Increased BPA exposure can disturb our sleep
A study on mice has shown that exposure to bisphenol A, which is half the amount permitted in the European Union, affects brain development. This has consequences for the day-wake rhythm and therefore for the quality of our sleep.
Chemicals in our environment
Every day we are exposed to a variety of chemicals, some of which have a negative impact on our health and well-being. We find them in the cars we drive, in the kitchen where we cook for ourselves and our family and in the beds we sleep in every night. With thousands of chemicals present in our environment, contact is virtually unavoidable.
Neue Studie beschäftigt sich mit BPA
A study by Dr. Deborah Kurrasch (PhD) deals with the chemical bisphenol A, also known by the abbreviation BPA. This is often found in plastic, tins and on invoices or receipts produced using the thermal printing process. The study suggests that we should be even more careful about BPA than we already are.
The study and results
The study investigated the influence of low doses of BPA on pregnant mice and their offspring. Only small amounts of BPA were deliberately used - only half of the limit values accepted in the European Union. Despite the low doses, effects on the development of the animals' brains were demonstrated.
In particular, a region in the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the day-night rhythm, was inhibited in its development. This change could have an influence on sleep and therefore also on activity levels and certain behaviours. Prenatal exposure to BPA could ensure that the mice spend less time resting and have increased activity levels.
The bedroom in particular should be a chemical-free zone
We can hardly avoid contact with chemicals in everyday life. What we can do, however, is to minimise contact in our homes. The top priority here is the bedroom and recreation room. This is where we spend the most time - around eight hours a night.
Numerous recovery and detoxification processes take place while we sleep. Our body is an "open system", constantly interacting with our environment, for example via the skin. During the night, we lose around one litre of water, which is released into the air in the room or into the bed linen and bedding. Toxins are removed from the body through sweat, but new substances can also be absorbed through the skin. This makes it all the more important to opt for a chemical-free sleep solution. This is the only way to ensure that sleep is actually as restful as modern people need it to be. At least during the quiet hours at night, we should offer our bodies as relaxing an environment as possible and minimise the strain on our detoxification systems.
SAMINA deliberately avoids the use of chemicals, metals or synthetic fibres that could disturb sleep or impair health. In this way, SAMINA guarantees natural, pollutant-free and climate-neutral production of its healthy sleep products, which fulfil the highest standards of quality, comfort and sustainability.
Summary
Even though certain materials have great benefits and properties, we should be careful with some substances until they are proven safe, as they could jeopardise our health and well-being. We should try to minimise contact with products containing BPA, especially in our bedroom where we are supposed to be resting and detoxifying.
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Avoid contact with BPA as much as possible
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Exercise caution when handling plastic (e.g. do not heat it)
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Opt for chemical-free furniture in the bedroom
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Invest in natural materials, especially where you have direct skin contact (e.g. bed linen, covers, clothing)