Apollo nerve doctor warns of alarming link between poor sleep and serious brain diseases; says, even one sleepless night can harm you a lot

A sleepless night might seem harmless, but according to Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar, even one night of inadequate rest can have alarming consequences for the brain. In a recent social media post, the Apollo Hospitals consultant explained that sleep deprivation—short-term or chronic—can trigger neurological problems ranging from migraines to dementia.

A Night Without Sleep Can Disturb the Brain’s Wiring
“Sleep is essential not just for overall health but especially for brain health,” said Dr. Kumar in a video shared on his social media handle, highlighting how skipping sleep can immediately disturb neural balance.

Citing several conditions, he noted that missing even a single night’s sleep can worsen symptoms in people with epilepsy, sometimes triggering an epileptic attack. Similarly, those suffering from migraines or tension headaches may find their pain intensifying after just four hours or less of rest.

He also warned that individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor might experience heightened tremors the following day if they are sleep-deprived.

The Hidden Long-Term Dangers
Dr. Kumar emphasized that the effects of chronic sleep deprivation extend far beyond fatigue. According to him, regularly sleeping less than the recommended seven to nine hours increases the risk of developing cognitive decline, memory impairment, and even dementia over time.

“Those who are chronically sleep deprived have a higher risk of developing dementia,” he said, as quoted from his post. He also mentioned an elevated risk of stroke among individuals who fail to maintain healthy sleep patterns.

Why Sleep Is Your Brain’s Natural Healer
Medical experts, including Dr. Kumar, often describe sleep as a nightly “detox” for the brain. During deep sleep, the body clears out toxins, repairs nerve cells, and consolidates memory. Without it, the brain’s repair mechanisms falter, increasing vulnerability to neurological stress and disease.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar is a Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, with over 26 years of experience in neurology. He specializes in treating conditions like spondylitis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. He is also known for his expertise in brain mapping and deep brain stimulation therapies.

Dr. Kumar’s message serves as a wake-up call—literally and figuratively. While an all-nighter might seem harmless, the brain remembers every lost hour of rest. Prioritizing consistent, quality sleep, he suggests, is one of the simplest ways to preserve neurological health and prevent long-term damage.

“Just one night of poor sleep can affect memory, focus and even trigger neurological symptoms. Chronic sleep loss, on the other hand, sets the stage for dementia and stroke,” Dr. Kumar warned in his post.