Not long ago, a clear head, a physically and mentally exhausted person, and a restful brain allowed a person to get enough sleep. Looking at the present, there are many different products out there to help you achieve your sleep goals. From simple sleep-aid mattresses, pillows and pajamas to fancy apps and gadgets to fancy sleep gummy, mankind has come a long way to do what nature can do.
LocalCircles reports that 55% of Indians surveyed reported getting less than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Twenty-eight percent said their sleep quality worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, a staggering 1 in 4 Indians consider themselves insomniacs, according to a report titled ‘Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2022’ from sleep solutions company Wakefit. Sleep disorders cause problems falling asleep and staying asleep. This data is based on his over 30,000 responses collected between March 2021 and February 2022.
“In recent years, the number of people with sleep disorders and sleep disorders has increased, and among them, circadian rhythm disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, REM sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, jet lag and shift work sleep disorder are the largest. It’s a problem, we’re facing people,” said Dr Shounak Azinkhya, a consultant psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Institute of Medicine in Mumbai. According to him, the modern lifestyle is a big factor. “In today’s fast-paced world, many people lead busy and stressful lives that can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest,” he says.
And where there is demand, there is also supply. Many companies have entered the land of your dreams and want to earn extra income. According to Statista, the global sleep economy is expected to grow from $432 billion in 2019 to $585 billion in 2024.
“The sleep economy is certainly expanding, and the market for products designed to help people sleep is growing rapidly,” says Dr. Adzinkhya. “This includes products like smart mattresses, sleep tracking apps, sleep aids and even sleep-friendly pajamas,” he added.
dream product
Perhaps the newest and cheapest product on the sleep market are sleep gummies. This is a melatonin supplement that is claimed to help sleep. Earlier this year, P&G launched Vicks ZzzQuil Natura sleep gummies in India.
“The sleep aid market is showing strong growth due to occasional insomnia due to the pandemic and increased consumer awareness of the need for sleep aids,” said P&G India Senior Marketing Director and Category Leader for Healthcare. Sahil Sethi said. The launch of the company’s products is therefore “very timely as it aims to help Indian consumers get the rest they deserve.”
Ananya Agarwal, founder and CEO of wellness brand Nyumi, said: Since its launch, demand has grown 12x his, and we’re also seeing strong loyalty from existing consumers. ”
Melatonin, our body’s natural sleep signal, is the main ingredient in both Vicks ZzzQuil Natura and Nyumi Beauty Sleep Gummies. It also contains ingredients such as chamomile and vitamin B6.
Regarding the difference between sleeping gummies and pills, Agarwal said: “Nyumi Beauty Sleep Gummies are a nutritional supplement with natural ingredients, unlike prescription sleeping pills. will not be done.”
With that in mind, Sethi says: “Melatonin is non-addictive, and Vicks Zzzquil Natura is a dietary supplement intended to supplement our body’s natural production of melatonin and signal the body to prepare for sleep. “It’s similar to taking supplements for other vitamins that your body makes.”
“Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle,” explains Dr. Adzinkya. “However, the effectiveness of melatonin sleep aid gummies varies based on individual sleep problems, dosage, and product quality. , but more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other types of sleep problems,” he opines.
Although it is considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and daytime sleepiness. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult a medical professional before using any type of sleep aid, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medications,” the doctor added. .
Agarwal said consumer acceptance of sleep gummies is growing despite new entrants to the market. “Early on, we saw mostly consumers who were already familiar with melatonin tablets switching to using our sleep gummies. she says.
If sleep-friendly snacks sound too good to be true, US-based company NightFood is taking it a step further by selling sleep-friendly cookies and ice cream. We have yet to see a similar product in India, but there are alternatives such as Sleep Like a Baby from his wellness brand COSMIX. A powdered concoction of cinnamon, schisandra, turmeric, jatamansi, fennel, chamomile, etc., mixed with hot or milk, stirred and sipped. According to the company, it can help improve the quality and quantity of sleep and reduce morning light-headedness caused by lack of sleep. Some companies also offer sleep specialty teas to help with sleep, as they claim.
The world of sleep technology
While it may have been difficult to imagine major innovations occurring in traditional mattresses, 2019 saw The Pod, a smart mattress, awaken people to the reality that smart technology has vastly expanded. It’s been a year. The Pod, from Eight Sleep, regulates temperature without the need for wearables, wakes you up with a temperature rise and gentle vibrations, and tracks your sleep and other health metrics.
In India, The Sleep Company says it offers SmartGRID mattresses “for a restful sleep experience.” “SmartGRID is a Japanese patented technology used in the development of our mattresses, chairs and beds. It is not memory foam or coir. It’s the biggest comfort revolution that’s been proven,” the company said.
Since its inception in 2019, The Sleep Company has reportedly sold about 200,000 mattresses with a low return rate of 2-3%. The consumer base has grown to 100,000, and the company has expanded from an online-only storefront to 18 brick-and-mortar stores in nine cities, according to the report.
When it comes to sleep technology, there are many gadgets available, including smartwatches and FitBits that track sleep, sleep buds that block out noise, white noise machines, and smart lamps.
About 53% of more than 5,000 Indians surveyed said they had tried to address their sleep problems through devices, according to a survey by medical device company ResMed.
“Smartwatches provide valuable information about sleep patterns, but it is unclear whether they have a significant impact on sleep itself,” says Dr. Adzinkhya. “One potential impact of wearing a smartwatch to track sleep is discomfort, distraction, and the potential for difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep. Some people become overly obsessed with tracking their sleep quality, leading to an obsession with sleep quality, anxiety and increased stress,” he explains.
However, the general experience is mixed, stating, “Some people feel that tracking their sleep with a smartwatch can lead to positive changes in their sleep habits, such as going to bed earlier or avoiding caffeine before bed.” And some smartwatches have features like gentle vibrations and alarms to help you wake up later and feel more refreshed in the morning. Overall, the impact of using a smartwatch to track sleep can vary from person to person,” says the doctor.
When it comes to the intersection of sleep and technology, there are many sleep-related apps. Calm and Headspace are among the most downloaded. It offers features such as guided meditations, mindfulness content, soundscapes and sounds of nature, and calming breathing exercises. According to Business of Apps, Calm generated an estimated $200 million in revenue in 2020 amid COVID-19, up 33% year over year. Similarly, Headspace earned an estimated $150 million in the same year. Yours App, Sleep Reset, Stella Sleep, Sleep Cycle, Sleep Easy, Better Sleep are just a few of the many sleep apps available on Google Playstore and Apple’s App Store.
In snooze mode
The sleep industry hasn’t even left travel alone. In fact, according to Condé Nast Traveler UK, among wellness he trends expected to go mainstream this year, sleep tourism tops the list. So people are now looking, interestingly, to places that offer restful sleep that are often underestimated.
The industry is still in its early stages in India, but Westin is one of the hotel and resort chains offering it.
Its signature “Heavenly Bed is uniquely designed to rejuvenate the body and mind,” said Rahul Puri, Cluster General Manager of The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa. “The hotel also offers signature amenities from the brand, such as Sleep Well Lavender Balm, as well as a Sleep Well menu curated by our thoughtful chefs, which includes dishes to help you sleep better. It supports relaxation and meditation techniques that reduce insomnia and promote uninterrupted sleep,” he added.
From hotels offering packages for sleep and airports with sleep pods to massages and spas, the distinction between sleep, wellness and healthcare is definitely fading for those who can afford it.
How much sleep do you need?
Recommended sleep hours vary by age, lifestyle and personal needs, but most adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep each night to function optimally. “However, some people are able to function well with less sleep. This is generally considered normal unless they experience excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or other adverse effects.” Some people tend to sleep less than usual, often called “short sleepers” and typically need only 4-6 hours of sleep per night to feel rested and alert. said Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jah, Head of Respiratory Department and Head of Unit, Fortis Escorts, Faridabad.
However, short sleepers are relatively rare, and most people who believe they can function well on short sleep durations may actually be experiencing the ill effects of sleep deprivation without even realizing it. It is important to note that there is
can’t sleep in the city
Technology: Using electronic devices before bed can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. These devices emit blue light that suppresses the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Modern Work Life: Many people are feeling anxiety, stress and burnout. Many people have demanding jobs that require long hours.All of these can cause insomnia and make it difficult to fall asleep.
Improper eating habits: A diet high in caffeine, sugar, and processed foods can interfere with sleep. Consuming these can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and disrupt sleep patterns.
Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to sleep deprivation. On the other hand, exercise not only improves the quality of sleep, but also shortens the time it takes to fall asleep.
Environmental Factors: In addition to lifestyle, environmental factors such as air and noise pollution and excessive lighting can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
