Most of us underestimate the value of a good night's sleep. Sleep deprivation is more common now than ever! This article stresses on the importance of sleep and the consequences of not getting enough sleep
A good night’s sleep means you get up feeling re-energized. It is not just how long you sleep, but how well you sleep that matters – quality over quantity. On an average, a healthy adult needs over 8 hours of sleep. However the amount of sleep required to feel rejuvenated, varies from person to person.
According to an article in the Reader’s Digest India, a recent poll indicates that 29% Indians slept only after midnight, and 61% slept for 7 hours or less. These alarming statistics only reveal how our modern lifestyles have affected our sleeping habits. Attending late night social functions, working late shifts, even housewives rushing to get things done after the kids are asleep, watching late night TV shows or just surfing the net – we are all sleeping less than we should. For some people, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea or insomnia may be the cause and in such cases it is important to get medical help.
Sleep is extremely crucial in maintaining one’s health. Without it, there is an increased susceptibility to an alarming range of health disorders, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression. The increasing number of people that are suffering from these disorders – even youngsters – only goes to suggest that maybe a good night’s sleep is what we all need.
Inadequate sleep is also said to cause depletion of essential brain chemicals, leading to depression, anxiety and general feelings of anger or sadness – which probably explains the decline in the quality of work and the lack of enthusiasm at the workplace nowadays. Surly, inefficient employees probably just are sleep deprived.
Whatever the cause, we have all experienced the exhaustion caused by lack of sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the simplest things we can do to stay healthy. It is high time we pay heed to the old adage: ‘Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealth and wise’
Finally folks, your health is in your hands! So go ahead, get that essential sleep… because it matters to your health!