Late nights are easy to normalise. Work runs late, screens keep us awake, and sleep becomes something we fit around everything else.

But sleep is not idle time, pointed out neurologist Dr Luv Bansal in an interaction with HT Lifestyle. It is when the brain processes information, regulates emotions and carries out important maintenance work.

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“When the brain does not get enough sleep, attention becomes harder to sustain, reactions can slow, and short-term memory can suffer,” he stated. “Routine tasks may require more effort, while switching between tasks and making decisions can become harder.”

“When sleep is shortened or repeatedly interrupted, that process can be disrupted, making it harder to retain new information or retrieve it efficiently the next day,” noted Dr Bansal.

The neurologist further warned that long-term chronic sleep deprivation can also be linked to long-term anxiety and depression.

“However, the impact of long-term sleep deprivation depends on the person and can be affected by the person’s age, lifestyle and any health problems,” stated the neurologist.

The main goal for most adults is to maintain a steady sleep pattern that allows sufficient time for the body to recover, he shared, noting that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that healthy adults should sleep for at least seven hours every night.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Dr Luv Bansal is a senior consultant at the Department of Neurology at Yashoda Medicity. He has over 10 years of experience in diagnosing and managing complex neurological disorders.

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