Health and Me

Ishita Roy

What Is Micro-Sleep? When Lack of Sleep Makes the Body Shut Down

It was a crowded outpatient department on a busy afternoon when a 40-year-old woman suddenly collapsed. Panic spread instantly, with staff bracing for a medical emergency, writes Dr Ranjan Shetty, lead cardiologist and medical director at Sparsh Hospital, Bengaluru for <em>The Indian Express.</em> But within a minute, she opened her eyes and was confused. She had not fainted. She had slipped into micro-sleep.

Micro-sleep is an involuntary episode where the brain briefly shuts down due to extreme sleep deprivation. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to half a minute. In her case, the reason became clear quickly. She had been surviving on barely four hours of sleep each night for months.

A closer evaluation revealed worrying numbers. Her blood pressure was around 175/110 mmHg. She had uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, and was overweight. Every red flag pointed back to one root cause. Chronic lack of sleep.

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Melatonin</span> Is Not a Fix-All</h2>

Like many people struggling with sleep, she had turned to melatonin supplements. Despite taking them regularly, her sleep quality did not improve. That is not surprising.

Melatonin supplements mimic the body’s natural sleep hormone, but they do not address insomnia caused by stress, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions. They are not prescription drugs, and their composition can vary widely. More importantly, there is limited data on their long-term safety.

Recent observational research reviewing five years of health records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia found that those using melatonin supplements for at least a year had higher rates of heart failure, hospitalisation, and even death from any cause. While this does not prove that melatonin causes heart disease, it reinforces an important truth. 

Supplements cannot compensate for unresolved health issues or poor sleep habits.

<h2>Why Sleep Loss Damages the Heart</h2>

Sleep is often treated as optional, especially by mid-career professionals juggling deadlines and responsibilities. But from a heart health perspective, sleep is non-negotiable.

During deep sleep, blood pressure and heart rate naturally fall. This gives the heart crucial time to rest and recover from daily strain. When sleep is cut short, blood pressure remains elevated, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Sleep also regulates hormones that control stress, hunger, and blood sugar. Poor sleep raises cortisol levels, forcing the heart to work harder. It disrupts appetite-regulating hormones, leading to weight gain and worsening insulin resistance.

Chronic sleep deprivation is also linked to inflammation, arterial stiffness, damage to blood vessel lining, and heart rhythm disorders. On top of that, sleep is essential for immune function, helping the body fight infections and retain immune memory.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/melatonin-overuse-side-effects-long-term-risks-and-how-to-use-it-safely-article-153252569" data-type="tilCustomLink">Melatonin Overuse: Side-Effects, Long-Term Risks, And How To Use It Safely</a>

<h2>How Small Changes Restored Her Health</h2>

Instead of relying on supplements, the patient focused on sleep hygiene. The changes were simple but consistent.

She stopped consuming tea or coffee after 4 pm. Dinner was finished by 7.30 pm, without exception. Walks and daily activities were scheduled earlier, allowing her to be in bed between 11 and 11.30 pm.

Screens were switched off by 10 pm. App notifications were silenced, and a strict screen curfew was enforced. She replaced scrolling with reading and began writing down anxious thoughts before bed to clear her mind.

As her sleep improved, her anxiety reduced. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels began to fall. Weight loss followed, which motivated her to exercise regularly.

Sleep remains the most powerful, accessible, and underestimated pillar of heart health. No pill or supplement can reset the body as effectively as disciplined, consistent sleep habits. Protecting sleep is not a luxury. It is preventive medicine.

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It was a crowded outpatient department on a busy afternoon when a 40-year-old woman suddenly collapsed. Panic spread instantly, with staff bracing for a medical emergency, writes Dr Ranjan Shetty, lead cardiologist and medical director at Sparsh Hospital, Bengaluru for The Indian Express. But within a minute, she opened her eyes and was confused. She had not fainted. She had slipped into micro-sleep.What Is Micro-sleep?Micro-sleep is an involuntary episode where the brain briefly shuts down due to extreme sleep deprivation. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to half a minute. In her case, the reason became clear quickly. She had been surviving on barely four hours of sleep each night for months.A closer evaluation revealed worrying numbers. Her blood pressure was around 175/110 mmHg. She had uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, and was overweight. Every red flag pointed back to one root cause. Chronic lack of sleep.Why Melatonin Is Not a Fix-AllLike many people struggling with sleep, she had turned to melatonin supplements. Despite taking them regularly, her sleep quality did not improve. That is not surprising.Melatonin supplements mimic the body’s natural sleep hormone, but they do not address insomnia caused by stress, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions. They are not prescription drugs, and their composition can vary widely. More importantly, there is limited data on their long-term safety.Recent observational research reviewing five years of health records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia found that those using melatonin supplements for at least a year had higher rates of heart failure, hospitalisation, and even death from any cause. While this does not prove that melatonin causes heart disease, it reinforces an important truth. Supplements cannot compensate for unresolved health issues or poor sleep habits.Why Sleep Loss Damages the HeartSleep is often treated as optional, especially by mid-career professionals juggling deadlines and responsibilities. But from a heart health perspective, sleep is non-negotiable.During deep sleep, blood pressure and heart rate naturally fall. This gives the heart crucial time to rest and recover from daily strain. When sleep is cut short, blood pressure remains elevated, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.Sleep also regulates hormones that control stress, hunger, and blood sugar. Poor sleep raises cortisol levels, forcing the heart to work harder. It disrupts appetite-regulating hormones, leading to weight gain and worsening insulin resistance.Chronic sleep deprivation is also linked to inflammation, arterial stiffness, damage to blood vessel lining, and heart rhythm disorders. On top of that, sleep is essential for immune function, helping the body fight infections and retain immune memory.Read: Melatonin Overuse: Side-Effects, Long-Term Risks, And How To Use It SafelyHow Small Changes Restored Her HealthInstead of relying on supplements, the patient focused on sleep hygiene. The changes were simple but consistent.She stopped consuming tea or coffee after 4 pm. Dinner was finished by 7.30 pm, without exception. Walks and daily activities were scheduled earlier, allowing her to be in bed between 11 and 11.30 pm.Screens were switched off by 10 pm. App notifications were silenced, and a strict screen curfew was enforced. She replaced scrolling with reading and began writing down anxious thoughts before bed to clear her mind.As her sleep improved, her anxiety reduced. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels began to fall. Weight loss followed, which motivated her to exercise regularly.Sleep remains the most powerful, accessible, and underestimated pillar of heart health. No pill or supplement can reset the body as effectively as disciplined, consistent sleep habits. Protecting sleep is not a luxury. It is preventive medicine.

what is micro-sleep? when lack of sleep makes the body shut down

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What Is Micro-Sleep? When Lack of Sleep Makes the Body Shut Down

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Health Conditions A-Z

What Is Micro-Sleep? When Lack of Sleep Makes the Body Shut Down

As Winter Flu Spreads, Pharmacist Says Be Ready With These 4 Medicines

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