Lack of sleep may result in heart problems Mumbai:
Late nights at work, stress and keeping up with the fast-paced
world may be preventing Mumbaikars from hitting the bed on time.
Studies undertaken by the Indian Sleep Disorder Association (ISDA)
have revealed that one in every three urban Indians suffers from
sleep deprivation. This trend, said doctors, is alarming
considering an array of health problems can be linked to
sleep-deprivation. Mumbai may have earned distinction of a city that never sleeps, but the metropolis’ this very characteristic is wreaking havoc on the health of its citizens. “In Mumbai, almost 95% people sleep after 11pm, which is very late compared with earlier standards. The fast-paced life and highstress levels prompt many to party till late in the night,” said Dr S Ramanathan Iyer, consultant in sleep medicine in Hiranandani Hospital. “This could be one of the reasons why an average Mumbaikar is sleep-deprived.” Sid Dr Preeti Devnani, consultant nephrologist at Jaslok Hospital, “Sleep debt means accumulation of sleep over a period of time. Even if a person sleeps an hour less one day, that one hour gets accumulated. The sleep debt is generally repaid over the weekend. But accumulating sleep debt might not be such a good idea as it could lead to various other health problems.’’ Even though sleep deprivation has been seen as the result of other diseases for years, specialists are now striving to spread awareness that lack of sleep can be extremely harmful. “Drowsiness during the day, lack of alertness and concentration are a few of the short-term problems a sleep-deprived person may suffer. But lack of sleep may also cause fluctuation in blood pressure and sugar levels,” said Dr Sujit Rajan, chest physician at Bombay Hospital. “In case of professionals such as pilots, drivers and surgeons, lack of sleep could not only fatal to them put also put the lives of others in jeopardy,” added Rajan. “When the brain releases a hormone called menatonine, a person feels sleepy. Over a period of time, delayed release of menatonine may cause chronic sleep deprivation, which may further lead to hypertension, diabetes and even cardiac problems,” said Dr Iyer, who is also a member of ISDA. “Everybody suffering from cardiac diseases, obesity, stroke and loss of memory should be evaluated for sleep disorders, as they might be a major factor behind the problems,’’ added Dr Iyer. No Time For Nap Lack of sleep could lead to cardiac problems, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, loss of memory and obesity While it is believed each individual must sleep for at least six hours a day, doctors say that the sleep requirements may vary from person to person 30% to 40% people above 60 years of age suffer from sleep disorders 70% of people with a sleep disorder visit a doctor, but do not talk about their problem 30% of the population in India suffers from either insomnia or insufficient sleep syndrome |