What is Sleep?

This is a natural condition that allows the body and mind to rest. On average adults need 6-9 hours of sleep every night. However, this may vary from person to person of the same age. Children and teens require longer hours of sleep than adults.

Studies have showed that people with sleep deprivation or sleep disorders are at a high risk of getting involved in road traffic accidents that can be fatal or cause life- long disabilities. They also have a high risk of developing the following diseases;

1. Heart diseases and heart failure.
2. High blood pressure.
3. Depression and mood disorders.
4. Poor memory.
5. Erectile dysfunction.

Children with sleep disorders or sleep deprivation have been showed to exhibit some of the following conditions;

1. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
2. Poor learning
3. Poor physical and mental growth
4. Obesity
5. High risk of high blood pressure
6. High risk of accidents such as falling off bicycles

1. Sleep breathing disorders e.g. snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
2. Insomnia
3. Hypersomnia e.g. narcolepsy.
4. Sleep movement disorders e.g. bruxism, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.
5. Circadian rhythm disorders
6. Parasomnias e.g. sleep walking, nightmares and sleep talking.