Why young women need sound sleep? Doctor highlights risks of poor sleep

Do you feel that there are not enough hours in the day?

Skimping on sleep could be a recipe for disaster, especially for young women. On World Sleep Day 2024, an Indian doctor warned about the dangers of sleep deprivation, especially for young women.

According to Dr Pravin Naphade, a brain specialist from India, a lack of sleep has been linked to a whole bunch of health problems, from difficulty getting pregnant to memory trouble. Lack of sleep can spur issues including infertility, strokes, and Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Naphade said that modern lifestyle often leads to poor sleep habits. The problem is fueled by excessive screen time, stress, and an unhealthy diet. He said that young women are particularly vulnerable to these effects. "Lack of sleep has been linked to a myriad of health issues, and young women are not exempt from its effects," he stated.

He said that sleep is like a supercharger for your body and brain. While you are catching those Zzz's, your body gets busy repairing itself and your brain. But when you're constantly hitting the snooze button, things start to go wonky.

Dr Naphade said that one of the biggest worries is how poor sleep can mess with your hormones. These are like tiny chemical messengers that control everything from your mood to your ability to get pregnant. If your sleep schedule is all over the place, your hormones can get confused too, which can make it harder to conceive.

And that's not all. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to strokes, heart problems, and even Alzheimer's disease, which is a type of dementia that affects memory.

On top of these scary long-term effects, a bad night's sleep can also make it tough for you to focus in school or remember things for that upcoming test.

It's important to remember that sleep and health are a two-way street. Sometimes health problems can make it difficult to fall asleep. But for the most part, getting enough sleep can actually help you stay healthy in the long run.

So, how can young women get a better rest at night? Dr Naphade suggests ditching late-night caffeine – that cup of tea before bed might seem calming, but it can actually make it harder to drift off.

The key is good sleep hygiene.

This means going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day, even on weekends. Having a relaxing bedtime routine, like taking a warm bath or reading a book, can also signal to your body that it's time to wind down.

You need to understand that prioritising sleep isn't a sign of weakness. Instead, it is a way to invest in your health and well-being for the future.