(Shahmika Agoon is a Naturopath, Nutritionist, Kinesiologist, Trauma Release Therapist, Autism Specialist, and Law of Attraction and Mindset Trainer–working at her 10, Harley Street Clinic in London and online)
Insomnia and Gen Z
Insomnia is a sleep disorder which is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep despite having the opportunity to do so. It can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and impaired functioning. This topic focuses on Generation Z and how insomnia negatively impacts their lives. Reflect on the past week—since last Sunday, when you fell asleep reading this article, until today: a significant incident regarding sleep has occurred globally. We are all connected to Generation Z—whether as siblings, cousins, parents, aunts, uncles, teachers, doctors, or therapists. Regardless of our opinions, it is impossible to overlook their presence. Many are enthusiastic about their potential, while others harbour concerns.
Fostering Understanding and Communication
If we learn to approach problem-solving without frustration, we may foster a more amicable relationship with Generation Z. Since discussing the sleep challenges facing this generation, I have received numerous requests to elaborate on insomnia.
The Alarming State of Global Sleep Issues
Initially, I mentioned that you might be reading this article while sleep-deprived. This week, an alarming statistic surfaced: approximately three billion people worldwide are either unable to sleep at night or are experiencing disturbed sleep patterns. Four out of ten individuals report sleep-related issues, with 46% suffering from insomnia, while only 35% claim to get adequate rest.
The Critical Importance of Sleep
Is sleep truly unimportant? On the contrary, sleep is vital for our bodies, brains, eyes, ears, and digestive systems. It encompasses one of the most complex processes our bodies undergo. The most visible symptom of insomnia is dark circles under the eyes, a telling sign of sleep deprivation. Without sufficient sleep, our skin and its cells cannot repair themselves, indicating that our skin’s health is closely linked to our sleep quality.
Sleep and its Essential Functions
Among sleep’s many essential functions, one primary role is the repair of eyesight. Conversely, inadequate sleep can lead to impaired vision the following day.
The Brain’s Control Over Sleep
Sleep regulation is controlled from the centre of the brain. The optic nerves at the back of each eye are directly connected to the occipital lobe, illustrating the intricate relationship between our eyes and brain; they collaboratively process visual information. One of the optic nerve’s functions is to regulate circadian rhythms, as each individual possesses a unique body clock synchronised with nature’s light-dark cycle. This scientifically proven phenomenon describes how nature’s cycles align with human biology.
The Mechanism of Sleep Regulation
The optic nerves detect signals from the environment—whether light or darkness—and relay this information to the hypothalamus in the brain. From there, the suprachiasmatic nucleus regulates circadian rhythms and ensures proper synchronisation of sleep. In darkness, signal transmission to the brain initiates melatonin secretion, often called the sleep hormone. This hormone promotes drowsiness and ceases production in daylight.
The Sleep Cycle: Activation and Hormonal Response
Upon waking, the sleep cycle is activated by exposure to light. The body begins to release adenosine, a hormone responsible for inducing sleepiness. This secretion continues until approximately 16 hours later, when the compounding effects lead to sleep. Essentially, our entire existence revolves around this sleep cycle.
The Role of the Pineal Gland and Hormones
The body’s internal clock is closely connected to the pineal gland, which governs our nighttime sleep from 9 PM to 3 AM. Four essential hormones regulate this process: melatonin and serotonin, mood-regulating hormones that influence emotional states; arginine vasotocin (AVT), produced in the posterior pituitary gland, which plays a role in water balance, social and sexual behaviour, and pain control; and epithalamion, a peptide from the pineal gland that assists in regulating sleep-wake patterns and prioritising thoughts.
The Cleansing Process During Sleep
The initial sleep phase serves as a cleansing process, eliminating waste products from neurons and the brain. Although our eyelids close during sleep,
the eyes—the brain’s integral parts—are active, transitioning through stages of Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Memory Consolidation and Brain Health
Memories are consolidated in various brain regions, including the hippocampus, neocortex, amygdala, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. During sleep, memories transition from the hippocampus to the cerebral cortex, enabling children and adults to learn and grow intellectually. Additionally, this process facilitates the removal of toxins and negative emotions from the brain. However, insomnia disrupts these vital processes.
Consequences of Insomnia for Generation Z
Consequently, individuals may experience memory lapses, leading to forgetfulness and the inability to retain information. The most significant issue for Generation Z is their struggle to concentrate due to sleep deprivation, which often results in increased irritability and short-tempered behaviour. Furthermore, the lack of sleep predisposes this generation to early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as their bodies and minds grapple with the effects of disrupted sleep-wake cycles, often experiencing symptoms reminiscent of jet lag.