Less sleep and more work?

Less sleep and more work —— this seems to be the lifestyle for today’s round-the-clock workaholic in Kolkata.
According to doctors and psychologists, sleep has eluded most metro residents and Kolkata has not been spared. A recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation Poll (NSFP), based in Delhi, shows that there has been a sea-change in the lifestyles of urban youth in recent years.
Compared to figures five years back, it has been seen that more adults are spending time at the workplace and sleeping (45 per cent at work and 38 per cent over relaxation).
Figures point to 40 per cent of respondents who work at least 50 hours over the week. According to the study, a majority of adults (60 per cent) in Kolkata are not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep.
“People have different priorities. Adults spend less time sleeping and on leisure activities,� said psychiatrist Amit Chakrabarty. Adults, according to doctors, need seven to eight hours of sleep. “Those who defy natural sleeping patterns develop hypomania, which is characterised by an excessive release of chemicals in the body,� said general physician Nabin Ghosh. “But because people have become health conscious now, they are ready to rest for longer hours when convinced that sleep can benefit their overall health, safety and well-being,� said Utpal Chandra, a psychiatrist. “There is a direct relationship between the number of working hours one puts in and its adverse impact on sleep. This is noticeable for people working in excess of 40 hours per week,� informed a senior official, NSFP. Productivity goes down due to cutting down on hours of sleep. Software professional Goutam Basu says, “My productivity has come down because I do not get adequate sleep. I feel sleepy during working hours,� said Roy.
subhra.sircar@timesgroup.com