The third 'World Sleep Day' for overall health

The third 'World Sleep Day' event was organized on March 19 to create awareness regarding healthy sleep, getting enough sleep to feel rejuvenated the whole day, and problems of lack of sleep. The event, planned by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) under the slogan ‘Sleep Well, Stay Healthy,’ intended to encourage sleep health and talk about sleep-related disorders along with health consequences of sleep deprivation.

Neurologist Dr. Preeti Devnani said, “We are celebrating the beauty and benefits of sleep, which has been pushed into the sidelines and causing serious health issues. In fact, the problem is so widespread that even children are exposed to it.”

“Among the many issues caused by sleep deprivation is the case of drowsy driving. It’s great that a lot is being done to spread awareness on drunken driving, falling off to sleep while driving is as dangerous a problem as rash driving,” informed Devnani.

Sleeping guidelines suggested at the event

The WASM event acted as a platform for medical experts to spread the message that healthy sleep is essential for a strong body and mind.

Medical experts put forth their points through presentation of edifying materials and display of historic videos.

The organization also issued commandments of Sleep Hygiene, adding that these are seldom conformed to.

First and foremost, according to the World Sleep Day Committee, fixing a bedtime and waking time is essential. Day time napping should not exceed 45 minutes, added the experts.

The committee also suggested that excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and heavy, spicy, or sugary foods should be avoided four hours prior to bedtime.

Along with this, caffeinated drinks, coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolates should be avoided six hours before going to bed.

The experts also emphasized that bed should not be used for work or recreation, otherwise it acts as a disturbance for a sound sleep.

Regular exercise, relaxing temperature for sleeping, and blocking noise and excessive light are also helpful, the committee added.

Harms of inadequate sleep

Improper sleep could raise risk of cardiovascular problems, metabolic disorders, immune systemdysfunction, and obesity along with marred daytime functioning.

Experts also added that sleeping through weekends does not make up for lack of sleep during the week.

According to them, the most common sleep disorders are hypersomnia, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnia, along with mental, neurological and other medical sleep disorders.

Source: http://www.themedguru.com/20100321/newsfeature/world-sleep-day-adequate-sleep-vital-overall-health-experts-86133080.html