One-third of our lives is spent sleeping. But it is not time wasted, as sleep is essential for our body’s functioning. The better the quality of sleep, the better the day and quality of life. Getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep daily is vital to maintaining good health.
How does repeated sleep deprivation affect your body?
Repeated sleep deprivation can:
- make your immune system weak and make you fall ill frequently
- make you irritable and lose your temper easily
- make it difficult to remember things
- have a profound effect on the digestive system, causing digestive issues
- make you look older than you are
- increase the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease at an early age
What causes sleep disturbances?
- Physical factors like pain, ulcers
- Medical conditions like asthma, sleep apnea
- Psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression
- Alcoholism, excessive caffeine consumption, work stress
- Working in shift-based jobs
- Some genetic disorders like narcolepsy
- Certain medications
- Ageing
What are the symptoms that show you have sleep disturbances?
- Falling asleep during the day
- Struggling to stay awake while reading, watching television
- Difficulty paying attention at work, school
- Poor performance
- People telling you look sleepy
- Slowed responses
- Difficulty managing responses
- Needing naps every day
How to overcome sleep disturbances?
- Stay active during the day to get a good night's sleep.
- Stick to sleep timings every day, even on weekends.
- Avoid taking naps in the daytime.
- Avoid and limit intake of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Avoid large meals and drinks before bedtime.
- Find ways to relax before bedtime, like taking a warm bath, massage, reading, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, prayer, or listening to soft music.
- Make your bedroom pleasant without cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Do not put up with pain; use pain relievers if you are in chronic pain.
- Get your medications checked by doctors to see if they are contributing to sleep disturbances.
- Consult a doctor if you have sleep issues despite these remedies to get your sleep habits reviewed and a sleep study done.
Takeaway points
Good sleep is essential for the body’s functioning. Sleep disturbances can cause health issues and make you irritable. Sleep disturbances can be resolved by changing lifestyle and sleep habits. Consult a doctor if you experience sleep issues despite lifestyle changes.
How can Bangalore Gastro Centre help?
Sleep disturbances can also affect the digestive system and vice versa. Consult the team of top gastroenterologists at Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals in HSR Layout to get a solution to resolve digestive issues from sleep disturbances and sleep problems from indigestion.
The team at this best gastro centre in Bangalore also offer the services of gastrointestinal psychologists to help you deal with gastric pain that is causing sleep issues.