Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, ensuring optimum energy levels needed for daily activities. Recently, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, emphasized the critical importance of sleep. He claimed that losing even one hour of sleep could take four days to recover. This statement has sparked widespread discussion and highlighted the adverse effects of inadequate sleep on the brain and overall health.
Dr. Kumar shared his insights on X, stating, "If you lose just one hour of sleep, it could take 4 days to recover from that. Sleep deprivation can cause various symptoms, such as headache, poor focus and attention, increased irritability, poor judgement, poor decision making, and increased sleepiness." His post quickly went viral, obtaining significant attention and inspiring many to discuss their own sleep habits and concerns.
In response to a user's query about the recommended amount of sleep based on age, Dr. Kumar provided a detailed breakdown. He advised that newborns (up to 3 months old) should sleep 14 to 17 hours daily, infants (4 to 12 months old) need 12 to 16 hours including naps, young children (1 to 5 years old) require 10 to 14 hours including naps, school-aged children (6 to 12 years old) need 9 to 12 hours, teenagers (13 to 18 years old) should get 8 to 10 hours, and adults (18 years and up) require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day.
When asked if the deficit in hours of sleep could be compensated by daytime sleep, Dr. Kumar confirmed, "Absolutely. Sleeping for 7-9 hours at night in one go is the best option. However, if someone can't get the entire quota of sleep at night, he/she could compensate the deficit in sleep by sleeping during the daytime (second best option)."
Sleep deprivation has been linked to numerous health issues. Several studies have shown a connection between inadequate sleep and disorders like weight gain, loss of appetite, decreased concentration, altered performance, and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart disease, mental disorders, and type-2 diabetes.
Dr. Kumar's post resonated with many users on X, with some sharing their struggles with sleep and others seeking further advice. One user asked how to manage youngsters who work alternate night shifts or afternoon shifts. Dr. Kumar reiterated the importance of getting the recommended amount of sleep and suggested compensating with daytime naps if necessary.
Experts in the field of sleep medicine also contributed to the conversation. Dr. Anjali R Nath, a consultant pulmonologist, emphasized that even one day of sleeplessness can make an individual feel tired and lead to cognitive impairments such as memory and concentration problems.
Dr. Pavan Yadav, a lead consultant in Interventional Pulmonology and Lung Transplantation, pointed out that lack of sleep can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and weakened immune systems. Moreover, it can negatively impact mental health, causing depression, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.
Dr. Satyanarayana Mysore, a sleep specialist, added that sleep debt could not be practically recovered, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep routine. He noted that taking power naps might not fully address the problem of sleep deprivation.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
