By Dr Yogeesh Kamat

Mangaluru, Aug 11: Poor sleep, apart from inducing a feeling of general tiredness and unwellness, is thought to be associated with anxiety and thereby lead to medical problems. The multitude of effects that occur on the musculoskeletal system i.e. bones and joints is lesser thought about but rather profound.

It’s surprising how aberration of sleep duration and patterns has become increasingly common in younger people in the recent past – about half or more (>50%) of our younger working population is thought to have work or personal related stress.

It is important to consider various factors:

(a) Cause of sleeplessness – can very well be related to our posture, daily routines
(b) Associated mental and stress issues that reflect on muscles
(c) Indirect affection of the sleep pattern and duration on bones and muscles.
(d) Environment and mattress/ bed etc.

Younger adults – students as well as desk job professionals are invariably stuck to a computer terminal and thereby develop a stooped posture at their desk. This often strains the neck and back and also causes tightness of the hamstring and calf muscles that in turn are responsible for knee pains, further leading to chance of earlier development of arthritis of the knee and back joints. Neck and thigh strains make it difficult to get sleep as keeping muscles in one position causes fatigue, thereby aches and pains disturbing sleep.

Stress and anxiety is often suppressed for reasons of social shame and fear of being rejected. The prevalence is therefore believed to be much higher than reported. Efforts for awareness and support for sufferers should be more sounded so people learn to accept their problems and consciously work towards a solution. It is important that doctors assessing for any illness reported by the patient consider underlying stress as a causing or aggravating factor.

Less duration as well as altered pattern of sleep are both instrumental in causing muscle and joint problems. Deep sleep certainly helps muscles relax. Bad posture during sleep can in turn cause contractures of joints and worsen spine problems with wear and tear of the joints. Osteoporosis – reduced bone mass is well known in younger as well as older people who are sleep deprived.

Seemingly soft and comfortable couches / recliners are certainly not conducive to good spine and joints’ health as compared to standard flat mattresses. Overtly soft foam mattresses also aggravate degenerative back conditions along with poor daytime postures – a common feature amongst corporates who have frequent travel, meeting at the desk all day and hotel stays.

Prevention of wear and tear at an early stage remains the most important tool to avert joint wear and arthritis. Awareness and efforts to maintain a good environment at the personal home and workplace level, regular exercise and timetables with a balanced diet remain the key factors to attend to. Combined symptoms of insomnia and body aches certainly demand a consultation with the appropriate specialist and timely rectification.

Dr Yogeesh Kamat, Consultant - Orthopaedics, Hip & Knee Joint Replacement Surgeon, Sports Injury, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.