We humans spend around a third of our lives sleeping. For many, that sounds a lot at first, almost alarming, as there are so many other worthwhile activities. Be it sport, traveling and exploring faraway places or personal interaction with others. But on closer inspection, it's no wonder, because sleep is important. What's more, it is essential for survival. We'll tell you why this is the case and what exactly happens in the body when we sleep.

The body's own mechanisms that make us sleepy  

First of all, a fundamental question arises: why do we get tired and need to sleep in the first place? Well, scientists have not yet understood all the effects and functions of sleep. However, the fact is that we humans need it to process the impressions of the day and at the same time gather energy for new things. The body has developed its own mechanisms to ensure that we actually rest: 

One of these is the day-night rhythm, a circadian rhythm. This refers to the ability of an organism to synchronize physiological processes to a period of around 24 hours. For example, body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate drop in the evening, while at the same time the body releases more melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. Exactly when this happens varies from person to person. Artificial light, for example from screens, can disrupt this rhythm. Stress is also a sleep killer. 

Another mechanism is sleep homeostasis. It weighs up the body's need for sleep in relation to how long someone has already been awake. This means that in people who sleep too little, the body starts to produce more adenosine at some point. This molecule blocks the release of invigorating messenger substances such as dopamine and instead increases the need for sleep. All of this is important so that the body can rest.

What happens during sleep?

Not only do we process emotions and information during sleep, but it also has other vital functions:

• Memory: The brain undergoes a lot of training at night, as this is when its neuronal network regenerates. All the impressions of the day can be consolidated and are stored in the memory. At the same time, less relevant information is deleted. So you could say: the brain tidies up. Sleep is also essential for a good ability to concentrate.
   
• Regeneration: Growth hormones are also released during sleep, new cells are produced and bone strength also benefits. All of this helps the body to regenerate and accelerates wound healing. The metabolism is also boosted and the growth hormone is also involved in the breakdown of fat in cells.
   
• Psyche: Sleep prevents mental illnesses such as burnout or depression. The reason: during this period, the stress hormone cortisol is broken down by certain messenger substances. But dreams also play an important role in our emotional world, as experiences and the associated emotions are processed in them.
   
• Immune system: The immune system is also strengthened during sleep, as certain immune cells are produced during this time and the immunological memory, which the body uses to recognize pathogens and foreign substances, is also formed at night. Blood pressure also drops and the heart beats more slowly, which benefits the body.
   
• Energy: Not only do we need sleep to be fit for a new day, but we also use less energy during this time than if we were simply resting without entering a deep sleep phase. Without sleep, we would therefore need significantly more energy to function.

No life without sleep

The question of why sleep is so important for health has now been answered. Conversely, this means that anyone who sleeps poorly or little over a longer period of time can expect problems. For example, your ability to concentrate and react will decrease. In addition, many other serious physical and psychological ailments can arise, such as cardiovascular diseases and depression. People who sleep little also tend to put on weight. This also increases the risk of obesity.

Many factors play a role

In order for us to sleep well and sufficiently in the long term, however, the surrounding environment must also be right. Sufficient exercise, a healthy diet and enjoyable conversations with others are the most important ingredients for this. But relaxing and inspiring things in between are also essential. Here at the Seehotel Jägerwirt you will find all this and more, making us the perfect refuge for a break with added value. 

Because we have made it our mission to create a place that not only scores points with cozy rooms, a soothing spa area, excellent cuisine and exciting additional offers such as our retreats, but we also bring together like-minded people who want to get more out of their lives in this dream setting. Who don't just stick to the surface, but consciously dig deeper to take their own being to the next level. Are you one of those people? Then get yourself up to Turracher Höhe!

Alexander Springenschmidt, Managing Director of Seehotel Jägerwirt, is an expert on the topic of flow throughout the DACH region. With his "High Flow Time Management" patent, he helps people to achieve twice as much in half the time without burning out. 

www.alexanderspringenschmidt.com