Have you ever been so tired that the moment you hit the bed, you feel like you are sinking in your mattress? Or did you ever feel your leg twitch in middle of your sleep? Did you feel like you moved your leg to prevent yourself from falling down? If yes, then you are in for a great read!

Why does this happen?

You are not alone, this happens to around 70% of the total population in some way or another. Although these are signs of sleep disorders, it can also happen to people who are otherwise healthy. Sleep disorder specialists believe that there are certain common triggers that leads to such a sensation.

Our brain is exceptional and sometimes when we dream, it makes us believe that we our part of the dream. And if you are falling from somewhere in your dream, chances are, you would feel like you are falling in real life. This experience is known as hypnic jerk, the movement of your muscle that helps you be safe from that fall, or the imaginary one.

What causes it? When we sleep, our bodies become paralyzed, but that does not mean that our muscle control is not totally off. Rather, a slow, dimmer switch. When the dim switch randomly is turned on, we get jerky movements in our sleep.

This involuntary muscle movement is also called myoclonus or hypnic myoclonus, that transitions as you shift from one sleep phase into another.

ALSO SEE: What is sleep paralysis?

What Could Cause It?

There are many theories on what might be causing it. One of them is that when you are at this stage of sleep, you are still not in deep sleep and your brain misinterprets it as wakefulness, however, at the same time your brain does not recognize your muscles to be moving. This is what leads your brain to send a message to your muscles to check-in. It is a way your brain tries to protect you.

Another theory is of course that of stress. When you are stressed, your mind might be racing, while your body is in stationary. This can also affect your sleep cycle and your sleep can be disrupted.

If you are on stimulant drugs or alcohol, it too can prevent you from achieving a good night sleep. If you have consumed too much caffeine then too your muscles can twitch to make you stay awake.

Furthermore, lack of sleep could also be the reason why your mind is used to staying awake even if your body really needs the rest.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

While the falling sensation in sleep is quite common, and happens to healthy people, a severe form is the Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). PLMD is a repetitive cramping or jerking of legs during sleep. It is a movement disorder that happens only during sleep. It is called "periodic" because the movements are repetitive and rhythmic, which means it occurs in every 20 to 40 seconds. It is also often linked with restless legs syndrome, however, the two are not the same thing.

Restless leg syndrome on the other hand is a condition that involves strange sensations in the legs and arms while awake and an irresistible urge to move the limbs to relive the sensations.

What causes PLMD may be more severe things, including diabetes, iron deficiency, spinal cord tumor, spinal cord injury, sleep apnea, uremia, anemia, narcolepsy, or certain medications.

For many people, tobacco does not begin as an addiction; it starts as a habit woven into ordinary moments of daily life. A cigarette shared with friends, a smoke break during a stressful day, or chewing tobacco after meals can soon become a routine that feels difficult to avoid.

While these habits may seem harmless in the beginning, tobacco slowly affects nearly every organ in the body, often giving subtle warning signs long before a serious disease is diagnosed.

When The Body Starts Giving Signals

These effects rarely manifest suddenly and usually come after years of prolonged use. It is this slow progress that leads most tobacco users to believe that "I am fine." But there are unmistakable signs of some diseases brought about by the use of tobacco that ought not to be dismissed:

• The Persistent Cough: A cough that has lasted for more than two to three weeks, becomes progressively worse each day, and is associated with a wheeze.

• Unexplained Fatigue: A person feeling breathless or unnaturally tired after having climbed a couple of stairs or walking a short distance can easily attribute this to general fatigue.

• Weight Fluctuations: The unexplained drop in weight can also be caused by some diseases that tobacco is likely to inflict upon the body.

Changes Inside the Mouth

Oral cancer caused by tobacco often appears initially in the form of persistent mouth ulcers, white or red patches inside the mouth, and jaw stiffness. These painful and irritating conditions can be so subtle that a person is not concerned by them.

Persistent changes like the change in your voice pitch or constant throat irritation are not to be taken lightly, either; they could be signs of deeper problems arising. Seeking medical help when it is still in the superficial stages will not only decrease your chances of being treated with aggressive measures but may actually result in an easier way to fight the condition.

Beyond Lungs: Other Effects of the Illness

Tobacco affects much more than just the lungs, and many symptoms associated with chronic conditions often go unnoticed.

• Cardiovascular Strain: Dizziness and chest heaviness are indications of heart problems caused by the presence of toxins in the body.

• Physical Discomfort: Headaches or leg edema may sometimes be seen as manifestations of blood vessel disorders.

The Untapped Power of Prevention

The most important remedy at our disposal is not a complicated surgery but an accurate identification of such conditions at their superficial stage, allowing for minimal and non-invasive treatments.

The human body is an incredibly powerful machine at healing, and the instant the consumption of tobacco ceases, a chain of events kicks off that increases circulation and improves lung function.

If you ever find yourself dealing with a persistent cough, mouth ulcer, or undue fatigue, it is advisable to visit a specialist at the earliest to prevent future complications.

(By Dr Yash Mathur, Senior Head, Neck, Oral, and Robotic Onco-Surgeon at HCG Cancer Hospital, Borivali, Mumbai)

A growing body of global research is beginning to point in one direction: our eyes are under strain like never before. As per the report published on PubMed, myopia is projected to rise significantly worldwide, increasing from about 27% of the global population in 2010 to nearly 52% by 2050, highlighting its emergence as a major public health concern.

Although genetics has long contributed, there appears to be a significant environmental factor associated with how fast this shift has occurred.

Screens have become an integrated part of everyday lives, from the time of waking up to work on digital screens or scroll through phones late into the night. Digital devices are no longer optional but a constant priority.

Work, education, and entertainment are all now done on screens with little or no interruption. The growing generation of gadgets has its own advantages, but its impact has significantly contributed to the alarming rise in cases of myopia.

The Science Behind the Surge: Why Our Eyes Are Struggling

There are three major significant ways prolonged screen time could affect vision:

• Near Vision strain - Prolonged near-vision focus places a constant strain on the eye muscles, causing them to remain contracted. This will eventually lead to elongation of the eyeball and myopia.

• Reduced Blinking due to dry eyes - Screen use decreases the rate of blinking, which causes the eyes to dry out, leading to irritation and instability.

• Lack of Sunlight - Less time outdoors reduces the opportunity to receive sunlight. Sunlight exposure is especially important in children for proper vision development.

From Temporary Strain to Long-Term Damage

Mild discomfort, such as dryness, headaches, and blurred vision, can lead to more chronic issues. Digital eye strain is common among adults and children alike. However, the long-term outcome is the main concern.

Progressive myopia increases the chances of developing serious eye diseases like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration, and having to wear stronger prescription glasses. These aren't just short-term inconveniences; they can create lifelong risks that severely affect the quality of life.

The Post-Pandemic Effect: A Generation at Risk

The days when children spent their time flying kites, playing marbles, feeling the wind on their faces, and returning home with dust-covered hands have gradually faded into memory. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an already existing trend.

The screen time increased as many schools transitioned to online education and remote workers increased due to the pandemic. Above all, children experienced a sudden reduction in outdoor activity with increased exposure to digital devices.

The phase indicated a noticeable drop in the vision of the people. This period has often been referred to as a phase of “quarantine myopia,” where many young individuals reported a noticeable decline in vision.

As individuals return to normalcy, the habits that were established are continuing, and concern is being raised about a generation having poorer visual health.

Prevention Over Cure: Rethinking Visual Hygiene

Consistent habits are needed to address this issue:

• 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes of looking at a digital device with stress, try to look at something far away (at least 20 feet away) for approximately 20 seconds to relax your eye muscles and reduce the stress placed on your eyes.

• Limit recreational screen time: Reducing the amount of time spent using screens will help reduce the likelihood of developing eye strain and progression of myopia, especially in children.

• Proper viewing distance and posture: Keeping screens at approximately one arm's length will help to minimise the amount of stress placed on your eyes and body.

• Encourage Outdoor Activity: Children between the ages of 6 and 16 years should be encouraged to engage in outdoor activities more frequently and not replace books with tablets or iPads.

• Mandatory Vision Screening: Vision screening and eye check-ups prior to school admissions should be made mandatory by the government, as early detection of myopia can help prevent further complications.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

The increase in use of screens is not an isolated event; it is part of the larger trend affecting how we live and work. To address this issue, we need to develop awareness among individuals, families, schools, and workplaces about proper screen use. A balanced daily routine, guided by parents, plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision in children.

Collective responsibility among teachers, parents, and government authorities is essential to prevent visual complications, as children represent our future generations. Greater public awareness around digital eye strain and eye health is also necessary, as it often serves as a precursor to multiple health complications.

Eye health must be seen as an essential part of overall well-being. The current trend may still be a developing issue, but it requires urgent attention. Acting early, with informed choices and preventive care, can ensure that technological progress does not come at the cost of long-term vision health.

Persistent hip pain is often dismissed as a muscle strain, poor posture, or fatigue. However, doctors warn that ongoing pain in the hip could sometimes be a signal for avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis. This is a condition where reduced blood supply causes bone tissue to die. It may eventually lead to the collapse of the hip joint and serious mobility issues.

What Is Avascular Necrosis?

Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or significantly reduced. The condition most commonly affects the hip joint, especially the femoral head (the rounded top portion of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket). Over time, a lack of blood supply weakens the bone and may cause damage to the joint.

Early Symptoms Often Go Ignored

One of the biggest challenges with it is that symptoms appear gradually. In the early stages, people may only notice mild discomfort in the groin or hip area. As the disease progresses, pain may become more persistent. It can even worsen walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Some patients might eventually experience pain even while resting.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing AVN. Long-term steroid use, excessive alcohol, hip injuries, fractures, and certain medical conditions such as lupus and sickle cell disease are known risk factors.

Delayed Treatment Can Lead to Joint Collapse

If AVN continues to progress, the weakened bone may eventually collapse. This can lead to severe arthritis and chronic pain. In advanced stages, patients may struggle with everyday activities such as walking, bending, or even standing for extended periods. Doctors say delayed diagnosis is one of the biggest reasons many patients require joint replacement surgery later.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early diagnosis is crucial because treatment works best before the bone collapses. MRI scans and imaging tests can help detect the condition in its early stages. Treatment may include medications, physical therapy, or surgery in advanced cases. Early medical attention may help preserve the joint and prevent permanent damage.