Why do you need Sleep?
Your body needs air and food for optimal functioning. Similarly, your body needs sleep to heal itself and restore chemical balances. Missing out on 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye will leave you tired, cranky, and groggy. If it happens one night, it is okay you catch up on your beauty sleep the next day. But repeated episodes need to be addressed as the long-term effects of sleep deprivation are real and scary that can drain your mental abilities and put your physical health at risk.
How does Sleep Deprivation affect our body?
- Memory issues – effects short and long term memory
- Lack of concentration
- Causes mood swings
- Weakens your immunity
- Increases risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
- Leads to weight gain
- Impacts motor skills
- Tiredness/drowsiness can increase risk of accidents
Cause of Sleep Deprivation
It is generally caused due to a Sleep Disorder developed due to underlying health issues like:
- Allergies and respiratory problems
- Frequent urination
- Pain due to underlying issues like arthritis, fatigue, irritable bowel, and others
- Stress and anxiety
- Circadian Rhythm imbalance
What type of sleep disorder do you have?
Are you suffering from difficulty sleeping but do not know what it is? Here is a list of types of sleep disorders an individual can be suffering from. Write Yes/No against the questions below.
Problem – YES/NO
- Do you have trouble falling asleep?
- Do you have trouble staying asleep?
- Do you snore very loudly followed by long silent period while your breathing stops?
- Is the silence followed by loud snort or gasp as you try to breathe?
- Do you need to sleep more hours than normally required?
- Do you not stick to a regular wake-sleep pattern?
- Are you a frequent flyer between time zones?
- Do you suffer from sleep terrors or often have nightmares?
- Do you sleepwalk or often sleep talk or do unusual things while asleep?
- Do you feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs?
- The restlessness happens especially while you are lying down?
- Do you get sleep attacks during the day when you suddenly feel extremely tired and fall asleep?
- Do you feel you are physically unable to move right after you get up?
Let’s find out your Sleep Disorder
Count the number of Yes(es) in the above list. Below is an analysis based on the number of Yeses you have put in.
1, 2 – You might be suffering from Insomnia
3, 4 – You might be suffering from Sleep Apnea
5, 6 – You might be suffering from Hypersomnia
7, 8 – You might be suffering from Restless leg syndrome or Jet lag syndrome
9, 10 – You might be suffering from Parasomnias
11, 12 – You might be suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
13,14 – You might be suffering from Narcolepsy
There are simple lifestyle changes which can improve your quality of sleep. Stay tuned for the changes that can help you sleep better.
