How to get a good night's sleep | DW Documentary

DW Documentary: "We spend around a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is absolutely essential - yet the average sleep per night is barely seven hours. That figure is lower than ever before.

We now know the decisive role sleep plays: During this time, the brain clears itself, making room for new thoughts.

Researchers have also been able to confirm that there are alternatives when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Among those considered effective are polyphasic sleep (consisting of short naps), light therapy (using blue daylight to synchronize the body’s internal clock) and lightly electrified helmets that stimulate the brain's hormonal activity. Companies are experimenting with light and using innovative office designs, including nap pods or bunks, which allow employees to take short daytime naps. These are just some of the approaches covered in this look at the "gentle sleep revolution."