In Prayagraj, excessive screen time, social media use, and increasing academic and workplace pressures are contributing to a notable rise in sleep disorders among young people and professionals. Local drug traders report that the consumption of sleep-related medications has surged by nearly 25% in the last six months.
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On World Mental Health Day, psychiatrists highlighted that lifestyle changes and irregular schedules are disrupting the natural sleep-wake cycle, particularly for competitive exam aspirants and employed individuals. Dr. Rakesh Paswan, a psychiatrist at Colvin Hospital, noted that melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, is released in response to darkness. However, extended exposure to screens during nighttime significantly hampers this process, making it challenging to fall asleep and maintain healthy sleep patterns.
Psychiatrist Dr. A K Mishra emphasized that sleep deprivation has become a significant issue across various age groups, with younger individuals being particularly affected. Many exam aspirants compromise their sleep to study late into the night, while professionals often continue to use their mobile phones for work and social media long after their official hours.
An example of this trend is Sudhir, a Civil Lines resident who works at a private bank. His late-night phone usage led to insomnia, ultimately necessitating the use of sleeping pills. According to Lalu Mittal, a drug trader, the network of over 300 wholesale medicine dealers in Prayagraj has seen a significant increase in the demand for sleep-related drugs, with estimated sales reaching Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in the past six months.
Mental health experts are advocating for the establishment of fixed sleep schedules, reducing screen time before bed, and seeking early medical intervention for ongoing sleep issues to prevent long-term reliance on medications.