Most of us underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation is more common now than ever! This article stresses on the importance of sleep and the consequences of not getting enough sleep
Nelson Rodrigues, a 30 year old Assistant manager of a well-known IT firm, knows he does not get enough sleep. “I haven’t had more than 3-4 hours sleep for years now,” he says. A study paper by Dr. Menon and colleagues, from Bombay concludes that it is time all physicians “Wake up to sleep disorders and include sleep history in evaluating patients” 
A good night’s sleep means you get up feeling re-energized. It is not just how long you sleep, but how well you sleep that matters – quality over quantity. On an average, a healthy adult needs over 8 hours of sleep. However the amount of sleep required to feel rejuvenated, varies from person to person.
According to an article in the Reader’s Digest India, a recent poll indicates that 29% Indians slept only after midnight, and 61% slept for 7 hours or less. These alarming statistics only reveal how our modern lifestyles have affected our sleeping habits. Attending late night social functions, working late shifts, even housewives rushing to get things done after the kids are asleep, watching late night TV shows or just surfing the net – we are all sleeping less than we should. For some people, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea or insomnia may be the cause and in such cases it is important to get medical help.
Sleep is extremely crucial in maintaining one’s health. Without it, there is an increased susceptibility to an alarming range of health disorders, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression. The increasing number of people that are suffering from these disorders – even youngsters – only goes to suggest that maybe a good night’s sleep is what we all need.
Inadequate sleep is also said to cause depletion of essential brain chemicals, leading to depression, anxiety and general feelings of anger or sadness – which probably explains the decline in the quality of work and the lack of enthusiasm at the workplace nowadays. Surly, inefficient employees probably just are sleep deprived.
Whatever the cause, we have all experienced the exhaustion caused by lack of sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the simplest things we can do to stay healthy. It is high time we pay heed to the old adage: ‘Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealth and wise’Finally folks, your health is in your hands! So go ahead, get that essential sleep… because it matters to your health!
Very true.. A good sleep is important.. Lack of sleep makes u grumpy and spoils the atmosphere of the house.. If u have had a good night sleep, you are more fruitful and can get more work done ..Thanks for sharing this post
So true Wendy. A good night's sleep actually helps you get more done without having to keep up late.
I used to work late into the night (early hours of the morning) then my mind would be whizzing and I would take ages to get to sleep even though I felt exhausted. Then I'd be up again at 6.45am. I felt half asleep and always got that mid-afternoon slump where I really struggled to keep going. Now I aim for 8 hours sleep a night. I get so much more done each day with no need for those late night working anymore and I wake up feeling refreshed.
I know that a good night's sleep makes a massive difference for me! I get very grumpy if I have night after night of insufficient sleep!
Thank you Savita. Although I must admit that I too am guilty of sacrificing my sleep in favour of so many other things that need to be done!!
I totally agree, sleeping is key to good health! I don't know why all these years everyone is just against sleep, where it actually heals our bodies! great share and a great reminder, Kimberly!