Does Better Sleep Improve Your Quality of Life

Manisha*, a 27 year old lawyer, came into the clinic with complaints of fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day, as well as difficulty in concentrating and making decisions. She stated that in the past two weeks she had not been sleeping sufficiently as the work was getting increasingly demanding. As a result, she had fallen asleep in the middle of the day on numerous occasions and was facing difficulties in keeping up with her tasks.

The next few sessions were spent creating a schedule for her to be able to carry out her work tasks, go out with friends and to get sufficient sleep. Manisha* reported that her concentration as well as overall mood had improved considerably within three weeks of making changes to her schedule - and sticking to them.

*Name has been changed to maintain anonymity.

What is Sleep?

Sleep is a state of relaxation where consciousness is almost suspended, muscles relax and all bodily functions slow down. Sleep is necessary for a healthy body and mind. Given the demands of everyday life, you might often find yourself with very little time in hand to maintain a proper sleep routine, which might be disruptive for your sleep and health.. So what exactly happens when you compromise on sleep?

Why Do You Need Sleep?

There are several benefits of sleeping well and following a sleep routine. Sleep can be compared to a stone creating a ripple effect in the ocean - the ocean being your quality of life. When your body gets 8 hours of proper sleep, your memory, concentration as well as decision making abilities improves. Such sleep can have a positive impact on your mood and can prepare you to deal with daily stressors. This increases your overall productivity in daily life - be it at work, at home or in your relationships. As your psychological as well as physical well-being improves and productivity increases, you start to reap the benefits of a happier and more satisfying life.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

After a night of poor sleep, you might experience fatigue, difficulty in concentrating on your tasks, and sleepiness throughout the day. However, the long-term impact of sleep deprivation is much more problematic. - lowering your immunity and thereby increasing the risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity. Hence, it is safe to say that insufficient sleep negatively impacts your health and decreases the quality of life. Proper sleep hygiene ensures that the cells and tissues in your body have enough time to recuperate from the wear and tear of daily life. While you sleep, your body actively engages in protein synthesis, muscle growth and tissue repair. Alongside this, quality sleep also helps to keep your body’s stress levels under control. While proper sleep is not the only determinant of good health, it does play a vital role in leading a healthy life.