Silent epidemic

 The Silent Epidemic of Pakistani Boys and Girls"

"Sound sleep is essential for a healthy life."

Five-six years ago, I never imagined that things would take such a serious turn at such a rapid pace. However, over the past six months, as I've paid more attention, new realities have emerged. The issue exists, but beyond that, the concern is that it's never been highlighted in any reading material or discussed seriously with anyone.

Six months ago, I suddenly noticed that I frequently receive messages on WhatsApp or Messenger late at night, usually around two to three in the morning according to Pakistan's time

These messages aren't divided by gender; both girls and boys are part of them. One day, I mustered the courage to ask a close friend if they hadn't gone to the office that day. Their response was that they were still at the office.

My next question was how they were awake at three in the morning. The answer was that their routine was to sleep for an hour or two, then wake up for another hour or two in the morning

Then I asked two ladies, and their answer was similar. For you, it might not be alarming, but for me, it was astonishing that despite working or going to university, your sleep is divided into hours within the night.

After that, I observed this routine in many young boys and girls in my family. I haven't come across any study yet that sheds light on how severe or widespread sleep issues have become among Pakistani youth

It's possible that only those close to me are facing these issues, or perhaps my perspective is skewed

Many years ago, when my mother woke up for Tahajjud prayers, I'd often wonder, "How do you wake up so early?" Her or my father's response was that when I reached their age, I'd also wake up, as sleep diminishes with age.

But now, I see that this distinction of age is slowly fading away. Young girls and boys, not yet in their thirties, are facing the same sleep issues that elders do. I've been aware of this issue among my journalist friends and business associates for quite some time, but its prevalence among the youth is alarming.

I know someone. This incident happened six or seven years ago. When I went to meet them, I found out they were already asleep by nine in the evening. I asked why so early? Their elder brother chuckled and said, "His 'package time' starts at 11 pm."

At that time, I smiled, but now irregular sleep patterns have become a problem for this young man. His hair is grayer than mine and he struggles with weight issues.

Our medium was Mrs. Safiya, who had returned from Germany after getting her education and taught us the language. She was quite old and one evening, she found out that she had lost the house keys somewhere

Similarly, there's a lady I know; she doesn't feel hungry, is stressed, gets angry easily, and barely sleeps for more than four hours a day.

Among those I know, there are several such boys and girls, men and women, who have become victims of severe sleep issues, but they also say it's normal. I haven't been able to convince any one of them that it's not normal.

Why have Pakistani youth started staying awake at night? There could be several reasons, and I don't even want to mention those reasons because why it's happening is not the point here.

But the consequences of this issue are quite alarming. Our new generation, due to consistent reasons, will age prematurely and suffer from depression. Lack of sleep affects your work concentration; you become irritable, gain or lose weight drastically, face memory issues, slow reactions, and could be prone to blood pressure and heart diseases

The list of diseases is long, but the point is that if the issue grows, the situations will become serious. We were once told that waking up to study at night is a very beneficial practice. There was also a story about how Quaid-e-Azam used to wake up at night for study.

Now, I feel that regardless of whether studying or not, instilling the habit of staying awake at night in youngsters or encouraging it could be extremely dangerous.

Sure, staying up late at night sometimes happens due to loneliness, but making it a regular habit isn't healthy

Please, if you're facing these issues, consult with a specialist doctor! The issue you're adopting as a normal habit could turn serious in a few years, destroying your peace and tranquility.

A story comes to my mind. I used to learn the German language from Mr. Mazhar at the Renaissance School in Lahore's Kalma Chowk.

Mr. Mazhar advised her to sleep on the big sofa in the adjacent room, and by morning, someone with keys would surely be found.

After that, a few boys and Mr. Mazhar put on a CD on the computer and started watching a movie. Around 11:30, Madam Safiya came to us extremely angry. While scolding us in Punjabi, she said a German sentence, "The boys of this nation still don't know when to sleep and when to wake up. What progress do you want to make?"

Now I often remember this sentence of Mrs. Safiya. Progress might not have anything to do with it, but night's sleep can bring peace to your mood.

It’s time to change your routine. Occasionally waking up, watching a movie, chatting with friends - all are fine. But if you maintain this routine all seven nights of the week, you might face health and mood issues that aren’t even in your wildest imaginations.

Pakistani youth are facing severe sleep issues, but it's rarely discussed seriously.

Late-night messages on WhatsApp and Messenger have become a norm regardless of gender.

Many young people's sleep patterns involve short intervals, even amidst work or university.