Brain Health: Lifestyle and dietary imbalances have affected every part of the body. We often discuss heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic problems, but health experts are expressing great concern about the increasing incidence of brain diseases among younger people. Concentration, memory, mood, and decision-making have declined significantly in recent years. Doctors believe that lack of sleep may be the main cause of these problems.

Fast-paced life and increasing screen time have severely impacted our sleep quality. Children and young people stay engrossed in phones, games, or social media until late at night, thus directly and indirectly impacting sleep quality.

According to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), more than 60% of people in India do not get enough sleep. Sleep is essential not only for physical rest but also for maintaining a healthy brain.

What do health experts say?

Dr. Bhaskar Shukla, a consultant neurologist at a Delhi-based hospital, says, "If you ask me what's most important for brain health, I'd say good sleep. 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night that refreshes you."

For various reasons, whether it's working long hours at the office, watching reels, or increasing study time, people aren't getting enough sleep, resulting in feeling tired even when they wake up.

Studies have found that those who experience this problem for a long time may be at risk for many other serious illnesses. If you're also not getting enough sleep, it could be a red flag for your health.

Brain capacity may be weakened.

Good sleep is essential for proper brain function. During sleep, the brain organizes the day's information and strengthens memory. When sleep is insufficient, this process is disrupted.

A study conducted by Harvard Medical School shows that lack of sleep reduces children's learning ability by up to 40%. Students may experience problems such as difficulty remembering lessons, distraction, and poor performance on exams.

Risk for Depression

Lacking enough sleep negatively impacts the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps with memory and learning, which can lead to frequent forgetfulness. Therefore, children and young adults need at least 7-9 hours of deep sleep.

Furthermore, lack of sleep disrupts the balance of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which regulate mood and make you feel happy.

According to a related report published by the National Sleep Foundation, people who sleep less than 6 hours a day have a threefold increased risk of depression. These people also experience increased anger, irritability, restlessness, and stress.

Impact on Children's Brains

Good sleep is important for everyone, and it becomes even more crucial for children.

Doctors say that children's brains develop rapidly during good sleep. This is when the brain creates new cells and strengthens learning. Children who sleep less than six hours a day have poorer concentration and emotional development. Furthermore, children with sleep deprivation are more likely to develop attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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