Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that affects millions in India, and often its most disruptive symptoms surface not during the day, but at night. Nocturnal asthma, a pattern in which symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath worsen during sleep, can significantly impair quality of life. It leads to disturbed rest, daytime fatigue, and poorer overall asthma control.

In a state like West Bengal, where air pollution, humidity, and dense housing amplify exposure to allergens, nocturnal asthma is especially relevant. Many people with asthma report being woken by nighttime symptoms at least once a week, and a significant number of perfect experience these symptoms almost every night. The likelihood increases with more severe or poorly controlled asthma.

Why Asthma Worsens at Night

1. Dust Mites and Bedroom Allergens
 Bedrooms can be one of the most allergen-heavy areas of the home. Dust mites, found in pillows, mattresses, and soft furnishings, thrive in West Bengal’s humid conditions. Nighttime exposure while sleeping directly on these surfaces leads to prolonged inhalation of allergens.

2. Cooling Temperatures and Bronchial Sensitivity
 As temperatures fall at night, the cooler air can irritate sensitive airways. Whether due to open windows, fans, or air conditioning, this drop in temperature may lead to narrowing of the bronchial tubes and a surge in symptoms.

3. Posture and Reflux Issues
 Lying flat can cause mucus to pool in the airways and make breathing more difficult. Additionally, many asthma patients also experience acid reflux, or GERD. Refluxed stomach acid can irritate the airways, often triggering coughing and breathlessness during the night. Many asthma patients also experience reflux symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation.

4. Hormonal and Circadian Influences
 Several hormones follow a natural 24-hour rhythm. At night, levels of cortisol, the body’s anti-inflammatory hormone, tend to dip. Simultaneously, changes in hormones such as epinephrine and melatonin may contribute to increased airway inflammation and reactivity, leading to bronchoconstriction. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also alter asthma patterns and worsen symptoms at night.

5. Air Quality Deterioration at Night
 Even though traffic slows down at night, pollution levels often increase due to stagnant air and ongoing industrial emissions. In regions like West Bengal, particulate matter such as PM2.5 can linger and rise overnight, subtly worsening respiratory conditions.

6. Obesity and Inflammation
 Obesity is known to complicate asthma control. The risk of nocturnal asthma is higher among individuals who are overweight, possibly due to increased fat deposition around the airway and chronic low-grade inflammation. Additionally, obesity is a known risk factor for GERD, further compounding nighttime symptoms.

Managing Nocturnal Asthma

Effective management of nighttime asthma involves more than medication alone. A combination of environmental control, medical treatment, and lifestyle modification is key to relief.

1. Optimise Medication Timing
 Long-acting inhalers and anti-inflammatory medications, when taken in the evening as advised by a physician, may provide better overnight control. It is crucial not to skip maintenance therapy even if daytime symptoms are minimal. The inhaler technique should be adequate. Educate yourself through a self-help program.

2. Allergen Control in the Bedroom
 Encase mattresses and pillows in dust mite-proof covers, wash bed linens in hot water weekly, and remove heavy drapes or rugs that trap allergens. In humid climates, a dehumidifier or air conditioning (with optimal conditions) can significantly reduce dust mite growth.

3. Improve Sleeping Position
 Raising the head of the bed or sleeping with an extra pillow can prevent mucus pooling and acid reflux. Sleeping on the left side may also help ease symptoms by improving airflow and digestion.

4. Dietary Adjustments
 Avoid heavy, acidic, or spicy meals before bedtime to reduce the risk of reflux. Minimise alcohol and caffeine intake in the evening, as both can worsen asthma and disrupt sleep.

5. Address Weight and Comorbid Conditions
 Even modest weight loss can improve asthma symptoms and reduce the severity of GERD. A structured diet and exercise plan should be part of long-term asthma management, especially for patients experiencing frequent nocturnal symptoms.

When to Consult a Physician

If asthma symptoms are waking at night, you are more than twice a week, or cause persistent fatigue, or require frequent reliever use, your condition may not be well-controlled. A thorough evaluation by a physician can help determine whether treatment needs to be adjusted and whether hidden triggers like reflux or obesity are playing a role.

Tailored Care for Restful Nights

Nocturnal asthma is not simply a nighttime nuisance; it’s a clinical sign of underlying airway inflammation that requires attention. In a region like West Bengal, where environmental and lifestyle factors intersect, tailored management is essential.

With the right awareness and intervention, whether it’s better allergen control, timely medication, or lifestyle modifications, patients can sleep more soundly and live more freely. Asthma may be chronic, but restful nights don’t have to be out of reach if you are on the right track.

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In today’s hyper-connected world, sleep has become a currency that we readily trade for productivity, late-night binge-watching, doomscrolling, and the barrage of digital noise that never seems to quit. But this constant exchange is bankrupting our health. However, sleep is not an expendable commodity; rather, it is a foundational element of health and well-being.

Sleep isn’t just about getting the hours in. It is a complex biological process essential to physical restoration, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. A typical sleep cycle lasts for approximately 90 minutes and consists of four stages: three non-REM stages and one REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage.

The Anatomy of Real Rest

Stage 1 marks the transition from wakefulness to sleep, characterized by light, easily disturbed rest. Stage 2 is a deeper phase of light sleep where body temperature drops, and the heart rate slows. Stage 3, or slow-wave sleep, is the most restorative stage of sleep that is critical for physical repair, immune function, and growth hormone release. REM sleep, the fourth stage of the sleep cycle, supports memory consolidation, learning, and emotional processing. It typically comprises 20 to 25 % of total sleep time and lengthens with each cycle throughout the night.

Sleep disruption can significantly impair the body’s ability to recover and function. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition involving repeated airway blockage during sleep, is a primary disruptor. Individuals with OSA often experience disturbed sleep and insufficient oxygen supply, increasing their risk for heart diseases, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.

What Happens When You Sleep Well?

A well-rested night’s sleep helps to start the day feeling refreshed and energized. In addition to that, it balances hormones, enhances cognitive performance, supports emotional resilience, and boosts physical recovery. The ideal time to fall asleep is between 10 and 11 PM. Maintaining a regular schedule, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm in sync.

Who are the Enemies of Rest?

Nowadays, there are multiple challenges to achieving good sleep. Exposure to blue light from mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and computers tells your brain that it’s still daytime, pushing melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep initiation, to release further into the night.

In addition, adding caffeine into the system late in the day further delays sleep and diminishes its depth. Stress is another obstacle to sleep, since stress and anxiety can activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, making it difficult to relax into sleep.

Sleep Hygiene: Basic Necessities for Good Sleep Health

Although sleep gadgets and trends portray a positive outlook, sticking to the fundamentals of good sleep hygiene can do the trick. Start with keeping your sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet. Strictly minimize the blue light exposure before bedtime, and refrain from exercising intensely right before sleeping. Limit caffeine intake after mid-afternoon, maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule, and avoid long naps that may interfere with nighttime sleep.

Sleep Trends: What Helps and What Hurts

The popularity of sleep optimization has led to a surge of multiple different fads – some helpful, others potentially harmful. Mouth taping, for instance, aims to encourage forced nasal breathing by taping the mouth shut during sleep. However, there is no scientific backing for this, and it may pose risks, especially for people with OSA who rely on mouth breathing.

Yet another trend is sleep tracking via smartwatches and fitness devices. While this could provide detailed insights on sleeping patterns, it can contribute to sleep-related anxiety when users become fixated on data. This, in turn, can lead to poorer sleep quality.

Real Evidence-Based Help for Real Problems

For those diagnosed with sleep disorders, evidence-based treatment should take priority over trending solutions. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the most effective treatment for OSA management. In addition, Yoga and meditation, and targeted throat exercises can further improve sleep quality.

Prioritize Sleep as a Non-Negotiable Necessity

Sleep is not a resource to be rationed or negotiated away. It is a biological necessity that supports every aspect of health, from brain function to emotional balance. So, stop treating sleep as an expendable commodity. Prioritize it and recognize it for what it truly is – an essential investment in your long-term well-being.

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With Mother’s Day celebrations done and dusted, it’s worth considering what may be the perfect gift for any mother – uninterrupted sleep.

The pervasive disruption of sleep during pregnancy and motherhood constitutes a significant and unacknowledged public health challenge, which leads to a health crisis with profound implications for both the mother and the developing newborn. In our society, there is often immense pressure on women to keep excelling in multiple different roles. Sleep often becomes a casualty, which then becomes a habit that leads to severe and far-reaching health consequences.

Impact of Maternal Sleep Deprivation and Health

Research consistently demonstrates the detrimental health effects of insufficient sleep during pregnancy. Prolonged and complicated labour requires more medical intervention, which shows higher rates of C-sections and preterm births. Another study shows how a systematic review was undertaken to enhance the understanding of sleep disturbance and mood disorders for women in late pregnancy.

After the postpartum period, the connection between breastfeeding and the assessment of sleep disturbance interventions occurs. Poor sleep connects with hypertension, gestational diabetes, and even miscarriages.

The impact usually extends to the postpartum period, where the chronic sleep deprivation inflammation that marks the mother’s body, which potentially can develop into postpartum depression and further complicate the recovery and maternal mental health. Sleep quality during pregnancy has been correlated with lower infant birth weight and increased complications for the baby.

Role of Hormonal Shifts in Sleep Disruption

Hormonal shifts occur when hormones fluctuate during pregnancy and postpartum. Changing oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol is critical in disrupting sleep patterns. This is coupled with physical discomfort and restlessness, which demand newborn care and create chronic sleep deprivation for mothers.

It is also crucial to recognize that adequate sleep is not easy but has a fundamental biological imperative for maternal health and optimal fetal development. Compromised sleep can lead to serious physical complications, which is why prioritizing sleep is vital as an essential medical necessity, and not just a peripheral aspect of care.

Wider societal costs of maternal sleep deprivation

Sleep loss in motherhood has consequences that extend beyond the individual, impacting broader social well-being. Mothers who experience chronic sleep deficiency face problems, where there can be an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and enduring mental health disorders. This includes anxiety and depression that can extend beyond the perinatal period, potentially affecting the long-term health of both mother and child.

Moreover, a lack of adequate sleep impairs cognitive function and emotional regulation, which directly impact the mother’s ability to provide proper care for her family. However, it also depends on a potential ripple effect across generations.

Addressing the Need Recognition and Support

Given the substantial health risks involved, it is essential to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and mothers regarding the critical importance of sleep. Along with the healthcare professionals and mothers, it is also necessary to make the other family members aware (e.g., fathers/husbands, teenage kids, etc.) Furthermore, identifying sleep disturbances along with interventions such as sleep hygiene, education, counselling, as well as medical management of sleep disorders can improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Healthcare systems should integrate comprehensive sleep assessment into routine and postnatal care, recognising sleep health as a critical component of maternal wellness and societal contribution. Societal structures and workplace policies should follow this process to help and support the sleep and needs of pregnant and postpartum mothers.

The widespread sleep disruption in motherhood is a hidden but critical crisis with far-reaching consequences. Helping to prioritize maternal sleep through recognition, education, support, and integrated medical care. Ensuring restful sleep for mothers is a matter of care and an innovative economic and social strategy.

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INDIA: Sealy India is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Sealy Gallery in Pune by Ajmera Ventures.  Located in the prestigious ICC Tech Park (Plot A) on the ground floor near JW Marriott, this flagship store represents a significant leap in redefining luxury sleep for the city’s discerning clientele. Moreover, the Sealy Gallery’s carpet size is an astonishing 1300 square feet clear.

Ribbon cutting was done by Mr George Dyer – Managing Director of Sealy, Mr GSS Jagannath – general manager from Sealy, Architect Mr Ajinkya Dhumal, and franchise owners Rajkumar and Padamkumar Ajmera at 2:00 PM, on the 13th of May 2025.

The opening was led by Mr George Dyer, celebrating the inaugural with guests and the partners of Ajmera Ventures.  Mr Dyer said “Mr Padamkumar and Rajkumar Ajmera are a long-time supporter of Sealy Posturepedic. Their expertise and passion for the brand will ensure visitors to the Sealy Gallery experience personalized service and a fantastic range of products to choose from.”

The spacious sleep experience space features stunning architect-designed décor and showcases a comprehensive selection of the all-new Sealy Posturepedic collections.  These combine Sealy’s world-leading technology with local craftsmanship and offer unparalleled comfort and support.

“At Sealy, we believe that a great night’s sleep is the foundation for your success during the day.  Sealy Posturepedic represents world-leading support technology and sleep innovation.  Sealy India recently opened its first manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to provide better service, with a product range tailored specifically to local consumer needs.  We are proud to partner with Ajmera Ventures to launch this new range.” Said George Dyer.

The Sealy Gallery in Pune offers a wide selection of Sealy mattresses, with prices starting at INR 55K and ranging to over 11 Lakhs.

Known for blending advanced sleep science with world-class engineering, every Sealy mattress is designed to provide unrivalled comfort, support, and durability.

Sealy Posturepedic Palatial Crest models are fully imported and represent the pinnacle of luxury sleep.  Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra and Elevate collections are handcrafted by Sealy in India and feature Sealy’s patented support technology, premium comfort layers, and IceTouch fabrics to help provide the healthiest, refreshing sleep.  Finally, Sealy PostureSense collections offer a wide range of comfort options and are excellent value.

You are invited to enter a world of luxury and sleep indulgence with the Sealy Gallery in Pune by Ajmera Ventures, your sleep wellness destination.  With personalized service, expert advice, and exclusive access to Sealy’s latest products, the Sealy Gallery is set to become a premier destination for those seeking superior support and comfort.

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PUNE:  More than half (58%) of India’s productivity is getting impacted as people feel stressed/drained out because of disturbed sleep due to mosquitoes. As a prelude to the upcoming World Malaria Day (April 25), this crucial revelation emerged from a survey report unveiled by Goodknight, India’s leading household insecticide brand from Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL). Titled ‘One Mosquito, Countless Threats’, this pan-India survey commissioned by Goodknight, and conducted by market research firm YouGov, examines public attitudes, and assesses the risks of mosquito-borne diseases. The survey report involved respondents across four regions of India – North (including central zone states), South, West and East.

The Goodknight report highlights that 62% of males and 53% females expressed that their productivity is getting impacted because of disturbed sleep due to mosquitoes. This is particularly concerning in the context of India’s recent economic surge, where a healthy workforce is paramount. As per industry reports, the economic burden of India from mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria alone is around INR. 16000 crores. As per various estimates, approximately 75% of the economic burden represents the loss of earnings by Indians and the balance towards treatment expenses.

Geographic zone wise, the West region consisting of states like Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, seemed the most affected with 67% people in the region feeling their productivity is getting impacted due to disturbed sleep caused by mosquitoes. Southern India comes in at the second spot with 57% people followed by Northern India at 56% and East region at 49%.

Ashwin Moorthy, Chief Marketing Officer – India, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), says, “Goodknight’s ‘ONE MOSQUITO, COUNTLESS THREATS’ is a nationwide survey report that delves into public attitudes and evaluates the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases. By such initiatives, our goal is to heighten awareness regarding the mosquito problem in India, enable families to act, and offer affordable yet innovative solutions to the country. In India, more than 40 million citizens are affected by mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, annually. Absenteeism from work, school, social and professional commitments due to illness, healthcare expenses, and reduced productivity, all contribute to economic losses. To maintain the productivity of the Indian economy and keep the GDP score ticking, what is needed on the ground is a steady and healthy workforce. One of the pragmatic ways of addressing this will be to resolve the rising trend of mosquito-borne diseases.”

Another noteworthy insight from the Goodnight survey is that mosquitoes significantly contribute to people’s inability to sleep well.  Across India, on average, one out of every two adults (50%) identified mosquitoes as amongst the main reason for their sleep disturbances. Interestingly, West India (56%) agree with this statement the most followed by North (52%), South (47%) and East (42%). Furthermore, men (54%) are more inclined to agree with this sentiment compared to women (46%).

Commenting on the insights from the Goodknight report, Dr. Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, said, “It is critical to understand that a single mosquito possesses the potential to transmit life-threatening diseases. These diminutive, buzzing insects are the silent culprits behind the insidious spread of ailments such as dengue, malaria, and a host of other conditions. They can debilitate the immune system, rendering individuals vulnerable to other illnesses. This persistent threat not only compromises our health but also hampers our ability to lead healthy and productive lives. Safeguarding against mosquito-borne diseases transcends personal responsibility; it is a collective duty we owe to ourselves and our communities.”

Goodknight is actively engaged in raising public awareness about the dangers posed by mosquitoes and contributing to the national fight against these harmful insects. It has a long history of providing innovative mosquito repellent solutions like the Flash vapouriser and the Advanced Fast Card, protecting families from mosquito-borne diseases. Recognizing the recent health risks of illegal, unregulated, and Chinese chemical-laced mosquito repellent incense sticks, Goodknight recently launched India’s first government-approved, anti-mosquito incense stick, the Goodknight Agarbatti. This innovative product offers consumers a safe alternative to chemical-laden Chinese imports. The launch serves as a call to action, urging stakeholders to collaborate in the ongoing battle against mosquitoes and ensure a healthier future for India.

Please find appended link to the detailed report: Goodknight Report: One Mosquito, Countless Threat

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MUMBAI: Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej Interio, plans to expand its mattress category to 250 cr in the next 3 years. The leading furniture solutions brand will be focusing on enhancing its portfolio of mattresses across all price ranges and diversifying into related categories like sofa beds, mattress beds, bases, and accessories for optimal posture support. With a strong focus on wellbeing, the brand has recently launched a series of innovative mattresses ranging from the Air Sense mattress, featuring a removable and washable 3D Silver Mesh® top for optimal breathability and temperature regulation. Furthermore, our patented Posture Support Mattress, equipped with Pressure Neutralising Zones®, offers versatile support tailored to individual body weights.

Dev Sarkar, Senior Vice President (B2C), Godrej Interio said, “In India, the rising stress and anxiety of modern life are reshaping the mattress industry. We firmly believe that quality sleep is intricately linked to good health, elevated living, and enhanced productivity. A supportive mattress forms the cornerstone of rejuvenating sleep, ensuring individuals awaken refreshed and revitalized. Recent controlled trials have delved into cushion designs’ impact on sleep quality, pain relief, and spinal alignment, underscoring the mattress’s pivotal role. At Godrej Interio, we integrate meticulous research into our design ethos, epitomized by our Pressure-neutralizing and 3D Silver Mesh technology, along with our focus on cutting-edge foam materials. With a commitment to innovation and customer well-being, we are poised to grow our mattress category by 20% CAGR for the next 3 years.

The increasing spending capacity of individuals and rising awareness about the importance of mattresses on overall health and sleep quality are some of the key factors driving the market.”

As per the HomeScapes study conducted by Godrej Interio, one out of every three participants (33%) views their home as a sanctuary—a retreat for personal time, relaxation, sleep, meditation, self-care, and enjoying moments in the balcony garden. Recognizing the pivotal role of sleep in overall well-being, the market has shifted from traditional mattresses to a diverse range, reflecting changing consumer preferences influenced by travel experiences. The market has experienced a shift from traditional coir mattresses to a diverse array, including Pu Foam, Bonded Foam, Memory Foam, Latex, and various spring variants like Bonnel and Pocket. Godrej Interio addresses this demand with its Accupadic range, featuring the Aqmatic Mattress (available in Bonnel and Pocket Spring variants). More than just offering comfort, this mattress contributes to optimal blood circulation and quick recovery from muscle strain. Elevate your sleep with the Accupadic Aqmatic Mattress—embracing a new level of comfort and well-being.

On the occasion of World Sleep Day, the brand is offering customers discounts of up to 15% or a chance to win exciting gifts (pillows/comforters, etc.) up to Rs.22,000.

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PUNE: As the country proceeds to observe its 75^th Republic Day this year, Centuary Mattress, a trusted name in the sleep solutions industry in India for more than 35 years, announces an exclusive offer on its Hybrid Collection, emphasizing the essence of the #RightToSleep. Under the offer, customers across Hyderabad and the Telangana region can purchase any variant from the brand’s most premium mattress collection by paying only 75% of the MRP. They can also opt for easy EMI options offered by Bajaj Finserv.

The latest Hybrid Collection by Centuary Mattress incorporates innovative materials such as Micro Springs, Latex Foam, CNC Contour Foam, and Copper-gel Memory Foam, ensuring a perfect blend of comfort and innovation. The collection showcases four state-of-the-art mattresses: Centuary Infinity-Luxury Pocketed Spring Mattress, Natura Latex and Coir Mattress, Centuary Enigma-Contour Latex Foam Mattress, and Centuary Pixel-Copper Gel Memory Foam Mattress.

Uttam Malani, Executive Director of Centuary Mattress, expressed, “This Republic Day, we want everyone to celebrate the spirit of patriotism and festivities with a good night’s sleep. As India’s sleep specialist for more than three decades now, we aim to meet the evolving needs of consumers, and make luxury and comfort accessible to everyone.”

Customers eager to make the most of the Republic Day offer on the Hybrid Collection can visit Centuary’s stores or explore the selection on the official website https://www.centuaryindia.com/. This limited-period offer is valid until 31st January 2024.

With a legacy spanning over 3 decades, Centuary Mattress, popularly known as India’s Sleep Specialist, is India’s fastest-growing mattress brand and the veritable pioneer of the comfort & bedding industry in India. With its roots in Hyderabad; the Centuary brand has constantly innovated and established itself as a front-runner in the mattress space while exponentially expanding its product range and geographical footprint. Today, the brand offers a comprehensive range of sleep solutions such as spring mattresses, foam mattresses, coir mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and orthopedic mattresses. Centuary has a separate product range for online customers under the brand name ‘Sleepables by Centuary’.

Apart from this, understanding that the needs of a growing baby’s body are different from adults, Centuary launched a special baby mattress collection under the brand name Beddy By Centuary. Centuary Mattresses is the first ISO-certified mattress brand in India. Centuary Mattress has secured the CertiPUR-US certification for developing high-quality products and complying with the global agency CertiPUR-US’s quality standards and environmental norms.

The company has become one of the few Indian brands to get the CertiPUR-US certification. Shree Malani Foams, (part of the Centuary group) is also one of the largest exporters of Mattresses and is recognized as a Star Export House by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The company has pioneered many innovative technologies in the country such as Copper Gel; Micro Springs; and more recently Centuary Protect – an Antimicrobial shield on all its mattresses (which is recommended by the National Health Academy). 

 Centuary Mattresses has established a strong presence in the country across 18 states with 4500+ dealers and 450+ exclusive brand stores. It has manufacturing plants located in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, company-operated sales depots in Pune, Bangalore, Warangal, Vizag, Vijayawada, Kurnool, Sambalpur, and sales offices across South, East, and West India.

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