The doctor spoke about the health effects of sleeping outdoors

Being outdoors brings many health benefits, and spending the night under the stars is no exception. Unlike the usual urban environment, where we are surrounded by devices with bright lights, noise and other distractions, spending the night in nature can help improve sleep and restore the body. This was reported in the Popular Science magazine.

"As with many other sleep-related issues, a personal approach is very important here. What helps one person sleep well may not be suitable for everyone. Nevertheless, there is real evidence that a night in nature can help reboot both the body and the mind," said Jennifer Martin, a doctor and representative of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

According to Martin, the main reason that people sleep well outdoors is that most of the annoying factors such as phones, televisions, and computers are absent. There are no bright artificial light sources in nature, which allows the body to naturally produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep—wake cycle. Melatonin helps the body adjust to the night time and prepare for a good rest.

Another important factor is the reduction of stress associated with daily worries. Staying outdoors also helps to normalize stress levels, which is the key to improving sleep quality.

One of the key benefits of spending the night in nature is its effect on the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that regulates our sleep and wake cycles. According to the study, the habit of natural sunlight and darkness contributes to the harmonization of these rhythms, which, in turn, improves the quality of sleep. This is especially important in conditions where most people are exposed to artificial light, which disrupts the natural cycle.

Although spending the night in nature can be beneficial, it is important to create the right conditions for a comfortable sleep. It is worth taking care of suitable clothes for sleeping and a sleeping bag so as not to freeze. The expert recommended using thermal mats that provide comfort and insulation from the cold, as well as earplugs. For those who are not ready to sleep outdoors, but want to enjoy nature, there is an alternative — glamping.

As the doctor concluded, regardless of whether we sleep outdoors or in bed, it is important to monitor the quality of sleep. Good sleep helps maintain physical and mental health, reduces stress levels, regulates blood pressure, and improves immunity.

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Earlier, on September 18, it was reported that afternoon fatigue is a natural part of the body's biological rhythms. This feeling of drowsiness and difficulty in thinking often leads to a person starting to look for ways to quickly regain their energy. One of the most common solutions is fast and habitual caffeine, but research shows that the cause of this fatigue goes much deeper than just eating or lack of sleep.

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