People who think they are readying themselves with a headstart on the day by setting multiple alarms might actually be unwittingly wreaking havoc on their health. Having multiple alarms, as it turns out, could be why you are feeling physically drained or emotionally on edge, says Javier Albares, one of Spain’s foremost sleep experts and a clinical neurophysiologist.
Many people have the habit of setting several alarms each morning for various reasons, from deep sleepers attempting to make sure they arise in time to those seeking a few extra moments of slumber before starting their day. But these frequent disruptions during the final stretch of sleep could be causing harm.
Speaking to Herrera en COPE, Albares warned: “At this end of sleep, we have a lot of REM sleep, which acts as our nocturnal psychologist.
“This REM phase helps us process our emotions and daily experiences. It is mainly concentrated in the second half of the night.”
Missing out on an hour of sleep means not only losing a substantial chunk of good rest, but also forfeiting a significant amount of REM sleep, which is critical for maintaining emotional balance.
The sleep specialist underscored the importance of good sleep to one’s overall mental and physical health, saying: “I prioritise sleep as one of the most important aspects of my health and life. Sleep cannot be replaced; it is not a luxury, and when we substitute it, there are consequences.”
Dr Albares delved into the influence of sleep on our emotions, highlighting its role in regulating appetite hormones, he cautioned that a lack of adequate sleep can lead to tangible problems such as weight gain. He also broke down various types of insomnia and the importance of addressing their specific causes.
For instance, difficulty in falling asleep may correlate with daytime activity levels, whereas stress might be linked to waking up during the night. An unexpected ally in tackling certain types of insomnia is Saffron, with its impact on serotonin levels and neuron communication.
However, Dr Albares issued an advisory: “No one should assume that saffron alone will improve their sleep without consulting a professional for a proper diagnosis.”
