Sleep is a fundamental process in the life of each person. A healthy sleep is a time when the body can relax and rest, preparing the body to face a new day full of energy.
However, the sleep quality of a large percentage of the population is far from ideal. Thanks to different factors such as little sleep, stress and an imbalance in the circadian rhythm, sleep can be seriously affected.
Fortunately, there are different ways to fall asleep. One of these is the regular use of infrared saunas. These special saunas interact directly with the body, beyond the benefits of sweating, helping and enhancing some physiological processes that are directly and indirectly related to sleep.
In this article, we will address the importance of falling asleep, and explain how the infrared sauna can help you improve the quality of your sleep.
The importance of sleeping well
Despite seeming simple, the quality of sleep has a considerable influence on a large number of biological processes in the body. In fact, sleep is essential to ensure good mental and physical health. Therefore, it is essential that the hours of sleep are of good quality. Adequate rest allows the body to optimally carry out all biological processes, guaranteeing the proper functioning of each of the systems.
Some of the processes that occur when a person has restful sleep include:
- Hormonal changes:
The body secretes less cortisol, a hormone closely related to stress. In turn, it secretes growth hormones that help heal the body.
- Brain changes:
During deep sleep, neurons create new connections between them, which aids memory, learning ability, concentration and creativity.
- Energy conservation:
Refreshing sleep allows the body to slow down its metabolism to conserve even more energy.
Although the human body is capable of carrying out these processes on its own, using an infrared sauna can help enhance the quality of sleep and, directly, the processes that occur during sleep (here you can read how an infrared sauna works).
What happens if you don't rest well when you sleep?
Unfortunately, most of the time, it is difficult to get a good quality sleep. In fact, it is estimated that in Spain between 44% - 58% of the population do not get a good night's sleep. In turn, it is important to highlight that a large number of these cases are caused by high stress levels.
In addition, the little quantity and quality of sleep drastically reduces the effectiveness of the fundamental biological processes that occur during the nights. There is even an association between poor sleep quality and chronic diseases that affect the brain, heart, and circulatory system.
On the other hand, sleep problems can also cause drowsiness and fatigue throughout the day. These conditions, despite not being considered severe, can decrease a person's performance during the day, quality of life, and even induce some chronic diseases and accidents.
How does an infrared sauna help improve sleep quality?
Although there are numerous ways to fall asleep, using this type of sauna on a regular basis is one of the best options.
Helps to induce a high degree of relaxation. This mental state directly affects the quality of sleep and helps the person to fall asleep better.
We now know that this is achieved by enhancing thermoregulation induced by the infrared sauna. Thermoregulation is a common physiological process, in which the body adapts to temperatures. In turn, thermoregulation alters body temperature in relation to different events.
When using it, the body temperature rises considerably, generating dilation of the peripheral blood vessels. As a result, the person can fall asleep faster and achieve a deeper sleep. In fact, various studies report that raising body temperature before sleeping can decrease the time it takes a person to fall asleep by approximately 36%.
In turn, the body begins to cool down after using the sauna. Usually, the body temperature decreases as the time for sleep approaches. This occurs, in part, to achieve optimal energy conservation.
This drop in temperature sends signals to the brain to increase the production and release of melatonin, which is a hormone that induces sleep when it rises.
However, this is not the only way this device can help you fall asleep. Constant use of infrared light can lower cortisol levels; a hormone that is intimately associated with stress. The greater the cortisol release, the greater the stress and, therefore, the lower the quality of sleep. Consequently, by lowering cortisol, the infrared sauna also prolongs deep sleep, indirectly improving other physiological processes.
The VitaliWave infrared sauna blanket and restful sleep
An infrared sauna can significantly improve the quality of sleep. However, using the VitaliWave sauna blanket can be even more beneficial. This is because this portable sauna can be used in the comfort of the house before going to sleep.
By having it at home, it is easier to synchronize its use with the circadian rhythm. In this way, the body cooling phase can coincide with bedtime. Therefore, the person can easily induce the release of melatonin to fall asleep.
You can read this article to find out how an infrared sauna blanket works and this article to see how to use an infrared sauna blanket.
Tips for falling asleep
Although using our sauna blanket brings a large number of benefits, there are other measures to ensure a restful sleep that can be taken together. These include:
- Use the portable sauna blanket VitaliWave in a relaxing room.
- Do not use electronic devices or screens before bed.
- Try to sleep and always wake up at the same time.
- Meditate to lower stress levels.
