Dr Kunal Kala from Mind plus Retreat advises on sleep difficulties on World sleep day

Ludhiana, March 14, 2015:  On the occasion of World Sleep Day Dr Kunal Kala talked on Sleep difficulties.

Dr Kunal Kala, Managing Director, Mind Plus Retreat shared “Sleep is a behavioural state that is a natural part of every individual’s life and we spend about one-third of our lives asleep! Sleep difficulties are changes in sleeping patterns or habits. One may have problems in falling asleep (initial insomnia), staying asleep during the night (middle insomnia) or early morning awakening (terminal insomnia).

He further added “People of different age groups have different sleep requirements. Babies sleep for around 16 hours a day. Older children need around 9-10 hours. Most adults need around 8 hours although some can get by with only 4-5 hours.”

He also discussed about the basic sleep problems faced common people

We all feel tensed on experiencing decreased sleep. If we do not sleep properly at night, we feel less energetic and tired but this does not hampers our mental or physical state. But if a person experiences many sleepless nights, he may have to experience some following problems:

•         Feeling tired whole day.

•         Yawning whole day.

•         Diversion of attention.

•         Experiencing problem in decision making.

•         Sadness

It can be dangerous, if a person suffering from insomnia is driving or working on heavy machines. Any hazard can happen which may turn fatal. Every year many people die such deaths. Insomnia can also lead to high blood pressure, high sugar and obesity.

Psychological stressors such as exams, deadlines, or job stress may interfere with sleep. It is beneficial for people to develop some kind of pre-sleep ritual to break the connection between stress and bedtime. Some people find it helpful to make a list of all the stressors of the day, along with a plan to deal with them. In addition, periods of relaxation (meditating or taking a hot bath) can help a person relax and get to sleep.

Some of the sleep hygiene tips were also given to improve sleep:

•         GO to the bed same time each night and same time each morning

•         Make sure your bedroom is quiet dark and relaxing environment which is neither too hot nor too cold

•         Make sure your bed is comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities like watching television using gadgets etc

•         Avoid large meals before bedtime.