With advancing age comes insomnia: according to doctors this is a fact of which we must take note. The quality of sleep seems to worsen as a result of a series of wrong behaviors that we have accumulated over the years and of which we struggle to free ourselves permanently.
But the cause could also be of a biological type and particularly concern neurons. Scientists at Stanford University have found, through a cycle of tests subjected to laboratory mice, an increase in waking states with the progress of age compared to the need for rest.
The problem occurs through the decrease in the production of this type of neurons. Lacking their functional component, there is a demand from the waking brain that is higher than what we should naturally have. The consequence is a situation of almost perennial insomnia that we are hardly able to defeat.
The definitive answer as to why insomnia comes at a certain age
As we have previously anticipated, those responsible for insomnia can be two decisive factors: incorrect behavior and a biological response of our organism. The first can be controlled and measured in some way, the second, on the other hand, must be taken as it is and an alternative solution calculated.
To fix bad behaviors, we need to see a doctor who specializes in sleep care. Once he has examined our style of rest, he will be able to recommend the actions to be followed to ensure that our body is absolutely relaxed. It is important and fundamental, in fact, to understand what are the root reasons that cause us insomnia.
The biological factor, on the other hand, is attributable to neurons located in the area of the brain identified as the hypothalamus. These neurons produce a particular protein known as orexin, although it is also sometimes referred to as hypocretin. Its function is to regularize the sleep and wake cycle so as to ensure the right rest for people and animals.
Over the years, however, the production of this protein decreases and this causes a lower disposition to rest. Being a recent discovery, there are not yet adequate drugs on the market to solve the problem. Therefore, there is currently no definitive solution. However, this discovery opens up new opportunities for pharmacological experimentation. Meanwhile, what we can do is prevent incorrect attitudes from becoming chronic over time.
What to do to prevent insomnia from appearing
If insomnia comes, we need to review our sleeping habits. One of the most unfair habits is to use smartphones or computers before going to sleep. The blue light emitted by the screens causes interference with our wake-rest cycle. Therefore, we protect the screens or stop using them late at night.
We avoid playing sports or consuming heavy foods. Instead, let’s dedicate ourselves to relaxing and relaxing activities such as a bath, a meditation session, a little stretching, a series of breathing exercises. Let’s fall asleep with positive and happy thoughts so as not to activate nightmares. We regulate the room temperature around 18 ° C.