In today's rat race lifestyle, what is most neglected is sleep. Yet to stay healthy, one cannot compromise on sleep. When there is a lack of sleep, the body compensates for that deficit on its own. Suppose you suddenly fall asleep while talking to someone. Sleep can suddenly descend upon your eyes at any time. Whether it's during work, while driving, or at any moment. This is called micro sleep.

It's one thing to fall asleep for a few seconds at the office or while talking. Just imagine, you're speeding on the highway at 100 kilometres per hour, and suddenly your eyes close. How terrible could the consequences of this situation be? How dangerous can the effects of micro-sleep be? How will you understand that you have micro sleep?

What is micro sleep?

In medical terminology, suddenly falling asleep unknowingly for 1 to 3 seconds during work is called microsleep. During this time, your brain suddenly stops working. Simply put, the brain 'hangs'. You close your eyes and fall asleep. But only for those few moments.

Why does this happen?

Sleep specialist Dipankar Datta says, "The biggest cause of this micro sleep is lack of adequate sleep at night. If there is no deep sleep at night, this micro sleep can occur during work time or during the day. Those who don't get good sleep at night or have light sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea are most prone to this condition. If someone is deprived of N3 non-REM sleep (the deepest stage of sleep, when muscles relax and the body resets) for any other reason, they also have the risk of this problem."

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In medical terminology, this is called Sleep Debt, meaning the deficit of sleep that is created; the body compensates for it exactly on its own. This is why when there is no proper sleep for 2-5 days due to intense work pressure, after that, when you get a day off, you don't want to leave the bed. Most of the day is spent sleeping.

Dr. Datta says, "This is why after sleep apnea surgery, patients often fall into deep sleep. For at least the first 24 hours, the patient sleeps almost continuously, which is called REM Rebound."

Why is microsleep harmful?

Neurologist Dr Animesh Kar says, "The most terrible problem of micro sleep is the acute effect. A serious major danger can occur immediately. This can happen in the case of drivers and pilots or when army jawans at the border are deprived of sleep for a long time. Micro sleep mainly occurs when doing the same or monotonous work, along with prolonged sleep deprivation. That is, any work that makes you feel bored. From that boredom, you feel more tired and micro sleep can occur."

Dr Kar further informs that patients themselves cannot understand that they have fallen asleep, so there is no opportunity to be alert beforehand. This sleep descends upon the eyes suddenly.

What can happen if this problem is avoided in the long term?

Metabolic problems can increase, which leads to the risk of various diseases. Premature ageing can occur.

Type 2 Diabetes

Due to lack of sleep, the secretion of cortisol or the stress hormone, increases. The body's insulin effectiveness decreases, which increases blood sugar levels. If this cycle continues in the long term, type 2 diabetes can occur.

Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)

Coronary artery disease is the improper supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This usually happens due to fat or plaque accumulation in the arteries. This can result in chest pain (angina), a heart attack, and even heart failure.

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Obesity

Due to a lack of adequate sleep, the body's metabolism or calorie-burning capacity decreases by up to 20 per cent, which becomes a cause of obesity or weight gain.

Stroke

Without adequate sleep, high blood pressure, inflammation, and mental stress increase, which obstructs blood circulation to the brain, multiplying the risk of stroke. Due to lack of sleep, blood vessels become stiff, creating the risk of blood clotting in the brain. All these increase the risk of stroke.

Can cancer risk also increase?

Dr Datta says, "Micro sleep is a clear sign of inadequate sleep. If this matter is neglected for a long time, along with increasing the risk of other diseases, the body's general immunity is affected. The most important part of the body's immune system is the NK Cell or Natural Killer Cell. When there is a lack of sleep, the production of this cell decreases. This affects the body's ability to fight other problems. As a result, it increases the risk of infection, malignant tumors, and increases the risk of cancer."

How to avoid this problem?

The most important thing to avoid micro sleep is adequate and regular sleep. At least 7–8 hours of deep sleep is needed daily. It is essential to maintain a fixed sleep schedule and reduce excessive screen time before sleeping. Besides, taking short breaks during long work periods is also necessary. You can take power naps if needed. That is, a short 10-20 minute sleep that helps to quickly regain energy, refresh the body, and increase efficiency.

Micro sleep can be called a kind of emergency warning signal from the body. It indicates that the body and brain can no longer function without rest. Therefore, it is wise not to neglect this signal and sleep according to rules.