Lack of sleep among youngsters in TN responsible for lifestyle disorders: Study

According to doctors, health can be affected due to inadequate sleep as well as sleeping at improper hours.

According to the study by General Nutrition Centre (GNC), a leading nutrition and supplement brand, 36 per cent received at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep twice per week or less, and 29 per cent rarely or never feel refreshed or energized in the mornings.

“With many opting for the graveyard shift at work, sleeping at night is becoming a rare concept,” said Dr S Vasanth, who handles cases of sleep disorders. “I see up to 20 cases of sleep disorders every month,” he said.

“It has been seen that an Indian slept for an average of 6.5 hours. I have seen many cases of youngsters developing sleeping disorders after having gone by with less than five hours of sleep for months together,” added Vasanth. Doctors said digital distraction, a common factor, is mostly seen among teens and the younger generation. “Adolescents need nine hours of sleep every night to be engaged and productive. Less than seven hours is considered as insufficient sleep,” opined Vasanth.

The GNC study has also found the lack of exercise and Vitamin D deficiency to be two other important factors contributing to lifestyle related disorders. “While the consequences of lifestyle choices are widely known, as are the benefits of a balanced diet and exercise, our research finds a clear disconnect between how we view our healthy lifestyle versus our actual behaviour,” said Shadab Khan, CEO, GNC.

“There is a need to educate people about the benefits and significance of adequate nutrition, regular sleep and recovery, and exercise,” he added.