Need Sleep?

[Anchor Lead]

In today’s Close Up, we look at sleep. More than ever, it seems to be lacking from our lives – not just in quantity, but also quality.

[Pkg]

Sufficient sleep alone is believed to make people feel healthier but many these days say they don't have time for a good night's sleep.

[Soundbite] Park Na-rae : "I don't sleep well so I wake up often during sleep and then I'm tired the next day."

A chronic lack of sleep can lead to more serious sleep disorders. One study shows that 720-thousand Koreans suffered from a sleep disorder in 2015, up 56 percent in five years.

[Soundbite] Han Jin-gyu(Specialist in Sleep Medicine) : "Sleep disorders can range from mental issues such as anxiety, panic and depression to include more serious concerns of blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipemia, irregular pulse and cardiac infarction. Sleep shortage continued for a long time can cause any illness related to the heart or brain."

First of all, the duration of sleep matters. Through adolescence, 9 to 10 hours is adequate. Adults are advised to sleep seven and a half to eight and a half hours. The bedroom environment is also important.

[Soundbite] Park Yeong-cheol(Mattress Manufacturer) : "When buying a mattress, people need to check the firmness. Softer products are generally better for the average woman. Firmer ones suit men with large physique or heavy weight."

Personal sleeping habits also play a a factor. The fluffy mattress is better for those who sleep on their side as the softness will cushion the body. If you sleep face down, a firmer mattress will work. Now we share some yoga moves that can induce a more sound sleep.

[Soundbite] Kim Do-ah(Yoga Instructor) : "Yoga is an exercise that helps relax muscle, circulate blood and stabilize the mind. Just simple moves can contribute to sound sleep."

For the first position...sit on the floor with your legs stretched to each side. Raise the tips of your feet and hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat four times. Here's the second move. Touch the floor with your hands and knees. Then lift your hips and body upward with your feet anchored to the floor. Continue breathing in and out. Then lower your hips and have them touch your heels in a prostrate position. Then breathe slowly.

[Soundbite] Kim Do-ah(Yoga Instructor) : "Practice yoga daily for 10 minutes before going to bed and sleep well."

Adequate sleep alone can make anyone feel healthier. As the saying goes, sleep is the best medicine. Pay a bit more attention to the time your body gets a deserving rest.