HEALTH
SLEEP DEPRIVATION: NEW PITFALLS TO AVOID... One third of the population lives with a proven sleep deficit. And for many others, there is the constant stress of trying to get to sleep. Should we be concerned? Dr. Katerina Espa Cervena, a psychiatrist, is the medical director of Cenas, the sleep medicine centre in Geneva. According to her, this lack of rest should be taken seriously, but it should not become an obsession. Very often, the more one chases after sleep, the more evasive it becomes... Interview. Text - Sophie Franklin, Photo - Cenas
Yes, in adulthood, the amount of sleep each individual needs var ies according to thei r genetic profile. For those who
Does the amount of sleep required really vary from one individual to another?
don’t need much sleep, 5 hours will be quite sufficient. Whereas for heavy sleepers, 9 hours will be necessary. So much so that they may even experience symptoms of sleep deprivation if they only sleep 7.5 hours.
Sleep needs are different for different population groups. For example, for someone who is no longer working,
Which part of the population is most at risk from sleep deprivation?
the chronic sleep debt will be less severe than for a teenager. The recommended sleep duration up to the age of 18 is 9.25 hours. It is a fact that teenagers rarely sleep that much; even without going to bed late, given the time their lessons start, it is difficult for them to meet their sleep needs. In addition, their overexposure to screens before bedtime will further delay falling asleep. A large majority of them are therefore exposed to a sleep deficit. They are clearly the most at risk population. It has been shown that this lack of sleep, at a time when their brains are developing, can lead to poor school performance and inappropriate behaviour.
I f you do not su f f e r f r om daytime fatigue, if you feel perfectly well, do not try to sleep differently! However, if
How do we know if we are getting enough sleep?
you are tired during the day, the question is whether you are suffering from insomnia or sleep deprivation.
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