Chronic sleep deficit (CSD) is a problem for good health that is not acknowledged by most people in India. According to medical experts, the stress and anxiety associated with too much computer use and not sleeping enough hours per night is negatively impacting every age group and has created a crisis in public health. This is one of the biggest threats to overall health in society today because many people sacrifice sleep for work and other obligations, like family.
Experts note that the effects extend beyond just the fatigue experienced by those who do not get enough sleep. They indicate that sleep deprivation can lead to cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, weakened immunity, and many other psychological/mental disorders.
Children Are Losing Vital Sleep
Health problems for kids start when they’re very little and continue throughout their lives, because good sleep is critical for the child’s overall development. Sleep aids the immune system, enhances concentration, and aids in the development of a child’s brain. It is estimated that between 20% and 60% of children in the world do not get enough sleep, and this is becoming more evident in urban areas across India. There are many reasons for this trend attributable to modern lifestyles: increased exposure to screens, erratic sleep schedules, and the overstimulation caused by these types of surroundings at night. The best way to improve children’s sleep is to keep regular schedules, create a sleeping environment that is dark and quiet, and stop using any electronic devices at least 60 minutes before bedtime. Parents should watch for remarks such as heavy snoring, lack of sleep, or waking frequently, which can indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.
Stress and Screen Time Disrupt Adult Sleep
Growing numbers of adults are experiencing difficulties sleeping.
Dr Arun Chowdary Kotaru, a sleep medicine physician, explains that sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of overall health.
He attributes long hours at work, accumulated stress, and continuous use of cell phones, computers, and TVs as being significant contributors to poor sleep quality.
The blue light emitted from digital devices interferes with the body’s ability to produce melatonin—one of the hormones responsible for maintaining our natural sleep cycle. Many people have difficulty getting asleep or staying asleep as a result of low levels of melatonin in their systems.
In addition to digital stimuli impacting melatonin production, daily routines also disrupt sleeping habits. Working late at night and irregular daily schedules can lead to inconsistent sleeping schedules and lead to less total sleep time.
Long-Term Health Risks Are Significant
Chronic sleep deprivation can also negatively impact your overall health, not only by making you feel tired throughout the day but also by increasing the likelihood of developing many chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity; furthermore, sleep deprivation may reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections due to a decrease in immunity from lack of sleep.
Chronic sleep deprivation can also have an impact on your mental health; research studies have indicated that a lack of restorative sleep may increase your chances of experiencing anxiety disorder, depressive disorder and emotional exhaustion.
In addition to causing significant impairment in daily functioning, there may be an increased likelihood of accidents and errors in judgement in everyday activities as a result of chronic sleep deprivation.
Sleep Disorders Often Go Undiagnosed
The prevalence of unidentified sleep disorders poses another serious issue for physicians. Based on insights provided by pulmonologist Dr Vikas Mittal, insomnia, sleep apnoea and circadian rhythm disorders are often seen by physicians simply as minor inconveniences instead of being viewed as true medical conditions. If not treated properly, these types of disorders can adversely impact the long-term health status of a person. In addition to lack of treatment, physicians indicate that lack of knowledge about these disorders adds to the growing number of sleep-related health care problems in the United States.
Doctors Urge People to Prioritise Sleep
More healthcare providers are encouraging people to take their sleep as seriously as they do their diet and exercise regimen.
There are several things you can do to greatly improve your quality of sleep by making small changes in your lifestyle. Some of the best things you can do for better sleep include sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, minimising exposure to screens at least an hour before trying to get to sleep, and creating a tranquil sleeping environment.
Employing techniques to manage your stress, including meditating, exercising, and not working late into the night, also can help you return to a healthier sleep routine.
Experts recommend that individuals who have persistent symptoms like chronic insomnia, daytime fatigue that limits daily functions, or habitual loud snoring should see a doctor for assistance.
A Growing Public Health Challenge
Medical experts note that the issue of insufficient sleep in India is part of a much larger societal trend away from prioritising rest and relaxation and placing greater emphasis on productivity and busy lifestyles. Medical professionals stress that sleep should not be considered a luxury but rather an essential biological requirement for healthy living.
Without a shift in focus toward developing and maintaining healthy sleep behaviours on the part of individuals, families and workplaces, medical practitioners warn that continued lack of proper sleep will likely become one of the most serious public health concerns facing India over the next several years.
Also Read: Do Smartphones and Social Media Really Harm Teens’ Mental Health?
