The Dutch often sleep long, but not really well | Inland

“Sleeping long enough is certainly not the same as having a good night’s sleep,” says research leader Henning Tiemeier of Erasmus MC on its own site. “A real good sleep keeps your brain healthy and ensures recovery of the body.” Good sleep therefore leads to a better memory and more concentration and in the long term to a smaller risk of brain disorders (depression, stroke and dementia).

The researchers examined the sleep of more than 1.1 million people in different countries, including 200,358 Dutch people. They argue for more attention to improving sleep quality. Extending the sleep duration alone is not enough, while there is still a lot of focus on that.

Rhythm and rest

Researcher Annemarie Luik of Erasmus MC says that people can already do a lot themselves: a quiet and dark bedroom, only relaxing activities and no intensive sports, coffee and alcohol shortly before bedtime and get up at the same time.

However, about 10 percent suffer from chronic insomnia and do not get out. More research is needed on this, says fellow researcher Eus van Someren of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. “It is the single most important risk factor for further suffering, especially from developing an anxiety disorder, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.” Volunteers can help with research by registering via a register (Slaapregister.nl).

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