatedly to urinate (regardless of whether you take any diuretics) can prevent you from getting the deep sleep you need.

SWICA helps those who suffer from sleep disorders

Do you suffer from a sleep disorder? Do you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night? Maybe you wake up too early? SWICA can help you. At www.swica.ch/sleep you can find a wealth of information on sleep problems, a test for measuring your sleep quality, useful tips, and the details of people you can contact directly for personal support.

The online self-help programmes of santé24 also include offers for managing sleep disorders. SWICA customers who suffer from anxieties and fears can request psychological advice from the doctors and psychologists at santé24. Registration takes place as part of a psychological / psychiatric consultation. You can call the regular phone number 044 404 86 86 to make an appointment.


11.11.2020

For your health: santé24 and SWICA Benecura

Do you have a health question? Our physicians and healthcare professionals at santé24 are available 24/7 on +41 44 404 86 86 for SWICA customers. In addition to telephone health advice, patients whose conditions are appropriate for telemedicine can receive medical services such as diagnostics, treatment, and even e-prescriptions for prescription medications.

Do you feel ill? The SWICA Benecura medical app makes it easy to carry out a digital SymptomCheck. You will receive a personal recommendation about what to do next. Send your information in encrypted form to the santé24 online practice for your telephone consultation to significantly shorten the assessment.