The alarming incident in Lucknow involving a Class 10 student’s hospitalization due to an overdose of ‘anti-sleep’ pills sheds light on a disturbing trend among students preparing for board exams. As the CBSE exams are in progress, many students resort to these medications to stay awake late into the night, disrupting their sleep cycles and compromising their health.
The student, in this case, had been relying on ‘anti-sleep’ medicine for an extended period, leading to nerve swelling and ultimately a brain clot that required major surgery. The overdose was attributed to a combination of excessive caffeine intake, mainly through tea and coffee, along with the consumption of various anti-sleep drugs. This risky lifestyle choice has raised concerns about the legality of dispensing such medications to students.
Dr. Sharad Srivastava, a leading neurosurgeon, expressed shock at the increasing number of students using these pills to stay awake during exams. He highlighted that these drugs, with names like ‘chuniya’ and ‘meethi,’ are readily available over the counter and are being smuggled into the country from places like Thailand. Dr. Srivastava emphasized the dangerous side effects, particularly when combined with an overdose of caffeine, as seen in the mentioned case.
These anti-sleep pills are identified as variants of Modafinil, often sold under the brand name Provigil. Modafinil is known to improve memory, enhance mood, alertness, and cognitive abilities. The drugs can keep a person awake and alert for 40 hours or more, providing a smoother experience compared to amphetamines. However, the need for compensatory sleep after the drug’s effects wear off is crucial to counteract the adverse effects of sleep deprivation.
A well-known psychiatrist attributed the increasing trend of using these pills during exams to the growing stress and peer pressure faced by students. The pressure to perform well in exams has driven some students to resort to these substances in an attempt to stay awake and maintain focus during extended study sessions.
Additionally, a chemist reported a significant surge in the sales of anti-sleep pills and memory enhancers over the past month. Customers, desperate to cope with exam-related stress, are willing to pay any amount for these drugs, often accompanied by the purchase of energy drinks to combat fatigue.
It’s essential to note that Modafinil is originally prescribed for treating disorders such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, idiopathic hypersomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea. However, its misuse among students for exam-related purposes poses serious health risks.
In conclusion, the incident in Lucknow serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of the increasing reliance on ‘anti-sleep’ pills among students. The combination of disrupted sleep patterns, excessive caffeine intake, and the availability of these drugs over the counter contribute to a concerning trend. Addressing the root causes of academic stress and promoting healthier study habits becomes imperative to ensure the well-being of students during crucial exam periods.
