Published Paper Details:

Sleep is not just a biological necessity; it is fundamental to both physical and mental well-being. Despite its importance, a significant portion of the population, including one-third of adults and 30% of high school students, are not getting the recommended sleep, leading to widespread consequences on mental health. Insufficient sleep is intricately linked to disorders such as depression, anxiety, and emotional instability. This article delves into the physiological mechanisms of sleep, exploring the alternating stages of NREM and REM sleep, and how disruptions to circadian rhythms can heighten mental health risks. It also draws on the ancient wisdom of Unani medicine, which emphasizes the balance between sleep (Naum) and wakefulness (Yaqza) alongside emotional and psychological tranquility (Harkat wa Sukoon Nafsani). In Unani thought, an imbalance in these elements leads to disturbances in mental faculties and physical health, with sleep playing a crucial role in restoring equilibrium. The article discusses modern sleep disorders, including insomnia and its association with mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, anger, and hallucinations, and highlights the severe impact of shift work and social media on sleep quality. Sleep deprivation also impairs reproductive health, as seen in both male and female fertility. With insights from both modern psychology and Unani medicine, this article underscores the necessity of proper sleep hygiene and mental balance. It calls for public health initiatives to emphasize sleep's critical role in mental and physical health and offers strategies to restore healthy sleep patterns in today's fast-paced world.