Gesunder Schlaf

Sleep better, live better: An interview with sleep expert Bjoern Steinbrink

Besser schlafen, besser leben: Ein Interview mit Schlafexperten Bjoern Steinbrink

Sleep is one of the most important pillars of our health, but is often underestimated. Bjoern Steinbrink, experienced sleep coach and author, devotes himself intensively to the topic of sleep and regeneration. Healthy and restful sleep is also particularly important to us at kanela, which is why we are pleased to gain an insight from sleep expert Bjoern Steinbrink in this interview. In our interview, he reveals why good sleep is essential, which factors influence it and which simple measures everyone can take to improve their sleep quality.

What motivated you to focus on the topic of sleep?

I originally come from the sports and training sector and I noticed how little attention was paid to sleep and proper regeneration. No matter what sport or performance class, the topic was completely underrepresented. That got me thinking and so I began to look into sleep in depth. Together with my colleague Prof. Dr. Michael Coll Barroso, I founded the 'Careholder Value for Sleep and Regeneration' institute.

The importance of sleep for mental and physical health

When asked what role sleep plays in health, Steinbrink explains: "It is not just an opinion, but a scientifically proven fact that sleep is the key to health and performance. It influences all known pillars of health. Anyone who wants to feel physically and mentally healthier and be more productive must deal with this issue.

What health problems can arise from lack of sleep?

It starts with a lack of motivation and reduced performance - at work, in your private life and in sports. Chronic lack of sleep can also lead to depression. It has also been scientifically proven that cancer cells are more active when the circadian rhythm is disturbed. Hormone problems, increased stress levels and obesity are also often a consequence.

Tips for improving sleep quality

What general tips can you give our readers to improve sleep quality, especially during stressful times of life?

Everyone should remove the word "stress management" from their vocabulary and pay attention to "regeneration management". We have more stress today than ever before, and it is now chronic. We have to react to this and become aware of the options for daily regeneration. This includes, for example, consistent meal times, moderate exercise and no strenuous sports sessions, or rituals and regularities in sleep hygiene.

How important are regular sleep habits and how can you integrate them into a hectic everyday life?

Very important! Ideally, sleep times should be the same 7 days a week. The more irregular, the worse. This is very easy to implement and a very important point on the way to better sleep.

What role do factors such as nutrition, exercise and stress management play in restful sleep?

I would like to turn it around, because sleep influences nutrition, Exercise and stress levels. If I take care of my sleep quality, I will be more successful in implementing the points mentioned above and many more.

The ideal sleeping environment

How does the sleeping environment influence sleep quality and which elements are particularly important?

The bedroom should be a place of refuge when it comes to rest and relaxation. It should be tidy and a desk or ironing clothes do not belong in the bedroom. It should also not look like a high-bay warehouse with boxes in the corners or on the cupboard. That reminds you of all the things that still need to be done and that doesn't really help you sleep any better. Ergonomic bedding is also very important, but you could fill books with that topic.   

What advantages do natural materials, such as linen bed linen, offer for a healthy sleep?

In general, bedding is very important and, in addition to ergonomics, the topic of "bed climate" is a top priority. This includes mattress covers, fitted sheets, duvets and, of course, bed linen. You release a lot of moisture through your skin every night and this must be able to evaporate. In addition, good bedding materials also play a major role in regulating body temperature. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the individual sleep cycles and thus the quality of sleep increases when I use good materials.

How can you optimally design your bedroom to create a relaxing and sleep-promoting atmosphere?

It's about nice furnishings, not too much furniture, good ventilation and the right lighting. You just have to feel comfortable and you have to enjoy going into this room and into bed.

Sleep coaching and individual advice

How does a typical sleep coaching session work for you, and what individual adjustments do you make?

We orient ourselves on the circadian rhythm, or what is programmed into us evolutionarily. During the course of the training, we create an individual 24-hour clock with our customers and bring regularity into everyday life. We also convey a new understanding of regeneration.

In addition, we adapt the topics “sport” and “nutrition” to your lifestyle in order to ultimately achieve better and more restful sleep.

What successes or positive changes have your clients experienced after coaching?

We had our program validated by a university and over 90% of participants reported a significant improvement in sleep quality and performance.

What motivates you personally in your work as a sleep coach and what goals do you have for the future?

People are influenced far too much by advertising and social media. They have forgotten how to think for themselves and recognize logical connections. My goal is to impart knowledge about sleep and regeneration so that people don't keep buying pointless stuff that promises better sleep but ultimately has little effect. I try to explain and clarify things.

Is there a particular experience or feedback from a client that has made a lasting impression on you?

Luckily, I get a lot of positive feedback, but sometimes I get thank you letters that are very emotional and touch me deeply. They sometimes make my eyes water.

What message would you like to give to our readers to emphasize the importance of good sleep in everyday life?

You should stop blindly believing all advertising claims and stop ordering every "crap" online that promises better sleep. Quality should always be taken into account. Sleep is very individual and it is usually small, simple things that work brilliantly. I have released a free 28-day sleep training program for readers. I think the importance of good sleep is clear and can be implemented directly there. You can find more Info about the sleep training on Bjoern Steinbrink's homepage.

Thank you, Mr. Steinbrink, for your valuable insights and tips on the subject of sleep and well-being.

 

Reading next

Nachhaltigkeit bei kanela: Leinen Produkte mit gutem Gewissen
So bleibt deine Leinen Bettwäsche ein Traum: Die besten Pflegetipps

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.