Sleep well

Indian Sleep Disorders Association (ISDA) in association with Abbott India Limited have declared March as Sleep Awareness Month to generate awareness about the importance of sleep and the need to address sleep disorders

A good night's sleep helps you to be alert, awake and keeps you energetic throughout the day. Yet, very few realise importance of a good night's sleep. Sleeplessness is not looked at as a serious health problem and not getting enough sleep can affect every aspect of our lives. If you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, if you wake up too early or if you feel very tired during the day, you may be having some sleep problems.

Indian Sleep Disorders Association (ISDA) in association with Abbott India Limited have declared March as Sleep Awareness Month to generate awareness about the importance of sleep and the need to address sleep disorders.

Medical expert Dr Ramnathan Iyer says, "As sleep is vital to our health and well being, we must not cut ourselves short from the amount of sleep that we get. Effective management of sleep problems begins with a visit to your doctor. Early assessment and action can prevent short-term sleep problems from developing into a chronic one. Your doctor is the best person to determine the cause of your sleep complaint and recommend the best course of action."

The Indian Sleep Disorder Association and Nithra Institute of Sleep Sciences have also jointly organised Sleep Con 2009. The event is an international conference on sleep disorders to be held in Chennai, on April 3 and 4. It is endorsed by American College of Chest Physicians, USA (ACCP) and World Sleep Federation. The conference is designed to offer practical and relevant information to delegates.

A condition of sleep disturbance - Insomnia refers to the difficulty in initiation, maintenance, duration or quality of sleep. It results in the impairment of daytime function despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep. Hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, acidity and some medications, including some heart medications, may cause loss of sleep and stress. As a result of Insomnia people may experience poor concentration, lower productivity and poorer work quality. It can also make a person fatigued, irritable or forgetful and can lead to stress and strained relationships.

Most insomnia is co-morbid with other medical or psychiatric problems; in fact, it is likely that your patient will seek help for the co-morbid condition rather than the sleep problem. When insomnia occurs in the context of chronic illness, it tends to be more severe.

World Association for Sleep Medicine has also declared March 20 as World Sleep Day. Dr Manoj Bhatawadekar adds, "To prevent or relieve sleep problems and safeguard sleep making it more restful and pleasurable, it helps to practice good sleep hygiene." Sleep hygiene is a term used to describe techniques that promote good sleep. A good sleep hygiene would entail regular sleep/wake schedule, avoiding naps especially in the evenings increase exercise, avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol before sleeping and many more.

Myths and realities
Myth: During sleep your body and brain shut down for rest and relaxation.
Fact:Although during sleep our body rests and restores its energy, sleep is an active state. In fact the sleeping brain does a lot of work. The sleeping brain is more active at various times at night than it ever during the day.

Myth: Worry is the primary cause of insomnia.
Fact: Insomnia can be due to various reasons including physical and mental conditions and stress.