When we think about health, sleep is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. Many people perceive it as a necessary part of their general lifestyle, but a few consider it as something that has a direct impact on overall wellness.   The truth is that getting the appropriate amount of sleep has a number of advantages and disadvantages to our general well-being. For example, did you know that getting enough rest can improve your immune system, memory function, and concentration? On the other hand, losing an hour of sleep from the recommended seven to eight hours reduces one’s capability to function well.   A worldwide statistic has identified the Philippines as the fifth country in the world with the worst sleepers. According to the results, the majority of Filipinos only get an average of six hours and 22 minutes of rest. This statistic is proof that sleep deprivation is a national issue, affecting about 50 million Filipinos in total.   Lack of proper sleep can cause circadian rhythm disorders, a condition where the body’s internal body clock is disrupted. Normally, the body regulates itself according to a 24-hour cycle of biological processes. The circadian rhythm acts as our internal alarm clock, telling us when to sleep and when to wake up. A circadian rhythm disorder happens when the internal body clock deviates from its natural cycle due to continuous changes in sleep patterns.   There are many types of this disorder. One is called the delayed sleep condition, which causes an individual to stay alert beyond their normal sleep schedule. Its opposite is the advanced sleep phase disorder which causes people to sleep earlier than their usual schedule. Then there is the shift work disorder which causes irregular sleeping patterns due to a constantly shifting sleep schedule.   Sleep problems is an issue that affects the whole country, including the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The World Association of Sleep Medicine suggests several tips that can help improve sleep quality:  
  1. Exclusively using your bed for sleeping.
  2. Refraining from consuming caffeine six hours before bedtime.
  3. Eating a light dinner.
  4. Limiting naps to 45 minutes.
  5. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment. (keeping the room dark and well-ventilated or using the right mattress).
  Establishing a sleep-friendly environment is something that is very important in achieving quality rest. One of the easiest ways to do this is by investing in a quality mattress. Studies have shown that even the slightest discomfort can affect the nature of our sleep, and settling on a mattress that doesn’t meet the needs of an individual can have a direct effect on them. Thankfully, Uratex Philippines, a pioneer in providing innovative and quality sleeping solutions in the country, has taken it upon itself to focus on providing the public with the right mattresses that can take the quality of sleep to the next level. Now that it is celebrating its 50th year in the industry, the brand is setting its sights on the VisMin region as part of its mission to improve the quality of sleep of Filipinos.   Visayans and Mindanaoans are particularly known to be dedicated to prioritizing quality of life. Teodoro A. Agoncillo one of the pre-eminent Filipino historians of the 20th century once stated that Visayans put focus in investing on the right things if it means they get to enjoy the finer things in life. Mindanaoans, on the other hand, follow the mantra “home is home”, proof that they are willing to prioritize things that can make their lifestyles better.   Given these, doesn’t it make sense to put the effort in prioritizing something as important as sleep? Something as simple as switching to a quality mattress like the ones offered by Uratex can have a big impact on one’s way of living by allowing them to enjoy more things, live a healthier lifestyle, and get the energy to appreciate life in general. And though Filipinos need more education on the importance of sleep, the country is at least treading the right path by celebrating the subject through events like World Sleep Day and meaningful partnerships like the one between The Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) and Uratex Philippines which joined forces to further advance the education of the public about sleep.   Proper understanding and awareness about the importance of sleep still have a long way to go in the Philippines, but with the support of thought leaders and the open mind of the public, we are a few steps closer to getting the sleep we deserve. (PR)