Brave and healthy: "My 88-year-old grandma sleeps outside all the time"

There are many reasons why my grandmother inspires me . Despite her advanced age—and some signs of aging, such as hearing loss—she is sociable, courageous, fit, and just plain cool. Right now, she inspires me most with one of her habits: She constantly sleeps outside. At the proud age of 88.

My grandma has a lounger on her small balcony; in the evenings, she just grabs her blanket and lies down outside under the starry sky. "I sleep much better outside," she explains every time. It's cooler, the air is better, and the light is completely natural. For years, she's only used her bed in winter or when it's raining heavily or windy.

Sleeping outside is healthy, says my grandma

"I feel better physically and mentally when I fall asleep and wake up in the fresh air," my grandmother tells me. The fact that she does it voluntarily, sleeping on a comfortable bed and in a safe environment, is certainly a prerequisite for this. Ages ago, I once interviewed three homeless people who, understandably, found sleeping outside uncomfortable. My grandmother knows how lucky she is.

But in a situation like my grandmother's, is it really better to sleep outdoors? Does it actually make you feel fitter—or is my grandmother the cool exception?

Chronobiologist Dr. Annette Krop-Benesch provides the answer in an interview with "SkyHeia" as part of a European symposium on the protection of the night sky. Three factors appear to be crucial:

Are you looking for routines that help you unwind? Do you want to finally get a good night's sleep? Learn how to calmly handle stressful periods.

Discover now

1. There is more fresh air outside

"Sleeping outside is healthy because you get an abundance of fresh air," explains the expert. A tilted window can't compensate for the amount of air.

2. The temperature difference is greater and therefore better

In addition, when sleeping outside, you experience a greater temperature difference between day and night, says the expert: "Unfortunately, this is usually different when sleeping indoors, because many bedrooms are much too warm." However, a significant temperature difference is very important for our internal clock: "Our internal clock primarily determines our sleep, and it has hardly changed since the Stone Age because it is determined by our genes."

3. The lighting conditions promote this natural rhythm

"Our ancestors adapted to the light conditions," explains Dr. Annette Krop-Benesch in the interview. "It was dangerous for them to be out and about in the dark, because they were obviously at a disadvantage if they encountered a saber-toothed tiger in the dark. So, at dusk, they lay down to sleep in a sheltered place."

Her internal clock then ensured the release of melatonin. This neurotransmitter ensures various important processes in the body at night that are neglected during the day because the energy needed in daylight was needed for hunting, gathering, and raising children. "At night, melatonin ensures the storage of experiences in the brain, wound healing and other activities of the immune system, and the regeneration of our tissues—that is, cell division." Falling asleep in the dark and waking up in daylight is therefore not only natural but also healthy.

A special bonus: the sounds of nature

These are exactly the three aspects that my grandma loves about sleeping outside – and they seem to have a truly positive effect on our health and our sleep. But there's one more special moment that my grandmother enjoys most of all: when the birds start chirping in the morning. It's already been scientifically proven that this natural sound is good for our psyche.

My grandma has always been a role model for me, and now her sleeping habits are even more so. And I've made a firm resolution: This year, I want to be as cool as her and sleep on my roof terrace. Probably as a one-time thing—although, who knows...

Brigitte

#Topics