Health pillars

Sleep well

A good night's sleep is important for many body functions. The parasympathetic sleep phase is the counterpart to the wake phase of the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system has several tasks during sleep.

Sleep wellPure relaxation

Relaxation at night is indicated by the heart rate, which drops from around 75 to 50 beats per minute. The "heart motor" and the nerves come to rest. If you have had a good night's sleep, nothing will stop you feeling relaxed during the day. Even muscles that are strained during the day become relaxed at night.

Essential repairs

During sleep, damage caused during the day by sympathetic activity and environmental influences undergoes repair work. Traces caused by free radicals are removed from the skin and fluid levels are normalized. Sleep makes you "wrinkle-free".

Inner growth

During sleep, the many impressions of the day are evaluated and memorized. A good sleep therefore improves memory function. By releasing the growth hormone STH, the cells regenerate and rebuild themselves during the night.

How much sleep do we need?

The average sleep requirement is 8 hours with great variability. Sleep is not a homogeneous state of rest, rather sleep goes through periodic phases of intensity: Sleep is deepest in phase A, and lightest in the dream phase E with its rapid eye movements, known as REM sleep ("rapid eye movement").

Tips for falling asleep

  • No sport in the evening
    Exercising late at night really wakes you up.

  • Avoid heavy meals
    Eating dinner before 7.00 pm gives the body enough time to digest. Eating later will deprive you of sleep.

  • Sleep rituals
    Fixed evening rituals signal to the body that sleep is approaching. The daily balance sheet with preparations for the next day or relaxing music are suitable for this.

  • Sleepy drink
    Alcohol does not promote sleep. A glass of red wine helps you to fall asleep, but not to stay asleep.
    The following herbal tea mixture is better: 100g lemon balm leaves, 40g orange blossom (bitter orange blossom), 40g rose hip blossom with seeds and 20g hibiscus. Add a tablespoon of these to ¼ liter of hot water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. This tea guarantees a wonderful night's sleep.