Sleep is crucial, especially during winter when our immune system faces heightened challenges. The cold season often brings increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and various infections. Adequate sleep plays a pivotal role in strengthening our immune system and defending against pathogens, activating processes essential for immune reinforcement during rest. Scientists at the Viva Research Park have extensively explored the significance of building materials, providing the latest insights.
During sleep, the body produces antibodies that aid in combating pathogens, while also influencing the activation and function of T-cells, pivotal in our immune system. Sleep deprivation escalates the risk of infections, making uninterrupted, high-quality sleep a key component in supporting overall health.
Environmental toxins and noise significantly impact our sleep quality. Airborne pollutants like fine dust or emissions from building materials and furnishings can compromise sleep quality. Likewise, noise from traffic, neighbours, or other sources can disrupt sleep, hindering the body's regeneration and immune system strengthening.
Therefore, ensuring a healthy sleep environment becomes imperative. This involves steering clear of environmental toxins and creating a tranquil sleep space.
Researchers at the Viva Research Park have delved into the role of building materials in this aspect, offering valuable insights:
1. Maintaining Good Indoor Air Quality with Optimal Humidity Levels
Buildings made from concrete and bricks, complemented by mineral-based plasters, offer superior indoor air quality by minimizing pollutants. Mineral-based lime plasters applied to the walls of houses in the Viva Research Park emit no substances, regulate humidity between the optimal range reducing the risk of mold formation, and enhancing air quality.
In essence, houses built with concrete, bricks, and mineral interior plasters offer a healthy environment by containing minimal pollutants and ensuring good indoor air quality conducive to better sleep within the ideal humidity levels.
2. Shielding Against External Noise
Wall materials like bricks and concrete provide optimal protection against outdoor noise. Their compact structure allows better absorption of sound waves, significantly reducing indoor noise levels. Moreover, exterior insulation acts as an additional defense against noise, weakening sound before it enters the building. This proves advantageous, particularly in bustling or noisy areas. Robust walls and exterior insulation form an effective combination in mitigating external noise. Their soundproofing characteristics significantly reduce indoor noise levels, contributing to a serene and peaceful sleep environment.
3. Immune System Strengthening through Quality Sleep
Medical research shows, adequate sleep is pivotal in strenghtening our immune system. It plays a significant role in producing antibodies that combat pathogens, along with regulating T-cell activation, essential in our immune system's functioning. Environmental factors, such as pollutants and noise, can disrupt this essential sleep, affecting the body's ability to regenerate and strengthen its immune response. Prioritizing a conducive sleep environment becomes paramount for optimal health and well-being.
Creating a healthy sleep haven involves considering the impact of building materials on indoor air quality, noise reduction, and their influence on the body's immune response. Architects and application companies integrating these crucial insights into their designs can cultivate spaces that promote restful sleep and enhance overall well-being.