Insomniacs speak up

Do you remember the last time you had a good night's sleep?

If the answer is yes, you are among those fortunate people who do not suffer from insomnia or some kind of sleeping disorder.

For Ayish Ricafort, an insomniac, the problem started an year ago.

“Back in the Philippines, I used to work in the evenings. I'm a nocturnal creature and my mind does not function during the day.

"Here in Dubai, I tried to change my sleeping habits but nothing has helped,'' says Ricafort.

Twenty-two-year-old H.Y. blames the stress caused by family problems and breathing problems for her sleeplessness.

“There are times when sleeplessness takes away my ability to do everything required of me,'' she says. Ricafort agrees.

“How I wish I could get more sleep. I get sick very easily and sometimes feel very unproductive at my work. There are times when I have trouble breathing and feel dizzy,'' she says.

Taking a toll

H.Y. fights the problem by watching television, surfing the internet or “just lying in bed, waiting for sleep to arrive''.

But it wasn't always this way. A year ago, her sleep deprivation led to problems such as mood swings and headaches, but now, they are taking a toll on her education and social lifestyle.

“I miss a lot of morning classes because of which my grades have gone down a lot.

"It's hard to concentrate and pay attention during class, or read up material required to pass in quizzes,'' says H.Y.

Seeking medical attention hasn't helped either of them. “I used to take sleeping pills earlier but was advised against it by my doctor.

"I now try to avoid stress and get enough rest whenever I can,'' says Ricafort.

H.Y. is helped by her friends in her attempts to cope with the problem.

“My friends are always available to talk. They give me good advice, asking me to exercise or reduce my intake of coffee.

"They help me catch up on important assignments and studies. I find this very encouraging,'' she says.

An advantage for some

While sleep deprivation has its negative effects, a lot take advantage of the fact that they “rule the night''.

Sajen Skanda Kumar is a 24-year-old student who does not consider his “insomnia to be a problem'' as he likes the peace of the night.

“I live a hectic lifestyle as I juggle work and college during the day. As a result, I used to stay up to catch up on work or studies and then a pattern got formed,'' he says.

By staying up all night, Kumar often feels the need for that “extra munch''.

“My eating habits have changed. I have gained a lot of weight and don't feel as active as I used to be.

"When I am fresh in the mornings, my friends are very surprised. It's as if they expect me to be half-dead,'' he says.