The magic of a restful sleep
Every time a patient suffering from a chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder or, for that matter, obesity consults me, I always ask, “At what time do you go to bed?” And the reply usually startles me. Most of my patients tell me that they go to sleep after midnight, some even as late as one or two o’clock.
Next morning, they have a hectic day ahead of them. With no time to spare for exercise and meditation, they are caught in a vicious cycle. Their erratic lifestyle takes a toll on their health. Thus, sleep deprivation has become a serious scourge of the modern times. Many people are suffering its serious consequences.
As I listen to the tales of sleep-deprived patients, I am reminded of my childhood days, when we would usually be in bed by 9 pm. Hardly a soul stayed awake after ten o’clock. Our cots were spread under the canopy of a starlit sky, and we drifted into the dream world in no time. The first rays of the sun would awaken us to begin our day with renewed vigour and vitality. But, alas, those days are long gone and we are paying a heavy price for the progress we have made by cutting down on our sleep hours.
Recently, my wife and I visited New Delhi to attend the marriage of my cousin’s daughter. Complying with the laws, the din of the DJ stopped exactly at ten o’clock. At 10.30 pm, the bar was closed. Used to the high-decibel music and non-stop flow of liquor well past midnight at marriage functions, we were mesmerised by the serenity at the outdoor venue. We had dinner in the company of our relatives and friends, whom we had met after a long time, and chatted freely without straining our vocal cords. The marriage ceremony was over well in time, and we woke up mint-fresh the next day to congratulate the newly wedded couple with wide smiles at the breakfast table. Such is the power and magic of a restful sleep.
Studies show that if you are sleep-deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behaviour and coping with change. Children and teenagers who are sleep-deficient may feel angry and impulsive and lack motivation. They may get lower grades and feel stressed.
Patients often ask me that even though their health parameters are normal, they don’t feel fit. I tell them to follow the time-tested adage of having adequate exercise, sunlight, sleep and mindful eating. Sadly, our hectic pace of life is straining the physical and mental limits of our body, but to what purpose?
Meanwhile, I have rephrased the popular quote displayed on a board in the waiting area of my clinic. Now it reads: Eat less, walk more; Watch less, read more; Scroll less, sleep more.
