Staying Healthy With Sound Sleep

Author: Dr. Premalatha Balachandran MBBS, MRCOG (UK), DGO
Consultant:  Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Chennai

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it's just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Though sleep needs vary from person to person, most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Yet, up to 35% of adults don't get enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation can put your health and safety at risk, so you must prioritize and protect your sleep daily. Sleep affects your mental and physical health. Good sleep helps boost your mind and mood and can help prevent health problems. Women are more likely than men to have insomnia and other sleep problems. Changing hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how well a woman sleeps. But there are steps you can take to get the rest you need.

Women may be more likely to have sleep problems because women experience hormonal changes during certain times and events that are unique to women. These include: 

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 
• Pregnancy 
• Perimenopause 

Your mind and body are healthier when you sleep well. Your body needs time every day to rest and heal. Some sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, make it harder to fall or stay asleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and make it more challenging to maintain good mental health.

It is observed that sleep deprivation can cause physiological changes like decreased insulin sensitivity, increased inflammation, and hunger hormone changes, as well as behavioural changes like poor decision-making and greater food intake — all of which increase diabetes risk.

A sleep problem can also trigger a mental health condition or worsen current mental health conditions. Also, mental health conditions or treatments can sometimes cause sleep problems. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night to feel refreshed, although pregnant women may need more and older adults may average less. 

Short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and weight gain. Sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories. You’re more likely to eat foods high in sugar and fat. 

Sleep loss reduces your ability to regulate emotions and interact socially. When we're tired, we have a harder time controlling emotional outbursts and behaviours in front of others. Tiredness may also affect our ability to respond to humour and show empathy. Plus, chronically sleep-deprived people are more likely to withdraw from social events and experience loneliness.

Prioritizing sleep may be a key way to improve your relationships with others and help you become more social. If you deal with loneliness or emotional outbursts, don't hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or healthcare professional to get support.

Along with nutrition and exercise, taking care of your sleep is one of the pillars of health. Lack of sleep is associated with many negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression, weight gain, inflammation, and sickness. Though individual needs vary, most research suggests that you should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Just like you prioritize your diet and physical activity, it's time to give sleep the attention it  deserves .

At Motherhood Hospitals we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Chennai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries, including various laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do make an appointment with the best womancare hospital in Chennai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors, who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Premalatha Balachandran, please book your appointment here.