Key points
- Chronic sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function
- Inadequate sleep increases risks of mood disorders
- Sleep hygiene improves memory and emotional balance
ISLAMABAD: Sleep is not a luxury — it is a biological necessity. Across the globe, the scientific community now treats sleep as a pillar of health on par with nutrition and exercise, recognising its critical role in physical, mental, and social well-being.
Why sleep matters
Sleep is far from a passive state. During sleep, the brain actively consolidates memories, reorganizes learning, and clears out toxins accumulated during wakefulness. This process enhances cognitive performance, memory retention, and emotional regulation.
When we sleep, especially during deep (slow-wave) and REM sleep stages, the brain strengthens neural connections formed during the day — essentially turning short-term experiences into long-term memory.
Conversely, insufficient sleep impairs these restorative processes. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced cognitive function, impaired attention and decision-making, mood disturbances, and decreased emotional resilience.
Mental health and sleep
Sleep is not only about memory or productivity — it is deeply tied to mental well-being. Poor or insufficient sleep increases the risk of mood disorders, stress, anxiety, and a general decline in psychological resilience.
Studies show that the global burden of sleep disorders — especially insomnia — is large: as many as 16.2% of adults worldwide may suffer from insomnia, with a substantial portion experiencing severe insomnia.
Beyond brain health, inadequate or excessive sleep duration has been linked with increased risks of chronic health problems. A large cohort study across East Asia found that deviations from roughly 7 hours of nightly sleep — either less or more — were associated with higher all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
How to protect your sleep
This aligns with growing calls from global health advocates to treat “sleep health” as a public-health priority worldwide.
Given how essential sleep is, improving sleep hygiene should be a priority. Experts recommend maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and avoiding factors — like excessive screen time, caffeine or stress — that can disrupt sleep cycles. Good sleep habits support memory, mental clarity, emotional balance, and long-term wellness.
In a world increasingly focused on productivity and performance, prioritizing sleep may feel counterintuitive. Yet the science makes it clear: rest is not optional if we want healthy brains, balanced minds, and resilient bodies.
