Importance of Sleep and Dark Environment for Melatonin Production
Dr. Ekaterina Young, an endocrinologist, emphasizes that total darkness is an essential condition for the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. According to the doctor, to avoid feeling tired in the morning, it is not only important to sleep for eight hours, but also to commit to going to bed at a precise time. Young explains that there are "golden hours" of sleep, which is the period from 11:00 PM to 1:30 AM. This is because the body actively produces the sleep hormone, melatonin, during these hours. She stresses that total darkness is a crucial condition for melatonin production, as exposure to light leads to its degradation, which can disrupt biological rhythms. Young also notes that during these "golden hours," the body also produces somatotropin, known as the growth hormone, which promotes fat burning, tissue regeneration, and maintains youth. Experts describe sleep as a "body repair program" and emphasize that regular sleep schedules balance metabolism, protect blood vessel health, and boost immunity. Health authorities recommend that adults sleep between seven and nine hours a day. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, depression, hypertension, and heart attacks.
Separate News: Corruption Trial Postponed
Imen Yesterday, security units presented businessman Lazhar Sta to the specialized penal chamber for examining financial corruption cases at the Court of First Instance in Tunis, as part of his trial for a financial and administrative corruption case. Belhassen Trabelsi, the brother-in-law of former President Ben Ali, is being tried in absentia. The Chamber decided to postpone the trial in response to the request of Belhassen Trabelsi's lawyer. It is worth noting that Lazhar Sta is appearing in this case in a state of freedom, but he is currently being held in connection with another financial corruption case related to the Carthage Cement company, for which he was sentenced to 6 years in prison in absentia and has appealed the judgment.
