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When sleep makes you ill – part 1

28. April 2020 von Schlafexperte Prof. Dr. med. h.c. Günther W. Amann-Jennson Leave a Comment

Why sleep is considered to make you ill
What has already been the subject of research in sleep science
How sleep disorders become apparent

Almost 35% of the Austrian population suffers from sleep disorders – roughly one in four Austrians. The range is wide and stretches from falling asleep to sleep apnoea.

What we already know about sleep disorders

Around 100 different forms of sleep disorders are known in sleep science. There are many reasons for night-time sleep problems. Sleep disorders usually occur in connection with physical illnesses, stress or due to direct sleeping illnesses, for example sleep apnoea or snoring. It is also known that women are mostly twice as likely to experience emotionally induced problems with falling and staying asleep as men. This also applies to restless legs disease, which can also lead to sleep disorders. Men, however, are more likely to suffer from sleep apnoea. While only 2% of those affected are female, almost 10% of men suffer from breathing interruptions at night. Also, twice as many men as women snore. Sleep-related breathing disorders often occur from the age of 60.

What are the causes and symptoms?

The causes can be physical as well as psychological. Direct sleeping disorders such as sleep apnoea, narcolepsy or snoring have a physical origin. Changes in brain processes and weak muscles in the throat are responsible for this. Physical diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, but also rheumatism can have a negative impact on sleep quality and lead to sleep problems. Anxiety disorders, depression, burnout and other mental illnesses are also triggers for sleep disorders. Just as jet lag, shift work, but also addiction problems (drugs, alcohol, medication) can cause sleep disorders.

What are the effects of sleep disorders?

Even just one night with less sleep can affect the next day. Anyone who has been confronted with poor sleep for a longer period of time knows about the physical and psychological effects. Increased daytime tiredness, reduced performance or an irritated mood can be the consequence. Even the brain, which uses the nightly sleep phases to process collected information, is no longer fully functional due to disturbed sleep. Not only the brain, but the whole body suffers from the lack of sleep. Important body functions, but also the immune system, are impaired. The risk of serious illnesses, for example cardiovascular complaints, increases.

However, too much sleep (narcolepsy) can also be dangerous. Sudden sleep attacks in everyday life can have a serious impact on those affected, and their environment. It is recommended to clarify this as quickly as possible in the sleep laboratory. Among other things, brain waves, muscle activity, eye movements, but also heart activity, pulse, respiratory movements and respiratory flow are measured. This objective data collection is supplemented by a subjective survey using questionnaires.

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New study shows: sleep is an effective remedy for anxiety

21. April 2020 von Schlafexperte Prof. Dr. med. h.c. Günther W. Amann-Jennson Leave a Comment

• Lack of sleep makes you more anxious
• Deep sleep reduces anxiety
• Important brain networks are reorganized during the night
• Heart rate and blood pressure decreases during non-REM sleep

Whether everyday worries or deep-rooted existential fears: there are many reasons for not being able to relax at night. Deep sleep phases in particular can help the brain to cope with fear – according to a study by UC Berkeley in California. At the same time, lack of sleep is said to make people more susceptible to anxiety.

As one of the basic emotions, fear is part of human beings and fulfils its purpose. However, if not adequately mastered, it can have a significant impact on social and professional life, and also health. For this reason alone, it is worth proactively dealing with fear in order to reduce it. Apart from various therapeutic forms of treatment, we have a particularly valuable means available every night at no additional cost: sleep.

Study discovers: deep sleep reduces anxiety naturally

Regarding anxiety, sleep is crucial in two ways: on the one hand, lack of sleep can promote inner restlessness and susceptibility to anxiety by up to 30%, on the other hand, deep sleep in particular can reduce this anxiety. That was the conclusion of a study published by UC Berkeley in California in November 2019. This not only clarified the close connection between sleep and fear, but also made the discovery of a new function of deep sleep possible: “By reorganizing networks in the brain, anxiety is reduced overnight,” says Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology. According to Prof. Walker, deep sleep is a natural anxiolytic, i.e. an anxiety reliever – provided you experience it every night.

Brain activity changes due to lack of sleep

For the study, 18 young adults were shown emotionally disturbing videos and their brains were simultaneously scanned using functional MRI. This situation was carried out under two different conditions: once after a good night’s sleep, another time after a night with sleep deprivation. The fear experience was also surveyed after each session. The result: after a sleepless night, activity in the medial prefrontal cortex was greatly reduced. This area is usually instrumental in regulating anxiety. At the same time, increased activity was found in the deeper emotional centres of the brain. However, when the test subjects slept well, the MRI scanning showed a significant decrease in the level of anxiety. This difference was particularly noticeable among those who had enjoyed more deep sleep with long non-REM sleep phases.

Anxiety disorders increase in industrialized countries due to lack of sleep

The scientists’ explanation: deep sleep restored the prefrontal mechanism, which reduced emotional and physiological reactivity and prevented an escalation of the anxiety state. In non-REM sleep, neuronal vibrations are also synchronized, heart rate and blood pressure decreases. These insights also come to bear at the social level: according to Prof. Matthew Walker, one can assume that the common occurrence of increasing lack of sleep and the widespread dissemination of anxiety disorders in most industrialized countries is no mere accident, but that there is a causal factor here too.

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Physiotherapy and yoga for better sleep

16. April 2020 von Schlafexperte Prof. Dr. med. h.c. Günther W. Amann-Jennson Leave a Comment

• Chronic back pain and sleep disorders often go hand in hand
• Physiotherapy and yoga reduce the need for pain relievers
• Pain-relieving regeneration is not possible without sleep

March 15: Back Health Day

On this annual theme day, the focus was again on the key role of the back for a vital, fulfilling life. Sleep behavior is particularly important for a back-friendly life – in more ways than one: chronic back pain and sleep disorders often occur together, the combination of medicinal treatments can be dangerous. A holistic approach is designed to prevent this risk.

Sleepless nights are not uncommon for people with chronic lower back pain. According to research, 59% of those affected suffer from poor sleep, 53% of them live with insomnia. In addition to reduced quality of life, this results in a particularly sensitive problem: since both chronic pain and sleep problems are often treated pharmaceutically, a combination of medications can result in a whole series of serious side effects. Anyone taking painkillers and sleeping pills simultaneously exposes themselves to serious risks. In the worst case, it can even lead to a fatal overdose.

Physiotherapy and yoga: effective against sleep disorders and back pain

The Boston Medical Center recommends a risk-free, yet effective alternative to these medicines: in a study, both yoga and physical therapy proved to be effective methods for treating back pain, but also for getting a grip on chronic sleep disorders. The reasons for the choice of these methods were previous research results, according to which yoga and physiotherapy are similarly effective in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement.

320 adults with chronic back pain took part in the BMC study, of which over 90% suffered from poor sleep. The test subjects were divided into three groups and each treated with different measures: While reading material was allocated to the control group, the other two groups received weekly physiotherapy or yoga classes. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. During this time, the sleep quality of the participants was checked several times and checked again a year later. The result: both yoga and physiotherapy treatment showed a significant improvement in sleep quality that persisted even a year later. In addition to improving the symptoms, the need for painkillers also decreased.

Holistically effective instead of risky

“With holistic therapy measures, one can avoid the risk of addiction to conventional medication, and still enable patients to live a safe but also painless life,” says Eric Roseen from the Boston Medical Center.

The team led by Roseen shows that patients with chronic pain and sleeping problems can also be harmed health wise, since regeneration cannot fully take place at night.

Based on their observations, the researchers recommend the treating physicians to question patients with chronic back pain regarding the quality of sleep, and help to improve it if necessary. In general, bearing in mind the high risk potential that comes from a combination of pain and sleep medication, non-pharmacological approaches should be considered.

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Make use of your sleep and defend yourself against the corona virus – with a natural sleep drink

7. April 2020 von Schlafexperte Prof. Dr. med. h.c. Günther W. Amann-Jennson Leave a Comment

You can strengthen your immune system in particular by means of a healthy sleep.
Due to the rapid spread of the corona virus, we are looking everywhere for solutions. It becomes evident that our sleep actually plays the most important role when it comes to virus defence. For only during sleep are our self-regulating, self-repairing and self-healing powers activated. Although this has long been proven by scientific studies, none of the experts, epidemiologists, doctors, etc. has yet recommended it. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years! It is one of the best ways to greatly improve our immune system and thus defend ourselves against viruses and pathogens. However, it is important that we achieve healthy and sufficient sleep. Sleep is the best natural immune booster without any ifs and buts.

How to improve sleep immediately

At the moment we all feel more or less as if we are going through a crisis. This means inner stress, tension, fear, uncertainty … All of this does not make us sleep well. Between work, family and everyday tasks, it is currently a great challenge to relax after a day full of activity. Stress hormones confuse our body and brain chemistry resulting in difficulties falling and staying asleep. Consequently, sleep is not restful, the physical-emotional regeneration is disturbed and the immune system is further weakened. What is to be done? Over the past three decades, numerous natural products and solutions have been developed under my leadership at SAMINA, which measurably improve sleep. But what is the quickest help? The solution is – as if I almost suspected it – the natural sleep drink SAMINA Night. A 12-night cure improves sleep at all levels with a 90% guarantee. You fall asleep quicker, sleep through better, have more deep and REM (dream) phases, feeling relaxed in the morning. In addition to thousands of positive customer experiences, the sleep medical specialist Prof. Dr. Josef Alexander Wirth, known from press and TV (Institute for Sleep Diagnostics, Alfeld), confirmed this in an application study.

Order online now

If you order now, you can start your sleep cure in 2-3 days. Like many other users, you will be surprised how the SAMINA Night sleep drink, developed under my leadership, will noticeably improve your sleep after just a few nights. The secret? A tasty sour cherry and chokeberry juice with plant-based melatonin, amino acids, minerals and vitamins bringing relaxation, peace and harmony to body and mind. -> Order now

How to protect yourself from viruses

2. April 2020 von Schlafexperte Prof. Dr. med. h.c. Günther W. Amann-Jennson Leave a Comment

Helpful tips for strengthening a weak immune system!

The lifestyle is crucial: lots of vegetables, fruit, exercise and Sleep
Ensure adequate fluid intake
Avoiding stress and overexertion
Wash your hands regularly

Invisible, odourless and a daily companion. We are talking about bacteria and viruses. Not all of the small microorganisms are harmful, but a large number of them are. And precisely these are dangerous for elderly people or people with a weakened immune system. As is also the corona virus. But why do you become susceptible to infections in the first place?

Structure & function of the immune system

The immune system is a complex network that covers the entire organism. Tonsils, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, bone marrow and other organs are part of it, just as special blood cells. The immune system acts as a shield against viruses and bacteria. A distinction can be made between specific and non-specific defence. Both defence mechanisms work closely together. The non-specific defence forms the first front line and has been active since birth. The second front line, the specific defence system, is formed by the phagocytes and natural killer cells, e.g. T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes. If viruses or bacteria enter the system, for example through a wound, the specific defence system springs into action. The pathogen is identified and destroyed. How can you contribute to a strengthened immune system yourself?

7 tips for a strong immune system

Strengthen the immune system with the right nutrition: a varied diet, rich in vitamins, boosts the immune system. These primarily include vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, zinc, iron, selenium, copper and phytochemicals. It is believed that intestinal health is closely related to the immune system. Fibre-rich food is therefore recommended.
Stock up on vitamin D – even when it is cold: vitamin D is required for an intact immune system. Some of it is taken up through food, but a part is also produced by the body itself. However, this requires daylight or sunlight, also in winter.
Exercise, exercise, exercise: cycling, swimming and running are still classics among endurance sports. Not only the muscles, but also the immune system is strengthened by exercise. However, be cautious, because overexerting the body has the opposite effect.
Allow time for slowing down, and avoid stress: a hectic pace and stress weaken the immune system. You become more susceptible to infections. Chronic stress can also promote states of exhaustion which, like physical exertion, are ideal conditions for pathogens to multiply.
Do not forget about the hydration: similar to plants, the body needs enough fluid. If you lack fluids, you quickly feel tired and drained; furthermore you are more susceptible to infections. The reason lies in the dry mucous membranes. The lack of moisture means that viruses and bacteria cannot be adequately removed. It is therefore recommended to drink 1.5 – 3 litres of water or unsweetened teas every day.
“Power lies in sleep”: those who have had a good night’s sleep and are well rested are not only more productive, but also less prone to stress, hectic pace and infections. Studies have shown that lack of sleep drastically reduces the body’s immune cells. As a result, the immune system suffers. Seven to eight hours of sleep every day should be a MUST to give the body the necessary rest for regeneration. With the SAMINA Night Drink you can also promote healthy sleep from the inside. In the free webinar you can find out more about “Sleep as protection against viral infections”.
Wash your hands several times a day: thorough hand washing per se does not strengthen the immune system. However, this prevents the spreading of viruses and bacteria that stick to the palms of the Hands.

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How to strengthen your immune system during sleep: The special recipe from SAMINA Night

31. March 2020 von Schlafexperte Prof. Dr. med. h.c. Günther W. Amann-Jennson Leave a Comment

A strong immune system depends on the duration and quality of sleep
T cells need sleep to protect the body from viral attacks
You can learn to sleep better
Natural sleep drink has several positive effects on the immune system

The human immune system is a true miracle of nature. Thanks to this complex defence we are protected against the harmful effects of viruses, bacteria, parasites and others. If such a pathogen enters the body, the immune system is immediately activated to deactivate it.

In order to be able to offer this protection reliably, the immune system also needs our help – in the form of healthy eating, exercise in the fresh air and last but not least: sleep. Scientific studies have shown on several occasions that the robustness of the body’s defences is closely related to the duration and quality of sleep. If a sleep disorder exists, the body’s own T cells can no longer ward off viruses adequately, and a disease is more likely to occur. So even more reason to treat yourself to adequate and high-quality sleep.

Everyone can improve their sleep

But what about those who have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep? Can these people not be protected against infections if they don’t want to take the risk of conventional sleeping pills? Of course not – everyone can learn to sleep better. In addition to a sleep-friendly schedule and the right sleeping environment, the purely natural sleep drink SAMINA Night can be an effective support. Profound knowledge from 30 years of sleep research and other scientific disciplines flowed into the recipe over the years. Because of this attention to detail, the sleep drink not only indirectly strengthens the immune system through improved sleep and the regeneration processes that take place in the meantime: in addition to the synergistic effect of the 17 ingredients, some of them have a direct immune-boosting benefit.

The special features and advantages at a glance:

The aronia berry provides many natural antioxidants. In this way, it counteracts the oxidative stress that could be based on sleep disorders. Furthermore, it is full of important minerals and trace elements, e.g. magnesium, zinc and iron. This is how aronia strengthens the immune system and helps the body to carry out important detoxification processes during sleep.
The field horsetail contains many secondary phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids and carboxylic acids. These have a calming effect and are also antioxidative and immune-boosting. The immune system in particular benefits from the antibiotic Saponins.
The sweetish taste in SAMINA Night is due, amongst others, to glycine, a particularly well-tolerated flavour enhancer. As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, this amino acid plays a key role in processes, without which relaxation and sleep could not take place. In addition, glycine is detoxifying, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating, and thus an important support for the immune System.
The amino acid L-arginine can decompose ammonia before it penetrates the brain and disrupts important functions, or rises too high and causes sleep disorders. L-arginine is used specifically to strengthen the immune system; according to studies, e.g. with measurable benefits for wound healing in the elderly or in the treatment of cancer patients.
Vitamin B9, known as folic acid, also supports the immune system and promotes digestion and the ability to concentrate.

SAMINA Night has an effect from the first sip on, but can best develop its full, long-term effect in a cure lasting several days.

Image source: SAMINA