Healthcare professionals warn people on World Brain Day that they should never sacrifice their sleep for deadlines and that it is never suitable to spend time on the Internet instead of getting a decent night’s sleep. They advised getting seven hours of sleep per night to improve brain function and cautioned against sleep deprivation as a cause of brain-related issues.

Dr S Ramesh, Consulting Neurosurgery, Kamineni Hospitals, told regarding the significance of sleep and the damaging effects that sleep deprivation can have on the brain, “Sleep is one of the most important components in the daily routine of an individual. Sleep is important for a number of brain-related functions, like the communication between neurons/nerve cells.

“People must be made aware that without proper sleep, the required pathways in the brain to create new memories and new response systems, will get adversely affected”. It is a known fact that the brain controls the human body and functions and emotions. It is important to know that sleep affects every aspect and every organ in the human body, especially the brain.

“While a good sleep will have a positive impact, irregular sleeping habits could affect almost every type of tissue and system like the brain, the heart, and even the lungs. Many people complain about mood swings, and this has a direct connection with the quality of sleep and its impact on the brain,” observed Dr. Ch Vijay, Consultant Neurologist, KIMS ICON Hospital, Vizag.

Dr. A Rampapa Rao, Chairman, Ucchvas Transitional Care, stated “I understand the biggest risk for a healthy brain is ‘Hypertension’ apart from other etiological factors and in itself is a manifestation of altered lifestyle mainly being deprivation of optimum number of daily sleep hours in young and middle years of life.

“I appeal to everyone to take measures and focus on getting at least seven hours of qualitative sleep on a daily basis irrespective of the occupation they are engaged in.

“We strongly believe that a healthy sleeping habit is the single most significant factor in maintaining healthy brain and its optimum functioning.”

The day also emphasises the importance of early detection and effective management of brain related ailments.