Do you often feel cranky after tossing and turning all night? Or do you have an unhealthy sleeping schedule that makes it impossible for you to complete at least 7 hours of sound sleep? Sleeping disorders and Sleep Deprivation are two of the most common but heavily overlooked issues in recent times. According to the National Medical Journal of India (NMJI), the percentage of insomnia is as high as 33% among Indian adults. However, the imbalanced sleep pattern can be easily treated if one gets a proper sleep schedule and regularly follows it. But, Mr Ankit Gaur, DGM – Marketing & Sales, Livpure Sleep shares, "it can be noticed that people hardly think about improving their sleeping schedules when they are stressed or going through headaches, nausea, or similar problems. Instead, they focus more on diet and other factors. Unfortunately, while food plays an important role, unhealthy sleep can lead to sleep deprivation in the long run, which can have far more significant physical and psychological repercussions." So, the next time you feel groggy and irritated after having an obscene amount of sleep, don't take it lightly or brush it off. Instead, try to understand the underlying reasons behind it.
Risks of sleep deprivation
- According to the National Health Portal (NHP), prolonged sleep deficiency can lead to several health risks that won't just have soothing effects on your mental and physical capabilities. For example, more extended periods of sleep deprivation can lead to cardiovascular problems, kidney issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even stroke. In addition, it can also negatively impact concentration, hamper motivating or optimistic thoughts, lead to rapid mood swings, and even result in depression.
- Furthermore, lack of sleep can initiate many subtle problems in your daily life, making it harder to comprehend for a more extended period. Sleep deprivation can also affect overall productivity, making it harder to concentrate, resulting in a sub-par performance on the academic or work fronts. Finally, it can also affect the body's overall functioning since a healthy sleep helps the body organs relax and loosen after a full day of coping with one's hectic schedule.
What should one do?
The answer is simple – Sleep! Ensure an adequate amount of sleep to prevent the problems mentioned earlier associated with sleep deprivation. In case you are having trouble sleeping, try taking some basic steps suggested by Mr Ankit Gaur:
- Don't eat heavy meals before bedtime.
- Try not to use electronic devices for at least 30 minutes before turning in for the night.
- If possible, don't take naps in the afternoon and do exercise regularly.
- Finally, and most importantly, have a good, comfortable mattress that can support your back and assist your sleeping patterns.
If your sleeping problems continue to occur, make sure you consult a doctor. However, don't ignore sleeping disorders as they can lead to other severe diseases.
