Insomnia- a new lifestyle disease faced by the youth

The human race has evolved with time. We have now become Homo Sapiens. Thus, though physically we are the same as our ancestors, Homo sapiens, but mentally we have become superior. We also have de-evolved in a certain way. Our bodies have become prone to lifestyle diseases, which did not affect the Homo Sapiens. Wikipedia defines lifestyle diseases as: “diseases that appear to increase in frequency as countries become more industrialized and people live longer.”

Some of the diseases which affect the youth of today are:

* Diabetes
* Hypertension
* Obesity
* Asthma
* Acne
* Heart diseases

One of the most common problems faced by the youth of today is Insomnia. Insomnia is a condition in which people are unable to sleep. It is seen that the youth these days is hardly sleeping. The concept of ‘early to bed and early to rise’ has gone for a toss. The youth stay awake till 3 or 4 a.m.

The cause

The cause for this disorder, in the youth, is evidently the technological advancements. Social Networking websites are addictive and are one of the main causes. The youth believe in being connected to their peers and colleagues 24/7. Another cause for insomnia is stress, caused by intense competition at the work place or in colleges. It can also be caused by excessive caffeine intake. Caffeine goes into the blood stream through various aerated drinks as well as coffee, which have almost replaced water, in the corporate houses, nowadays.

The effect

Sleep deprivation, in turn, causes stress which makes the youth turn to smoking and drinking, to soothe their nerves. Sleep deprivation also causes weakness and lethargy. People can’t work to their full potential. It causes frustration, which slowly turns to clinical depression.  People suffering from insomnia are also in danger of suffering from anxiety attacks. This disorder is as such that it also induces other lifestyle diseases, like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, to crop up.  It causes the immune system to slow down. The entire body clock gets disturbed, which causes problems with the digestive system.

The cure

Insomnia, that the youth suffer today, is not a genetic or psychological problem but just a lifestyle disease. It is caused by a wrong way of living. Meditation can help in inducing sleep: deep breathing, with eyes closed and letting thoughts flow out of your mind. Physical exercise, during the day, also helps in tiring the body so that sleep comes easily. Having meals on time is a relaxant as the body sends signals of sleep, after every meal. That is why you feel sleepy after lunch and dinner. Television should not be watched, after dinner, as that again causes sleep to disappear. People suffering from insomnia should go to bed whenever they feel sleepy, regardless of the time, as this will help to get the body clock back on its track.

Thus, the youth these days, are becoming prone to various lifestyle diseases and because of that indulging in habits which are hazardous to health. We should try to overcome such diseases to become better professionals and to excel in all spheres of life.

Ridhu Bhatia

[ratings]

Image Source: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/alyssafilmmaker/3628914665/]