Anannya Roy, Amity University Kolkata
Insomnia is a disorder of sleep where a person has trouble falling asleep. It affects 30% of the total population worldwide and can be chronic or acute. In general, the causes include underlying Psychiatric or clinical conditions and it affects our mood and productivity.
Recent studies conducted by researchers in China and the USA suggest that anaemia can be linked with insomnia. Genomic analysis was done, which revealed that a gene named MEIS1 was linked with insomnia. Interestingly, this was the same gene that was responsible for restless leg syndrome and iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia, as we all know is linked with depleted levels of haemoglobin (Hb), the oxygen transporter pigment in blood. Earlier studies had shown links between anaemia and insomnia among children, but among adults, there is not much information.
A cross-sectional analysis was performed among 12614 Chinese adults by researchers. First, at the time of enrollment they were asked to fill a questionnaire about their daily lifestyle, habits, health status etc. these data were evaluated every 2 years. Then the haemoglobin levels were measured. Using the Chinese version of the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) insomnia was assessed. there was another questionnaire containing eight questions- The first five related to sleeping procedure including sleep induction, night awakening, duration etc and the rest three were regarding overall well being.
Results indicated that 4.3% had anaemia and 15.2% had insomnia. Those individuals who currently suffer from anaemia have a 32% more chance of developing insomnia in the future compared to those who are non-anaemic. Men are more susceptible compared to females. Age is not a factor.
This research paper provides lots of insights into insomnia and its causes and it has opened new gates for novel and innovative techniques of treatment and prevention of the disorder. It provides a fresh outlook to us budding researchers and I believe there is a lot of research still left to be done in this field.
Also read: Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Can cure Intestinal Disorders?
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