Sleep is the most important part of our everyday routine, but many people suffer from sleeplessness due to several reasons. What they ignore is the fact that it can also become a reason for a serious problem. Many young adults often face this problem and now that the digital world has overtaken, they prefer watching one more episode or one more movie over their sleep at night. If insomnia is temporary, it can be treated with a few efforts, but if the problem becomes severe, it can adversely affect both mental and physical health. To understand more about the same and when this condition can become a disorder, the ETV Bharat Sukhibhava team spoke to senior Psychiatrist, Dr. Veena Krishnan.
What IsSleep Disorder?
Sleeplessness, less sleep and lack of quality sleep are all forms of sleep disorders and can happen due to many reasons. Dr. Krishnan explains that the reasons for sleep disorders can be related to a person's age, situation, his/her physical or mental health as well as lifestyle. The rare occurrence of such events is normal, but if the condition persists it can take the form of a disorder, which along with affecting our body functions can also cause many serious physical and mental problems.
Why Is It Important To Have A Good Sleep?
Many types of research have proved that good sleep is the result of uninterrupted theta and delta waves. Both theta and delta create waves in our mind and this is the time when our body gets to rest and all our body systems get time to repair themselves and strengthen the immune system. Dr. Krishnan says that if any one of these stages of sleep is affected then the entire process is affected. This initially affects mental health and gradually starts acting on other vital organs, which can give rise to co-morbid and other serious diseases.
Causes Of Sleep Disorders
- One of the major causes of sleep disorders can be bad sleep hygiene
- Mental health issues such as restlessness, depression, stress, anxiety or mood disorder can be another reason for sleeplessness. And not only these conditions, but the medication of these conditions can also cause insomnia.
- A severe illness and prolonged use of medicines can also cause such problems.
- Other sleep-related problems like anorexia such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, slip paralysis, circadian rhythm disorder, etc. can also give rise to sleep disorders.
- Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and drugs can also affect sleep. Foods and beverages containing caffeine or nicotine stimulate energy and alertness, which causes hindrance in sleep. Also, consumption of alcohol affects the quality of sleep.
Problems Caused Due To Insomnia
- Sleeplessness can cause many serious diseases and problems including paralysis, epileptic seizures, weakened immune system, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure.
- Lack of sleep creates a huge impact on one’s mental health and their social life. Mant serious mental problems including depression, stress, confusion, and anxiety. It also increases irritability, a person may lack concentration and the power to memorize things is reduced.
- It also has a negative impact on a person's sexual health.
- Problems like getting addicted to alcohol and drugs are also possible.
Treating Sleeplessness/Insomnia
Dr. Krishnan explains that if the problem of insomnia is serious, the patient is treated with the help of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), hypnosis, sleep restriction, relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and medication. Apart from this, the person is asked to follow a disciplined routine, adopt healthy eating habits and include exercise in everyday routine for a night of better sleep.
How To Prevent Struggling From Insomnia?
- Adopt disciplined routines and lifestyle.
- Avoid consumption of coffee, tea or any other caffeinated beverages before bedtime.
- Eat light and digestible food at night and have your meal at least four hours before bedtime.
- Avoid sleeping during the day time.
- Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Workout regularly for at least 30-45 minutes.
