Importance of light, circadianrhythm and sleep for health with consideration of phytotherapy in sleepdisorders

Abstract

Sleep plays a key role in maintaining health, because during sleep the body goes through dfferent phases, which are very important for the well-being during the waking, active period. The recommended proper amount of sleep, on average, is 7-9 hours per night. The body’s biological clock, controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain, regulates sleep and wakefulness cycles in a 24-hour period by receiving light and dark signals from the environment. This rhythm influences hormone production, body temperature and other processes, determining the body’s readiness for wakefulness or sleep. Lack of sleep, sleep disorders or poor quality sleep negatively aect both a person’s physical and mental health. In the long term, the presence of sleep disorders can lead to problems with concentration, memory, lowered mood, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression or hormonal disorders. Taking care to observe sleep hygiene, understood as a set of habits and practices that promote restorative rest, is a very important part of physical and mental health. In conditions of chronic sleep disorders, phytotherapy can be used as sleep aids. Herbs that exhibit sedative, tonic, relaxing and sleeping effects are recommended; their supplementation contributes to the restoration of natural sleep rhythms.