Unexplained diseases and mental health problems could be
because of the shortened sleep hours but we can prevent them.
SNEHA BALAKRISHNAN
Sleep. We all are avoiding it like the Terms and Conditions in an agreement or advertisement. Sleeping makes a person sane. Yet we either do not get enough sleep or it is too much. Either way it is harmful to our body. We may have read hundreds of articles citing the importance of sleep, yet we prefer not to pay heed to it, making excuses to ourselves. Scientists are still figuring out what all things happen during sleep. Most importantly, sleep promotes the removal of waste products from brain cells, helps remembering things, refreshes body organs, and the list goes on. We are able to think, speak and understand what is happening around us consciously and subconsciously because we get a good night's sleep. If the opposite is the case, we would burst out our emotions without control, and wouldn't be able to comprehend anything around us. Sleep is one of the basic things for anyone to be "Alive" rather than just "Living".
Covid-19 has taken control of our sleep; particularly youngsters' sleep cycle is totally messed up. Now if one were to take census, there will be more night owls than early birds. The real problem would arise when we gradually change to our normal life. The sleep cycle would get disturbed again, creating chaos in one's life. I think "just five more minutes" is the most common excuse one would be giving to themselves. But no one realizes that five minutes extra will take years from our life. Most of the unexplained diseases and mental health problems are because of the shortened sleep hours. To be accurate, trouble falling and/or staying asleep is scientifically called Insomnia, and it leads to depression, anxiety and many more health problems.
What are the causes of sleeplessness? Usually it is stress, pressure from work or home, anxiety, medication etc. But during this time of pandemic, the use of the mobile phones, laptops etc. has become a major cause of sleeplessness. The blue light emitted by the screen reduces the secretion of melatonin (hormone which controls sleep-wake cycle). We lose track of time when we are working with these gadgets. What can I do? Is it late to mend the problem? The best answer is "Better Late than Never". If your condition is really bad, the first and main option is to consult a doctor; they treat you better than Google. A basic thing you can do to bring your sleep cycle to a balance is to drink water; dehydrated body is not suitable for sleeping. Further, leave phone and laptop aside one hour before sleep. Instead, as your bedtime approaches, read books or interact with family members. Follow fixed timings for waking up and going to sleep until they become a habit. It will surely restore the balance. Begin to practice, and you will see the difference. If we take care of our body, mind and soul, it brings greater good not only to us but to people around us too. That's all. Let me keep my laptop away. Good night.
S l e e e e p !∎
