Sleeping Better to Control Blood Pressure and Diabetes during the COVID-19 Outbreak 1

The novel Coronavirus is a pandemic that continues to infect individuals around the world. With over 900,000 infected cases and over 40,000 dead according to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the world is struggling to contain this highly infectious disease that is showing no signs of slowing down. Although initial success in containing the disease was declared by China, the disease appears to be back, with cases reported in the second wave due to travellers that are now travelling either out of the quarantine zone or into China from other countries.

Who is most at risk?

It has been reported by Harvard Health that the elderly, young children and individuals with underlying medical conditions or co-morbidities including COPD, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer or hypertension are at the highest risk for this disease. These individuals must ensure that they stay healthy and safe, and avoid contact with others as much as possible.

How do I stay safe during this time?

It is best to follow the guidelines issued by the local health department of your country or the WHO. Here are some general recommendations:

1. As a general rule, avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.
2. Avoid talking to people, shaking hands or hugging unless you have to.
3. Avoid crowded places, malls, places of worship or other congregations.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds every time you come in contact with someone outside your home.
5. Order things you need online and try to minimize contact as much as possible by paying online and keeping things out for 72 hours and washing them before you use them to avoid infection.
6. If you are infected, notify the authorities and follow their directions, stay at home, observe isolation and quarantine procedures and wear a mask.
7. Cough or sneeze into your elbow if you feel the need to, or use a tissue/handkerchief.
8. Take a shower every day and use soap to ensure general hygiene and to minimize risks of infection.
9. Contact your local health department if you believe you have been infected.
10. Do not get misled by rumours or miracle cures of the diseases that are circulating online. There is currently no vaccine or medicine available for this disease.

How can sleeping better help me be safe?

According to a recent study published in the Lancet, doctors fighting the Coronavirus in China found that over 40% of Coronavirus-positive cases had chronic illnesses. From these, over 22% of non-survivors in the ICU suffered from diabetes, and another study of 1099 positive cases revealed that over 27% of them suffered from both hypertension and diabetes. In another study of 140 Coronavirus-positive patients admitted to the hospital, 30% had hypertension and 12% had diabetes. This showcases that patients suffering from chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing life-threatening symptoms of this disease. The study also mentioned that the elderly (>65 years) were also highly susceptible to this disease with a much higher mortality rate compared to the others.

Many of us are not aware that the lack of sleep can lead to many serious health conditions such as chronic heart disease, stroke, COPD, hypertension and type II diabetes. In an earlier article, we had highlighted the connection between Sleep Apnea and COPD. Conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea increase the risk of such diseases in sufferers and can cause them to be increasingly susceptible to infections like the Coronavirus and develop life-threatening conditions. Sufferers of COPD are also at high risk, as the Coronavirus typically attacks the respiratory system.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Sleep Apnea is a condition in which individuals experience pauses in breathing up to 30 times or more per hour. These episodes wake the sleeper up and make them gasp for air, breaking their sleep cycle. This does not enable the individual to get restful sleep and increases their chances of developing life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type II diabetes.

What can I do to ensure that I sleep better?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a precursor to good health and good sleep. An optimal body weight, a balanced diet, and a good sleep regime can go a long way in ensuring that you get a good night’s rest. If you already suffer from Sleep Apnea, using a CPAP machine can go a long way in ensuring that you do not develop serious health risks in the future and help you stay fit. For more information, read our article about how to sleep better.

Will having a good night’s sleep ensure that I do not get infected by the Coronavirus?

No. Being infected by the Coronavirus cannot be prevented by sleep, but by reducing social contact and maintaining good hygiene practises. However, getting a good night’s sleep will ensure that you are well-rested and be a big boost for your body’s immune system. A good night’s sleep will also ensure that you are at a much lower risk for serious conditions like heart disease or type II diabetes, enabling your body to fight the Coronavirus infection better.

A good night’s sleep can delay the onset of serious health risks and help you be healthier, boosting your immune system’s capabilities to fight the Coronavirus infection better. Sanrai is committed to helping you sleep better and ensure that you are at your fittest during these trying times. If you think you or a family member suffers from Sleep Apnea or snore, contact our expert sleep specialists to help you get diagnosed and provide an effective solution to this problem. We at Sanrai hope that you sleep well, rest well and make the best of the lockdown and stay safe. Good luck!