PharmEasy Blog

Attention Millennials: Regular Sleep is the Key to Good Health!

Disproportionate working hours–even at night–are becoming more and more common in our society.

Lack of sleep affects thoughts and awareness universally. It is proposed that humans need sleep, for the maintenance of energy and handling of information. Sleep deprivation occurs when insufficient sleep leads to diminished performance, decreased alertness, and a decline in health. It also increases failures to carry out intended actions, which may raise severe concerns in certain circumstances. It also has a detrimental effect on our ability to process emotional information. Reduced quantity of sleep increases the risk for depression, which in turn increases the risk for decreased sleep. It also raises the risk of increased pain perception. Decreasing either the amount or quality of sleep reduces the effectiveness of the insulin in our body and glucose tolerance. It may also lead to an inconsistent increase in food intake, a decrease in physical activity, and weight gain. Therefore, it is probable that decreased sleep duration may increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Thus, sleep deprivation not only increases the risk of various lifestyle diseases but also can cause unfavorable behavioral changes, in turn, increasing stress and loss of sleep.

It is essential to deal with the loss of sleep and its effects early on to avoid long-term consequences.

To ensure a good night’s sleep, avoid a heavy dinner, tea, coffee, aerated drinks and any other item that stimulates your brain. If you generally have difficulty falling asleep, avoid naps during the day.

Practice planning things to avoid longer working hours at night. Habituate yourself to stop work and shut down all gadgets at least 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed. Read something pleasant or meditate or take a hot shower to put yourself to sound sleep.

If some assignment on the next day is going to deter you from sleeping well, finish it off early in the day; else it is sure to spoil your next day with the reduced alertness due to lack of sleep. This is equally important for children.

Fix your sleeping time and duration. Plan everything else around it, not the other way round.

Read More: How to Get a Good Night Sleep?

You are bound to perform better with sound sleep than otherwise.

Also Read: Can Sleep Apnea Kill You? Uncovering the Truth

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute fairly common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.