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Published on: Nov 10, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Hemogram

A hemogram can tell you a lot about your blood. For instance, red and white blood cells, as well as platelets (also called thrombocytes), will be counted and examined for size, shape, volume, and degree of organization. Specific factors that may affect these parameters include a total number of erythrocyte progenitor stem cells; RBC membrane stiffness; frequency of RBC production; distribution and frequency of phagocytosis (cellular breakdown); distribution and type of leukocytes (white blood cells) in circulation; vitamin deficiencies like folic acid or B12 deficiency. The number of toxic substances such as lead poisoning can also be analyzed from a hemogram.

Your hemoglobin levels should be high and your white cell count should be low. It's very important to have a blood test done when you're pregnant to make sure that you don't have any type of disease that the blood could transmit to the baby through the placenta, such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, or other diseases.

It's also important when giving birth if one is Rh-negative and hasn't been vaccinated against it (if they can't remember their past). If they were exposed in pregnancy and gave birth with an Rh-positive partner, there's a chance for their newborn baby to receive too many RBCs from mom and develop jaundice/anemia;

A hemogram is a blood test that measures the hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and other substances in the blood (such as total protein and red blood cells). Hemograms can be differential or comprehensive. Comprehensive: performs a complete analysis of all forms of an organism's entire circulating cellular mass. Differential: analyzes two sources from one specimen- for example, plasma and white cells, platelets and red cells, prothrombin time combined with partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer level with complete lipid profile to provide a clear diagnosis of possible metabolic liver problems.

A blood count measures the number of each type of cell found in one cubic millimeter (1/10th of a teaspoon) or 500 microliters (a little less than half a cup) of whole blood. The numbers are reported as cells per cubic millimeter, so you need to know how many millions there are to divide by 10 to get the actual headcount. In this way, for example, someone under 20 could have 1.0x1012 neutrophils and have a CBC that says they have 10x109 neutrophils per cubic millimeter."

The blood count may reveal, for example, an abnormally high number of red blood cells (confirmatory diagnosis) or determinations made by routine inspection that are not obvious without the additional information present in the hemogram. A hemogram is typically conducted to investigate an abnormal indication on a CBC. For instance, if you have very low white counts and no cause for this can be determined using other lab tests like a peripheral smear or bone marrow biopsy, it's possible that your doctor will perform a complete hemogram. Most often abnormalities are seen on the CBC.

When you're involved in extreme sports like skateboarding, your chances of getting injured are much greater than if you're at the pool or sipping tea. Hematoma is a condition that usually arises from some form of blunt force or direct trauma-related injury to the muscles and/or bones due to the high blood vessels around those areas. This injury can cause swelling which creates pressure on these vessels causing red blood cells to either leak into the soft tissue, tissues fluids, or even lead to a blocked flow of fresh oxygenated blood through these vessels if not treated promptly with an incision.

A hematocrit test analyzes the volume of red blood cells in one cubic millimeter of blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissues and organs. The more severely an individual is afflicted with anemia, the lower the percentage of red blood cells they would have in one cubic millimeter of their own cardiac tissue.

If you endure a deep cut on your arm, your body will release stress hormones such as cortisol or epinephrine that prepare your immune system for increased levels of intense activity. These types of stress hormones also trigger a large release of iron from storage sites on red blood cells so that enough iron is available to help form new erythrocytes.

A haemogram is a study of the cellular inclusions in one's blood based on their shape, color, size, and specific gene expression. This process involves pumping a person's blood through a machine (this machine includes some spinning disks that separate out each type of cell for study). However, this test is not commonly done. Instead, analysis is usually limited to basic counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

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Sleep Debt and Its Impact on the Body: Hidden Risks of Chronic Sleep Loss

Sleep is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity. Yet in today’s fast-paced world, many people consistently sacrifice sleep due to work demands, screen time and stress. Over time, insufficient sleep accumulates into what is known as sleep debt. Understanding sleep debt and its impact on the body is essential because chronic sleep loss silently affects nearly every organ system.

According to the World Health Organization and global sleep research, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and mental health conditions.

What Is Sleep Debt?

Sleep debt refers to the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.

For example:

if you need 8 hours but sleep 6 hours daily
you accumulate 2 hours of sleep debt per night

Over a week, that equals 14 hours of lost sleep.

This deficit places strain on the body.

Why Sleep Is Critical for Health

Sleep supports:

brain function
immune response
hormonal regulation
tissue repair
memory consolidation

Without adequate sleep, these processes become impaired.

Immediate Effects of Sleep Debt

Short-term consequences include:

daytime fatigue
poor concentration
mood swings
irritability
reduced reaction time

Even one night of poor sleep affects cognitive performance.

Sleep Debt and Hormonal Imbalance

Sleep regulates several key hormones.

Chronic sleep loss disrupts:

cortisol
insulin
leptin and ghrelin (hunger hormones)

This imbalance affects appetite, stress and metabolism.

Impact on Metabolic Health

Sleep debt increases:

insulin resistance
blood sugar fluctuations
abdominal fat accumulation

ICMR and NFHS-5 data show rising metabolic disorders in India, partly linked to lifestyle patterns including poor sleep.

Increased Risk of Obesity

When sleep is insufficient:

appetite hormones increase
cravings for high-calorie foods rise
impulse control weakens

Sleep deprivation promotes weight gain.

Sleep Debt and Immunity

The immune system relies heavily on sleep.

Chronic sleep loss:

reduces infection-fighting cells
increases inflammation
slows recovery from illness

Lancet research confirms that sleep deprivation weakens immune response.

Cardiovascular Consequences

Sleep debt increases risk of:

hypertension
heart disease
stroke

Poor sleep affects blood pressure regulation and vascular health.

Mental Health Impact

Sleep and mental health are deeply connected.

Sleep debt contributes to:

anxiety
depression
emotional instability

Chronic insomnia is both a cause and consequence of mental health disorders.

Cognitive Decline and Brain Health

Lack of sleep impairs:

memory
attention
decision-making

Over time, chronic sleep deprivation may increase risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Sleep Debt and Inflammation

Chronic sleep loss elevates inflammatory markers.

Persistent inflammation contributes to:

metabolic syndrome
cardiovascular disease
autoimmune conditions

Preventing sleep debt reduces systemic inflammation.

Can Sleep Debt Be Recovered?

Short-term sleep debt can be partially recovered through:

consistent longer sleep
improved sleep hygiene

However, chronic sleep deprivation requires long-term behavioural changes.

Weekend “catch-up sleep” offers temporary relief but does not fully reverse long-standing sleep debt.

Warning Signs of Sleep Debt

Common indicators include:

reliance on caffeine
difficulty waking up
daytime drowsiness
poor focus
frequent illness

Persistent symptoms require lifestyle correction.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Sleep Debt

Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.

Limit Screen Exposure Before Bed

Blue light suppresses melatonin production.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Dark, quiet and cool environments improve sleep quality.

Manage Stress

Relaxation techniques reduce cortisol levels and support sleep.

Avoid Heavy Meals and Caffeine at Night

These disrupt sleep cycles.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Screening helps detect:

hypertension
metabolic imbalance
stress-related conditions

Sleep quality assessment should be part of preventive care.

Long-Term Benefits of Adequate Sleep

Restorative sleep supports:

stable mood
strong immunity
healthy weight
improved productivity
reduced disease risk

Sleep is foundational to wellness.

Conclusion

Understanding sleep debt and its impact on the body highlights the critical role sleep plays in maintaining physical and mental health. Chronic sleep loss disrupts hormones, weakens immunity, increases metabolic risk and affects heart health. While occasional sleep loss may be manageable, consistent deprivation carries serious long-term consequences. Prioritising adequate, high-quality sleep is one of the most powerful steps toward protecting overall health and preventing chronic disease.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Non-Communicable Diseases
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disorders and Sleep Patterns
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health Indicators
Lancet – Sleep Deprivation and Chronic Disease Research
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Risk Factors

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