Beyond Fatigue Sleep deprivation is no longer viewed as a lifestyle inconvenience—it is a systemic health risk. Insufficient sleep contributes to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, impaired immunity, and psychiatric disorders. Clinical Blind Spots Despite its impact, sleep quality is rarely assessed in routine visits. Resistant hypertension, recurrent depression, or unexplained fatigue may all be linked to poor sleep. Yet, physicians often overlook this factor, focusing instead on pharmacological management.
Interventions That Work Counseling on sleep hygiene, reducing screen time, and encouraging structured routines can significantly improve outcomes. Recognizing sleep as a “vital sign” may transform preventive medicine, shifting focus from disease management to holistic health. How often do you assess sleep quality as part of your routine patient evaluation? ##References## Shah AS, et…
