Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 5:According to a recent study by the Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine, 61% of the urban Indian population sleeps for less than 7 hours a day, which is considered one of the biggest epidemics in the world by William C Dement, father of sleep medicine. Another study by SleepHealth.org reveals that a staggering 70% of adults report insufficient sleep at least once a month, and 11% experience it nightly.
We've all had those nights where sleep is elusive, leaving us groggy, irritable, and mentally sluggish the next day. But when those nights become a regular occurrence, it's more than just an annoyance—it's sleep deprivation, otherwise called lack of sleep, and it can have serious effects on your health and well-being. That said, choosing the best mattress online can aid in promoting sleep, reducing the chances of developing sleep deprivation among individuals.
Let’s see how choosing the correct mattress can help fight the epidemic of sleep deprivation that the urban Indian population is facing.
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
In simple terms, sleep deprivation happens when you don't get enough sleep. It's a condition that affects about 61% of Indians according to an online survey by LocalCircles, and it's getting worse. Sleep deprivation covers a range of issues, including:
To better understand why sleep deprivation occurs, it’s important to know that our sleep cycles are of two main types: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep.
Non-REM sleep includes deep sleep or slow-wave sleep, which is essential for physical restoration. REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs and is crucial for cognitive functions.
Generally, REM and non-REM sleep occur in a pattern of 3-5 cardiac rhythms—the sleep-wake cycle—per night. The sleep-wake cycle is controlled by your body’s internal clock, which determines when you need to sleep and for how long you should remain in a sleep cycle based on light and darkness. Any disruptions to this cycle can lead to sleep deprivation and consequently lead to health problems such as diabetes, obesity, heart attack and more.
Types of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation can present itself in several forms, each with unique characteristics:
Acute Sleep Deprivation: This occurs when you don’t get enough sleep over a short period, such as a few days or less. It's often the result of an unusually busy schedule, a temporary stressor, or other short-term disruptions.
Chronic Sleep Deprivation: This is a more severe form of sleep deprivation, where insufficient sleep persists for three months or longer. It can lead to significant health issues and is often caused by ongoing stress, demanding work hours, or long-term lifestyle choices.
Chronic Sleep Deficiency: This form involves consistently poor sleep quality, even if the total hours of sleep might be enough. Factors contributing to this can include frequent awakenings, non-restorative sleep cycles, or underlying health conditions.
It's essential to know that sleep deprivation is different from insomnia. Insomnia is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, regardless of external circumstances. In contrast, sleep deprivation typically results from external factors like stress, a busy lifestyle, or significantly, an uncomfortable mattress that fails to support proper rest.
Symptoms and Risks of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation generally starts slowly and often goes unnoticed because it initially causes minor symptoms. However, these symptoms worsen over time, causing physical and mental health problems among individuals. The longer you ignore these symptoms, the more severe the health issues. If you notice the signs below, take appropriate steps to avoid lack of sleep:
Unchecked sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues, including:
You probably didn’t know this, but you spend about a third of your life in bed. While naps on a chair or couch can be refreshing, your bed is where you get restful, quality sleep each night. Therefore, your bed should be comfortable and meet your specific needs.
A mattress that's past its prime can fail to promote quality sleep. It may not offer necessary back support, keeping you from sleeping comfortably and leading to pain and stiffness in the morning.
Similarly, if you sleep on your side, a very firm mattress will not provide you with pressure point relief and may cause discomfort in the shoulder. This discomfort can prevent you from getting restful sleep, contributing to sleep deprivation. Depending on your sleeping position, certain mattresses might even aggravate existing pain, making it hard to get the rest you need and causing sleep deprivation.
The type of mattress you choose while mattress shopping significantly impacts your sleep quality. It can also be the reason for your lack of sleep. An unsupportive mattress can keep you tossing and turning throughout the night or may make you sleep hot, which is common in hot environments. So, make sure you pay special attention when looking for the best mattress to buy online and ensure it suits your sleep preferences.
How to Choose the Right Mattress to Avoid Sleep Deprivation
Today, mattresses come in a plethora of materials. But only a few would be worth your consideration when you are mattress shopping. Traditional innerspring mattresses feature coiled springs for support, while memory foam mattresses such as Sleepwell’sNexa Mattress, conform to your body's shape, offering personalized support and pressure relief.
Gel memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, incorporate cooling gel to help regulate body temperature, ensuring you stay comfortable on warmer nights. Depending on the type of comfort you need, you can go for a foam mattress or spring mattress.
Also, mattresses come in various sizes and firmness levels. A mattress that is too firm, too soft, or not the right size can lead to poor sleep quality. So, when shopping for a mattress online, make sure that the mattress size suits your preferences and sleeping habits. This will help you avoid common sleep problems and subsequent sleep deprivation.
Remember that proper mattress care is also important. Experts recommend rotating your mattress 180 degrees every two to three months to prevent uneven wear and lumps. Additionally, regularly check your bed frame. Even the best mattress won't perform well if it's on a broken frame or sagging box springs.
Investing in a Good Mattress
Finding the right mattress tailored to your needs can prevent sleep deprivation and its associated health problems. One of the top mattress brands in India is Sleepwell. It offers a wide selection of high-quality mattresses at affordable prices. Offering a five-year guarantee and a 100-day trial period when you do online mattress shopping, you can find a mattress suited to your needs and preferences within your budget.
The most impressive mattress by Sleepwell is Nexa Foam mattress, which boasts enhanced comfort, superior back support, anti-microbial technology, and premium foam to throw you into a deep sleeping experience each night.
Conclusion
Sleep deprivation is a serious concern in India, especially because it impacts the majority of the population without even their knowing about it. While factors such as mental health, poor work life, and others are hard to control, you can choose the right mattress to support your sleep and prevent sleep deprivation from happening. The right mattress from a top mattress brand can help create a relaxing environment, promoting the body’s natural sleep cycle for restful sleep.
Shah Rukh Khan to Receive Career Achievement Award at Locarno Film Festival
The Most Expensive Weddings in Indian History: Where Money Flowed Like Water
