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Sleep Disorders in Mauritius and how to combat them.

Sleep is a vital biological function for the human body, playing a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, sleep disorders are increasingly common, with at least 45% of the world's population being affected by some form of sleep problem.


A study showed that the prevalence of poor sleep in young people in Mauritius was 30.7% with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) being the most prevalent disorder globally. OSA is characterised by the intermittent relaxation of throat muscles during sleep, leading to blocked airways and disrupted breathing. It affects over one billion people worldwide, with some countries reporting a prevalence exceeding 50%.

Estimates suggest that nearly 1 billion adults aged 30–69 years worldwide could have obstructive sleep apnoea, and the number of people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea, for which treatment is generally recommended, is estimated to be almost 425 million


Apart from OSA, other common sleep disorders include teeth grinding (bruxism) , sleepwalking, and confusional arousals, as well as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder. Sleep disorders are particularly widespread, with Japan as one of the world's worst countries for average sleeping hours.


Various factors contribute to poor sleep quality in adults, such as anxiety, excessive screen time, sedentary lifestyles, and jobs that require long or unfixed working hours and night shifts.


Sleep plays a critical role in several physiological processes, including memory consolidation, tissue repair and regeneration, and immune system restoration. Moreover, deep sleep promotes the release of growth hormones and facilitates the recovery of various body systems. In contrast, sleep deprivation can have negative effects on cognitive performance, appetite regulation, mood, and immune function. In fact, some studies suggest that chronic sleep deprivation and deprived REM stage sleep can lead to decreased lifespan and immune function.


Here are some tips for improving sleep quality:


  • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time, even on weekends.
  • Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol a few hours before bedtime.
  • Relax before bedtime by avoiding screens and engaging in calming activities such as reading or taking a bath.
  • Engage in regular physical activity during the day to promote better sleep.
  • Avoid daytime naps, as these can disrupt your sleep cycle.
  • Address your worries and stressors before bedtime by getting organized and setting daily priorities.
  • Overall, it is recommended that adults aim for seven to eight hours of healthy sleep every night between 10 pm and 5 am. Remember that sleep is not merely rest; it is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing.


References:


National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep disorders. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders

https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/654 Factors Associated with Poor Sleep among Young People in Mauritius: A Survey-Based Study 

Benjafield AV, Ayas NT, Eastwood PR, Heinzer R, Ip MSM, Morrell MJ, Nunez CM, Patel SR, Penzel T, Pépin JL, Peppard PE, Sinha S, Tufik S, Valentine K, Malhotra A. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis. Lancet Respir Med. 2019 Aug;7(8):687-698. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5. Epub 2019 Jul 9. PMID: 31300334; PMCID: PMC7007763.

Rania, M., Elsaid, M., & Al-Jahdali, H. (2019). Obstructive sleep apnea in the Middle East and North Africa: A review of prevalence and risk factors. Sleep and Breathing, 23(4), 1093-1102. doi:10.1007/s11325-019-01819-6

Spiegel, K., Leproult, R., & Van Cauter, E. (1999). Impact of sleep debt on metabolic and endocrine function. The Lancet, 354(9188), 1435-1439. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)01376-8

World Sleep Society. (n.d.). Sleep-related facts and statistics. https://worldsleepsociety.org/sleep-related-facts-and-statistics/ 

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