SLEEP DEPRIVATION
· Ideally, adults need about 6-8 hours of sleep per night.
· It is the optimal amount of sleep needed for effective functioning of the mind and body.
· However, very few are able to enjoy uninterrupted sleep peacefully and consistently.
· Sleep deprivation is rampant in the present day scenario.
· While an occasional bout of insufficient sleep is not worrisome, chronic sleep deprivation is definitely alarming.
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
· You are sleep-deprived
o If you wake up with a dizzying headache almost daily.
o If you feel drowsy and lethargic throughout the day on a consistent basis.
o If you feel irritable and snappy in your interaction with people.
CAUSES OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
· Mental agitation is one of the significant causes for sleep deprivation.
· If your mind is ridden with stress and anxiety, you will not be able to sleep peacefully.
· Today’s neurotic pace of life is another reason behind sleep deprivation.
EFFECTS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
· It can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health, with disastrous repercussions.
· Your body is unable to operate at full capacity, and your productivity is bound to drop at work.
· Lack of sleep also interferes with inter-personal relationships.
· It has a direct impact on your mood and you are likely to snap at the slightest provocation.
· Sleep deprivation is likely to increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
REMEDIES OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
· Cut back on caffeine to get restful sleep, as it disrupts sleep.
· Caffeine should not be consumed before bedtime as it is known to impact quality of sleep.
· Also, avoid alcohol, tobacco and other stimulants strictly before bedtime.
· Avoid rigorous physical activities like dancing, aerobics and gym before bedtime.
· A glass of warm milk before bedtime is helpful as it contains sleep-inducing properties.
· A cup of curd with a few mashed pieces of banana and boiled potato at bedtime is also helpful.
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Wear comfortable clothes to bed, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it.
· A hot bath before bed also helps as it raises your body temperature and makes you sleepy.
· Make your bedroom clutter-free, as it will relax your state of mind and induce sleep.
· Listening to relaxation music can also help you sleep better.
· Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation in your daily schedule will also help you relax and unwind yourself.