Ranchi Doctors Highlight Critical Role of Sleep on World Sleep Day
On World Sleep Day, observed this year with the slogan "Sleep well, live better", medical experts in Ranchi delivered a powerful message: quality sleep is indispensable for individuals across all age groups. They issued stern warnings against pervasive misconceptions, detrimental lifestyle choices, and the dangers of self-medication for sleep-related issues.
Debunking Common Myths About Sleep
Dr Nishant Goyal, a professor of psychiatry at the Central Institute of Psychiatry, addressed a widespread fallacy. He clarified that the notion elderly people naturally require significantly less sleep is inaccurate. Dr Goyal explained that sleep disorders are broadly categorized into two types. Primary disorders encompass conditions like insomnia and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. Secondary sleep disorders, on the other hand, stem from underlying health issues such as depression, anxiety, diabetes, kidney disease, and substance abuse.
Essential Practices for Optimal Sleep Hygiene
Dr Goyal emphasized the importance of maintaining proper "sleep hygiene" for everyone. He recommended sleeping for a minimum of six to eight hours each night in an environment that is dark, calm, and quiet. According to his insights, sleep serves a critical function by allowing the brain to reset and eliminate metabolic waste that accumulates during waking hours. He also cautioned that excessive use of electronic devices—including mobile phones, televisions, laptops, and desktops—can severely disrupt the body's natural biological clock, leading to significant sleep deprivation.
Link Between Sleep and Overall Health
Dr Dhananjay Kumar, a consultant cardiologist at a private hospital in Ranchi, elaborated on the vital biological role of sleep. He described sleep as intrinsically connected to brain function, immune system efficiency, metabolic processes, and cardiovascular health. Dr Kumar noted a concerning increase in undiagnosed sleep problems such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, and restless legs syndrome. He attributed this rise to factors like chronic stress, irregular daily schedules, and prolonged exposure to screens.
Chronic sleep deprivation poses serious health risks, Dr Kumar warned. It elevates the likelihood of developing hypertension, various heart diseases, arrhythmias, heart failure, obesity, and insulin resistance. The doctors collectively urged the public to prioritize sleep as a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle, advocating for professional medical consultation over self-treatment for sleep disorders.
