(Photo: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)
Everyone marked the World Sleep Day 2024 on Friday (March 15). One expert spoke about the importance of slumber and the negative impact of the lack of it among women.
Lack of Sleep Linked to Infertility
Dr. Pravin Naphade, an Indian neurologist from Pune, India, warned about inadequate sleep for young women. The promotion of long-term welfare depends heavily on sleep, which is regrettably neglected as modern life seems to be getting faster and faster. He added that stress, an unhealthy diet, or too much screen time can all contribute to poor sleep, all of which seem to be getting worse in today's world.
"Lack of sleep has been linked to a myriad of health issues, and young women are not exempt from its effects," he said.
Infertility is one of the "most concerning consequences" of inadequate sleep, according to Dr. Naphade. Studies have indicated that erratic sleep habits may upset the hormonal equilibrium, which could result in infertility.
The hormone imbalance that results in infertility may also contribute to sleep issues, even though it may not be immediately apparent how infertility could induce poor sleep.
Dr. Naphade did provide some guidance to young ladies who wanted to regulate their sleep patterns. He noted that diet is crucial, especially the amount of caffeine consumed.
"Young women, in particular, may turn to coffee or tea to fuel their busy schedules, unaware of the impact it can have on their ability to get a good night's rest," he added.
Other adverse outcomes included depression, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke-heart issues, in general, which are also linked to sleep deprivation.
In addition to these severe health issues, the doctor warned that sleep deprivation can also have an impact on day-to-day functioning and put brain health at risk.
This implies that those who don't get enough sleep may find it difficult to focus or to remember things. But sometimes it's not apparent if getting too little sleep contributes to or detracts from bad health.
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Food To Eat and Avoid Before Sleep
Eating before bed may increase the likelihood of acid reflux, make it harder to fall asleep at night, and interfere with the body's natural clocks.
Food consumed at night may also be more likely to be stored as fat since our metabolism slows down as our bodies prepare for sleep. However, there are several foods that, when taken in moderation, may help us sleep better.
Foods high in tryptophan, such as milk, fish, eggs, lentils, green leafy vegetables, [nuts], and seeds reportedly help induce sleep.
Tryptophan, an amino acid required for the synthesis of proteins, is transformed into serotonin and melatonin, which influence the body's circadian rhythm. According to Kathryn Kelly, a dietician at the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, you should avoid certain foods and beverages to get a decent night's sleep. At the top of the list are caffeine and alcohol.
A quick drink before bed may make us feel sleepy because alcohol can have a significant impact on our sleep cycle. Kelly said it might also exacerbate feelings of dehydration, which could be the root of a restless night. Kelly says that if you drink a lot of liquids right before bed, you might have to get up more often.
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