Sleep: Importance and Disorders
Sleep is simply defined as a period of rest, during which there is reduced sensory activity, and voluntary muscle movement and where we are under a state of altered consciousness. Sleep consists of 2 phases or states,
- Non-REM sleep – It is non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep or quiet sleep. This lasts for less time than REM sleep.
- REM sleep – This is Rapid Eye Movement sleep or Active sleep. During this state, the brain is more active and in this state, the process of dream formation starts. These two phases or states continue in a cycle starting from non-REM sleep and into REM sleep. The period for non-REM sleep after a cycle reduces progressively and that of REM sleep is increased
Getting enough sleep is important as this is the phase during which our body and mind are in a state of recuperation and recovery thereby improving and reducing the fatigue in the cells and tissues. An average adult requires a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep and that among children below the age of 15 is an average of 10 hours. The body follows a fixed or scheduled rhythm called circadian rhythm that enables one’s body to automatically regulate the sleep and wake cycles. It is important to note that sleep is in close sync with one’s mental health, as sleep improves neuro-cognitive and cardio-vascular functions thereby ensuring a balance to the fast-tracked lifestyle of today’s world.
There are certain disorders associated with sleep, let us have a look at some in brief and how we can overcome it.
- 1. Insomnia – It is simply defined as difficulty to fall asleep. It is usually due to mental and physical stress due to professional or personal activities, poor sleep environment, excess mental stimuli before bedtime, exercising 1-2 hours before sleep, etc. Avoiding or reducing such activities and reducing caffeine or stimulant intake can alter and prevent this condition.
- 2. Sleep Apnea – This is a condition where breathing stops and starts and is considered a potentially dangerous condition. This is mainly due to muscle contractions and expansion during sleep. It is a condition that needs to be tested and treated under the guidance of physicians and doctors.
These are common lifestyle disorders related to sleep, but we also come across cases like restless leg syndrome, Sleep paralysis and narcolepsy (Hypersomnia) coupled with periodic limb movement disorders that are more serious where the patient requires proper treatment and are continuously observed by the physicians and doctors. Both these cases are increasing in US and India with very less diagnoses being done. Managing distress, and physical stress and enabling a relaxing and calm environment before sleeping helps overcome most of the issues associated with sleep.
As much as being on the go is necessary to keep up with today’s lifestyle we must have a good sleep to maintain our mental and physical health.
