Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ufrieda Ho
Published on 2024-03-15 10:38:36
Sleep is a critical component of overall health, yet many at-risk population groups, including people living with HIV, women, informal workers, the elderly, and the poor, are disproportionately affected by sleep inequity. This year’s World Sleep Day, observed on 15 March, aims to shed light on this issue and emphasize the importance of sleep as a pillar of good health.
Research has shown that a lack of healthy sleep is associated with a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, mental health conditions, and dementia. In South Africa, understanding the relationship between sleep and HIV is crucial for managing the health of the aging population living with the disease.
Karine Scheuermaier, an associate professor at the Wits University Brain Function Research Group, highlights the lack of awareness and priority given to sleep compared to other health factors like exercise and diet. She emphasizes the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on the body’s functions and disease development. Addressing sleep inequity is crucial, as it is often linked to socio-economic factors such as poor living conditions, long work commutes, and disparities in household responsibilities.
Scheuermaier’s research on people living with HIV has revealed a high prevalence of poor sleep among this population, leading to increased pain sensation and chronic immune activation. The Wits Brain Function Research Group is currently investigating various sleep-related topics, including the impact of sleep on mental health post-Covid-19 infection and the effects of sleep fragmentation on immune responses.
One area of focus is severe sleep apnoea, a condition that is underdiagnosed in South Africa. Understanding the links between HIV and obstructive sleep apnoea is essential, as this condition can have fatal consequences by disrupting the sleep cycle and hindering the body’s ability to rest and repair.
The importance of sleep is underscored by the body’s need to undergo various sleep stages to restore, reorganize, and repair different bodily functions. Quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure levels, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Countries in the global North have recognized the economic costs of insufficient sleep and have adjusted public health policies accordingly, while South Africa and other African nations lag behind in this regard.
Dr. Nomathemba Chandiwana, a director at the Ezintsha Research Centre in Johannesburg, emphasizes the need for more research on sleep disorders in South Africa and improved access to sleep clinics and diagnostic services in the public sector. She stresses the importance of building awareness around the importance of healthy sleep as a fundamental aspect of health rights.
To improve sleep quality without costly interventions, recommendations include engaging in regular exercise, avoiding food and stimulants before bedtime, limiting screen time, and establishing consistent sleep routines. Ultimately, the goal is to promote sleep equity and ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of healthy sleep.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
