Anjali Anand has been living her dream of becoming an actor and is thoroughly enjoying the process. She recently opened up about continuously doing a 21-hour day shift for five months. “Just because I am a different size, it doesn’t mean I am not fit. I can dance for 8-10 hours. I did Jhalak for 12 weeks while I was shooting for Dabba Cartel and one more project. Back to back, 5 months. 21-hour days every day. 3 hours of sleep every day. I broke my knee. Yet, I had so much fun. I pushed my body to the limit. I got punished for it. But it’s fine. Anybody would get punished for it,” Anand said.
Taking a cue from her revelation to Bollywood Bubble, let’s understand what happens to the body with just 3 hours of sleep for 5 months.
Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)Many people fail to get a sound sleep at night due to hectic schedules. However, doing so is not recommended as it can affect your overall well-being. “Compromising your daily sleep is not a good idea and can land you in trouble. You may encounter a wide range of health problems that can steal your peace of mind,” cautioned Dr Harish Chafle, senior consultant, intensivist chest physician, bronchoscopists and sleep disorders specialist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.
Sleeping only three hours per night for five months will surely harm physical and mental health. Sleep is essential for brain function, immune system support, and overall well-being,” said Dr Chafle.
How it can affect the body
Cognitive decline and memory issues: Chronic sleep deprivation impacts concentration, problem-solving skills, and memory retention. Dr Chafle said that one may struggle with recalling information, learning new tasks, and making decisions. “You tend to become forgetful and cranky. You will find it difficult to remember where you kept the car keys or important documents or whether you carried out certain tasks, for example, switching off the gas or light,” said Dr Chafle.
Emotional instability: Lack of sleep increases stress, anxiety, and irritability. “You will be often frustrated, agitated, and angry, and there will be mood swings,” mentioned Dr Chafle.
Weakened immune system: Your body’s ability to fight infections weakens, making you more prone to colds, flu, and other illnesses. “Long-term sleep deprivation may also increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It is better to sleep for at least 7-8 hours daily without any distractions,” said Dr Chafle.
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Toll on physical well-being: You might experience constant fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, and slower reflexes. “The risk of obesity also rises, as lack of sleep disrupts appetite-regulating hormones, leading to increased cravings for unhealthy foods such as pizza, French fries, bakery items, and desserts that lead to weight gain,” said Dr Chafle.
Risk of heart disease and high blood pressure: Sleep deprivation can elevate blood pressure and stress hormone levels, contributing to heart problems in later life.
One should aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep. For better sleep, try to avoid using digital screens like mobile phones or laptops before falling asleep. “If you are unable to sleep or experience difficulty sleeping, then you should consider consulting a doctor. They can assess your overall health and recommend medications or lifestyle adjustments accordingly,” said Dr Chafle.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
