World Sleep Day is celebrated annually to create awareness on sleeping healthy. This year it will be held on March 17, with the slogan “Sleep Soundly, Nurture Life”.
Highlights:
World Sleep Day is held
annually to celebrate, and generate interest regarding, the significance of
sleep. This year, it is scheduled to be organized on Friday, March 17, with the
slogan, “,Sleep Soundly,
Nurture Life”. The day is hosted by the World Sleep Day Committee of the
World Sleep Society, which was founded in collaboration by the World
Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and the World Sleep Federation (WSF).
Do you feel like getting
out of the cozy comfort of your bed on a cold winter morning? Does that shrill
alarm going off in an ungainly hour to get you to work on time seem like the
end of the world? Well, it seems that Indians have indeed been overdoing it,
being some of the most sleep deprived people in the world. - Sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle, and for your overall good health.
- Every year the World Sleep Day is celebrated to promote the importance of sleep.
- With a view to promoting healthy sleep, Fitbit has released statistics from 18 countries, with India ranking among the lowest in sleep hours.
Sleep - Overview and Definition
Sleep is a behavioral state of restricted physical activity. It is controlled by our internal biological clock.
Sleep is a behavioral state of restricted physical activity. It is controlled by our internal biological clock.
‘World Sleep Day, this year on March 17, is meant to promote sleep, and create general awareness regarding healthy sleeping. This time around their slogan is “Sleep Soundly, Nurture Life”.’
Sleep heals
the mind and the body, enhances the general quality of life, and is essential
for physical and emotional well-being of humans. Below are some of the reasons why you should definitely get that good night’s sleep:
- Sleep improves brain health by enhancing learning, concentration, coping mechanisms and creativity. A sleep deprived brain is a troubled brain!
- Sleep heals the heart and blood vessels. It maintains hormonal balance in the body. Lack of sleep is not recommended if you have a condition of the heart or kidneys, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, among other diseases. In growing children, sleep aids in development.
- Beauty sleep isn’t a myth! Enough quality sleep is found to directly affect the way you look, by controlling signs of aging and fatigue.
- Sleep deficiency affects performance. Feeling groggy at work or in school won’t get you through with your boss or teacher!
- According to the Institute of Medicine, (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, sleep aids in longevity and improves overall mental health.
Over the years, World Sleep Day delegates have been working locally to spread awareness of sleep issues. They have hosted events, distributed booklets and pamphlets on sleep, hosted press conferences and acquired media coverage around the world. The international meet on World Sleep Day allows these delegates and other interested parties to assemble from across the globe, promote sleep health, and exchange ideas.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Measure your daytime sleepiness using this simple interactive tool, based on Epworth Sleepiness disorder Scale. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a type of hypersomnia characterized by persistent sleepiness and lack of energy.
Measure your daytime sleepiness using this simple interactive tool, based on Epworth Sleepiness disorder Scale. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a type of hypersomnia characterized by persistent sleepiness and lack of energy.
The statistics are derived from aggregated and anonymous Fitbit data collected from January to December 2016. It would appear that Asians sleep less than their American and European counterparts. Of the 18 countries covered in the statistics, New Zealand, Australia and the UK rank top in terms of sleep per night.
Advertisement
Key Indicators of Good Sleep Released by National Sleep Foundation
The National Sleep Foundation guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to the public regarding indicators of good sleep quality across the life-span.
The National Sleep Foundation guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to the public regarding indicators of good sleep quality across the life-span.
- New Zealand - 7.25 hours
- United Kingdom -7.16 hours
- Australia -7.15 hours
- France -7.08 hours
- Germany -7.07 hours
According to these statistics, Indians are in desperate need of sleep! The incessant deadlines, and school and office routines might just have gone overboard. There is also a need for awareness regarding the necessity of sound sleep for healthy living.
Advertisement
Get Good Sleep To Lead a Healthy Life
Sleeping more time while in bed and being awake for 20 minutes or less after initially falling asleep are other key determinants of good quality sleep.
Sleeping more time while in bed and being awake for 20 minutes or less after initially falling asleep are other key determinants of good quality sleep.
- Regulate your sleep. Develop regular sleeping and waking routines.
- For sound sleep, try developing a soothing bedtime ritual that relaxes your brain before falling asleep.
- Give up that afternoon nap. Yes, that does sound cruel, especially if you’ve just had a filling lunch, and your body is craving sleep! But to get a good night’s sleep, you might have to forsake that quick afternoon shut eye.
- Exercise regularly. Physical exercise will keep you healthy, and help you sleep better.
- Create a nice sleep environment. Those inviting pillows and that comfortable mattress should make you want to jump into bed, and sleep away.
- Avoid caffeine and heavy, spicy meals at night. Try light snacking about 45 minutes before you turn in.
References:
- Facts About Sleep - (https://edubirdie.com/blog/facts-about-sleep)
- Healthy Sleep Tips - (https://sleepfoundation.org/excessivesleepiness/content/healthy-sleep-tips-0)
