Dr. Deepa Jayashankar Podcast

When we talk about sleep patterns, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine emphasizes that 8 to 9 hours of continuous sleep at night is essential for effective functioning the following day. However, many patients report difficulty achieving uninterrupted sleep and attempt to compensate with daytime naps, often lasting one to two hours. While this approach may work for some individuals, it is generally not recommended as a long-term solution.

The concept of circadian rhythm focuses on maintaining a consistent sleep–wake cycle, ideally centered around consolidated night-time sleep for overall health and well-being. Disturbed sleep can result from several factors, most commonly lifestyle-related issues such as a sedentary routine, smoking, or frequent alcohol consumption. In some cases, unresolved psychological or psychiatric concerns—often suffered silently—can significantly affect sleep quality.