These days we see lots of patients in the OPD with complaint of lack of sleep. It has become more common among youngsters. The cause can be anything for eg- Work stress, personal stress, financial stress … Everyone demands some medicines to get good sleep. I don’t think this is a good indicator for our society. A good sleep is essential for your body and mind to rejuvenate and get ready for the next day. It helps our brain to rest for a while and to do an auto- repair.
How does a bad/lack of sleep affect our body?
- It disturbs the immune system and results in future risk for diabetes and coronary artery diseases
- It increases anxiety/ depression and bad performance of the brain
- It leads to obesity
- It leads to heart attack and stroke
Recommended duration of sleep for each age group:
- Newborn to 2 months of age- 12 to 18 hours
- 3 months to 1 year- 14 to 15 hours
- 1 to 3 years of age- 12 to 14 hours
- 3 to 5 years- 11 to 13 hours
- 5 to 12 years- 10 to 11 hours
- 12 to 18 years- 8 to 9 hours
- Adults- 7 to 9 hours
Can we catch up the lost hours of sleep?
Definitely. We can replace the lost hours of sleepOther things to keep in mind…
- Avoid drinking energy drinks/coffee at night
- Avoid using TV/Computers /mobile at least 1 hour prior to sleep time
- Avoid loud music
- Avoid bright lights in the bed room
- Can drink one glass of hot milk, it gives you good sleep
- Can take a shower in lukewarm water before going to bed
- Have your dinner at least 2 hours prior to your bedtime.