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The Three Secrets to Sleeping at Night, According to a Sleep Neurologist
🇦🇷 Argentina /Health & Science

The Three Secrets to Sleeping at Night, According to a Sleep Neurologist

From La Nación · (2d ago) Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A sleep specialist recommends creating a dark, quiet environment free from screens for optimal rest.
  • The expert advises against trying to compensate for sleep deprivation during vacations, as lost sleep is difficult to recover.
  • Alcohol consumption before bed can induce sleep but may fragment it, and circadian rhythms naturally change with age.

Argentine readers seeking better sleep can gain valuable insights from Dr. Stella Maris Valiensi, a renowned neurologist specializing in sleep. In an interview with LN+, Dr. Valiensi demystifies the process of falling asleep, emphasizing that it's far more than just turning off the lights. She highlights the crucial role of the bedroom environment, advocating for a space that is dark, silent, and ideally, screen-free.

Lo mejor para tener un buen descanso es que nuestra habitación sea un espacio oscuro, silencioso y, en el mejor de los casos, que no haya ningún tipo de pantallas.

— Stella Maris ValiensiThe sleep specialist describing the ideal bedroom environment for good rest.

Dr. Valiensi shares what she calls the "three commandments" for achieving quality rest. She stresses the importance of managing light and sound exposure before bedtime, suggesting a reduction in both to signal the body it's time to wind down. Furthermore, she addresses the common misconception that sleep lost during the week can be easily recovered during holidays. Valiensi clarifies that only mild sleep deprivation is recoverable, primarily affecting younger individuals, and that consistent sleep habits are key.

Es importante no creer que uno va a poder recuperar todo el sueño durante las vacaciones.

— Stella Maris ValiensiThe expert cautioning against the belief that lost sleep can be fully recovered during vacations.

Addressing concerns about nighttime routines, Dr. Valiensi offers practical advice regarding alcohol consumption. While a glass of wine might initially induce sleepiness, she warns that it can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fragmentation. She also touches upon the natural changes in circadian rhythms that occur with aging, noting that older adults often experience shifts in their sleep-wake cycles. Ultimately, Dr. Valiensi's advice empowers individuals to take control of their sleep hygiene through simple yet effective environmental and behavioral adjustments.

Tomar una copa de vino induce al sueño, pero puede fragmentarlo. La mejor sugerencia es no tomar todas las noches.

— Stella Maris ValiensiThe neurologist explaining the potential negative impact of alcohol consumption on sleep quality.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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