Sleep and the pandemic

Sleeping is an important function of our body and life. It is a basic human need like eating, drinking and breathing. Good sleep makes a person healthy. Good and quality sleep at right times can also help protect one's mental and physical health and boost immunity. Sleep contributes immensely towards proper working of the brain and also helps one prepare for the following day. Sleep deprivation or sleep deficiency is a dangerous thing which occurs when one does not get enough sleep. It can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Scientists have said that every individual is controlled by a circadian rhythm (the basic sleep-wake cycle or body clock) which is the internal process that determines one's physical, mental and behavioural changes throughout the day and night. Sleep is a critical part of this circadian rhythm, and any major disruption in the sleep cycle can have a negative effect on one's overall health. Getting sufficient sleep every night is very essential. But many people have not been getting enough sleep during the pandemic. 'Current Biology' in its June 2020 issue has published a study which has revealed that though people are likely to be getting more sleep time because they are working from home during the pandemic, they may not be getting quality sleep in the past few weeks. One's ability to function and feel well while one is awake depends on whether one is getting enough sleep. Another journal called 'Chronobiology International' in its July 2020 issue has published a study covering 203 corporate professionals and 325 undergraduate and postgraduate students in India, which has said that disruption of daily life routine, anxiety, isolation, greater family-and work-related stress, and excessive screen time has led to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness during the pandemic. The US National Sleep Foundation on its part has provided a few tips for getting quality sleep during the pandemic. They include – sticking to a routine, avoiding working on the bed, avoiding short naps, doing simple free-hand exercises, eating well, minimising use of digital devices, adequately relaxing, and getting quality sunlight and fresh air. Indian gurus have traditionally emphasized on quality sleep from time immemorial. Picking up from ancient and traditional Indian knowledge, Swami Sivananda of the Divine Life Society had given some significant suggestions worth following. They include avoiding worrying habits, remaining cheerful, using light bed-clothes, avoiding over-eating, relaxing one's body and mind, keeping off arguments and heated debates, giving up tea and coffee, and avoiding intense brain work.