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Sleep and rest - recommendations from the Directorate of Health

Educational initiative on the importance of sleep 2021

-Automatic translation

In October 2021, facts, advice, and challenges regarding sleep were published on social media to encourage people to consider a good night's sleep. People were encouraged to prioritise sleep and thereby contribute to better well-being.

People were encouraged to follow the hashtag #sofumbetur on social media.

Sleep habits

The first week's focus was on the importance of good sleep habits.

  1. Good sleep habits are essential for a good night's sleep. It is preferable to always go to bed at a similar time every night and get up at a similar time in the morning. Good evening habits are also desirable to calm the mind and body before sleep.

  2. By establishing a quiet and pleasant evening routine, we calm our body and mind, which can contribute to a better night's sleep. If we take the time to relax a little, reduce stress and do something quiet before bed, it will probably be easier to fall asleep. For example, you can read a good book, take a bath or have a pleasant evening with family and friends.

  3. Going to bed at the same time every day and getting up at the same time can significantly improve our sleep. It will be easier to fall asleep, and the sleep quality will improve. It's okay to stay up late occasionally, but if we do it too often, it affects the quality of our sleep.

  4. We promote a better night's sleep by keeping the sleeping environment pleasant and quiet. It is preferable to have the temperature neither too hot nor cold, between 16 - 19°C. It is also essential to have darkness in the room, which promotes the production of sleep hormones that make us feel sleepy. Thus, it is crucial to have good curtains. It is also good to limit the use of electronic devices where you sleep, for example, phones and computers.

  5. Good sleeping habits contribute to a good night's sleep. They make it easier for us to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning. By always doing the same thing before bed, we associate that activity with going to sleep.

This week's challenge

Let's go to sleep and get up at about the same time every day of the week.

  • Let's use this week to improve our sleeping habits. Let's challenge ourselves to go to bed at the same time every night of the week and get up at the same time every morning, regardless of how much or how well we slept the night before. By doing this, we will gradually find it easier to fall asleep and can significantly improve our night's sleep!

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