Latest news with #VedaClinic
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Business Standard
30-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
From racing thoughts to restlessness, how to deal with sleep anxiety
What is sleep anxiety and how is it different from insomnia? If, despite feeling exhausted, you are unable to sleep, find your mind racing with thoughts and your body resisting rest, you might be experiencing sleep anxiety. According to Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatrist at Veda Clinic, Delhi, and Fortis Shalimar Bagh, sleep anxiety is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon, especially among young professionals navigating high-pressure jobs, digital overload, and endless to-do lists. How is sleep anxiety different from insomnia or general anxiety? 'Sleep anxiety refers to the persistent worry or fear associated with the act of falling asleep or staying asleep,' said Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist and CEO of Tulasi Healthcare. 'Unlike general anxiety, which is broad and can affect various areas of life, sleep anxiety is specifically about sleep,' he added. Unlike insomnia, where the issue is sleep disruption regardless of cause, sleep anxiety is about anticipatory fear: the fear of not being able to sleep becomes the very reason you can't sleep. It's a vicious cycle. What are the causes of sleep anxiety? For most people, it's not just one thing. Psychological causes may include: Work stress and performance pressure Overthinking Unresolved trauma or chronic stress Physiological causes can include: An overactive sympathetic nervous system Elevated nighttime cortisol (stress hormone) Disruptions in melatonin levels Poor bedtime habits like caffeine late in the day, social media scrolling, or intense conversations before bed can compound these issues. What are the symptoms of sleep anxiety? Not every restless night indicates sleep anxiety. But if the following sound familiar, it may be time to take note: Nervousness or tension at bedtime Racing thoughts as you try to sleep Obsessive clock-checking Feeling unrefreshed even after hours of sleep Dr Joshi explained that difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, coupled with not feeling rested, are hallmark signs. 'When this starts interfering with your work, relationships, or daily functioning, it's no longer just a phase—it needs intervention,' he said. Could sleep anxiety have a medical cause too? Sleep anxiety can also stem from medical conditions such as: Restless leg syndrome Sleep apnea Chronic pain disorders Breathing abnormalities 'Before assuming it's just stress, we advise a proper evidence-based sleep evaluation,' said Dr Joshi. 'Depending on findings, you may be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or sleep specialist,' he added. What are the treatment options for sleep anxiety? 'Management is best done by addressing the underlying cause, whether psychological, medical, or lifestyle-related,' said Dr Joshi. Treatment approaches include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Mindfulness and relaxation techniques Sleep hygiene routines Medications (melatonin, sedating antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs) – under supervision only Dr Gupta added, 'The decision to use medication should always be made after a risk-benefit discussion with the patient. Informed consent matters.' Can changing your routine fix sleep anxiety? Yes, and it's the first thing doctors recommend. According to both experts, key behavioural changes include: Sleeping and waking at the same time every day Avoiding screens 30–60 minutes before bed Reducing caffeine intake in the evening Establishing a bedtime ritual (reading, shower, music, light stretches) Keeping the bed reserved only for sleep and intimacy Ensuring the room is cool, dark, and quiet These cues help signal to the brain that it's time to relax. Do sleep trackers help or hurt anxiety? They may do more harm than good. 'There's a phenomenon called orthosomnia,' Dr Gupta explained, 'where people get obsessed with achieving perfect sleep scores. The stress of trying to sleep well becomes a new source of anxiety.' People with health anxiety or perfectionist tendencies should avoid these apps unless recommended by a specialist. When should you consult a doctor for sleep anxiety? Seek professional help if your sleep issues: Happen three or more times a week Last for more than three months Affect your mood, productivity, or daily life Both doctors agree that sleep anxiety is a multifactorial condition—rooted in biology, psychology, and behaviour. Start with a psychiatrist or psychologist if you suspect mental health is involved. If symptoms include snoring or discomfort, a sleep medicine specialist may be needed. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Could a special vitamin D3 boost ease core autism symptoms in children?
A novel nanoemulsion form of vitamin D3 has shown notable improvements in core autism symptoms such as language development, social IQ, and adaptive behaviour in children aged 3 to 6 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While standard vitamin D3 supplements increased blood levels without affecting behaviour, the nanoemulsion version — a next-generation supplement — delivered measurable clinical benefits over six months. The findings are detailed in a peer-reviewed study titled 'Improved core manifestations of autism following supplementation with vitamin D3-loaded nanoemulsion', published in Nutrients. What is autism pectrum disorder (ASD)? Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting how individuals communicate, interact, and behave. It usually manifests in early childhood and can range from mild to severe. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 100 children globally has autism. A 2024 paper in Indian Pediatrics estimated that approximately 1 in 68 Indian children are affected. Why is vitamin D3 important for children with autism? Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin produced naturally when skin is exposed to sunlight. It is essential for calcium regulation and bone health, but it also plays a role in brain development and immune system function. The study highlighted that many children with autism have lower-than-normal vitamin D3 levels. Previous research on supplementation yielded inconsistent behavioural results — until now. What makes the nanoemulsion form different? The clinical trial involved 80 children diagnosed with ASD, split into two groups. One received standard vitamin D3; the other, a nanoemulsion formulation — an ultra-fine oil-and-water mix designed for superior absorption. After six months, only the nanoemulsion group showed: Significantly higher vitamin D3 levels Reduced autism severity Improvements in social and adaptive behaviours Enhanced receptive and expressive language skills Researchers noted that nanoemulsions improve bioavailability, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently into the bloodstream than conventional supplements. Could this be a breakthrough in autism care? According to the authors, nanoemulsion technology may become a promising, non-invasive intervention for managing neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. However, they caution that larger studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to confirm these benefits. Should parents consider D3 nanoemulsions for autistic children? Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist at Veda Clinic, Delhi, and Fortis Shalimar Bagh, said the findings are encouraging, but families must proceed with guidance. 'Vitamin D is vital for brain development and function — including neuroprotection, neurotransmission, and cognition,' he said. 'But before changing any supplement routine, parents should consult a developmental specialist and test vitamin D levels. Personalised care is crucial.' How should vitamin D3 be integrated into autism care? While promising, vitamin D3 is not a standalone cure. Experts stress that it should be integrated into a comprehensive, individualised care plan that may include: Behavioural therapy Speech and occupational therapy Special education support Nutritional and family counselling
