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Kangra, July 22, 2024 – On the occasion of World Brain Day, healthcare professionals are emphasizing the critical importance of proper sleep for maintaining optimal brain health. Experts have warned that neglecting sleep to meet deadlines or spending excessive time on the internet can lead to significant brain-related problems.
Recommending at least seven hours of sleep per night to enhance brain function, doctors highlighted the various adverse effects that insufficient sleep can have on the brain. Dr. S. Ramesh, a consulting neurosurgeon at Kamineni Hospitals, stressed the fundamental role of sleep in daily routines, stating, “Sleep is one of the most important components in the daily routine of an individual. It is essential for several brain-related functions, including the communication between neurons or nerve cells. Without proper sleep, the pathways in the brain necessary for creating new memories and response systems will be adversely affected.”
Dr. Ramesh added that the brain, which controls human body functions and emotions, is profoundly impacted by sleep quality. “Sleep affects every aspect and every organ in the human body, especially the brain. A good night’s sleep positively impacts the brain, while irregular sleeping habits can affect almost every type of tissue and system, including the brain, heart, and even the lungs. Many people complain about mood swings, and this has a direct connection with the quality of sleep and its impact on the brain,” observed Dr. Ch Vijay, a consultant neurologist at KIMS ICON Hospital, Vizag.
World Brain Day, founded by the World Federation of Neurology on July 22, 1957, and designated as a public awareness day in 2013, aims to promote brain health and prevent neurological diseases. This year’s theme, ‘Brain Health & Prevention,’ underscores the mission to proactively assess and address neurological diseases through early detection and effective management.
Dr. A Rampapa Rao, Chairman of Ucchvas Transitional Care, emphasized the link between sleep deprivation and hypertension, a significant risk factor for brain health. “I understand the biggest risk for a healthy brain is hypertension, apart from other etiological factors, and it is often a manifestation of an altered lifestyle, mainly due to the deprivation of an optimal number of daily sleep hours in young and middle-aged individuals. I appeal to everyone to take measures and focus on getting at least seven hours of qualitative sleep daily, irrespective of their occupation. We strongly believe that healthy sleeping habits are the single most significant factor in maintaining a healthy brain and its optimum functioning.”
As the global community observes World Brain Day, the focus remains on promoting brain health and encouraging practices that support neurological well-being. The day serves as a reminder of the essential role sleep plays in maintaining brain health and the need for public awareness about the consequences of sleep deprivation.
