Sleep deprivation is commonplace occurrence in modern culture. It’s said that modern man is suffering from what is called “SLEEP DEBT”.

The concept of ‘sleep debt’ is described as the index that the body requires a specific amount of sleep and suffers when the amount is not fulfilled. From recent researches it has been proved that our sleep has direct relation with cancer.

According to Dr Chitra Mehta, Consultant Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Umkal Healthcare, Gurgaon, “Continuous lack of sleep day after day causes sleep debt, which may result in some serious ailments like drawn state, stress, anger and road rage. It can, in fact harm all areas of our physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, leaving us more susceptible to other diseases & disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, common cold and even Cancer”.

Cancer expert Dr Amit Bhargava, consultant oncologist, Max Healthcare, says “Melatonin is a hormone which helps to regulate sleep cycles. Lack of sleep can lead to too little melatonin. This series of events may expose women to high levels of estrogen and may increase the risk of breast cancer.Lack of sleep hinders the production of this vital hormone that not only aids in sleep but also helps control the anti-oxidants that promote cancer-causing mutations in the cells”.

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea and delayed sleep phase syndrome rob you of sleep. Lack of sleep saps your energy, makes you irritable and sucks all the joy from your life. Sleep is very necessary to rejuvenate our body parts especially our brain. During sleep, we rest and repair our muscles, organise our thoughts and immune system. It gives our body a chance to recover from the stress & strain of everyday life. Hence sleep deprivation has a direct relation with depression.

“Some of the penalties that our body has to pay for prolonged sleep debt are confusion, memory loss, irritability and mood swings. It also increases the stress of daily living and the number of human errors, says Dr Samir Parikh, HOD, Mental health and Behavioral Sciences, Max Healthcare. Lack of sleep in children can effect their school performance, makes them emotionally weak and can also effect their psychological functioning. Thus sleep deprivation disrupts all areas of life. There are no possible ways through which sleep dept can be alleviated. However there are many ways by which sleep depreciation can be improved.

By following a consistent bed time routine, avoiding foods or drinks that contain coffee, alcohol or any medicines that has a stimulator prior to bed time. Not going to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big dinner before bedtime either. Also avoiding any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime can help regain sleep. Keeping TV or computer out of the bedroom can help avoiding sleep depreciation. Lastly do not bring worries to bed. Make your bedroom quiet and dark. Get up at the same time every morning.

If then also you suspect a sleep disorder, consult a sleep specialist immediately, say doctors. A good night’s sleep rejuvenates you, exercises your body & brain for the next day. So don’t miss your sleep the next time.

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