The rising incidence of sleep disorders in Indian youth are fast heading towards becoming a public health crisis in the country. If left unaddressed, it could severely burden India's healthcare and economic systems in the coming decades. This was said by a prominent neurologist from Delhi-NCR, Dr. Kunal Bahrani, ahead of the International Youth Day.
Said Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Clinical Director and HOD of the Neurology Department at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, said: “In the last decade, I have seen a silent epidemic grow in clinic rooms, hostel beds, exam prep lounges, and co-working spaces: sleep disorders in the youth. Sleep isn't just ‘rest’ – it's a neurological function as critical as breathing. And yet, an increasing number of young people are sacrificing it in the name of productivity, entertainment, or simply trying to keep up with others. Sleep disorders are no longer a personal inconvenience. They are fast becoming a public health threat.”
Recent studies suggest that 1 in 3 young Indians suffer from at least one form of sleep-related issue. Compared to 15 years ago, the incidence of insomnia, delayed sleep phase disorder, and non-restorative sleep has doubled. According to a 2022 AIIMS report, nearly 52% of students surveyed reported poor sleep quality.
Said Dr. Kunal Bahrani: “The 16–24 age group is particularly vulnerable to sleep disorders in India. These are the years of academic pressure, emotional turbulence, and excessive screen time. The combination of hormonal changes, social media influence, and late-night habits make this age group a high-risk population. Most common disorders that I am seeing in today’s youth are insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (sleep cycle shifted into late night and late waking), Restless Legs Syndrome, non-restorative sleep (waking up tired despite adequate hours) and sleep apnea (increasingly seen in overweight youth).”
Dr. Kunal Bahrani recounted several reasons for the rise in sleep disorders among the youth. These included blue light exposure from screens, irregular sleep schedules (especially post-COVID), academic stress and performance anxiety, over-stimulation before bedtime (scrolling, gaming, binge-watching), as well as caffeine and energy drink use. He added: “There are serious neurological and cognitive consequences of sleep disorders in the youth, such as reduced memory retention and learning capacity, poor emotional regulation leading to mood swings, aggression, anxiety, etc., lowered attention span and focus, increased risk of migraines and neurological burnout, and even long-term changes in brain plasticity if sleep deprivation continues over years.”
Treatment for sleep disorders is often non-pharmacological first, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), circadian rhythm regulation, blue-light filters and digital curfews, relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. Medication is only used when necessary, and always for a brief period.
Offering preventive advice for parents and youth, Dr. Kunal Bahrani said: “One has to set a consistent sleep-wake cycle, even on weekends. Avoid screens at least one hour before going to bed. Cut down on caffeine after 2 PM. Caffeine has a half-life of 5–6 hours, which means your afternoon coffee may still be active in your system well into the night. Create a wind-down routine such as a calming pre-sleep ritual. One must also prioritise sleep like one would an office meeting or deadline. Remember: sleep is not optional. It is central to your wellbeing.”