Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining both physical and mental health, influencing everything from cognitive performance and emotional stability to immune function and metabolic balance. It is regarded as one of the three pillars of health, alongside nutrition and physical activity — all of which are closely interlinked.
Health experts continue to emphasise the importance of quality sleep to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and hormonal imbalances.
According to the experts I spoke with, sleep is vital to overall wellbeing and its absence can have serious consequences. One common disrupter of healthy sleep routines is late-night social media browsing, which can heighten the risk of sleep deprivation and related health issues.
Experts also warn that irregular sleep patterns can impair daytime performance, reducing alertness, disrupting mood and increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.
The other day, I experienced the effects of poor sleep myself. The following morning, I was in a foul mood — both at the office and on the road. While driving to work, everything appeared hazy despite the bright daylight. At my desk, I struggled to stay awake and complete my assignments. It was an awful experience.
The human body depends on good-quality sleep, as it responds to how well we care for it. Without sufficient rest, we are left feeling tired, irritable and emotionally drained.
Experts have informed me that lack of sleep can raise blood pressure, disrupt blood sugar control and upset hormone regulation. They recommend six to eight hours of sleep each night to help prevent these problems. Chronic sleep disorders, they add, may also contribute to memory loss.
Beyond quantity, the quality of sleep matters just as much. Creating a calm, undisturbed sleeping environment is key to achieving restorative rest.
It is also wise to avoid caffeine, as it can linger in the system for several hours and interfere with sleep quality. While some people believe it doesn’t stop them from falling asleep, health experts note that it can still affect how deeply you rest. So perhaps think twice before that late-night cup of qahwa (Omani coffee).
Until next time, make sure you prioritise the sleep your body truly deserves.
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