Sleep is an essential part of our lives. Just like eating and drinking water, sleep is essential for our body and brain. But in today's busy lifestyle, many people are regularly deprived of sleep. Due to the use of technology, stress, increased work hours, etc., sleep is decreasing every day. As a result, our body, mind, and performance are being severely affected.
Sleep deprivation has now become a "silent epidemic". Although it is not visible to the eyes, its effects can slowly destroy our lives. In this article, we will discuss the importance of sleep, the causes of sleep deprivation, its effects and remedies in a simple way.
How does sleep work?
Sleep is a natural process of our body. When we sleep at night, our brain and body rest, form memories, release hormones, repair cells, and boost immunity.
An adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Children and adolescents need even more sleep.
Main causes of sleep deprivation
1. Excessive use of mobile, TV and internet:
Many times, sleeping is delayed by lying down and looking at mobile phones at night. In addition, the light from the screen prevents our brain from sleeping.
2. Thoughts and stress:
Worries about studies, jobs, family problems or the future disrupt our sleep.
3. Irregular sleep time:
If you do not sleep at the same time every day, the body clock is confused, as a result of which it is difficult to fall asleep.
4. Excessive tea, coffee or smoking:
The caffeine and nicotine in these are the enemies of sleep. Drinking them after evening makes it difficult to fall asleep.
5. Any illness or medication:
Some diseases such as mental illness, hormonal problems, or side effects of medication can disrupt sleep.
What kind of damage does lack of sleep do to our body?
1. Mental problems:
You feel sad
Anger increases
Anxiety increases
Depression may occur
2. Decreased brain function:
Difficult to maintain attention
Easily making mistakes
Difficulty making decisions
3. Heart disease and high blood pressure:
If you don't sleep properly at night, your heart doesn't get rest
This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
4. Risk of diabetes:
If you don't sleep well, your body can't function properly
As a result, type 2 diabetes can develop
5. Weight gain:
If you don't sleep well, your appetite control hormones get confused
As a result, you eat more
6. Weakened immune system:
If you don't sleep well, your body can't fight viruses or bacteria
As a result, you get sick more easily
Effects of lack of sleep on work life
Work speed slows down in the office
Mistakes increase
Lack of focus at work
Increases anger or frustration
Relationships with colleagues deteriorate
Not only in the office, but also in the case of students, lack of sleep affects their studies. They cannot concentrate in class, perform poorly in exams, and are mentally stressed.
Increases the risk of accidents
If you don't get enough sleep, you often fall asleep while driving or lose your concentration. This can lead to major accidents. Lack of sleep is the main cause of many traffic accidents.
Impact on society and the country
Lack of sleep is not just a personal problem, it is becoming a national problem. Reasons:
If performance decreases, the country's productivity decreases
Medical expenses increase
It creates mental instability in the family and society
A study has shown that a country faces a loss of several hundred million taka annually due to sleep deprivation alone.
How to reduce sleep deprivation?
1. Develop a regular sleep habit:
Going to bed at the same time every day and getting up at the same time helps in maintaining good sleep.
2. Turn off the phone and TV before going to bed:
All electronic devices should be turned off at least 30 minutes before.
3. Do not drink tea/coffee after evening:
Caffeine prevents the body from sleeping.
4. Eat a light and healthy dinner:
Heavy food causes digestion problems, resulting in sleep disruption.
5. Meditation, prayer or light exercise:
A little meditation or light walking at night is very beneficial to calm the body and mind.
6. Reading a book or listening to light music before bed:
This calms the mind and helps you fall asleep.
When should you seek medical help?
If you have sleep problems for more than 2 weeks in a row
Waking up occasionally or getting up very early even after falling asleep
Feeling tired in the morning even after sleeping
Drowsiness or dizziness during the day
If you have these symptoms, you should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes, physical or mental illness is hidden behind lack of sleep, which requires treatment.
Sleep is very important for our lives. It helps keep the body and mind healthy. But today we are neglecting sleep, which affects our bodies, performance, minds, relationships—everything.
This problem is so widespread that it is called a “silent epidemic.” Because it slowly takes its toll on our lives—and we often don’t realize it.
To prevent sleep deprivation, we need to be aware, change our lifestyles, and prioritize sleep. Not just individuals, but families, schools, workplaces, and governments—everyone needs to understand and communicate the importance of sleep.
Make sleep a priority—it’s the key to your well-being, performance, and happiness.
© Copyright 2020, All Rights Reserved
Powered by Basharat Hosein
