Running on Empty But Calling It Normal
The sleep crisis everyone is feeling but no one is talking about.
Midnight scroll. Snoozing the alarm. Exhausted before the day even starts. Repeat.
Sound familiar? It probably is. Sleep is one of the first things people cut, and one of the hardest things to fix later.
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, clinicians are seeing this more and more every day. According to Dr. Hasan Alogaily, Consultant Family Medicine, the impact goes far beyond just feeling tired.
“Sleep plays a critical role in both brain function and physical recovery.”
And yet, most people don’t realize how much their sleep habits are working against them.
Why Sleep Is Suddenly a “Hot Topic”
There’s a reason sleep is everywhere right now, from podcasts to wellness trends. It’s not just about rest anymore, it’s about performance.
“If better energy, sharper thinking, and sustained performance are your goal, sleep is where it starts.”
Poor sleep is now being linked to brain fog and reduced focus, weight gain and metabolic issues, weakened immunity, and mood changes, including anxiety. In other words, it’s not just a night problem, it’s a full-day problem.
How Much Sleep Do You Actually Need?
There’s a lot of confusion here, and plenty of people convincing themselves they can function on less.
“Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.”
But here’s the catch.
“It’s not just the number of hours, but the quality of sleep that matters.”
You can be in bed for 8 hours and still wake up exhausted if your sleep is disrupted.
Signs Your Sleep Isn’t Working for You
Think your sleep is fine? It might not be.
Dr. Hasan points out a few subtle signs people often ignore: you wake up feeling tired even after a full night, you rely on caffeine just to function, you feel mentally slow or unfocused, or you wake up multiple times during the night.
“If you’re not waking up feeling rested, your sleep quality may be poor.”
The Biggest Sleep Mistakes Right Now
Most sleep issues aren’t random. They’re habits. According to Dr. Hasan, the biggest culprits today are screens before bed, irregular sleep schedules, late caffeine intake, and over-reliance on quick fixes like supplements. “Sleep problems are often related to lifestyle habits rather than medical conditions.”
What Actually Helps (And Works Fast)
Most people don’t need a major overhaul. It usually comes down to a few habits. A regular sleep schedule, less screen time before bed, a cooler, darker room, and cutting caffeine later in the day. Add a short wind-down routine and you’re already in a better place.
“Consistent routines and small behavioural changes can significantly improve sleep.”
What About Supplements and Sleep Aids?
This is where things get tricky. “Supplements and medications should only be used when necessary and under medical guidance.”
They may have a role, but only when used correctly and under medical guidance. For most people, the foundation is still lifestyle.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Sleep isn’t just about getting through the next day. At King’s College Hospital Dubai, the focus is on long-term health. Poor sleep has been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
“Sleep is your life support system, and we need to sleep deliberately.”
So… Where Do You Start?
If there’s one thing Dr Hasan stresses, it’s to keep it simple. You don’t need to fix everything at once. Start with one habit and stay consistent. That’s usually where people see the biggest change.
