When the acute period of infection passes, the symptoms gradually diminish, and many people think that they can immediately recover from the old days, leaving behind rest and sleep, and that “rehabilitation does not need to take care of rest and sleep”. However, this is an extremely wrong idea, and rest and sleep during the period of rehabilitation, as the cornerstone of the building, is essential for the full recovery of the body.
At the biological level, during the infection, the body ‘ s immune system experienced an intense battle. Whether it is against bacteria, viruses or other pathogens, the various organs and systems of the body operate with high intensity. For example, there is a large proliferation of immunocellular cells, such as white cells and lymphocytes, in the immune system, and they are involved in combat, and they require a large consumption of energy and nutrients. At this point, the body is like a long, high-speed machine, with various parts worn to varying degrees. And sleep is the golden period of self-rehabilitation. In sleep, especially during the deep sleep phase, the body initiates a series of repair mechanisms. Growth hormones can increase, contribute to tissue cell repair and regeneration and play a key role in the restoration of damaged organ tissues, such as respiratory mucous membranes, myocardial cells that may be affected during the infection. At the same time, metabolic waste in the body is removed faster during sleep and reduces the burden on the body.
If the period of rehabilitation neglects sleep and does not provide adequate rest for the body, the restoration process is hampered. The slow recovery of the functioning of immunosuppressive cells may lead to a still low level of physical resistance, increasing the risk of re-infection. Furthermore, chronic sleep deficiencies can cause other health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that lack of sleep leads to increased blood pressure and an unstable heart rate, which is undoubtedly added to the body during the recovery period and may increase the burden on the heart and blood vessels and even cause cardiovascular accidents.
Rest should also not be overlooked. The physical endurance and energy of the rehabilitation period are less than before, and overwork can rapidly consume the energy reserves of the body. Even day-to-day activities, such as standing, walking or simple housework for long periods of time, can exhaust the body in recovery. Lack of adequate rest and sustained physical stress inhibits the normal functioning of the immune system and makes it difficult for the body to completely remove the remaining pathogens, thus delaying the rehabilitation process. For example, the premature resumption of work during the period of rehabilitation, prolonged sitting at a desk, lack of adequate rest and activity gaps, may result in signs of fatigue, dizziness and lack of focus, which not only affect the efficiency of the work but also further affect the recovery of the body and may even lead to a recurrence.
In psychological terms, patients during their rehabilitation often experience physical discomfort and psychological stress caused by the infection, such as anxiety, fear for their health. Sufficient sleep and rest help to alleviate these feelings. In sleep, the brain regulates emotions and reduces neurotransmitters associated with anxiety and depression. A proper rest, on the other hand, gives the patient time and energy to undertake some restive activities, such as reading, listening to music, etc., which will help to improve the mental state and create a virtuous cycle of physical and psychological recovery.
During the period of rehabilitation, a programme of scientific rest and sleep should be followed. Adequate sleep time is guaranteed daily, with adults in general reaching 7 – 9 hours, while children and adolescents need more. Sleep should be kept quiet, comfortable, dark and cool, which can contribute to the quality of sleep. During the day, rest periods are also properly arranged to avoid long periods of continuous activity, with short breaks at regular intervals, such as closed eyes, extension, etc. At the same time, activities should be gradually increased in accordance with their physical condition and must not be rushed.
The period of rehabilitation must not be a period in which the need for rest and sleep can be relaxed, but rather a period in which we need to be more careful to care for our body, to follow the pattern of body recovery and to value the power of rest and sleep in order to be able to successfully recover from infection and regain a healthy and vibrant life.
