World Sleep Day | Doctors in Kashmir stress on critical importance of prioritising sleep for overall well-being

Srinagar, Mar 16: In observance of World Sleep Day, doctors in Kashmir have stressed on the critical importance of prioritising sleep for overall well-being.

Doctors cautioned against the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, linking it to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as physical ailments like obesity and heart disease.

Dr Mudasir Qadri, Professor at SKIMS Soura told Greater Kashmir that 50 percent of the health problems are solved if a person has a sound sleep.

“Sleep deprivation can create mental issues including anxiety, depression which takes a toll on physical health. Physical health also needs good sound sleep for recovery,” he said.

He said that sleep disorders have increased as people including young children have more screen time and due to this sleep cycle gets worse. “So, before going to bed, people should not use gadgets for at least half an hour,” Qadri said.

Dr Yasir Hassan, a Professor at IMHANS told Greater Kashmir that people should prioritise quality sleep amidst the pressures of daily life, noting its direct impact on productivity and mental health.

“The fundamental role of sleep is to maintain cognitive function and emotional well-being,” he said.

Doctors said that there is a high prevalence of sleep disorders, attributing it to excessive screen time and sedentary lifestyles.

“There should be an effort to limit gadget use before bedtime. People who are experiencing sleep disturbances should consult healthcare professionals for appropriate intervention, including medication, if necessary,” Dr Mudasir Qadri said.

He said that sleep apnea which is the mother of all diseases is linked to lifestyle factors like weight gain and poor dietary habits.

“There is importance of educating younger generations about the significance of physical activity in preventing such conditions, as obstructive sleep apnea often serves as a precursor to more severe health issues like heart disease,” doctors said.

According to the study “How India Sleeps”, around 55 per cent of Indians aren’t getting enough sleep or are sleeping for less than 6 hours.

The study found that close to 21 percent of people out of 13,438 respondents have been getting only 4 hours of sleep, while only 2 per cent have managed to sleep for 8 to 10 hours daily.