World Sleep Day 2024: Doctor warns how lack of sleep in young women can lead to potentially deadly health risks and issues including infertility

A neurologist has warned how a lack of sleep for young women is linked to a wide range of health problems, including infertility, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Pravin Naphade, from Pune, India, wrote in Times of India for World Sleep Day 2024, that sleep is essential for promoting long-term well-being, and lamented that it has gone backwards as modern life seems to become increasingly fast-paced.

He added that poor sleep can be caused by excessive screen time, stress or a poor diet – all apparently more and more common in modern life.

“Lack of sleep has been linked to a myriad of health problems and young women are not exempt from its effects,” said the consultant neurologist from DPU Super Specialty Hospital.

He went on to elaborate on some of the negative health outcomes associated with poor sleep.

Dr. Pravin Naphade, from Pune, India, said infertility is one of the ‘most worrying consequences’ of poor sleep

Dr. Naphade explained that infertility is one of the ‘most worrying consequences’ of poor sleep, with hormone balance dependent on reliable and consistent kip.

Other negative effects included stroke – with heart problems more generally also linked to poor sleep – Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

In addition to the major health issues, the doctor added that daily life can also be affected with brain health also at risk when you have low sleep.

This means that those who miss out on sleep may find it difficult to concentrate or have problems with their memory.

In some cases, however, it is unclear whether sleep causes or is caused by poor health.

That Sleep Foundation says: ‘The relationship between sleep and overall physical health is complex and interconnected.

‘Sleep allows both body and brain to recover during the night, ensuring you feel fresh and alert when you wake up in the morning.

‘At the same time, your physical health and associated medical conditions can make it difficult to get the sleep you need.’

Although it doesn’t seem obvious how infertility can directly cause you to sleep poorly, the hormone imbalance that causes infertility can also cause sleep problems.

But Dr. Naphade offered some advice to young women who want to get their sleep cycle under control.

He said diet is important, especially caffeine intake. He added: “Young women in particular may turn to coffee or tea to fuel their busy days, unaware of the impact it can have on their ability to get a good night’s sleep.”

The answer, it seems, is to prioritize ‘sleep hygiene’ – a consistent sleep schedule, relaxing bedtime routine and recognizing sleep deprivation when it shows up.