Unlocking sleep: 10 common questions answered

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. One of the worst curses of modern life is sleep deprivation, leaving hundreds of millions bleary eyed every single day. Sleep plays a critical role in our lives as our brains and bodies reset, recover and replenish so that we may function glitch-free- every day.

The latest research and studies on sleep have uncovered irrefutable evidence that inadequate and poor sleep have a devastating impact on our health, emotions and social skills as well as increase the risk of several diseases and death. Little wonder then that anyone remotely concerned about their health has started paying more attention to sleep. At a time when there is as much information as there is misinformation, we turn to medical experts to address some of the most common questions about sleep.

Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity, not a luxury. It is essential for overall health and well-being, regardless of socioeconomic status, insists
Dr Vikas Mittal, director (pulmonology), CK Birla Hospital, New Delhi. Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, says that’s true only in an ideal world.

“In reality, wealth and privilege often determine who gets better sleep quality and who struggles with sleep deprivation. Wealthier people often have jobs with flexibility, allowing them to prioritise sleep. They can afford high-quality mattresses, blackout curtains, sleep tech and access to quiet neighbourhoods.

Lower income individuals often face sleep challenges such as long hours at work, multiple jobs or frequent night shifts that disrupt circadian rhythms. Financial worries can be highly stressful and interfere with falling and staying asleep. Noisy, overcrowded living