NG LifeMag EMAG December 2023 - Flipbook - Page 41
THE DICHOTOMY
OF EFFECTS
ADVANTAGES:
Extended Wakefulness: In exigent
circumstances, the ability to stay awake longer
can be bene昀椀cial. Sleep debt allows for this
temporary extension of wakefulness.
DISADVANTAGES:
Cogni琀椀ve Decline: Accumulated sleep debt impairs memory,
a琀琀en琀椀on, and decision-making.
Health Detriments: Chronic sleep debt escalates the risk of obesity,
diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments.
Emo琀椀onal Turmoil: It can trigger mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
SETTLING THE SLEEP DEBT
Regular Sleep Rou琀椀ne: Adhering to a consistent sleep
schedule, even during weekends, aids in regula琀椀ng the
body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, gradually reducing
sleep debt.
Quality Over Quan琀椀ty: Priori琀椀sing quality sleep over
mere hours slept helps in obtaining restora琀椀ve sleep,
essen琀椀al for reducing sleep debt.
Mindful Napping: Strategic napping of 20-30 minutes
can rejuvenate the mind and body without interfering
with nigh琀�me sleep.
Weekend Recovery Sleep: While it’s not a complete
remedy, sleeping in during weekends can help recover
some amount of lost sleep, aiding in reducing sleep
debt. Don’t sleep in more than 1-2 hours di昀昀erent to
your workday wake up 琀椀mes to keep things consistent.
Professional Consulta琀椀on: If sleep debt is
hampering daily life, seeking guidance from a sleep
specialist is advisable.
Sleep debt, a common yet overlooked malaise, has
profound impacts on health, cogni琀椀on, and overall
quality of life. The strategies to repay sleep debt range
from maintaining a consistent sleep rou琀椀ne to seeking professional
help. As we progress in the modern era of relentless pursuits, understanding and
addressing sleep debt is pivotal for a balanced and healthy life.